Anadolu Agency: News in English, 00-04-08

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[01] AA News

08 April 2000 Saturday

[02] TURKEY-PRESS SCAN

HURRIYET (LIBERAL)

TURKEY GIVES A DIPLOMATIC NOTE TO THE U.S.
Turkey reacted against the seminar on ''Kurds' Search for Identity'' which will be held in Washington, D.C. between April 17-18 with the contribution of the U.S. State Department. After terrorist organization PKK's supporters were invited to the seminar where so-called Kurdish national anthem will be played, Ankara gave a harsh note to the U.S. saying, ''this does not fit into friendly relations between Turkey and the U.S.''

MILLIYET (LIBERAL)

FOREIGN DEBT INCREASES TO 111.2 BILLION U.S. DOLLARS
The Treasury stated that Turkey's foreign debt increased to 111.2 billion U.S. dollars as of the end of 1999. Turkey's foreign debt was 102.7 billion U.S. dollars in 1998. The increase stemmed from private sector's debts.

SABAH (LIBERAL)

GERMAN PRESIDENT RAU: ''REFORMS SHOULD BE ACCELERATED''
German President Johannes Rau said that Turkey's full membership to the European Union (EU) was dependent on reforms. He stressed that Turkey should accelerate the reform process.

CUMHURIYET (LEFT)

RAU AND DEMIREL VISIT QUAKE VICTIMS IN BOLU
After planting trees in the garden of Presidential Palace in Cankaya, Ankara as a symbol of friendship, Suleyman Demirel and his German counterpart Johannes Rau attended a ceremony held on the occasion of inauguration of winter dwellings and social facilities which were constructed for the quake victims in Bolu by Germany. Addressing the ceremony, Demirel said, ''Germany became first in the aid to quake zone. Friendship becomes clear in such hard times.'' German President Rau said that aid to Turkey should continue. Rau also received representatives of human rights organizations. Rau stated that imprisonment of Human Rights Association's former chairmen Akin Birdal was not proper.

RADIKAL (LEFT)

KYRGYZ STOCK EXCHANGE PROPOSES 40-PERCENT PARTNERSHIP TO IMKB
The Kyrgyz Stock Exchange proposed 40-percent partnership to the Istanbul Stock Exchange. Abdul Cabbar Tagayev, the Chairman of Kyrgyz Stock Exchange who is in Istanbul to participate in the ''Conference on Emerging Global Stock Markets'', said 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 foreign investors to Kyrgyz Stock Exchange, Tagayev said. Tagayev noted that the trade volume at 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 trade volume, Tagayev stated.

YENI BINYIL (LIBERAL)

NUCLEAR ISSUE IS TOTALLY A FIASCO
The Akkuyu Nuclear Power Plant tender became a problem that crops up intermittently without ever being resolved. The announcement of the company to win the tender was postponed for the fifth time. TEAS earlier stated that it would announce the winner. However, Prime Minister Bulent Ecevit intervened in the issue in the last minute and the Ministry of Energy and Natural Resources cancelled the meeting without a pretext.

TURKIYE (RIGHT)

15 TURKISH CANDIDATES
Fifteen Turkish candidates are joining the general elections in Greece. A total of 8.5 million people will cast their votes in the elections tomorrow in our neighbouring country. The target of Turkish people living in Western Thrace is to send more than three Turkish candidates to Paliament.

ZAMAN (CONSERVATIVE)

BLACK SEA TO BE PUT IN ORDER
We are taking lessons from the murder of our fishermen and accidents in the Straits. The agreement which will take security of vessels passing the Straits under control was signed in Istanbul by Turkey, Bulgaria, Georgia, Romania, Russia and Ukraine. In accordance with the agreement, these countries can control the vessels in their ports. They can seize the vessels which do not have sufficient standards.

[03] PALASZ, POLISH AMBASSADOR TO TURKEY, COMMITS SUICIDE

Palasz was taken to the Bayindir Medical Center three days ago as he felt ill.

He committed suicide by jumping out of the window of his room at the nineth floor.

The Foreign Ministry is expected to release a statement regarding the issue later today.

Meanwhile, officials told the A.A correspondent that Polish President Aleksander Kwasniewski was expected to pay an official visit to Turkey between April 14-17.

[04] SIXTH SUMMIT OF HEADS OF STATE AND GOVERNMENT OF TURKISH SPEAKING COUNTRIES TO START IN BAKU

Presidents of Turkey, Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan and parliament speakers of Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan are expected to attend the summit.

At the end of the meetings, the Baku Statement will be issued.

