Anadolu Agency: News in English, 00-04-07

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[01] AA News

07 April 2000 Friday

[02] TURKEY-PRESS SCAN

HURRIYET (LIBERAL)

RAU ASKS ''WHAT WILL YOU DO?'', DEMIREL SAYS, ''I DON'T PLAN''
President Suleyman Demirel hosted Johannes Rau, the German President, yesterday. Rau asked Demirel what he will do from now on. Demirel said, ''you are not the only one who is curious abot this issue. Everybody is curious about what I will do. But, I have not planned anything at the moment.'' Then, Rau asked whether or not Demirel is thinking of dealing with politics. Demirel said, ''I should confess that I have not planned anything at the moment.''

MILLIYET (LIBERAL)

LAST DAY IN TUPRAS
The collection of definite bids in Turkish Oil Refineries Inc. (TUPRAS) tender, ends today. The preliminary bids were collected between March 22 and 29, 2000. The demands were 40.9 million lots. This was the fourth times more than the shares which were planned to be sold to the public. If all this demand was met, 54.71 percent of the shares of TUPRAS, should be sold to the public. However, only 15 percent of TUPRAS' shares were planned to be sold by public offer.

SABAH (LIBERAL)

BANKING ARRANGEMENT AND AUDIT BOARD STARTS OPERATING
The Banking Arrangement and Audit Board started operating yesterday after the chairman and the members of the board took oath. Zekeriya Temizel, Chairman of the Banking Arrangement and Audit Board said that transparency is one of their basic principles.

CUMHURIYET (LEFT)

WARNING TO GERMANY ABOUT FUNDAMENTALISM
President Suleyman Demirel, speaking to Johannes Rau, German President, conveyed the uneasiness he felt over the actions of fundamentalist organizations in Germany. Turkish-EU relations, human rights, democratization, and problems of Turkish citizens living in Germany were discussed during their meeting. Rau said Turkey, who wants to become a full member of the EU, should respect minorities.

RADIKAL (LEFT)

IMKB WORLD CHAMPION
The Istanbul Stock Exchange (IMKB) became the most profitable stock market in 1999. In accordance with the IMKB Annual Report, the shares in IMKB gained 485.42 percent in 1991. Helsinki stock exchange followed IMKB with 161.98 percent while Rio de Janerio stock exchange became the third with 152.93 percent.

YENI BINYIL (LIBERAL)

If they have carried out ''security investigation'', they would have seen that the British fans, who died in the street clash, were the ''convicted'' hooligans, and were in the black list of UEFA and British Police.

COLD AND RAINY WEATHER TO COME
Turkey will be under the influence of cold and rainy weather as of Friday. Temperatures will drop 10-15 degrees starting from Marmara to northern and western sections.

Directorate General of State Meteorological Works said precipitation will start in northern and central parts of the country, and will be effective in the whole country on Saturday.

TURKIYE (RIGHT)

COALITION PARTNERS TO CONVENE FOR A NAME
Prime Minister Bulent Ecevit, Devlet Bahceli, Deputy Prime Minister, and Mesut Yilmaz, leader of the Motherland Party (ANAP), will convene on Tuesday. The three leaders will look for a name. Prime Minister Ecevit said, ''we will re-convene with the leaders of the parties, who form the coalition government, at the beginning of next weekend.'' Ecevit also reiterated that the government will continue to act.

ZAMAN (CONSERVATIVE)

Pointing out that everything functioned according to the methods, Demirel said, ''democratic rules and and basis are being used in Turkey. Everything happens in front of people like it happens in Europe and in democratic countries.''

''WE ARE THE GUARANTEE OF STABILITY''
Prime Minister Bulent Ecevit said they attributed great importance to stability although constitutional amendments did not pass in the parliament. Ecevit sid, ''coalition government's works in harmony is the guarantee of stability,'' he noted.

[03] INTERIOR MINISTER TANTAN MEETS BULGARIAN REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT AND PUBLIC WORKS MINISTER TCHATCHEV

Following the meeting, Tchatchev said that the economic and political relations between Turkey and Bulgaria are improving day by day and that they support Turkey in its path to the European Union (EU).

If both countries support each other, the EU process can be easier, Tchatchev noted.

Tchatchev stated that Hamzabeyli Border Gate and two giant projects of Ceylan Holding in Bulgaria were discussed during their meeting and that since both countries have good will, developments in these projects will be rapidly recorded.

Tantan said that initiatives will be launched for Turkish investments in Bulgaria and for the opening of Hamzabeyli Border Gate.

The government exerts efforts to improve the cooperation between two countries, Tantan noted.

Responding to the questions of the journalists, Tantan stated that Turkey and Bulgaria have a good cooperation within the framework of the agreements on organized crimes and security. Tantan added that within tis framework, there are not any problems between Turkish and Bulgarian security forces.

When asked whether or not the actions of terrorist organization PKK in Bulgaria were discussed in the meeting, Tantan said that this issue was not discussed in their meeting.

[04] CULTURE MINISTER TALAY MEETS HIS TURKMEN COUNTERPART

Prior to the meeting, Talay said that Aydogduyev is paying a visit to Turkey for the ''Turkmenistan Culture Days'' which are being held in Istanbul.

The artists from Turkmenistan performed wonderful shows for four days, Talay noted.

Talay stated that Turkey and Turkmenistan have cooperation in not only arts but also in every issue.

