Anadolu Agency: News in English, 00-04-23

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[01] AA News

23 April 2000 Sunday

[02] TURKEY-PRESS SCAN

HURRIYET (LIBERAL)

THY AIRPLANE SKIDS OFF RUNWAY AT SIIRT AIRPORT
RJ-100 plane of the Turkish Airlines (THY) carrying 46 passengers skidded off the runway while landing in heavy rain in the southeastern province of Siirt. Five passengers and two crew members were slightly injured in the accident. The injured including the pilot, were taken to the Siirt State Hospital for medical treatment. The plane, en route from Ankara, skidded off the runway because of the rain, then came to a stop in an empty field. The remaining passengers and other three crew members were evacuated from the plane safely.

HAND GRENADE EXPLODES, KILLING ONE PERSON
A hand grenade went off in a house belonged to Gunduz Ayan who had served as sergeant, in Gebze township of Kocaeli province. One person was killed in the explosion while two others were injured. They were taken to Gebze State Hospital for medical treatment.

MILLIYET (LIBERAL)

SABAH (LIBERAL)

FOGG: ''ADJUSTMENT PROCESS IS A LONG AND DIFFICULT ONE''
Karen Fogg, the Eupean Union Commission's Representative to Turkey, said that national reconciliation was necessary to carry out reforms regarded with the Turkey's candidacy to the EU. Stressing that the adjustment process was a long and difficult process, Fogg noted that the developments regarding Turkey's EU candidacy would become clear in the year 2001.

CUMHURIYET (LEFT)

MEASURES AGAINST NATURAL DISASTERS
Representatives from 41 countries will convene at the Middle East Technical University (METU) on April 26 to discuss measures to be taken with the aim of decreasing number of casualties in natural disasters. Representatives will expend efforts to form a ''Global Disaster Information Network (GDIN)'.

RADIKAL (LEFT)

PAPANDREOU VISITS TURKISH-GREEK JOINT FAIR
George Papandreou visited the Turkish Exports Fair in the Greek capital of Athens. A total of 90 Turkish firms are displaying their goods in the fair. Addressing journalists, Papandreou stressed that the fair was organized as a result of recent rapproachement between Turkey and Greece.

YENI BINYIL (LIBERAL)

ERSUMER SAYS NUCLEAR TENDER NOT CANCELLED, ONLY POSTPONED
Energy Minister, Cumhur Ersumer is upset about the three month postponement of the nuclear power plant tender. The tender was put off five times before. Ersumer asked Treasury Undersecretariat to make an explanation over the matter. Ersumer said BOTAS General Director Hayrettin Uzun was a ''professional liar'' who claimed that there was bribery involved in the tender. Ersumer stressed that the tender was not cancelled but it was only postponed due to financial difficulties. In the meantime, the IMF and World Bank supported the Treasury's decision to postpone the tender.

TURKIYE (RIGHT)

''LET'S PULL DOWN INFLATION TOGETHER''
Some companies decided not to increase the prices of some products until the end of this year in an effort to pull down the inflation. Metro AG., one of the world's leading retailers announced that it will not change the prices of 32 different products until the end of 2000. These products include detergents and Coca Cola. Mustafa Kalkandelen, Purchasing Director of Metro AG. said big companies like Metro can contribute to the efforts to decrease the inflation by keeping their prices unchanged. Experts said that it is easier to stop price increases in summer months and they added that there might be minus inflation for two months this summer.