The statement will include friendly relations among Turkish speaking countries, and issues of political stability and energy.

[05] PRESIDENT DEMIREL LEAVES FOR AZERBAIJAN (1)

Airplane carrying President Demirel and his entourage took off from the Esenboga Airport in Ankara at 09:00 a.m.

Istemihan Talay, the Culture Minister, is accompanying President Demirel during his visit to Azerbaijan.

[06] NUCLEAR POWER PLANT TENDER POSTPONED

Speaking to the A.A correspondent, sources said the Turkish Electricity Production and Distribution Inc (TEAS) Board, in its meeting on Friday, decided to extend the tender by delaying the announcement of the winner.

Meanwile, TEAS invited representatives of bidding consortiums and asked them to extend the validity of their bids till April 21.

Sources said the consortiums were asked to submit their approval or rejection documents without any change in their bids to TEAS till April 14.

The three bidding consortiums are as follows:

Westinghouse-Mitsubishi Consortium: ''Westinghouse (U.S.), Raytheone and Duke (U.S.), Mitsubishi Heavy Int. (Japan), Enka Insaat (Turkey), MNG (Turkey).

AECL Consortim: AECL (Canada), Hitachi (Japan), Itochu (Japan), Gama Endustri (Turkey), Guris Insaat (Turkey), Bayindir Insaat (Turkey), Ansoldo (Italy), Daiwoo (South Korea).

NPI Consortium: Siemens (Germany), Hochtief (Germany), Framatom (France), Gec-Alsthom (France), Campenon Bernard (France), Garanti-Koza Insaat (Turkey), Tekfen Insaat (Turkey).

[07] PRESIDENT DEMIREL LEAVES FOR AZERBAIJAN (2)

Addressing journalists at the Esenboga Airport in Ankara prior to his departure, President Demirel said, ''previous summits which were held in Ankara, Istanbul, Bishkek, Tashkent and Astana, had contributed to further consolidation of political, economic and cultural relations among the Turkish Republics.''

''We have deep and powerful friendly relations stemming from our common historical and cultural background with Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan. We expend efforts to further improve bilateral and multilateral relations with the Turkish Republics. One of our main targets in the summits process, is to increase positive contributions of Turkish speaking countries to regional and international peace and stability, and to turn our geography into a region of cooperation, peace, stability and prosperity,'' President Demirel told reporters.

He added, ''I believe that the Turkish Republics would expand efforts to reach these targets and that the Baku Summit would achieve a great success. One of the most significant aspects of the Baku Summit is the celebrations to mark the 133rd anniversary of Kitab-i Dede Korkut Epic. The celebrations to commemorate the epic which has a peculiar place in common history and culture of the Turkish speaking countries, will further consolidate our friendly ties.''

Istemihan Talay, the Culture Minister, is accompanying President Demirel during his visit to Azerbaijan.

[08] PALASZ, POLISH AMBASSADOR TO TURKEY, COMMITS SUICIDE (2) - FOREIGN MINISTRY: ''PALASZ HAD CONTRIBUTED TO IMPROVEMENT OF RELATIONS BETWEEN TURKEY AND POLAND''

Releasing a statement, the Foreign Ministry stressed that Palasz had made a considerable contribution to further improvement of relations between Turkey and Poland.

The statement noted, ''Palasz who was a friend of the Turkish people, had achieved great success in improvement of bilateral relations between Turkey and Poland.''

The Foreign Ministry implored God's strength upon all who are grieving.

Meanwhile, diplomatic sources told the A.A correspondent that Polish President Aleksander Kwasniewski's is expected to pay an official visit to Turkey between April 14-17, and that a postponement was currently out of question.

[09] GERMAN PRESIDENT: ''EU CONSTITUTES A GREAT PERSPECTIVE FOR TURKEY''

Staging a press briefing at the Ciragan Palace in Istanbul, Rau said Turkey would enter the EU when it fulfiled the necessary conditons, and stressed that Turkey should firstly fulfil pre-conditions.

Noting that the broad market in Turkey was a chance but it brought a serious problem, Rau said, ''the EU is not only a union of markets but also a union of values.''

Stressing that conditions like human rights, democratization, freedom of expression and thought, and abolishment of capital punishment were obligatory for EU membership, the German President said, ''the EU constitutes a great perspective for Turkey.''

Stating that he discussed those issues with President Suleyman Demirel, Parliament Speaker Yildirim Akbulut and Prime Minister Bulent Ecevit, Rau said that he also met with representatives of human rights organizations early on Friday.

