Anadolu Agency: News in English, 00-04-15

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[01] AA News

15 April 2000 Saturday

[02] TURKEY-PRESS SCAN

HURRIYET (LIBERAL)

WE ARE COMING
Turkey reacted to the decision of UEFA before the rematch of Galatasaray and Leeds United that will be held in Leeds, U.K. The paper says the decision is unjust and not appropriate and the administrators of the paper decided to go to Britain to watch the match in spite of the decision.

MILLIYET (LIBERAL)

ARMY MONITORS ELECTION OF PRESIDENT
The General Staff said in a statement regarding the election of the president that ''Turkish Armed Forces (TSK) certainly has an idea about the election of the president. TSK has certain opinions about the person who will be president and the principles that will be followed while doing that. We explain these to many officials.''

SABAH (LIBERAL)

ARMY: ''WE ARE INTERESTED IN PRESIDENTIAL ELECTIONS''
The General Staff denied the news saying that Huseyin Kivrikoglu, the Chief of General Staff, sent a message to Premier Bulent Ecevit in which he said that the army is not interested in the presidential elections. The General Staff said that the Turkish Armed Forces also has some evaluations and ideas about the person who will be elected as President. The General Staff added that these evaluations and ideas are being told the authorities in every opportunity.

CUMHURIYET (LEFT)

OUR DEMONSTRATIONS WILL CONTINUE
The Labour Platform wants May 1 to be celebrated as the Holiday of Workers. Term Spokesman of the Labour Platform Salim Uslu also criticized the privatization programme undertaken in Turkey. He said that the value of GMS tender which was privatized, exceeded the amount of the companies which were privatized till today.

RADIKAL (LEFT)

FOUR SOLDIERS DIE WHEN HAND GRENADE EXPLODES
Four soldiers died as a hand grenade in their hands, exploded. As the military unit which staged against terrorists in Cinar township of southeastern Diyarbakir province was returning to the headquarters, a hand grenade on them, exploded. Four soldiers died in the explosion.

YENİ BİNYIL (LIBERAL)

STATE MINISTER ONAL: ''TURKEY WILL TURN INTO A CONSTRUCTION SITE''
Recep Onal, the State Minister, said that the foreign capital inflow to Turkey will increase in the following term and that Turkey will turn into a construction site soon. Onal said that some of the projects which will be launched soon, are the Istanbul Strait Tube Passage, Izmit Gulf Passage, Istanbul-Izmir Motorway.

TURKIYE (RIGHT)

ELECTIONS IN TRNC
Elections are held in Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) today and eight candidates compete. The chance of TRNC President Rauf Denktas seems higher than others. TRNC people will elect its own president for the fourth time following the declaration of the republic on November 15, 1983.

ZAMAN (CONSERVATIVE)

ISTANBUL FILM FESTIVAL STARTS TODAY
The International Istanbul Film Festival starts today. A total of 180 movies from five continents will be shown in the festival which will continue till April 30.

[03] ELECTION OF PRESIDENT IN TRNC - PEOPLE START CASTING VOTES

The TRNC people started to cast votes as of 08.00 local time and casting votes will end at 18.00 local time. A total of 126,674 electors will cast their votes in 506 ballot boxes.

The first unofficial results are expected to be received after 19.00 local time and the unofficial definite result will probably be clear around 22.00 local time today.

TRNC people who will elect their president for the fourth time following the declaration of TRNC on November 15, 1983, will prefer one candidate among independent candidate Rauf Denktas; National Union Party's (UBP) candidate Dervis Eroglu; Socialist Salvation Party's (TKP) candidate Mustafa Akıncı; Republican Turkish Party's (CTP) candidate Mehmet Ali Talat; Patriotic Union Movement's (YBH) candidate Arif Hasan Tahsin and other independent candidates Sener Levent, Ayhan Kaymak and Turgut Afsaroglu.

If one of the candidates does not get more than 50 percent of votes, a second round will be held between two candidates who will get the highest number of votes on April 22.

The new president, who will govern the TRNC in 2000s, will also participate in the third round of Cyprus negotiations that is foreseen to be held in New York on May 23.

A total of nearly 1700 persons are charged during the election and the sale of alcholic drinks is forbidden in TRNC today. Persons other than security forces are not allowed to carry weapons between 08.00-18.00 local time today.

The second round is excepted to be held. A group of Greek Cypriot journalists, who will proceed to TRNC, will also monitor the election.

-<B>ELECTION OF PRESIDENT IN TRNC</B> - DENKTAS CASTS VOTE

LEFKOSA - Rauf Denktas, the President of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) cast his vote for the election of the new president on Saturday.

Denktas cast his vote together with his wife Aydın Denktas at 10.10 local time.

Speaking to reporters, Denktas said that ''I hope my vote will be the seal of an agreement in Cyprus.''