Referring to the transfer of Turkmen natural gas through Turkey, Talay said, ''our target is bringing the Turkmen natural gas to Turkey in the shortest time and transferring it to Europe through Turkey. This is our joint project. The natural gas pipeline will connect two countries more closely to each other.''

Talay stressed that they plan to send Turkish artists to Turkmenistan and to introduce the culture and arts of Anatolia.

Aydogduyev said that they are pleased to perform the ''Turkmenistan Culture Days'' in Istanbul.

Aydogduyev invited the Turkish artists to Turkmenistan to introduce the Turkish culture and arts.

[05] PRESIDENT DEMIREL PRESENTS GERMAN PRESIDENT RAU WITH MEDAL OF MERIT

Speaking in the ceremony, Demirel said that Turkey and Germany, as elements of stability, are the guarantee of peace in their region.

Demirel noted that the improvement of the relations between two countries carries great importance for Europe's stability and peace.

The relations between two countries depends on democracy, freedom, peace, commitment to common values, mutual trust and respect, and friendship between two nations, Demirel stated.

Demirel stressed that Rau contributes to the improvement of the friendship between two countries and to this end, he decorates Rau with the Medal of Merit for his contributions and efforts in improving the relations and in integrating the Turkish people living in Germany to the German society.

Turkey appreciates Rau's efforts in struggling against xenophobia and racism, his contributions in creating tolerance and dialogue between religions and cultures, his efforts in introducing Islam to the Western society, and close interest in the problems of Turks living in Germany, Demirel emphasized.

Rau thanked Demirel for the Medal of Merit and later presented Demirel with the German Medal of Merit.

Demirel thanked Rau for the Medal of Merit and said that he was very pleased to receive this medal.

[06] INCIDENT CAUSED BY BRITISH FANS - ISTANBUL DIRECTORATE OF SECURITY DEPARTMENT ISSUES A STATEMENT

A written statement issued by Istanbul Directorate of Security Department, said nearly 100-150 people group of British hooligans gathered in Beyoglu Istiklal Street around 21:00 local time on Wednesday. It said, ''the group of rowdy fanatics broke office windows and smashed cars, insulted the Turkish flag, and were aggressive and provocative towards our citizens.''

Security forces took measures as the supporters of Leeds United soccer team continued their behaviour, and contacted with the British Consulate. The statement stressed that officials of the Consulate warned the British hooligans.

''The hooligans, who dispersed from that place, continued their aggressive actions toward Turkish citizens around Taksim Square, and damaged several cars and business places,'' the statement pointed out.

The statement said two Turkish citizens and eight British people were injured in various parts of their bodies as a result of the street clash which started between our citizens and British fanatics. The two British citizens, who were wounded in the clash, lost their lives in the hospital.

''Eight Turkish citizens, who got involved in the incidents, and five people who individually got involved in the killing of two British citizens, were arrested. Efforts are under way to capture three others,'' the statement noted.

[07] PRESIDENT DEMIREL HOSTS DINNER IN HONOUR OF GERMAN PRESIDENT RAU

Speaking in the dinner, Demirel said that the Helsinki Summit was a historic milestone for not only Turkey-European Union (EU) relations but also for creating of a pluralist Europe.

Demirel noted that an integrated Europe which targets at peace, democracy and stability, is being established and that within this context, he is pleased about the EU's announcing Turkey's candidacy at the Helsinki Summit.

Demirel thanked Germany for its support in announcement of Turkey's EU candidacy.

The German government and nation also played a leading role in outpouring assistance to the quake survivors, and they will hand over the prefabricated huts constructed in Bolu with the efforts of Germany, to the quake survivors on Friday, Demirel stated.

Demirel stressed that Germany is an important partner of Turkey in foreign trade, tourism, financial and technical cooperation, foreign investments and defense industry and that the Turkish people living in Germany form a friendship bridge between two countries.

Turkey will continue to take joint action with Germany in the integration process of Europe, Demirel added.

Rau said that Turkey is a self-confident country which receives international respect in the beginning of a new century.

He is hopeful about the new era which started between Turkey and the EU, and he believes Turkey will receive the signal from the Helsinki Summit and will continue the reform process which will pave the way for European states' family, Rau noted.

Rau stated that he is visiting Ankara with the hope stemming from the rapproachment in political dialogue between Turkey and Greece and that Germany encourages Turkey and Greece to continue the rapproachment and to improve the relations.

Europe is a union of values, and those who accept these values, can become a member of this union regardless of its religion, Rau stressed.

Rau added that Turkey should determine the momentum to reach its target.

[08] SECURITIES ACCOUNT AT BANKS INCREASES 139.4 TRILLION TL

The total securities account at banks was 11 quadrillion 902.7 trillion TL on March 15.

The Central Bank data shows that there were a total of 11 quadrillion 651.1 trillion TL of securities including 8 quadrillion 293.1 trillion TL of securities, and 3 quadrillion 358 trillion TL of securities over foreign currency at the deposit banks portfolio.

The securities over TL at deposit banks are composed of 675.8 trillion TL in treasury bonds, 6 quadrillion 953.1 trillion TL in state debenture bonds and 501.4 trillion TL in stocks.

A total of 630.7 trillion TL of foreign currency securities at these banks are abroad while there is a total of 1 quadrillion 862.4 trillion TL of state debenture bonds among the domestic securities.