Expressing his sorrow over not seeing Human Rights Association's former Chairman Akin Birdal in the meeting as he was currently staying in prison, Rau said he asked the representatives of human rights organizations about Birdal's situation and health, and asked them to convey his compliments to Birdal.

''There are positive developments in Turkey in the field of human rights but some factors need improvement. And we must not approach towards these issues like an arbitrator, we have to support these developments,'' he said.

Noting that he firstly visited Greece, Rau said Turkey and Greece had recently signed six new agreements and the Turkish and Greek Foreign Ministers held positive contacts.

''I want to see settlement of a good friendship between Turkey and Greece, '' Rau stressed.

[10] SPORTS - WRESTLING - 43RD EUROPEAN FREE STYLE WRESTLING CHAMPIONSHIPS

Ahmet Gulhan competing in the 69 kg category, beat Mehmet Badas of Belgium in his first match.

In the 85 kg category, Ali Ozen was defeated by his Ukranian opponent Asanov Eldar.

Zekeriya Guclu competing in the 130 kg category, beat Aleksei Medvedev of Belarus.

In the 54 kg category, Mevlana Kulac was defeated by Zakhaluk Oleksandr of Ukraine.

Mehmet Yozgat competing in the 63 kg category, beat Aslanasvili Besik of Greece.

Adem Bereket competing in the 76 kg category, beat his Hungarian opponent Libter Arpad.

Yasemin Ocal competing in the women's 62 kg category, was defeated by her Austrian opponent Nikola Hartmann while Zarife Yildirim competing in the 75 kg category, beat Cerrai Michela of Italy.

[11] PRESIDENT DEMIREL PRESENTS SUCCESSFUL BUSINESSMEN WITH MEDALS OF MERIT

A total of 31 Turkish businessmen from 23 countries were awarded with plates within framework of the most successful Turkish businessmen abroad contest organized by the Turkish Foreign Trade Foundation, the World Turkish Businessmen Foundation and the Para Magazine.

Addressing the award ceremony, President Suleyman Demirel said, ''Mustafa Kemal Ataturk, the Founder of modern Republic of Turkey, aimed at making Turkey a civilized, prosperous and contemporary country. We have been struggling to reach his target for 76 years with a great loyalty to his principles. Turkey's population was 12 million when the Republic of Turkey was founded in 1923. Today, Turkey became 16th biggest economy of the world with its population of 65 million. Turkey became a country exporting industrial products to 134 countries. We will continue to expend efforts to make Turkey more prosperous.''

Meanwhile, Sakip Sabanci, one of the leading Turkish businessmen, and Ertugrul Onen, the Chairman of the Turkish Foreign Trade Foundation, thanked President Suleyman Demirel for encouraging Turkish businessmen in every occasion.

At the ceremony, Kemal Sahin, Vural Oger, Recep Keskin, Esref Unsal, Mustafa Baklan, Cengiz Hayati Onel, Ziya Aksahin, Sinan Bayraktaroglu, Goksin Sipahioglu, Mumtaz Teker, Ahmet Calik, Unal Aysal, Huseyin Kuru, Ali Akkanat and Yusuf Ziya Aksu were presented with the Medals of Merit.

Turgut Allahmanli (Australia), Tamer Atalay (Romania), Onnik Nahabetyan (South America), Murat Camoglu (the U.S.), Atik Gurtas, Gonul Cilasun (Britain), Nadia G. Aslan (Canada), Ali Nejat Kavvas (New Zealand), Ramazan Ayhan (Norway), Kadir Cevirgen (France), Dervis Boru (Germany), Cafer Sagir (Germany), Mehmet Yuzer (Germany), Ali Ihsan Akiskalioglu (Russia), Omer T. Karabey (the U.S.), Omur M. Sezerman (Canada), Dr. Zeki Pilge (Kazakhstan), Erol Tabanca (Turkmenistan), Remzi Gur (Britain), Mehmet Hasancebi (the Netherlands), Rifat Altin (Poland), Kemal Eren (Czech Republic), Osman Sahbaz (Hungary), Ibrahim Sahin (Australia), Izi Israel Madem (Israel), Salih Boyaci (the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus), Zuhal Mansfield (the People's Republic of China), Aykut Akbulut (Romania), Osman Ak (Bulgaria), Senol Yegin (Tunisia) and Nejdet Demiryurek (Japan) were given plates for their successful activities.

Yildirim Akbulut, the Speaker of Parliament; Recep Onal, Rustu Kazim Yucelen, Fikret Unlu, Ramazan Mirzaoglu and Edip Safter Gaydali, the State Ministers; Osman Durmus, the Health Minister; Istemihan Talay, the Culture Minister; a number of politicians and businessmen were in attendance at the award ceremony.