Denktas said that he hopes the Greek Cypriot side acts with the same feelings, adding ''I hope the unnecessary struggle which continues for 36 years will end. I tell this 'unnecessary' as every reasonable person knows that Turkey won't leave Cyprus to anyone and won't leave Turkish Cypriots alone.''

[05] JUSTICE MINISTER TURK: - ''TURKEY HAS BEEN STRUGGLING AGAINST ILLICIT DRUG TRAFFICKING FOR YEARS''

Speaking in the Tenth Prevention of Crime and Treatment of Criminals Congress organized by the United Nations (U.N), Turk noted that Turkey has taken several measures against money laundering to eradicate the illicit drug trafficking.

Turk stated that this congress is a good opportunity to improve the international cooeperation and to discuss the methods and ways to struggle against crime organizations.

The guiltiness, unlawfulness, corruption, illicit arms and drug trafficking, and harassment of women and children reached very serious dimensions in the world, Turk stressed.

Turk emphasized that the spread of xenophobia and racism should be considered among the negative effects of the globalization process.

''Turkey feels uneasy about this and it is determined to contribute to all the strategies aiming at preventing these international crimes,'' Turk said.

Turk noted that the implementation of the rule of law is the main remedy to overcome the dangers which threaten humanity.

Turkey is on the route named ''Balkan Route'' which is used to transfer a great deal of the heroin to western countries, Turk stated.

Turk said that Turkey is also a transit country in the transfer of chemicals used in the production of cocaine, captagon, ectacy and heroin, from west to east.

''Turkey has been struggling against the illegal drug trafficking in a determined way and by using all its sources. What we learned from this struggle that drug trafficking is one of the most important sources of the illegal earnings and that this is a method used by the terrorist organizations to have a financial source for illegal arms trafficking,'' Turk said.

Turk added, ''Turkey has taken measures against money laundering to eradicate the illicit drug and arms trafficking. In accordance with the Law on Prevention of Money Laundering, a Financial Crimes Investigation Board was formed. The duty of the board is to investigate the reports on suspicious procedures, analyse, evaluate them, investigate the financial crimes, and provide coordination.''

Turk noted that the human smuggling is a ''humanity tragedy'' and that Turkey, which is situated in the intersection point of Asia, the Middle East and Europe, faces problem resulting from human smuggling.

International cooperation is obligatory to struggle against these cross- border crimes and to take efficient national measures, Turk stated.

Turk stressed that to this end, he believes that the fulfilment of the U.N. Convention Against Cross-Border Organized Crimes and the additional protocols will be significant steps in the struggle against all crimes, including terrorism.

Reaching a common understanding and unity in the implementation of the conventions is as important as the discussion stage of these international conventions, Turk added.

[06] ANADOLU AGENCY PRESENTED CGD SPECIAL AWARD

The CGD granted awards to the winners of the ''Journalists' of 1999 Competition'' in the ceremony staged at Bilkent Hotel.

Sukru Sina Gurel and Mustafa Yilmaz, the State Ministers; Altan Oymen, the leader of the Republican People's Party (CHP); Ufuk Uras, the leader of the Free Democracy Party (ODP), Husnu Ondul, the leader of the Human Rights Association (IHD); Mehmet Guler, the President General Director of Anadolu Agency, and some journalists participated in the ceremony.

The CDG granted Anadolu Agency ''CGD Special Award'' for its self- sacrificing efforts following the devastating August 17 quake.

The ''CGD Friendship Award'' went to Greek journalists Sofia Voultepsi and Manolis Mathioodakis for their contributions in the rapprochement of Turkish and Greek nations following the quake disasters. Guler presented the awards to the Greek journalists.

Ali Kilic, a photo journalist of Anadolu Agency, received the Photography Award.

[07] STATE MINISTER ONAL IN U.S. FOR IMF AND WORLD BANK MEETINGS

Central Bank Governor Gazi Ercel and Treasury Undersecretary Selcuk Demiralp will also participate in the contacts of Onal in Washington D.C.

Onal, who will attend the governors commitee and development committee meetings, is also expected to meet with U.S. Secretary of the Treasury Lawrense Summers, World Bank President James Wolfensohn and high ranking IMF officials.

Onal said prior to his departure in Istanbul that he would evaluate the three-month results of the anti-inflationist and restructuring programme implemented by the Turkish government in U.S.

Recep Onal is expected to hold a press briefing about his contacts on Monday.

[08] TPAO PRODUCES 37,731 BARRELS OF OIL A DAY IN GAP REGION

Mete Karancak, the Deputy Director General of TPAO, told A.A correspondent on Saturday that 37,731 barrels of crude oil are produced from 643 wells in 40 regions a day.

Karancak said that 18,451 barrels of this amount are produced from the wells in Adiyaman and 19,280 barrels are produced from wells in Batman.