The total securities account at the development and investment banks was 243.6 trillion TL.

[09] REPO TRANSACTIONS BETWEEN BANKS AND THEIR CUSTOMERS DECREASE 124.3 TRILLION TL

The Central Bank data shows that the repo transactions, which were 7 quadrillion 387.5 trillion TL on March 15, decreased to 7 quadrillion 263.1 trillion TL on March 24.

The reverse repo transactions, which were 2 trillion 369 billion TL on March 15, rose 11 trillion 602 billion TL to 13 trillion 971 billion TL on March 24.

The repo transactions among the financial organizations decreased 261.4 trillion TL to 2 quadrillion 361.9 trillion TL on March 24. The total repo transactions amount was 2 quadrillion 623.3 trillion TL on March 15.

The reverse repo transactions among the financial organizations, which were 2 quadrillion 606.4 trillion TL on March 15, decreased 248.1 trillion TL to 2 quadrillion 358.4 trillion TL on March 15.

[10] THE YEAR 2003 TO BE DECLARED AS ''TURKEY YEAR'' IN JAPAN

According to the Joint Action Plan, adopted following Foreign Minister Cem's meeting with his Japanese counterpart Yohei Kono, activities will take place to promote Turkey.

The Action Plan included the steps that will be taken to improve relations, and envisage cooperation in the fields of politics, economy and culture.

In the political part of the Action Plan, operation of political consultation mechanisms in various levels between the two countries are foreseen.

In the field of economy, bilateral cooperation was foreseen regarding measures that will be taken against natural disasters in particular, and maintenance of aid related with the quake was envisaged.

This part also included support of Japan to Turkey's economic reform programs, maintenance of technical cooperation, aid to non-governmental organizations and local administrations, and cooperation between the related institutions in the field of tourism, and taking required measures to improve trade and investment.

In cultural section of the Action Plan, improvement of relations, and declaration of 2003 as the ''Turkey Year'' in Japan were included.

[11] KYRGYZ STOCK EXCHANGE PROPOSES 40-PERCENT PARTNERSHIP TO IMKB

Abdul Cabbar Tagayev, the Chairman of Kyrgyz Stock Exchange who is in Istanbul to participate in the ''Conference and Fair of Developing Global Stock Markets'', told A.A correspondent that thus, two stock exchanges can have the opportunity to benefit from the experiences of each other.

The IMKB's experiences are important in attracting the foreing investors to Kyrgyz Stock Exchange, Tagayev said.

Tagayev noted that the trading volume of their stock exhange was 8.5 million U.S. dollars in 1999 and that they aim at increasing this volume to 12 billion U.S. dollars this year.

They need foreign investors to increase their trading volume, Tagayev stated.

Tagayev stressed that the IMKB is experienced in attracting foreign investors and that they will restructure the Kyrgyz Stock Exchange this year.

Within this framework, they proposed 40-percent partnership to IMKB, and thus, they will find the opportunity to utilize IMKB's experiences, Tagayev emphasized.

Tagayev said that he agreed in principle with Osman Birsen, the IMKB Chairman.

Kyrgyzistan will privatize the telephone and energy sectors, Tagayev noted.

Tagayev stated that to this end, his country is waiting for bids from Turkish companies.

As these sectors are privatized, the trading volume of Kyrgyz Stock Exchange will record significant amount of increase.

[12] TOTAL DEPOSITS AT BANKS INCREASE TO 45.8 QUADRILLION TL

The Central Bank data shows that the total deposit which was 45 quadrillion 372.5 trillion TL on March 15 increased to 45 quadrillion 831.9 trillion TL on March 24.

When the inter-banks deposits are not considered, the total deposit, which was 41 quadrillion 828.6 trillion TL on March 15, increased 74.3 trillion TL to 41 quadrillion 902.9 trillion TL on March 24.

The total TL deposit decreased 178.2 quadrillion to 20 quadrillion 598.3 trillion TL on March 24. The total TL deposit was 20 quadrillion 776.5 trillion on March 15.

As of March 15, the total TL deposit was composed of 13 quadrillion 453.5 trillion TL deposits at public banks, 6 quadrillion 947.2 trillion TL of deposits at private deposit banks and 71.5 trillion TL of deposits at foreign banks.

The foreign exchange accounts at banks increased 252.6 trillion TL to 21 quadrillion 304.7 trillion TL on March 24.

[13] TREASURY UNDERSECRETARY DEMIRALP: - ''PRESERVATION OF POLITICAL STABILITY CARRIES VITAL IMPORTANCE''

Demiralp told A.A correspondent that the preservation of political stability is the most important element for the success of the economic program.

''In the last tender, the domestic borrowing was 33 percent. This was the first time that the domestic borrowing was that much low. To this end, this is an important development. The decrease of the interest rates is the evidence which proves the confidence and support of the markets in the program, and which proves that this program will be successful. We have recorded a development in the financial policy practices. We expect the non- interest surplus to be around 1.7 quadrillion Turkish liras (TL),'' Demiralp said.

Demiralp continued, ''the revenues increase more than the planned while discipline is ensured in the expenditures. Only 2 billion 850 million U.S. dollar foreign borrowing was realized in the first quarter of 2000. We will materialize foreign borrowing of the second quarter of this year, by taking into consideration the markets. The foreign markets have positive ideas about Turkey in debenture bond issuance.''