[12] PRESIDENT DEMIREL ARRIVES IN AZERBAIJAN

President Haydar Aliyev of Azerbaijan welcomed President Demirel at the Bine International Airport in Baku.

Kadri Ecvet Tezcan, the Turkish Ambassador to Azerbaijan, was also in attendance at the ceremony.

Addressing journalists at the airport, President Demirel expressed his pleasure with visiting Azerbaijan once again.

He thanked President Aliyev and the Azerbaijani people for their sincere hospitality.

Later, President Demirel and President Aliyev departed from the airport to attend the Sixth Summit of Heads of State and Government of Turkish Speaking Countries.

[13] FOREIGN MINISTER CEM IN JAPAN

Foreign Ministry said Cem who was currently paying an official visit to Japan issued a joint statement with his Japanese counterpart Kono.

The joint statement stressed that the Turkey-Japan relations which started in 19th century were targeted to be further improved.

Within this framework, a vessel of the Turkish Fleet was planned to visit the Kushimoto port on June 3, 2000 on the occasion of celebrations to mark 110th anniversary of arrival of Ertugrul vessel in Japan.

The Turkish and Japanese Foreign Ministers held a meeting on Thursday and exchanged opinion on bilateral issues.

In the meetings, the Japanese side confirmed Turkey's key role between Asia and Europe and congratulated Turkey for its EU candidacy.

The Turkish side stressed the importance of Asia in its foreign policy, and said they considered Japan as a partner in this policy.

Expressing his gratitude with the aid sent by Japan to quake victims, Cem invited Kono to Turkey.

The joint statement said Turkey and Japan supported the peace process in the Middle East, and the two countries would inform each other on their opinions about developments in the Middle East, Caucasia and Central Asia.

Stressing that the international peace initiative in Kosovo must be supported, the statement mentioned that Turkey and Japan were against every kind of terrorism.

''Turkey and Japan are in favor of an international cooperation against organized cimes, cooperation under the U.N. International Drug Smuggling Control Program's (UNDCP) umbrella, improvement of economic and commercial relations, removal of obstacles like double taxation which restrict trade and joint efforts to increase cultural cooperation and cooperation between universities,'' it stated.

Foreign Minister Cem's visit to Japan will conclude on April 9.

[14] 127 KG OF HEROIN CONFISCATED ON TURKISH-BULGARIAN BORDER

Police who searched a Turkish-registered truck heading from Turkey to Netherlands, found 185 plastic packs of drug.

Two Turkish drivers, identified only as S.K., 29, and M.B., 39, were arrested.

A full investigation into the illicit drug smuggling, is underway.

A total of 392 kg of heroin has been confiscated at the Kapitan Andreevo border gate since the beginning of this year.

[15] PALASZ, POLISH AMBASSADOR TO TURKEY, COMMITS SUICIDE - PRESIDENT DEMIREL SENDS A MESSAGE OF CONDOLENCE TO HIS POLISH PRESIDENT KWASNIEWSKI

In his message, President Demirel said that Palasz had made a considerable contribution to further improvement of relations between Turkey and Poland.

President Demirel implored God's strength upon all who are grieving.

[16] FOREIGN CAPITAL INVESTMENT IN TOURISM

Speaking to the A.A correspondent, Buss said, ''interest in Turkey is gradually increasing. Both political and economic stability have been settled in Turkey. Besides, Turkey gets much closer to Europe. The number of tourists visiting Turkey will increase.''

''Turkey is the third country that German tourists prefer to visit after Spain and Greece. Turkey is the third biggest holiday country for German tourists. There are more advantages in Turkey. The relationship between quality and price is at a good point. There are many people in Turkey who speak German. If you take into consideration all of these, Turkey is advantageous,'' he said.

Buss said they wanted to invest in tourism field in every part of Turkey especially in Antalya.

''We earlier invested in Turkey. We have Aldiana and Paradise resorts in Turkey. Now, we want to set up hotels. We are evaluating some projects. We want to put them into practice if we think it appropriate. Turkey offers all opportunities for investment,'' he stated.

[17] SPORTS - WRESTLING - BEREKET QUALIFIES TO FINAL IN 43RD EUROPEAN FREE STYLE WRESTLING CHAMPIONSHIPS

Bereket beat Guram Mchedlidze of Georgia in the semi-final.

He vie for the gold medal in his final match with his Russian opponent Bouvaissa Saitiev.

