Anadolu Agency: News in English, 00-04-14

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[01] AA News

14 April 2000 Friday

[02] TURKEY-PRESS SCAN

HURRIYET (LIBERAL)

LONDON STOCK EXCHANGE WELCOMES TURKISH BANK
A special signing ceremony for a Turkish company for the first time since 1998 was held at London Stock Exchange, in honour of the Turk Ekonomi Bank (TEB), which had offered 20 percent of its capital to public last February. President of the TEB Group, Yavuz Canevi was presented with a ''Welcome'' plate by Sir John Kemp-Welch, President of the London Stock Exchange.

MILLIYET (LIBERAL)

CILLER'S PLANE CAUSES PANIC
The Airbus - 310 type passenger plane, plated Ceyhan, had to return to Istanbul's Ataturk Airport due to a critical decrease in the cabin pressure and a hitch in the hydraulic systems. On board the plane were Minister of Environment Fevzi Aytekin, True Path Party (DYP) leader Tansu Ciller, and Professor Erdal Inonu. The plane had taken off at 12.45 hours local time on Thursday from Ataturk Airport for Ankara, and had to change its route back to Istanbul when indicators gave warning signals. The plane made a safe landing at Istanbul's Ataturk Airport at 13.38.

DONATION OF ''APOLOGY'' TO LEEDS
The Istanbul Chamber of Trade (ITO) launched a charity campaign for the families of those killed in the violent pre-match incident in Istanbul. ITO is donating 50 thousand U.S dollars each to the families fo the late Leeds fans.

SABAH (LIBERAL)

HOOLIGAN MURDERERS ON TRIAL
Following the violent incident in Taksim on the eve of the Galatasaray- Leeds United Match, 18 persons had been detained and five had been arrested. The trials of these five persons, convicted of murder, have started being heard. In the indictment, it was demanded that the five persons involved in the incident be sentenced each to 30 years in prison.

CUMHURIYET (LEFT)

CHILD LABOUR IS PROBLEM OF WHOLE SOCIETY
Vahdettin Karbay, Chairman of Confederation of Revolutionary Workers' Unions (DISK) said 90 percent of work places in Turkey which employ children are not registered, therefore they are not inspected. Faruk Buyukkucak from the Confederation of the Turkish Labour Unions (Turk-Is (Turk-Is) suggested that labour and employers unions should form control mechanisms among themselves to solve the problem. ''Employing children who are at school age will deprive them from education and make them unqualified workers all their lives,'' Karabay said.

RADIKAL (LEFT)

55-HOUR BROADCAST FOR CHILDREN
NTV, a private television channel is launching a campaign to provide financial aid to ''children'' projects of 10 NGO's, on the 80th anniversary of April 23rd National Sovereignty and Children's Day. Starting as of April 21st, 18.00 hours local time, NTV will call on Turkish people to ''give presents to children'' with a 55 hour broadcast. The donations to be collected within the campaign will be transferred to the accounts of such organisations as the Association of Family Health and Planning, UNICEF, Leukaemic Children's Fund, and many others.

CRITICAL ELECTIONS IN CYPRUS
Presidential elections in the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus are going to be held on Saturday. The voting carries particular significance in that it is challenging the political career of President Rauf Denktas, who has been ruling the country for the past 26 years, carrying out peace talks with the Greek side, and who is to meet with the Greek side once again on May 23rd within the UN brokered proximity talks.

YENİ BİNYIL (LIBERAL)

EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT SAYS BIRDAL SHOULD BE RELEASED
The European Parliament called on Turkey to accelerate her democratisation process and bring momentum to her efforts to better her human rights record. A resolution approved on Thursday by the European Parliament called on Turkey to release Akin Birdal, the former president of the Association of Human Rights, and all the other political prisoners. The resolution also said that article no. 312 of the Turkish Penal Code brought certain limitations to freedom of expression and pointed out to the trials of various political figures on these grounds.

''PEACE OPERATION'' BY THE GREEKS
About 15 thousand Greek tourists are expected in Turkey for the Easter holiday, between April 28th and 30th. The Greek tourists will be observing the Easter in Istanbul. Officials say that the estimated 15 thousand for the number of Greek tourists to visit Turkey might be even higher with further bookings and reservations. The Easter, they say, is sure to contribute to the relations between the two countries.