Turkey issued 600 million euro debenture bonds in the last euro market, Demiralp noted.

Demiralp stated that the demands continue to increase and that he thinks that they will issue more euro debenture bonds to meet these demands.

The anti-inflation program started to give its results, and the inflation rate will continue to decrease in the following months, Demiralp stressed.

Demiralp emphasized that following the privatization tender of Petrol Ofisi Inc. (POAS), the tenders for Turkish Oil Refineries Inc. (TUPRAS) and Global System for Mobile Communication (GSM) were announced.

He believes that they will reach the 7.6 billion U.S. dollar target in privatization, Demiralp pointed out.

Demiralp said, ''within the framework of our contacts with rating organizations, we expect an increase in the rating note of Turkey as of the second half of this year. The Fitch-IBCA, a rating organization which continues to hold contacts in Turkey, have positive ideas about Turkey.''

The World Bank committed to grant three-billion U.S. dollar Structural Adjustment Loan (SAL) to Turkey, but Turkey has not received such loan from the World Bank for four years, Demiralp noted.

Demiralp continued, ''except this loan, the World Bank will release 2 billion 250 million U.S. dollar loan to Turkey which will be given as Country Assistance Strategy (CAS). Thus, the total amount of the loan which will be released by the World Bank will reach 5 billion 250 million U.S. dollars.''

''Meanwhile, we have recorded significant development with Japan regarding the loans which will be taken within the framework of co-finance. Japan will probably grant loan to Turkey within the framework of the contributions of the World Bank. For example, if the World Bank grants 750 million U.S. dollar loan, Japan will grant a loan which will be around this amount,'' Demiralp added.

Demiralp stated that the loans granted by the International Monetary Fund (IMF) were all spent following the quake and that they will continue to work in coordination with the Prime Ministry and the Public Works and Housing Ministry for the usage of the loans granted following the quake.

The World Bank's financial sector experts continue their contacts in Turkey, Demiralp stressed.

Demiralp said, ''these experts are mainly focused on the Savings Deposit Insurance Fund this time. That is, they aim at working on the banks which were transferred to the Fund and giving technical information about the sale of these banks. These experts have experience in the sale strategy since they gained many experiences in many countries.''

He thinks the World Bank delegation will not meet with officials of the Banking Arrangement and Audit Board at this stage, and the board will start its active operation in August, Demiralp emphasized.

Demiralp pointed out that he met with the officials of U.S. Treasury within the framework of his visit to this country and that Truman, the U.S. Assistant Secretary of Treasury, told him that they support Turkey's economic program.

Truman also told him that if Turkey achieves in this program, it will record a giant leap forward and gain credibility, Demiralp said.

Demiralp noted that the IMF Turkey desk officials closely pursue the developments in economy.

Carlo Cottarelli, the IMF Turkey Desk Chief, is pleased about the decrese trend of inflation.

[14] BANK CREDITS VOLUME INCREASES 59.2 TRILLION TL

The total credit volume at banks was 20 quadrillion 754.5 trillion TL on March 15.

The Central Bank data shows that the total credits in the system was composed of 1 quadrillion 239.2 trillion TL of loans given to financial sector and 19 quadrillion 574.5 trillion TL of loans given to non-financial sector as of March 24.

The credits given to financial sector were composed of 630.6 trillion TL of loans given by deposit banks, 602.1 trillion TL of loans given by development and investment banks and 6.4 trillion TL of loans given by the Central Bank.

[15] ANOTHER FILE AGAINST CAKICI, NOTORIOUS MAFIA BOSS, ABATES DUE TO STATUTE OF LIMITATIONS

Istanbul 2nd Criminal Court resulted the case opened against Cakici on charges of inciting to injure Civan.

The reasoned verdict of the court said a file was opened against Cakici on October 3, 1994 on charges of ''inciting a person to dare to commit murder.''

Recalling that the court sentenced other defendants, tried in the same case, and that Criminal Panels of the Supreme Court approved the sentences, the reasoned verdict said the file against Cakici and some of his friends were separted from the main file.

The reasoned verdict said the defendant committed the crime on September 19, 1994, and that arrest in absentia decision had been taken on September 26, 1994, and recalled that an indictment had been prepared on October 3, 1994 on the same crime.

The reasoned verdict said five-year statute of limitations expired since October 3, 1994, adding that the court abated the case as the public case opened against the defendant had prescribed.

The court also decided to withdraw the arrest in absentia decision against the defendant.

Ferzan Citici, Istanbul Republican Chief Prosecutor, appealed the decision. Chief Prosecutorship based the reason of his appeal to the view that arrest of Cakici in France upon the request of Turkey for his extradition will cause the vacation of the running of the statute of limitations.

Supreme Court Republican Chief Prosecutorship will send the file to the related penal department which will examine it.

Supreme Court Criminal General Assembly reversed earlier Istanbul Criminal Court of First Instance no:6's decision to abate the lawsuit filed against Cakici on charges of inciting someone to injure journalist Hincal Uluc. It decided Cakici to be tried in accordance with this verdict. Citici had objected to the decision of Supreme Court Penal Department No.6. However, Vural Savas, Chief Prosecutor of the Supreme Court of Appeals had objected to the decision of Supreme Court Penal Department No.4 which approved the decision of Istanbul Criminal Court of First Instance no:6. Cakici will be tried in this case again with a call for up two five years imprisonment terms.