In the 63 kg category, Mehmet Yozgat of Turkey was defeated by Sergei Smal of Belarus. Yozgat came on the fourth place after defeated by Serafim Barzakov of Bulgaria.

Arif Kama of Turkey competing in the 58 kg category, beat his Romanian opponent Adrian Stratu, and qualified to the quarter-final. After beating his Bulgarian opponent in the quarter-final, he qualified to final. He will take on Danial Wilde of Germany in his final match.

In the 69 kg category, Ahmet Gulhan of Turkey beat Jens Gundring of Germany, and qualified to quarter-final. He will take on his Polish opponent in his quarter-final match.

In the 85 kg category, Ali Ozen of Turkey was defeated by Tamaz Gegeshidze of Georgia, and eliminated.

Zekeriya Guclu of Turkey, the World Champ in 130 kg, was defeated by David Moussoulbes of Russia, and eliminated.

[18] INDUSTRIAL PRODUCTION INCREASES

The industrial production decreased by 7.1 percent in February and by 8.3 percent in first two months of 1999.

According to the results of ''Monthly Industrial Production Index'' announced by the State Institute of Statistics (DIE), the sectoral production in February 1999 and 2000, and first two months of 2000 is as follows:

February January-February

1999 2000 2000
Sector (percent) (percent)

---------------- ---- ---- ----
Manufacturing -8.1 6.7 5.6

Mining -9.5 6.5 -4.9

Electricity,

Water &amp; Gas 4.2 4.2 3.5

TOTAL -7.1 6.0 4.4

[19] PALASZ, POLISH AMBASSADOR TO TURKEY, COMMITS SUICIDE - MICHASKI, CHARGE D'AFFAIRES OF HUNGARIAN EMBASSY: - ''PALASZ WAS TAKEN TO HOSPITAL WHEN HIS ILLNESS BECAME GRAVE''

Palasz committed suicide by jumping out of the window of his room at the nineth floor of the Bayindir Medical Center early on Saturday.

Addressing journalists in the Bayindir Medical Center, Michaski noted, ''Palasz had made a considerable contribution to further improvement of friendly relations between Turkey and Poland for more than a decade.''

Michaski thanked the Foreign Ministry and Bayindir Medical Center officials for their assistance.

He refrained from responding to questions of journalists.

Meanwhile, dead body of Palasz will be taken to Poland later in the day by a private plane which will be sent by Poland.

Diplomatic sources told the A.A correspondent that intense works and his wife's serious illness might led Palasz to commit suicide.

Palasz had submitted his letter of credentials to President Suleyman Demirel on November 11, 1997.

[20] ISSUE OF SECURITIES REACHES 367 TRILLION TURKISH LIRAS

According to the Capital Market Board (SPK) data, the amount of securities issue in February 1999 had been 28 trillion 729 billion TL.

The issue of nominal-valued securities in February 2000 and 1999 and their difference are as follows:

Feb 2000 Feb 1999 Increase

(Milyar TL) (fold)

---------- ---------- -------
Shares 255.658 26.979 8.5

MKYF-KB* 112.093 1.750 63.0

Total 367.751 28.729 11.8

MKYF-KB*: Securities Investment Fund-Participation Certificate

[21] SIXTH SUMMIT OF TURKISH SPEAKING COUNTRIES STARTS

President Suleyman Demirel, President Haydar Aliyev of Azerbaijan, President Askar Akayev of Kyrgyzstan, Sahat Muradov, the Parliament Speaker of Turkmenistan, and Erkin Halilov, the Parliament Speaker of Uzbekistan, are attending the summit.

President Demirel is expected to make a speech at the summit which will end later today.

At the end of the meetings, the Baku Statement will be issued.

The statement will include friendly relations among Turkish speaking countries, and issues of political stability and energy.

Participants will stage a joint press conference at the end of the summit.

[22] TURKISH-GREEK FRIENDSHIP AND COOPERATION FAIR TO BE OPENED IN ATHENS ON APRIL 20

Releasing a statement, Ladin Fair and Congress Organization Services said on Saturday that the fair which aims at improving econonic and commercial relations between Turkey and Greece, would be organized in the Peace and Friendship Stadium in Athens.

The fair will remain open for four days.

A total of 90 Turkish firms, professional organizations and non- governmental organizations will join the fair where goods of automotive, furniture, electricity and electronics, machinery, construction, food and textile sectors will be displayed.