TURKIYE (RIGHT)

MIGROS COMPETING IN THE WORLD
New General Director of Migros supermarket chain Oktay Irsidar said Migros' turnover reached 1 billion U.S. dollars and it left behind many international companies with its technology and infrastructure. Irsidar told reporters that they are giving service to 180 million customers at 128 Migros, 217 Sok, 11 Ramstore adn 145 Bakkalim supermarkets. ''We were ready for 2000 in 1995. Today, we have the human resource and technology for 2005, '' Irsidar said. He also noted that they were planning to add new stores to Russia, Kazakhstan, and Azerbaijan and also expand their business to Bulgaria, Macedonia, Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan.

ZAMAN (CONSERVATIVE)

CIVIL SERVANTS PROTEST LOW WAGES
Turkey Civil Servants Union (Turkiye Kamu-Sen) held a demonstration in Ankara's Guven Park on Thursday where they protested their low wages. The civil servants said they want the government to pass Civil Servants Union law as quickly as possible and pay back their 19,3 percent loss caused by the inflation. They also asked Labour and Social Security Minister Yasar Okuyan to resign. Kamu-Sen representatives had recently tried to speak to Okuyan but they were not allowed to. Kamu-Sen Chairman Resul Akay said they represented hundred thousands of people and claimed that they are ignored by Okuyan.

[03] TRNC PRESIDENTIAL ELECTIONS - PRESIDENT DENKTAS:''I'LL DO WHAT I'VE BEEN DOING. I'LL DEFEND YOUR RIGHTS. IT IS YOUR CHOICE''

''I will do what I've been doing. I'll defend your rights. It is your choice,'' Denktas said when he adressed to the Turkish Cypriots in Gazimagusa's Namuk Kemal Square on Thursday.

Denktas said he is accused of being intransigent. ''I only want a strong peace. A peace which cannot be torn apart by the Greek Cypriots,'' he added.

The Greek Cypriots want to see Turkish soldiers leave the island and they want to deploy international forces in Cyprus, Denktas went on to say. They also want to remove Turkey's guarantee over TRNC, he said and stressed that all these cannot be acceptable. Denktas said he is accused of being uncompromising because of not yielding to these demands.

About the EU membership of Cyprus, Denktas said they cannot enter the EU as a ''minority''. He said that they have to reach an agreement with the Greek Cypriots before they join the Union with Turkey. ''The EU is a community of clever people. They would pretend they are accepting a divided Cyprus but they would not,'' he said.

Denktas stressed that he wants to serve as a president one more time and said that he would defend the Cyprus issue against the whole world more actively if he is reelected.

During Denktas' speech, people chanted slogans in support of him and carried TRNC and Turkish flags.

Propaganda speeches of president candidates in TNRC ended on Thursday night. Presidential elections will be held on April 15.

[04] ECONOMIC LOSS OF MARMARA EARTHQUAKE REVIEWED AS 1.3 BILLIION U.S DOLLARS

A research carried out by Prime Ministry Crisis Management Center and State Statistics Institute revealed that the production industry in Kocaeli, Sakarya, Yalova and Bolu suffered a physical loss of 604 million U.S. dollars and 713 million U.S. dollars of production loss.

Dursun Ali Sahin, Deputy Coordinator Governor in the disaster area told A.A that the research covered all public institutions in these provinces and 1, 186 businesses which employ ten or more workers.

''Out of the 1,186 workplaces, 749 of them became unusable and production dropped at 1,025 of them. The production loss which is 5,81 percent in Marmara region is reflected as 0,95 percent to Turkey's overall production loss,'' Sahin explained.

Capacity usage in production industry dropped from 87 percent to 51 percent causing a loss of 1 billion 314 million U.S. dollars, Sahin noted.

He also said that export and import companies suffered a serious economic loss after the quake and had to drop their export and import rates significantly.

[05] DPT ASSESSES ECONOMY: ''TURKISH LIRA GAINS VALUE BY 5 PERCENT IN JANUARY-MARCH PERIOD''

According to an assessment report by the DPT, the prospects set by the economic reform program, and the targets pertaining to legal adjustments as delineated in the letter of intent addressed to the IMF have been translated into life in the first quarter of the year.

The Central Bank of Turkey succeeded to achieve a monthly increase by 2,5 percent in the foreign exchange basket, which brought a cumulative gain of value by 5 percent to the Turkish Lira.