[16] FOOTBALL-UEFA: GALATASARAY BAT LEEDS PAR 2-0

Les buts ont ete inscrits en premiere periode par Hakan Şükür (12) et Capone (44).

Le coup d'envoi a ete donne dans une ambiance extremement tendue en raison de violentes bagarres qui ont eclate entre supporteurs des deux clubs, mercredi soir, dans le centre de la metrpole, faisant deux morts et plusieurs blesses par des coups de couteau cote anglais.

Le match retour se jouera le 20 avril.

[17] TURKISH EXPORT FAIR TO BE HELD IN BAGHDAD

The Forum Fair said on Friday that textile, communication, automotive, food, and electrical products and machines will be exhibited in the fair.

A total of 60 companies, including Tekfen Construction, Hatemoglu, Kerevitas, Yasar Foreign Trade, will participate in the fair.

[18] GERMAN PRESIDENT RAU MEETS REPRESENTATIVES OF HUMAN RIGHTS ASSOCIATIONS

Rau met with Yavuz Onen, Chairman of Turkish Human Rights Foundation; Husnu Ondul, Chairman of Human Rights Association; Yilmaz Ensaroglu, Chairman of Mazlum-Der; Ali Ersin Gur, Chairman of Modern Jurists' Association; Nevzat Helvaci, Chairman of Turkish Human Rights Board; an Yusuf Alatas, one of the lawyers of People's Democracy Party(HADEP).

Turkey records positive developments in human rights, but there are more things to be done, Rau said.

Rau noted that there are deficiencies in the education of police and jurists and the implementation of laws.

The representatives of non-governmental organizations request him to express their problems abroad, and thus, these organizations can provide support of the European countries and the U.S., Rau stated.

Rau stressed that their meeting was objective and positive and that he promised to convey the messages to the concerned authorities in Turkey and Europe.

Turkey has recorded improvement in human rights, and he is optimist about this issue, Rau emphasized.

Rau said that but, this does not mean that everything is allright in Turkey.

Responding to the questions of journalists regarding Akin Birdal, the former Chairman of Human Rights Associations, Rau said that he took up this issue in his meetings with Turkish officials.

He felt sorry about non-postponement of Birdal's imprisonment, and but he cannot comment on the legal dimension of the issue, Rau added.

Onen said that they expressed their ideas and that they discussed the positive and negative aspects.

Onen added, ''we discussed general political amnesty, the necessity to amend Constitution and many laws, the continuation of judicial threat against freedom of thought, the imprisonment of people due to their political ideas, and imprisonment of Akin Birdal again. Pressures are imposed on doctors who examine the people that were tortured, to sign the document saying that there are no marks of torture. They know this.''

Alatas said, ''we discussed the detention of the mayors from HADEP, the ban of celebrations by showing usage of 'w' rather than 'v' in petitions as an excuse, sentencing the members of HADEP to imprisonment, and sentencing people to 60-year imprisonment on charges of a hunger strike.''

Meanwhile, an official of German delegation said that Rau had also invited Birdal to this meeting but that Birdal could not join the meeting since he is in prison.

The German official said that they were sorry about this and that Rau mentioned about the situation of Birdal during his meetings with President Suleyman Demirel and Premier Bulent Ecevit.

The official added that Rau also mentioned about the pressures imposed on doctors during his meetings with Demirel and Ecevit, and Ecevit told him that he will examine this issue.

Earlier this morning, Demirel and Rau planted ''friendship sapling'' in the garden of Presidential Residence in Cankaya district to represent the Turkish-German friendship.

[19] LE PRESIDENT RAU S'ENTRETIENT AVEC LES REPRESENTANTS DES DROITS DE L'HOMME

"Des progres ont ete enregistres en Turquie en matiere des droits de l'Homme mais il reste encore beaucoups a faire", a declare le president allemand,

C'est la premiere visite en Turquie d'un president allemand.

Il doit encore se rendre a Bolu (nord-ouest) pour inaugurer des logements construits avec des fonds allemands pour les victimes du séisme de novembre (un millier de morts).

M. Rau se rendra ensuite a Istanbul ou il rencontrera samedi le Patriarche grec-orthodoxe du Phanar Bartholomee 1er et des hommes d'affaires turcs et allemands.

[20] OKSUZ, MINISTER OF TRANSPORTATION, MEETS WITH CHINESE MINISTER OF RAILWAYS

Speaking at the meeting, Oksuz said there was a potential between the two countries despite the distance.

''China is a candidate to become the star of the Far East, and Turkey is the candidate to become the star of the Middle East. We will increase mutual prosperity by working together,'' Oksuz noted.

''Highways improved in Turkey, now it is time for the railways,'' said Oksuz, adding that he wanted to work primarily with China on the projects Kars-Tbilisi railway line, Ankara-Istanbul speed railway and railway project between southern part of Turkey and Iraq.

Fu Zhihuan, Chinese Minister, briefed about the railways in China, and noted that China attributed importance to the railway projects in Turkey.

The two ministers visited Beijing West, which is the biggest Train Station of Asia, following the visit.

Speaking to A.A correspondent, Oksuz said, ''Tube Tunnel to Istanbul, and Kars-Tbilisi Railway line projects will connect Europe to China via Turkey. These projects are indispensable for us. We will make use of the experience of China in this respect. We may help China to in telecommunication field to open to the world. Improvement of railways means more people and more goods. This will lead to richness.''