ZAMAN (CONSERVATIVE)

[03] A TOTAL OF EIGHT EARTHQUAKES OCCUR

The magnitudes and epicenters of the earthquakes are as follows:

.Date Hour Magnitude Epicenter

--------- ---------- --------- --------------
April 22 09:05 a.m. 2.8 Bandirma-Balikesir

April 22 02:34 p.m. 2.5 Adapazari-Sakarya

April 22 08:05 p.m. 3.3 Buldan-Denizli

April 22 08:15 p.m. 2.8 Akyazi-Adapazari

April 22 09:09 p.m. 3.0 Sindirgi-Balękesir

April 22 09:11 p.m. 3.1 Sindirgi-Balękesir

April 22 11:35 p.m. 2.9 Bolu

April 23 01:16 a.m. 2.9 Orhaneli-Bursa

[04] CTP APPLIES TO YSK FOR CANCELLATION OF ELECTIONS IN TRNC

In the petition, CTP said Rauf Denktas was not elected as the president by the majority's votes. It was also claimed that Denktas distributed money to voters and used the state's sources during his campaign.

YSK Secretary General Resat Sarp said that he will give the petition to YSK Chairman but he did not say when it will be discussed.

CTP Secretary General Ferdi Sabit Soyer who presented the petition to YSK said a candidate must get 51 percent of the votes in order to be elected as the president, according to the Constitution.

''If we are a state we must hold the elections with our free will, away from all interferences,'' he said.

''We want to open the legality of elections to discussion of people,'' he said.

Following the elections in the TRNC on April 15, 2000, independent candidate Rauf Denktas and Prime Minister Dervis Eroglu from National Unity Party (UBP) got the highest number of votes. A second round of elections was scheduled for April 22.

After Eroglu withdrew from the elections, YSK declared Denktas as the president according to Article 63 of 1976 Election Law and cancelled the second round.

[05] FOREIGN MINISTER CEM IN ALGERIA - ALGERIAN PRESIDENT BOUTEFLIKA AND PRIME MINISTER BENBITOUR RECEIVES CEM

Releasing a statement, the Foreign Ministry noted that Cem conveyed

President Suleyman Demirel's message to his Algerian counterpart Bouteflika. In his message, President Demirel invited President Bouteflika to Turkey. President Bouteflika accepted President Demirel's invitation.

Political, economic, commercial and cultural relations between Turkey and Algeria together with several regional and international issues were taken up at the meeting.

Following the meeting, Cem was received by Algerian Prime Minister Ahmed Benbitour.

At the meeting, Cem conveyed Prime Minister Bulent Ecevit's message to his Algerian counterpart Benbitour.

In his message, Prime Minister Ecevit stressed that the Turkish government aimed at further improving relations with Algeria in every field.

Recalling that Algeria had launched initiatives to privatize its economy, Prime Minister Benbitour said that they wanted to make use of Turkey's experiences in the privatization.

Expressing his satisfaction over announcement of Turkey's candidacy to the European Union (EU), Prime Minister Benbitour stressed that the EU could not finalize its enlargement and development process without Turkey.

Meanwhile, Cem emphasized that Turkey was ready to contribute to

Algeria's economic development.

Cem also came together with Beshir Bumaza, the Speaker of Algerian Senate.

The meeting focused on improvement of inter-parliamentary relations between Turkey and Algeria. The latest developments in Europe, Middle East and Meditterranean were also taken up at the meeting.

[06] PRESIDENTIAL ELECTIONS - DYP LEADER CILLER SAYS ECEVIT DID NOT PROPOSE TO HER ANY NAMES FOR CANDIDATE

''Because the partners did not reach an agreement among themselves, they did not propose a single name to us,'' Ciller told reporters.

When asked if DYP has suggested a candidate to Prime Minister Bulent Ecevit, Ciller said their opinions will be shaped according to the developments on Monday. ''We will be supportive, compromising, and realistic. We will support a candidate who will have the support of the majority of the Parliament,'' she added.

''Under the light of the developments, DYP can propose a candidate. We will discuss this at our related units in the coming days,'' she went on to say.

When asked if DYP would support the candidacy of Prof. Mehmet Haberal, one of the people whose name has been pronounced, Ciller said Haberal was a deputy candidate from her party but added that there was no certainity over his name.

''I don't find it right to pronounce any names at this phase,'' she noted.

When a reporter asked Ciller if it wasn't late to agree on a president candidate, she said she agreed with that. However, Ciller said, this matter should not be hurried and the candidate must have the support of majority of the Parliament.