A total of 19 wells are situated in Adiyaman and 21 wells are situated in Batman, Karancak noted.

Karancak stated that initiatives continue to open new wells and to implement new technics and technologies to increase the crude oil production.

Karancak added that more than 99 percent of the oil produced by TPAO, is met by GAP region.

[09] ELECTION OF PRESIDENT IN TRNC - DENKTAS CASTS VOTE (2)

Denktas cast his vote together with his wife the same day.

Speaking to reporters after casting his vote, Denktas said that Turkey can never give up Cyprus.

''The Turkish-Greek balance set up on Cyprus is the most rational thing. It is not reasonable to disturb this,'' said Denktas and added that 1960 Treaty is a partnership agreement which is violated for 36 years.

''Today it is possible for the two separate states to reach a compromise upon the principle of two equal sovereign peoples,'' said Denktas. He stressed that the issue of European Union (EU) can come to the agenda after a compromise on the island.

''If I become the president due to the result of the first round, we will immediately start the preparations of the third round proximity talks on May 23, New York. My consultant Mumtaz Soysal is in the island and we've already started the preparations,'' said Denktas.

Meanwhile 21 Greek Cypriot journalists proceeded to TRNC to cover the elections in TRNC.

The casting ballots continues in TRNC.

(end)

[10] RUSSIAN CHAMBER ORCHESTRA TO GIVE CONCERT FOR QUAKE SURVIVORS

Prior to this concert, the orchestra gave a concert in the residence of Nabi Sensoy, Turkey's Ambassador to Russia, on Friday.

Marina Rubinstayn played the flute, Murad Adiguzelzade and Elizaveta Levina played the piano and Ilya Rubinstayn played the cello.

The tunes of Chopin, Brahms, Shubert and some other composers were performed in the concert.

The revenues of the concert which will be given in Turkey, will be donated to the quake survivors.

The Vladimir Spivakov International Assistance Fund was formed six years ago.

The fund granted monetary support and humanitarian aid to more than 1,500 children until today.

The fund also grants scholarship to 250 students of school of fine arts.

[11] PARLIAMENT STARTS TO RECEIVE APPLICATIONS FOR PRESIDENTIAL ELECTIONS ON SUNDAY

In accordance with the Constitution, a Turkish citizen who is 40 years old, who has a higher education and who abides by the qualities required for being elected as a deputy, can be nominated as the president.

A candidate out of the parliament, can only be nominated by the motion given by one-fifth of the majority of the deputies which is equivalent to 110 deputies.

The term of receiving applications will end at 12.00 p.m. on April 25, 2000.

Meanwhile, the Parliamentary Advisory Board will convene to schedule the dates by when the rounds of the votes will be held.

In accordance with the Constitution, the round of votes for presidential elections will be staged by at least a three-day interval.

The presidential election process is foreseen to be completed between April 26 and May 15, 2000.

[12] TURKEY WINS ONE GOLD AND ONE SILVER MEDAL IN WORLD TAEKWONDO CUP

Zeynep Murat, in 55 kilos, defeated a Mexican sportsman in the first round, a Philippine in the second round, a German in the third round, a Taiwanese in the semi-finals, and a U.S. in the final.

Thus, she became the gold medalist in her category.

Dondu Guvenc, in 51 kilos, beat her South African, Swedish, Spanish and Mexican rivals in the first three rounds and semi-finals. However, she lost her match with South Korean rival.

Thus, she became the silver medalist.

A total of 16 Turkish sportsmen, including eight men and eight women, participate in the tournament.

The tournament will end on Sunday.

[13] PRIME MINISTER ECEVIT (1): ''OPPOSITION PARTIES SAID THEY ARE READY TO HELP IN PRESIDENTIAL ELECTIONS''

''No name came to the agenda in the meetings,'' said Ecevit, who added that the interest of the Turkish Armed Forces in the election of the president is very natural.

Staing a press briefing in the parliament after meeting with Recai Kutan, the leader of the Virtue Party (FP) and Tansu Ciller, the leader of the True Path Party (DYP), Ecevit said that an important change is observed in Turkish democracy. This is the fact that the government tries to solve important issues by consulting with the opposition.

Although positive results can not always be taken, the development of the dialogue and compromise among parties is useful for Turkey, said Ecevit. Ecevit stressed that the respectability of the parliament in the eyes of people and that of Turkey in the eyes of the world improve.

The best method is to take the views of the opposition parties represented in the parliament while starting the task of electing the president, said Ecevit. The same view was shared during the leaders summit held on Friday, he said and added that ''I told Kutan and Ciller that it will be useful to continue the dialogue with them during the process of presidential elections. The leaders and administrators of the opposition parties said that they considered this method as positive and they are ready to contribute to that. No name was discussed in the meetings. They told me that the names can later be discussed in this dialogue atmosphere. Presidential election is a process. A result can be taken by eliminating the names one by one. The government can only contribute and help in this process, it can't interfere in that. We will do our best about this issue.''