The two sides will sign a Good Will Protocol in dinner which Chinese Minister will host in honor of Oksuz.

Technical delegations of the two sides will seek for ways to implement articles of the protocol in the next period.

[21] PRESIDENT DEMIREL AND GERMAN PRESIDENT RAU IN BOLU

Rau will hand over the prefabricated huts which were constructed with the contributions of Germany, to the quake survivors.

As Demirel and Rau were going to the field where the prefabricated huts were constructed, the citizens and students hailed them with Turkish and German flags.

[22] AKBULUT, PARLIAMENT SPEAKER, SAYS LEADERS WILL CONVENE NEXT WEEK

When asked his views regarding the specialities of a president, Akbulut said, ''the leaders of the parties will convene next week. It will be better if we convey our views after that.''

Responding to a question that his candidacy was discussed in the backstages, and asked about his views, Akbulut said, ''we will evaluate the developments.''

Ahmet Iyimaya, Amasya Deputy of True Path Party (DYP), responding to the same question, said, ''announcing a name now will endanger both that person and the regime. Parties will chose a person who has capacity of administering.''

[23] ''1ST INTERNATIONAL VETERINARY STUDENTS' SYMPOSIUM'' STARTS IN ANKARA

The conference started at Ankara University's Veterinary Faculty's Conference Hall, and it will last for three days.

The Symposium, organised by the Veterinary Faculty's Students' Union under the sponsorship of the Ministry of Culture and certain private institutions, is being held with the participation of 50 students from Germany, Poland, Israel, and from around the country.

Professor Ergun Ozalp, Dean of A.U Veterinary Faculty said that such organisations carried great significance in gaining students a consciousness of their future occupations.

The symposium will continue with various events.

[24] TRIAL OF ADNAN OKTAR'S GROUP STARTS (1)

The members of the group are being tried for ''taking benefit from people by threatening them,'' ''form an organization for this purpose,'' and ''assisting and sheltering the organization.''

Adnan Oktar who was in Kartal Prison was brought to Istanbul State Security Court (DGM) at 10 a.m. under tight security measures.

Besides him, Firat Develioglu, Emre Nil, Halil Hilmi Muftuoglu, Hasan Basri Guner, Ferhat Terkoglu and Timur Ayan, who are also under arrest, attended the hearing. Others who are tried without detention; Tarkan Yavas, Ufuk Ozturgut, Alev Ulasoglu, Meltem Arikan, Korkut Yasa, Kartal Is, Turgut Aksu, Altug Mustak Berker, Burak Sanver, Secim Kose, and Adnan Tinarlioglu, were also present.

Mustafa Kemal Gul and Ugur Ormen who have an arrest warrant about them were not at the hearing because they still haven't been caught.

The hearing is continuing with ID checks and interrogations.

[25] FOREST FIRES TAKEN UNDER CONTROL

''Our loss is heavy. The exact figures delineating our loss will have been determined after the completion of damage asessments,'' officials from the Forestry Ministry told the A.A correspondent.

Officials said that 10 forest fires broke out on Thursday, and added:

''Of course, this is not natural. It is not possible that 83 forest fies can broke out in two days. 70 of them have been caused by wind-damaged power lines. The others, though, have most probably been caused by villagers themselves, who clear their fields by setting them of fire.''

They added that they did not consider the possibility of a sabotage in any of the cases.

[26] COUNCIL OF EUROPE MINISTERS CONFERENCE ENDS

Interior Minister Sadettin Tantan told reporters that the conference was extremely beneficial.

''It is quite important that such an organization took place in Turkey. Effective operation of local administrations and offering good service to people is quite important,'' Tantan said.

He also noted that the 12th Conference will be held in Finland in 2002.

Responding to a question over local administrations draft law, Tantan said the draft law is currently discussed at the Ministers Council and it will soon be presented to the Parliament.

[27] AWARD OF EXCEPTIONAL SERVICE TO BE GIVEN TO SUCCESSFUL BUSINESSMEN BY PRESIDENT

He will also present 31 businessmen from 23 countries with plates, who have been announced to be the winners of the ''Successful Turkish Businessmen Abroad'' Contest, organised by the Turkish Foreign Trade Foundation, World's Turkish Businessmen Foundation, and the ''Para'' Magazine.

The 15 businessmen to receive the award of exceptional service are as follows:

''Kemal Sahin, Vural Oger, Recep Keskin, Esref Unsal, Mustafa Baklan, Cengiz Hayati Onel, Ziya Aksahin, Sinan Bayraktaroglu, Goksin Sipahioglu, Mumtaz Teker, Ahmet Calik, Unal Aysay, Huseyin Kuru, Ali Akkanat, and Yusuf zuya Aksu.''

[28] IMKB FIRST SESSION - NATIONAL-100 INDEX DROPS TO 16,751.85 WITH A DECREASE OF 164.87 POINTS

The financial shares gained 1.48 percent in value, the industrial shares gained 0.03 percent in value, and the services shares gained 0.93 percent in value.

A total of 136 of the 289 shares gained in value, 78 shares lost in value while the prices of 75 shares didn't change.

The trading volume in the morning session was 246.48 trillion Turkish Liras.