[23] SIXTH SUMMIT OF TURKISH SPEAKING COUNTRIES - PRESIDENT ALIYEV OF AZERBAIJAN: - ''SUMMIT IS VERY IMPORTANT FOR IMPROVEMENT OF FRIENDLY RELATIONS AND DEVELOPMENT OF REGIONAL COUNTRIES''

Addressing the opening session of the Sixth Summit of Heads of State and Government of Turkish Speaking Countries, President Aliyev expressed his wish for further improvement of cooperation among the Turkish Republics.

Meanwhile, President Nursultan Nazarbayev of Kazakstan said in his part that the joint operation of oil beds would contribute to improvement of economic cooperation among the regional countries.

Nazarbayev eulogized President Suleyman Demirel whose term in office will end in May, and described him as a leading statesman who played a great role in setting up cooperation among the Turkish Republics.

[24] INCIDENTS IN TAKSIM - NUMBER OF DETAINEES INCREASES TO 18

Clashes erupted between supporters of the Leeds United of Britain and Galatasaray prior to UEFA Cup semi-final first leg match.

Kevin Speight and Christopher Laffause were stabbed to death in the clashes.

Police is seaching for two more suspects.

[25] 57 KG HEROIN AND 3 KG OF HASHISH CONFISCATED IN ISTANBUL

Hasan Ozdemir, the Director of Security in Istanbul, said that 17 people were taken into custody in the operations.

Ozdemir added that the market value of the drugs was nearly 2 trillion Turkish Liras.

[26] DEMISE OF POLISH AMBASSADOR TO TURKEY - BAYINDIR HOSPITAL: ''AMBASSADOR PALASZ HAS LOST HIS LIFE DUE TO TRAUMA AFTER JUMPING FROM THE WINDOW''

Bayindir Hospital Medical Services Director Dr. Nuri Ozgirgin and Deputy General Director Metin Atak issued a statement saying that Ambassador Palasz was hospitalized with ''serious weight loss in short time, lack of appetite, depression, extreme fatigue and insomnia'' at 02:30 p.m. on April 7.

It said Ambassador Palasz lost his life due to a trauma in his head after jumping from the window of his hospital room at about 03:00 a.m. on Saturday.

[27] PRESIDENT DEMIREL ADDRESSES SIXTH SUMMIT OF HEADS OF STATE AND GOVERNMENT OF TURKISH SPEAKING COUNTRIES (1)

Noting that Central Asia's process of spreading out would gain a new dimension with the conclusion of Baku-Tbilisi-Ceyhan Oil Pipeline and Trans- Caspian Natural Gas Pipeline, Demirel said he believed a common will against international crimes including religious and ethnic terrorism, which threaten peace and stability, would be displayed at the summit.

Addressing the Sixth Summit of Heads of State and Government of Turkish Speaking Countries in Baku, Azerbaijan, President Demirel said the summit contributed to strengthening of common fate and solidarity of sister countries which share common history and culture and speak common language although with different dialects, and it enabled the Turkish speaking countries to exchange opinion about developments concerning their region and the world.

''The main factor in Turkey's Eurasia policy is the sound solidarity network we set up with the sister Republics as the equal sovereign states. The Turkish Speaking Countries' Summits is a cooperation mechanism which contributes to consolidation of solidarity and brotherhood that was set up among the independent countries of the Turkish world in eight years;'' he said.

President Demirel said the aim of the representatives of independent and sovereign states in the geography from Adriatic to China and from Atlantic to Pacific including Turkey, was to further improve friendship, brotherhood and cooperation.

''Cooperation in belief, thoughts and business without taking into consideration the religion, places and flags of Turks lies under our solidarity. Nobody should concern about these meetings of the representatives of the Turkish world who have always proved their loyalty to ideals of humanity. Because these meetings are held for our solidarity, brotherhood ahd cooperation,'' he said.

President Demirel stated that flags of seven independent Turkish states were raised today at the international platforms.

''Turkey feels glad about the pleasure of its sisters and shares their fate. Turkey does not have any desire and wish except peace and prosperity in the Turkish speaking countries. If Turkey has a bread, it shares it with its sisters,'' he said.

Stressing that Eurasia once again became the most important opportunity for humanity in the 21st century, Demirel said, ''as a result of this, the history has once again put forward a golden opportunity in front of our sister countries. For the first time for centuries, Europe has been purified from ideological clash. Today, democracy, respect to human rights, supremacy of law and free market economy became indispensable values to share. The Europe Project, which is defined as an undivided, democratic, prosperous and peaceful Europe now stands as an ideal in front of us as being a common desire of Eurasian nations. Because, the frontiers of Europe don't end in the eastern Anatolia and reach over to Caspian shores and foot of Altay Mountain. Acceptance of Turkey's European Union (EU) candidacy at the Helsinki Summit was a very important development for peace, stability and prosperity in the geography from the Balkans to Caucasia and from the Middle East to Central Asia.''