According to the report, the price increase pace of private production industries slowed down considerably in February and March, an indication that the private sector is well-adapted with the government's economic reform program.

The regression in the prices of agricultural products, which started in March with the inset of the spring, is expected to continue into the summer; and crude oil prices started regressing in March with the OPEC resolution to increase crude oil production.

The increase rate of The Consumer Price Index (TUFE) continued to slow down in March, and retained last year's level in food-beverage-tobacco and products' prices. A limited increase was observed in the clothing sector, but other sub-divisions followed a decreasing trend.

The price increase rate of the housing sector decreased considerably, as compared to the same period of the previous year.

The non-interest surplus for the first 2 months of 2000 was 1 quadrillion 828 trillion Turkish Liras.

March value for cash income, according to provisional data, was 1 quadrillion 824 trillion Turkish Liras; whereas non-interest expenses totalled to 1 quadrillion 645 trillion Turkish Liras in March, and non- interest surplus was 178 trillion Turkish Liras.

The decrease in the total domestic demand, the report said, was due o the decrease in the consumption expenses of the private sector, and the fixed investments.

According to the data given by the Union of Exporters, Turkey's exports increased by 2,6 percent in the January-March period.

[06] TURKISH SPECTATORS NOT TO BE ALLOWED TO WATCH GALATASARAY-LEEDS UNITED MATCH

According to UEFA's decision, Galatasaray Club will return the 1,750 tickets which were earlier sent to them. Only 80 VIP ticket holders will be allowed to watch the match.

To back up its decision, UEFA said the British police did not guarantee protection for Turkish spectators. The British police stated that they would do their best to provide security for the Galatasaray players, UEFA said in its letter.

[07] OFFICIAL CEREMONY HELD FOR POLISH PRESIDENT KWASNIEWSKI

Demirel spoke at the official ceremony held for the Polish President Alexander Kwasniewski who is visiting Ankara.

In the beginning of his speech, Demirel expressed gratitude for financial and moral support of Polish people following the earthquake disaster in Turkey.

Demirel expressed grief over the ''untimely demise'' of the late Polish Ambassador Miroslaw Palasz and conveyed his condolences on behalf of the Turkish nation.

Turkey and Poland have 600 years of deeply rooted friendly relations, Demirel said. '' We are cooperating to create an undivided, democratic, prosperous and peaceful Europe,'' he added.

During Kwasniewski's visit, Demirel said, they will exchange opinion over economic, commercial, and international relations as well as regional problems.

Turkey and Poland share common ideals such as democracy, supremacy of law and human rights and their membership to European Atlantic and western European organizations bring them even closer, Demirel noted. The fact that Poland is expected to join the European Union soon makes relations between the two countries even more special, he said.

Kwasniewski also noted that Turkey and Poland enjoyed good relations for six centuries not only in the political field but also in economy and other areas. He said throughout the history, Turkey has been a good friend of Poland.

In recent years, Turkish-Polish relations developed noticeably, Kwasniewski said and noted that a border trade agreement was recently signed between the two countries.

During his meetings, he said, besides Turkish-Polish relations, they will also discuss security in Europe and in the world. The two countries, with their wide experiences, are playing an important role both in their regions and in Europe, he asserted.

Both Turkey and Poland defend democracy and human rights in Europe, Kwasniewski said and thanked for the hospitality he was shown.

Parliament Speaker Yildirim Akbulut, Foreign Minister Ismail Cem and Polish Foreign Minister Bronislav Geremek were also present at the ceremony. A minute of silence was observed at the beginning of the ceremony for the late Polish Ambassador Miroslav Palasz who recently lost his life.

Following the meeting, Demirel and Kwasniewski had a meeting. They are expected to make a press statement following their talks.

[08] UEFA'S DECISION - GALATASARAY CLUB BOARD MEMBER GURCAN: ''IT IS A VERY BIASED DECISION''

Galatasaray Club Board Member Celal Gurcan said that UEFA's decision was very biased.

Stressing that the decision contradicted with the spirit of footbal and UEFA's principles, Gurcan said, ''a similar issue came onto the agenda before our Champions League match with Italy's Juventus last year. We extended state guarantee that was requested by the UEFA, and the issue was solved. However, the Leeds police states that it can't protect 1,860 Turkish fans. So we have concerns about our players' lives.''