[29] PREMIER ECEVIT MEETS WITH VISITING GERMAN PRESIDENT RAU

Ecevit expressed his anxieties about the issue to German President Rau, who is in Turkey as the official guest of his Turkish counterpart Suleyman Demirel, during their meeting at the Presidential Palace on Thursday.

Ecevit told Rau that one official request by Germany, would be enough for Turkey to send hundreds of Religious Education teachers-all loyal followers of secularism- to Germany, and warned him against the dangers of granting such a right to a radical Islamist organisation.

Rau, for his part, expressed his concerns over the return of former Human Rights Association Chairman Akin Birdal to prison.

Ecevit told Rau that Birdal was under no critical condition, and that his medical treatment could continue during his imprisonment.

Ecevit, who also touched on the health condition of former MP Leyla Zana, said that Zana could apply to justice with a request for the postponement of her prison sentence on health reasons, but that she was using this as a political tool.

[30] DEMIREL AND GERMAN PRESIDENT RAU IN BOLU

Demirel spoke at the opening of the prefabricated huts which Germany built for quake survivors.

Before starting his speech, Demirel greeted German President Johannes Rau and his wife and reminded them that 18,000 Turkish citizens died in the earthquake disaster.

''The problem was how to provide shelter to those who survived. But Turkey was deluged by aid from 87 countries,'' Demirel said.

The disaster was a good test for Turkish-German friendship, Demirel said and thanked to the German state and everyone who worked to help the quake victims.

[31] DEPUTY PRIME MINISTER ERSUMER VISITS CHINA

Minister of Energy and Natural Resources and Deputy Prime Minister Cumhur Ersumer, who is continuing his visit to China, got together on Friday with Director-General of Chinese Eximbank Yangzi Lin.

Ersumer called on for financial support for Chinese companies making investments in Turkey from the Chinese Eximbank. Lin pledged active support for the said Chinese firms.

Ersumer and the delegation accompanying him, also paid a visit to the General Directorate of Machinery Industry, and carried out contacts with various officials there. The sides took up means of cooperating in power terminal projects in Turkey.

Ersumer and the delegation accompanying him, will attend a dinner party on Friday night to be held on their honor by Turkey's Ambassador in Beijing Daryal Batibay. They are to proceed to Shangai on Saturday for further contacts.

[32] DEMIREL AND RAU VISIT BOLU

Rau and Demirel inaugurated the winter houses and social installations contructed by German firms in the quake stricken province of Bolu.

Noting that political parties, churches, labor unions, and media organisations had launched charity campaigns for the quake survivors in Turkey, Rau said that over 80 countries displayed this same solidarity.

He added that the survivors still needed a helping hand from the outside.

Governor of Bolu Nusret Miroglu, who took the floor at the inauguration ceremony said that the August 17th and November 12th earthquakes had left 14 thousand families homeless.

Miroglu expressed his gratitude to all the countries who extended a helping hand to them in the wake of these disasters, and particularly to Germany for installing prefabricated houses for the survivors.

Miroglu then presented the German President with a plate of gratitude.

The newly inaugurated settlement area consists of 474 housing units, 2 schools, 3 kindergartens, 3 health centers, 3 buildings reserved for social activities for women, 3 administrative buildings, 3 coffee houses, and 3 mosques.

[33] TURKISH SPEAKING COUNTRIES' SUMMIT STARTS ON SATURDAY IN BAKU

The presidents of Turkey, Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, and Kyrghyzstan, and Speaker of the Turkmen Parliament Sahat Muradov are expected to attend the summit.

The first Turkish Speaking Countries' Summit had been held in 1992 in Ankara, the second in Istanbul, third in Bishkek, fourth in Tashkent and fifth in Astana.

The sixth, to be held at the Gulistan Palaci in Baku, is expected to stage the signing of the ''Baku Communique'' - a document foreseeing cooperation among the Turkish speaking countries in the fields of energy, and political stability, and further developing relations.

[34] TURKISH CYPRIOT COUNCIL OF MINISTERS APPROVES SECOND APPENDIX TO PROTOCOL ON TURKEY-TRNC ECONOMIC COOPERATION

Turkish Cypriot Minister of Transportation and Public Works Salih Miroglu, who spoke to reporters at the end of the convention, said that the said protocol had been signed on February 11, 2000 by State Minister Sukru Sina Gurel on behalf of Turkey and Minister of Economy and Finance Mehmet Bayram on behalf of the TRNC.

Miroglu said that the appendix included a number of stipulations and accords aimed at stabilizing TRNC's economy.

According to the stipulations of the appendix, the Turkish Cypriot government will fulfil all responsibilities entrusted by the Economic Cooperation Protocol, dated January 3, 1997, and Turkey will continue to provide financial support and technical aid to the TRNC.

The Turkish government is also to provide credits worth the amount reserved for appropriations from the Budget for the 2000 Fiscal Year, in addition to resources worth 250 million U.S dollars.

Miroglu said that a credit agreement would also be signed between the two countries, delineating the conditions and responsibilities of both sides.

[35] LE PRESIDENT ALLEMAND A ISTANBUL:

A Bolu, il a remis symboliquement a son homolgue turc Süleyman Demirel un village de 443 unites prefabriquees pour les sans-abri laisses par le seisme, comprenant une ecole et un hopital.

"L'amitie doit se demontrer dans les temps difficles", a declare M. Demirel en le remerciant.