''In the early 21st century, Turkey has become a candidate for EU full- membership, 16th biggest economy in the world, a member of Group-20 and a country which has a 80 billion U.S. dollars trade volume and an industry exporting goods to 134 countries. Turkey is a world state which connects Asia to Europe, is situated in the centre of the Eurasia and undertook an important role in settlement of peace, stability and prosperity in the geography from the Balkans to Caucasia and from the Middle East to Central Asia and from the Black Sea to North Mediterranian,'' he said.

''Sister countries are the members of the United Nations, Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe, and NATO's Europe-Atlantic Partnership Council. These countries take part in regional cooperation initiatives like Black Sea Economic Cooperation, Economic Cooperation Organization and Central Asia Economic Organization,'' he said.

''Transportation of Caspian basin oil and natural gas resources to the world markets via Turkey is now not a dream, it is becoming real as a result of developments in last two years. When the Baku-Tbilisi-Ceyhan Oil Pipeline is concluded in 2004 and the Trans-Caspian Natural Gas Pipeline is concluded in 2002, Eurasia's process of spreading out will gain a new dimension, and the Caspian, Mediterranian and Black Sea will welcome each other. These projects made the people living in this geography share their fate,'' he stated.

(To be continued)

[28] PRESIDENT DEMIREL ADDRESSES SIXTH SUMMIT OF HEADS OF STATE AND GOVERNMENT OF TURKISH SPEAKING COUNTRIES (2)

Addressing the Sixth Summit of Heads of State and Government of Turkish Speaking Countries in Azerbaijani capital of Baku, President Demirel said, ''Turkish world has succeeded in protecting its own identity and culture in a geography surrounded by different countries and civilizations for thousands of years. Our common language is the most significant element of solidarity and spiritual unity among the Turkish Republics.''

''The Turkish culture which was an outcome of our joint history and common language, is an epic of common values setting up a bridge from the past to the future. Our culture that reached the Mediterranean and Central Europe, is the most important tie connecting us to each other. As I said on numerous occasions, real homeland of the Turkish world is the great Turkish language. Spiritual and moral values make people a nation. All nations survive with these values. I attribute great importance to academic works in the Turkish language to this end. Our common language is spine of our common civilization,'' Demirel emphasized.

He noted, ''Turkey's main desire is the well-being, peace, prosperity and protection of the Turkish Republics. We have been expending efforts to setting up solidarity bridges among kinsmen by taking steps to contribute to protect our cultural heritage. Our cultural monuments from Ahmet Yesevi Shrine in Central Asia to Gulbaba Shrine in Hungary from Babadag Mosque in Dobruca to Mostar Bridge in Bosnia-Herzegovina are the signs of our values and our understanding of tolerance. The University of Hodja Ahmet Yesevi and the University of Manas will play key roles in realization of a Turkish Renaissance which will contribute to universal civilization in this geography in the 21st century.''

President Demirel said, ''the 21st century will become the scene for great tranformations. First of all, the 21st century is the century of information. In this century, the conscious of world citizenship will further strengthen. New structure of international relations will take its final shape within this framework. Democracy will continue to spread and strengthen, and the world will transfer into universal law from international law. In economic means, borders will mean nothing but lines in maps. Civil society's power and influence will increase. Joint struggle against destruction of environment will strengthen. No countries can deal with problems such as terrorism, drug smuggling, money laundering, racism, aggressive ethnic nationalism, organized crimes on its own. Countries which were excluded from the regional economic groups, will become marginal. Eventually, Eurasia will gain importance in the world's political geography. Asia will unite with Europe. The Turkish world should prepare itself for these changes. We should benefit from opportunities of the economic globalization. We should adapt ourselves to the standards of the new century. Investments in the fields of education, health and technology are extremely important to reach this target.''

Underlining the importance of education of thousands of students coming to Turkey from the Turkish Republics, President Demirel noted, ''these students are the heralds of brilliant future of the Turkish world. They will be bridges connecting our countries to each other.

''As a politician who devoted his 50 years to democracy and to public service, I want to emphasize once again that we should appraise the true significance of independence and sovereignty. Turkey will continue to fully support friendly countries,'' he said.