Emphasizing that they had concerns due to the the Elland Road Stadium's situation, Gurcan said they would express their concerns to the UEFA.

Celal Gurcan added that the Galatasaray Club Board would make a statement later in the day.

[09] OFFICIAL CEREMONY STAGED FOR POLISH PRESIDENT

Addressing the official welcoming ceremony staged for Aleksander Kwasniewski, Polish President, Demirel said he was very pleased to host Polish President and the accompanying delegation.

Demirel expressed Turkey's gratefulness for the sensitivity of Polish people and for their financial and moral aid extended to Turkey following massive earthquakes.

Demirel once again expressed his condolences for the death of Miroslaw Palasz, Polish Ambassador to Turkey. Demirel said Plasz was an experienced diplomat and a real friend of Turkey.

Demirel said during the visit of Polish President, they would exchange views on economic and trade relations, and on regional issues as well as international ones.

Kwasniewski in his part thanked for the support Turkey extended for Poland's NATO membership, and noted that cooperation between the two countries further improved in the recent years.

Kwasniewski said they will not only discuss relations between Turkey and Poland, but also security in Europe and in the world. Polish President said Turkey and Poland played important roles in their own regions and in Europe with their experiences.

Demirel and Kwasniewski will issue a joint news conference after interdelegational talks, which will be headed by the presidents.

[10] EXTRADITION OF FEHRIYE ERDAL - LAST COURT SESSION TO TAKE PLACE ON MAY 11

Turkey had officially requested extradition of Fehriye Erdal last November, and Bruges and Gent courts of Belgium found Turkey's request as legal and right.

Lawyers of the suspect had applied to Supreme Court on April 4, and opposed to the decision of the court. However, Supreme Court had disclosed that it found Turkey's request as legal and right.

Johan Delmulle, Gent Royal Chief Prosecutor, said Gent Court will hold an open session hearing on May 11, and will listen to the views of Erdal and her lawyers regarding Turkey's request. Chief Prosecutor Delmulle said the court may disclose its decision the same day, or delay it 15 days.

Views of judicial authorities regarding the extradition will be announced to Marc Wervilghen, Justice Minister, with a secret report following this last session of Gent Court.

Delmulle said Justice Minister will take the final decision, and noted that Wervilghen is not in a position to consider the judicial views. He said the decision will be taken in government level because of the importance and sensitivity of the issue.

Delmulle said release of Erdal will be out of question till Justice Minister discloses his decision, and added that in case Turkey's request for extradition is rejected, Erdal will be released to be tried without detention.

Meanwhile illegal DHKP-C on Friday issued a five-page statement including threats against Belgium and Dutch security units and Belgian Royal Chief Prosecutor Delmulle.

Terrorists accused Belgium and the Netherlands of ''inciting'' , and blamed Delmulle of making cooperation with Turkish press.

The statement wanted Erdal not to be extradited to Turkey, and it also wanted Erdal to be released. The statement also included indirect threats.

[11] STATE MINISTER UNLU REACTS TO UEFA DECISION: - ''THIS DECISION VIOLATES HUMAN RIGHTS''

Staging a press conference, Fikret Unlu evaluated UEFA's decision to ban Turkish spectators from entering the Elland Road Stadium to watch the UEFA Cup semi-final second leg on April 20 between Galatasaray and Leeds United.

''In spite of a ban on Turkish spectators, we expected the UEFA to hold the rematch in a neutral venue or at another stadium in Britain,'' he said.

''As the parliamentarians and ministers, we will go to Leeds to watch this match. Besides, the Turkish people living in Europe will come to the Elland Road. How will they prevent us from entering the stadium? Such a decision violates human rights. Despite everything, I believe Galatasaray will beat Leeds again. An English proverb says 'honesty is the best policy'. I believe this is still valid. They will be shocked,'' he said.

Stressing that the Turkish people reacted against unfairness and injustice, Unlu said, ''as the Turkish people, we can't stand unfairness and injustice. I believe Galatasaray will win the match although there will be very few Turkish spectators.''

Critisizing Britain's decision to prepare itself to host the 2006 World Cup, Unlu said, ''how can a country which can't guarantee the safety of spectators be a candidate to host 2006 World Cup? The 2006 World Cup can't be held with these fanatic soccer fan gangs. The UEFA took this decision as the British government stated that it can't guarantee the safety of Galatasaray supporters.''