A Istanbul il rencontrera samedi, dernier jour de sa visite, le Patriarche grec-orthodoxe du Phanar Bartholomee 1er et des hommes d'affaires turcs et allemands.

C'est la premiere visite, depuis 14 ans, en Turquie, d'un president allemand.

Les entretiens de Rau sont sont centres sur des themes europeens alors que la Turquie a ete declaree candidate a l'UE en decembre.

[36] FOREIGN MINISTER CEM IN KOBE

Cem first visited Toshitami Kaihara, Governor of Hyogo to which Kobe is connected. Kaihara said Turkey and Japan have a lot in common including the earthquake risks that threaten both countries.

He also noted that both Turkey and Japan are willing to cooperate in information exchange, restructuralization of quake hit areas and measures that should be taken against an earthquake possibility.

Kaihara also said he was pleased to hear that a part of the Japanese aid sent to Turkey was spent by the Turkish National Education Ministry for the education of children.

Cem thanked Kaihara and Japanese people for the aid they sent after the disaster.

Cem later visited the earthquake museum in Kobe. He was also briefed about the psychological support and education given to people after the earthquake in Kobe.

[37] ARMENPRESS WITHDRAWS TRANSMISSION OF ''HOSTILE'' REPORT

The agency issued a statement, in which it was said that a grave mistake had been made in the quoting of the Foreign Minister's speech at Armenia's State University, and re-transmitted the full text of Oskanyan's speech.

The statement apologised for the mistake, and re-quoted the foreign minister as saying ''As you know, there are Russian bases in Armenia. They are the guarantors of our safety.''

The re-transmission inclued a previously omitted part of Oskanyan's speech, in which he had said:

''Today, the relations between Turkey and Armenia depend largely on the Karabakh problem. However, Armenia does not put forth any pre-conditions to normalize her relations with Turkey. What we are concerned about is the recognition of the (so-called) 'Armenian genocide', and a number of other issues, about which we have to talk with Turkish officials. But none of these issues, from our standpoint, can be a pre-condition for normalizing Turkey-Armenia relations.''

[38] TURKEY TO REQUIRE PERMISSION FROM THE MINISTRY FOR TRANSIT PASSAGE OF AGRICULTURAL PRODUCTS

Gokalp said that a notice foreseeing more strict checks in customs and free zones had been issued and sent to the related authorities.

He pointed out that the permission of his ministry would, from now on, would be required for transit passages of agricultural products, as a means to prevent the illegal trading of these goods, and the negative effects of these illegal activities on economy.

[39] POLICE DETAIN GROUP OF ANTI-NUCLEAR ACTIVISTS

EMO said that representatives from various non-governmental organizations and villagers from Akkuyu gathered in Icel, read out a press statement and later distributed leaflets.

''Althogh they had official permission to read out the press statement, security forces violated the law and dispersed the demonstrators by using truncheons. Many people were taken under custody. Why did these people face violence when they used their legal right to protest against something which causes cancer and which is no longer used by developed countries? As the EMO Executive Council, we condemn this situation,'' EMO said in a statement.

[40] PRECAUTIONS AGAINST FOREST BLAZES

Cagan said that picnics and field clearing by fire would also be restricted in risky areas.

According to the notice, sent to governorships, the governors will have to call ''anti-forest fire commissions'' for an emergency meeting in the case of a fire, and after a brief session of planning and organisation, the necessary units, including the gendarmerie and military units, will be alerted for immediate help.

Risky areas will be under close monitoring against picnic and field clearing fires, and people will be warned against forest fires.

On high-risk days, picnics will be restricted to areas determined by the Forestry Ministry.

[41] AKKUYU NUCLEAR POWER PLANT TENDER

Turkey Electricity Production-Transmission Coorp. (TEAS) General Director Muzaffer Selvi will stage a press briefing at 5.30 p.m. at Energy and Natural Resources Ministry on Friday.

Selvi is expected to make explanations about the nuclear power plant tender.

[42] FP LEADER KUTAN: ''WE WANT NO CRISIS ABOUT PRESIDENTIAL ELECTIONS''

He told reporters, during his arrival at the party's headquarters, that it was yet too early to say anything about the candidates and their chances of being elected for presidency.

[43] TWO MORE PEOPLE DETAINED RELATED TO KILLINGS OF BRITISH FANS

He said that there was no neglect of police in the incident and said a total of 100 police officers were kept in Taksim Square for security reasons, and added that they interfered in the fight immediately.

He said the names of the hooligans who were killed were not on the list of fans they received a week ago from the British team. He said these people came to Istanbul separately and got organized there.

The interrogation of 15 more people is continuing and police are working to catch another man named Ali Baydar related to the incident.

In the meantime, six Turkish journalist associations issued a joint statement saying that some of the news that appeared on newspapers about the incident were against the universal principles of journalism.

[44] REASONED VERDICT ABOUT ERBAKAN COMPLETED

In 1994, Erbakan had delivered a speech in Bingol where he referred to Parliament members as ''infidels''. ''We will not be slaves to Christians. We will found the World Islamic Union,'' he had also said in his speech.

The reasoned verdict stated that Erbakan openly incited hatred among people on the basis of religious differences.

It was also noted that a video tape was seized which showed Erbakan's speech and it was stressed that there was no editing on the tape.

[45] A.A

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