Ecevit said that it is very natural for the Turkish Armed Forces to be interested in the election of the president, adding ''President represents the Chief Commandership of the Turkish Armed Forces on behalf of the parliament under the Constitution. President is at the same time the Chairman of the National Security Council. In that respect President and the Turkish Armed Forces have very special and important relations. While electing the president, these realities should be taken into consideration.''

Ecevit stressed that the election of the president is very important, adding President is the head of the state, he/she represents the unity of the Turkish Republic and Turkish Nation and monitors the meticulous and harmonious working of the state organs.

The Constitution gives very important tasks and functions to the President, said Ecevit and pointed out it is pleasing to see that the government and the opposition act by being conscious of that.

[14] PRIME MINISTER ECEVIT (2): - ''YILMAZ SAID HE DOES NOT HAVE ANY DEMAND FOR RUNNING HIS CANDIDACY FOR PRESIDENCY''

Responding to the questions of the journalists, Ecevit noted that Turkish Armed Forces' (TSK) interest in presidential elections is very natural and that Huseyin Kivrikoglu, the Chief of General Staff, wants to meet with him.

When asked whether or not TSK expressed its ideas about the issues which concern the high interests and future of the country, Ecevit said, ''the TSK has not expressed its ideas to me till now. The Chief of General Staff wants to meet me. I believe that this meeting will be very beneficial because there is a significant relation between the presidential elections and the TSK. To this end, the TSK's interest in the presidential elections is very natural.''

Ecevit also said that this meeting will be held in the most suitable time.

When asked about his impression on whether the president will be elected from the parliament or outside the parliament, Ecevit said, ''we have similar ideas about this issue. Firstly, we think the president should be elected among the members of the parliament. Not only the ruling parties but also the FP and DYP share the similar ideas.''

''If we face a problem, a person out of the parliament can be elected as the president. But, we prefer electing a president from the parliament,'' Ecevit added.

Ecevit noted that the presidential election process will start next week.

When asked whether or not Mesut Yilmaz's name was discussed among the possible candidates, Ecevit said, ''no. We did not discuss the names of any politicians or statesmen.''

When reminded that the members of ANAP want Yilmaz to run his candidacy and asked about his ideas regarding this, Ecevit said, ''I will not discuss these rumours. Yilmaz has assumed a clear attitude from the very beginning. He told me that he does not have such a demand. There are not any problems.''

(The end)

[15] TURKISH WRESTLERS RECORD FOUR VICTORIES AND FOUR DEFEATS IN EUROPEAN WRESTLING CHAMPIONSHIPS

Mehmet Ozal, in 97 kilos, beat Kalo Bela of Hungary by 8-2 in the quarter finals but was defeated by Sergej Lischtwan of Belarus in the semi-finals. Thus, Ozal lost the chance to win gold medal.

Ozal will take on with Petru Sudureac of Romania this evening for bronze medal.

Erkan Dundar, in 58 kilos, beat Petr Svehla of Czech Republic by 3-0. He will challange Armen Nazaryan of Bulgaria in the quarter finals on Sunday.

Serkan Ozden, in 85 kilos, defeated Janos Kismani of Hungary. He will take on with Martin Lidberg of Sweden in the quarter finals on Sunday.

Bunyamin Emik, in 63 kilos, was beaten by Vaghinak Galusyan of Armenia and was eliminated from the championships.

Mahmut Altay, in 69 kilos, loss on fall in his challange with Aleksei Glouckov of Russia and was also eliminated from the championships.

Fatih Bakir, in 130 kilos, was also eliminated from the championships.

[16] IMKB CHAIRMAN BIRSEN: - ''REGIONAL STOCK EXCHANGE IS NOT A CORRECT INITIATIVE WHEN ALL WORLD STOCK EXCHANGES ARE UNITING''

Birsen told A.A correspondent that the IMKB stood in the sixth place among other stock exchanges by benefitting from ten percent of its potential.

Birsen continued, ''as we use 90 percent of our potential in the following years, we can compete with not only developing stock exchanges but also with developed stock exchanges. We should unite and make IMKB a finance center rather than spreading to local stock exchanges.''

''We can try to go public by uniting under the umbrella of a holding. One of the regional conditions of not benefitting from the present capital market, is not owning a broker. Gaziantep does not have a broker although it has many industrial organizations,'' Birsen said.

Birsen added, ''such a broker will be useful to prepare the region to the stock exchange. It will also attract investors. We can record giant leap forwards soon. The capital market in Turkey is young. If you are not in the capital market, then you are a family company. Proffessional administration should be widened in these companies and these companies should change by going public.''

[17] A.A

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