Meanwhile, the Association of Turkish Sports Journalists (TSYD) convened to evaluate UEFA's decision.

TSYD Chairman Atilla Gokce said they reviewed UEFA's decision and understood that neither UEFA nor Britain extended guarantee for the safety of Turkish journalists.

Gökce said they will make a statement later regarding the UEFA decision.

[12] FOREIGN MINISTER CEM: ''I THINK UEFA'S DECISION IS UNJUST AND WRONG''

Speaking about the decision of UEFA, Cem said, ''we will do our best for the security of our citizens. This afternoon, we will talk with British officials who are in Turkey.''

[13] UEFA'S DECISION FOR REMATCH BETWEEN GALATASARAY AND LEEDS

The decision of UEFA is as follows:

''- The match will go ahead as originally scheduled. It will be played at Elland Road Stadium, Leeds on April 20, kick-off at 20.00 hours (local time).

- The 1,750 purchase tickets allocated by Leeds United AFC to Galatasaray Club are declared invalid and Galatasaray Club are instructed to deliver them to UEFA Headquarters in Nyon immediately. These tickets will be retained UEFA and the area(s) of the stadium to which they relate will remain empty.

- The 80 complimentary tickets allocated by Leeds United AFC to Galatasaray Club may be distributed by Galatasaray Club to persons who, in the opinion of the club, will comport themselves at the match ih a dignified and restrained manner. These persons together with the directors, players and staff of Galatasaray Club, and representatives of the Turkish media, will be regarded as Galatasaray Club's ''official party''.

- Leeds United AFC will be instructed to ensure that the local police authorities do everything possible to guarantee the safety of Galatasaray Club official party from the moment of their arrival in England until their departure.

- Leeds United AFC will be instructed to ensure that the local police, security and stewarding authorities screen supporters seeking to enter the stadium in order to prevent, as far as possible, that any ''independent'' Turkish supporters are admitted to areas occupied by Leeds United AFC supporters.

- Any such persons who are in possession of a valid admission ticket and who are able to satisfy the authorities mentioned that they are genuine supporters of Galatasaray Club will be escorted to the empty area.

- Care will require to be taken to ensure that no persons purporting to be Turkish are admitted to this area, and that no persons or groups of persons who may well be Turkish but whose purpose is to cause political disruption are admitted to this or any other area of the stadium.

- If Turkish supporters are admitted to this area, they must be guaranteed police protection during the time that they are in the stadium and during their departure. If despite all of these efforts, Galatasaray Club supporters find their way into Leeds United AFC areas of the stadium, they must be escorted from these places and removed to the segregated area.

- The referees will control the game in accordance with the Laws of the Game and within that framework the UEFA Delegate at the match will be instructed to warn both clubs that their players, substitutes, technical staff and officials must comport themselves in a disciplined and seemly fashion and must not indulge in any inflammatory behaviour which could worsen an already highly charged situation.

- Subject to the wishes of Leeds United AFC and with the approval of the competent security authorities both teams and referees shall wear black armbands during the match and the match shall be preceded by a short period of silence (to be controlled by the referee.

- This decision is final.''

[14] TURKISH-CHINESE JEC MEETINGS TO TAKE PLACE IN ANKARA BETWEEN APRIL 16 AND 19

A written statement issued by Foreign Trade Undersecretariat (DTM) said the JEC meetings will take place within the scope of scheduled visit of Ziang Zemin, Chinese Head of State, to Turkey on April 18 and 21.

The statement said Abdulhaluk Mehmet Cay, Minister of State, will head Turkish delegation, and Wu Yi, Deputy Prime Minister, will lead Chinese delegation in the meetings.

Trade and economic relations between the two countries will be reviewed, and the sides will discuss arrangements that will futher improve bilateral trade.

One of the most important problem between the two countries is that bilateral trade always develops against Turkey. Turkish-Chinese trade, in the last two years, gave more than 800 million U.S. dollars deficit against Turkey.

The biggest obstacle which prevented Turkey's exportation to China is the high customs taxes. The customs taxes are very important as China is not a member of the World Trade Organization (WTO).

The sides will discuss ways to determine new cooperation facilities in small and medium scale enterprises, banking, joint ventures, hydroelectric power plants, agriculture, construction, science and technology, health, and tourism.