President Demirel added, ''I believe that our people were determined to maintain their friendly relations and solidarity forever. A brilliant future is awating the Turkish world. The 21st century will be the century of the Turkish world as a result of our collective efforts. Our friendship will serve peace, stability and prosperity in Eurasia and the world.''

(To be continued)

[29] PRESIDENT DEMIREL ADDRESSES SIXTH SUMMIT OF HEADS OF STATE AND GOVERNMENT OF TURKISH SPEAKING COUNTRIES (3)

Addressing the Sixth Summit of Heads of State and Government of Turkish Speaking Countries in Azerbaijani capital of Baku, President Demirel said,

''I attribute great importance to eulogies of President Haydar Aliyev of Azerbaijan, President Askar Akayev of Kyrgyzstan, and President Nursultan Nazarbayev of Kazakhstan. I will always remember these eulogies as the best memories in my life.''

''My term in office as the President of Turkey will come to end 40 days later. I was asked to stay in office. I did not want it. It was necessary to make a constitutional amendment. But the parliament could not make this amendment. I will continue to serve to the Turkish world. Kazakh, Kyrgyz, Uzbek, Turkmen and Azerbaijani people are parts of the same nation. I wish them prosperity and happiness. I will always be with you. I am greeting you with respect,'' Demirel said.

President Demirel received a standing applause.

President Haydar Alivey of Azerbaijan who preside the summit, thanked President Demirel for his meaningful speech.

President Aliyev said, ''we all know you as a great statesman and politician. You have been serving the Republic of Turkey for 50 years.

You have achieved great successes at the international platform. You have made a valuable contribution to improvement of cooperation among the Turkish States. We consider your remarks as a program for future. The Turkish world has a great history. Your remarks enlighten the future. I want to express my gratitude once again. And I want to stress again that you are with us and we are with you.''

(End)

[30] SIXTH SUMMIT OF TURKISH SPEAKING COUNTRIES ENDS

President Haydar Aliyev of Azerbaijan said that the summit had focused on two main issues.

He noted, ''next summit will be held in Istanbul. The issue of establisment of a secretariat which was taken up at the summit in Astana in 1998, was discussed during today's meetings. These two main points were included in the Baku Statement.''

Following President Aliyev's speech, the Baku Statement was issued by the participating heads of state and government of Turkish speaking countries.

A family photograph of participants was taken at the end of the summit.

[31] GERMAN PRESIDENT RAU RECEIVES BUSINESSMEN - JOHANNES RAU: 'TURKEY IS AN INDISPENSABLE MEMBER OF EUROPE''

Managers of German companies making business in Turkey and Turkish businessmen attended a luncheon hosted at the Ciragan Palace in Istanbul by the German-Turkish Chamber of Comerce and Industry (ATTSO) in the honor of guest German President Rau.

Addressing the luncheon, Rau said ATTSO's activities contributed to not only bilateral economic relations but also social and political relations between Turkey and Germany.

Sources said Rau stated that Turkey was a stable country and reached a level leading towards better points.

''Turkey steps on the West while its arms embrace the East,'' he said.

Stressing the importance of Turkey's geographical location, Rau said that Turkey which was influential in an area with 600 million population was an indispensable member of Europe.

Recalling that many German companies invested in Turkey, Rau said that these companies did not regret for investing in Turkey.

Rau noted that a very successful atmosphere could be provided as a result of cooperation between Turkey's young and dynamic population and Germany's high technology.

Recalling that Turkey would join the Expo 2000 Fair in Hannover in June with a great stand, Rau said, ''Turkey is preparing itself to act a bridge connecting Europe with other countries, and I believe that Turkey would succeed in this. The visitors will have the opportunity to get more information about Turkey in the fair.''

Rau stated that the decision taken at Helsinki Summit about Turkey did not depend on a specific period, and that both Turkey and the EU should mutually work to overcome their deficiencies.

Rau said Turkey should finalize its economic and political structuring and the EU should prepare itself to include new countries into its structure.

Johannes Rau said they would continue to support Turkey in its full- membership process.

Stressing that tourism greatly contributed to the rapprochement of countries, Rau said a number of German tourists were planning to spend their holiday in Turkey this year.

Rau said Turkey and Greece lended their helping hands to each other following the devastating quakes, and this led to settlement of more sincere relations.

Noting that the Turkish entrepreneurs achieved great successes in Germany, Rau said that investing in eastern states of Germany was very attractive.

The German President said that Germany was ready to cooperate with Turkey in infrastructural and energy projects, and wanted to bring its high technology into Turkey.

German President Rau added that Turkey and Germany had the good will to continue their friendly relations.

[32] A.A

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