A memorandum of understanding, including the talks, is expected to be signed at the end of the meetings.

According to DTM data, four-year course of Turkish-Chinese foreign trade is as follows:

YEARS EXPORTATION IMPORTATION BALANCE
------- ---------- -------- --------
1996 65.115 556.492 -491.377
1997 44.375 787.457 -743.082
1998 38.043 846.191 -808.148
1999 36.649 894.846 -858.197
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[15] UEFA'S DECISION ON REMATCH BETWEEN GALATASARAY AND LEEDS - STATE MINISTER UNLU: ''IT WAS UNDERSTOOD THAT OTHER COUNTRIES HAD NOT ACCEPTED TO HOST THE REMATCH AS THEY WERE AFRAID OF FANATIC SOCCER FANS''

Fikret Unlu said they understood that the initiatives for holding the rematch at a neutral field failed as the other countries were afraid of ''fanatic soccer fans''.

''British fans are now victorious as a result of today's UEFA decision. How can a country which can't guarantee safety of supporters, protect the players in such a stadium? The British government became helpless. Any country does not want to host the rematch as they are scared of fanatic soccer fans. Despite this, we wanted to go to match by accepting to play the rematch in Britain,'' he said.

Stressing that the decision was risky for Britain for the organizations in future, Fikret Unlu said, ''you will see that they will avoid to face such a risk. If they have weakness in guaranteeing the safety, they can change even the stadium.''

[16] LEADERS' SUMMIT ENDS - YILMAZ, LEADER OF ANAP: ''GOVERNMENT PARTNERS ARE IN CONSENSUS REGARDING THE METHOD THAT WILL BE COVERED IN PRESIDENTIAL ELECTIONS''

Mesut Yilmaz, leader of the Motherland Party (ANAP), who made a short statement following the meeting, said, ''as the coalition partners we have discussed the method that will be covered in presidential elections. We are in full consensus. Prime Minister Bulent Ecevit will make a statement.''

When asked if he will be a nominee, Yilmaz said, ''you know, I have disclosed my personal views regarding the issue to the public. There is no change.''

Responding to a question how they managed to provide a compromise in such a short time, Yilmaz said, ''we are in full consensus. We believe that harmonization of the government is the most important aspect which provides stability in Turkey now. We are resolved to maintain this harmonization.''

[17] PROSECUTOR INDICTS 18 PEOPLE IN KILLING OF TWO BRITISH SOCCER FANS

The indictment said almost 50-60 British group which was composed of fanatic soccer fans called ''hooligans'' who came to Istanbul to watch the match between Galatasaray and Leeds United clashed with Turkish people at about 09:00 p.m. on April 5, 2000 in Taksim Square.

The indictment said Christopher John Loftus and Kevin Speight, two British socer fans, were stabbed to death during the street fight, and six other British soccer fans Gerrard Headey, Poul Jefferies, Mark Colins, David Elin, Steven White and Paul Mundy were injured.

The indictment stressed that Leeds supporters harrassed Turkish citizens and smashed windows of shops and cars and at least one of them wiped his private body parts with the Turkish flag.

It said four of the eighteen suspects Ali Umit Demir, Ozkan Balci, Suleyman Aydin and Suleyman Gokhan Guven attacked on British soccer fans with knives, and killed two British soccer fans.

The indictment said suspects Ali Umit Demir, Ozkan Balci, Suleyman Aydin and Suleyman Gokhan Guven committed twice the crime of ''unknown but intentionally murder of a person'' during the incidents in Taksim.

The indictment requested punishment of those four suspects with imprisonment terms from nine years up to 15 years.

The indictment requested punishment of Kazim Dalga, Hasan Altun, Murat Yahsi and Ibrahim Emrah Kaygisiz, four other suspects, with imprisonment terms from 1.5 years up to 3 years and nine months with charges of involvement in those street clashes.

In accordance with the indictment, Savas Altay, Ugur Yevsukof, Gokhan Oba and Burak Savucu, other four suspects, will face imprisonment terms up to 4.5 months for taking part in the attacks.

The indictment requested imprisonment of Sinan Cem I., Umut O., Muhammet E., Serkan G. and Hamit A., five other suspects, for maximum three months as their ages ranged between 15 and 18.

Cetin Demirkiran, another suspect, will face between two to four years in prison for hiding a knife used in the attacks.

The trial will start at the Beyoglu High Criminal Court in coming days.

[18] LEADERS' SUMMIT ENDS (2) - PRIME MINISTER ECEVIT: ''WE ARE IN FULL CONSENSUS''

Speaking to reporters following the leaders' summit Ecevit said he had a very benefical meeting with Devlet Bahceli, Deputy Prime Minister and leader of the Nationalist Movement Party (MHP), and Mesut Yilmaz, leader of the Motherland Party (ANAP).

''We have exchanged views regarding the method that will be covered in presidential elections. We are in full consensus,'' Ecevit said, adding that, ''within this framework, we have reached a consensus that it will be beneficial to take the views of the leaders of opposition parties that are represented in the Parliament.''

Ecevit said, ''the calendar is not definite yet, but we will be in an effort to hold these meetings tomorrow.''

Responding to a question if the president candidate would be from the parliament or from outside the parliament, Ecevit said, ''we have not discussed it. We have not focused on the nominees even indirectly. In fact, we have to talk with the leaders of opposition parties before. It will not be right to deal with concrete issues before this.''

When asked what kind of a framework was drawn regarding the president candidate, Ecevit said, ''As I said before, it would be convenient to meet with the leaders of opposition parties. Thus, we hope to hold presidential elections in a compromise atmosphere.''

Responding to another question, Ecevit said he will once again meet with the leaders of coalition partners, following his meetings with the leaders of opposition parties. Ecevit said he will not submit any proposal to the leaders of opposition parties, and that they will listen to their views.

[19] POLISH PRESIDENT IN ANKARA - PRESIDENT DEMIREL: ''THERE IS GOOD WILL AND POLITICAL DETERMINATION FOR MORE COOPERATION''

Demirel and Aleksander Kwasniewski, Polish President, spoke to press following Turkish-Polish interdelegational talks.

Pointing out that both his tete-a-tete meeting with Kwasniewski, and the interdelegational talks took place in a positive atmosphere, Demirel said bilateral relations as well as regional and international relations were discussed in a comprehensively.

Demirel said improvement of bilateral relations will be speeded up with the visit of Kwasniewski. Demirel said NATO member Turkey was a candidate of the European Union (EU), adding they they exchanged views to this end.

Demirel said all infrastructure, required for trade and economic developments between the two countries, were concluded, and noted that Free Trade Agreement will take effect as of May 1, 2000.

Demirel said there were currently 700 investors in Turkey, and added that Polish companies acted in the field of energy in Turkey.

Kwasniewski, Polish President, in his part said there was a 600 year old history between Turkey and his country, and noted that bilateral relations should be improved.

Polish President said they appreciated the support extended by Turkey in their entrance to NATO.

Kwasniewski said Turkey and Poland, who work together within the NATO for the security of the region and Europe, wanted to be a member of the EU, and noted that exchanging information would be beneficial.

Polish President said Turkey and Poland have important roles in their regions, adding that these two countries should do their best to spread messages of peace, security and mutual understanding to the world.

Kwasniewski said they wanted President Suleyman Demirel to visit Poland with a crowded delegation.

[20] PRIME MINISTER ECEVIT TO MEET WITH KUTAN AND CILLER ON SATURDAY

Husamettin Ozkan, Deputy Prime Minister, who responded to the questions of reporters, said Ecevit will meet with Kutan and Ciller separately on Saturday afternoon.

Responding to another question, Ozkan said Ecevit will listen to the views of the leaders of opposition parties.

Ecevit will meet with Kutan at 13:30 local time, and with Ciller at 14:00 local time.

[21] WALKER, THE U.S. ASSISTANT SECRETARY OF STATE, IN ANKARA

Speaking to reporters following his meeting with Foreign Ministry officials, Walker said they had one of the annual meetings regarding the Middle East, and noted that the U.S. and Turkey have mutual interests in the region, and that he was satisfied with the meetings.

Responding to a question, Walker said the policy of his country on Iraq has not changed, and noted that they wanted a united Iraq. Walker also said they discussed humanitarian issues.

Pointing out that they particularly discussed the effects of the embargo on civilian Iraqi people, Walker said they mentioned the importance of the continiuation of the embargo which directly effects Saddam Hussein. He said, they have similar views with Turkey in this respect.

Responding a question, Walker said they discussed water issue with Turkish officials, and noted that this will be discussed again.

[22] A.A

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