Since it was agreed that no political party leaders would be a candidate, Ciller said this situation eliminated Yilmaz's candidacy. ''However, this is a matter which concerns him and this question should be asked him,'' she said.

[07] AUSTRALIAN PRIME MINISTER HOWARD PROCEEDS TO ANKARA

Suayip Usenmez, the State Minister, welcomed Prime Minister Howard at the Esenboga Airport in Ankara.

Prime Minister Howard will be received by President Suleyman Demirel later in the day.

He is also scheduled to meet with Prime Minister Bulent Ecevit.

[08] MHP LEADER BAHCELI PROPOSES CAKMAKOGLU AND PROF. TURAN AS PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATES

''There are some candidates whose names are pronounced and we exchanged opinions over these names. But there is no leaning over any single name. The parties will make an assessment within their own administrations until Monday and then things will be clear,'' Bahceli said.

[09] PRIME MINISTER ECEVIT PROPOSES FOUR NAMES FOR PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDACY

Prime Minister Bulent Ecevit briefed Kutan on the agenda of the leaders summit.

He said that four names including Ismail Cem, the Foreign Minister, Sabahattin Cakmakoglu, the National Defense Minister, Prof. Dr. Mehmet Haberal, the Rector of University of Baskent, and Prof. Dr. Kamil Turan, the Dean of University of Gazi Faculty of Law, were proposed at the leaders summit.

Bulent Arinc, the Acting Chairman of FP Group, recalled that different names including Husamettin Ozkan, the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of State, were pronounced in public.

Prime Minister Ecevit said, ''Ozkan has undertaken an important mission in the government.''

Meanwhile, Recai Kutan said in part that they would evaluate these names and convey their opinions to Prime Minister Ecevit on Monday.

[10] KOREAN PAINTING AND HANDICRAFTS EXHIBITION OPENS IN ANKARA

Paintings made on silk using local techniques, ceramics and ''manyonhuas'' which are made by sea shells are exhibited at Fisek Institute's Working Children Science and Action Center.

Kim Yong Bom from the Korea-Turkey Friendship Association said their exhibition aims to strengthen the friendship between Turkey anb Korea which are ''geographically kilometers apart but whose hearts are very close to each other.''

[11] TURKEY CELEBRATES NATIONAL SOVEREIGNTY AND CHILDREN'S DAY - A DELEGATION HEADED BY PARLIAMENT SPEAKER AKBULUT, VISITS MAUSOLEUM OF ATATURK

Prime Minister Bulent Ecevit; Recai Kutan, the leader of the Virtue Party (FP); Devlet Bahceli, the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of State; Husamettin Ozkan, the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of State;

Cumhur Ersumer, the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Energy and Natural Resources; members of the Council of Ministers, Mesut Yilmaz, the leader of the Motherland Party (ANAP); Tansu Ciller, the leader of the True Path Party (DYP); acting speakers of parliament, and representatives of the political parties were in the delegation.

The delegation laid a wreath and observed a minute of silence out of respect to Ataturk.

Meanwhile, Akbulut signed special notebook of the mausoleum by saying,

''Great Ataturk,

We are celebrating the 80th anniversary of opening of the parliament with our devotion to your principles and reforms. We are expending efforts to further develop the Republic of Turkey. We will reach the target you put forward. The parliament has the required determination, power and resolution to reach this target. We are grateful to you and to martyrs who sacrificed their lives for Turkey. Rest in peace.''

[12] TURKEY CELEBRATES NATIONAL SOVEREIGNTY AND CHILDREN'S DAY

Ankara Governor Yahya Gur, Garrison Commander Erol Tutar, Ankara Mayor Melih Gokcek also attended the ceremony and observed a minute of silence after laying a wreath at the mausoleum. A group of children was also in the delegation.

''Great Ataturk;

We are today celebrating the 80th anniversary of foundation of our Parliament and Turkey's gaining sovereignty. We are here to express our gratitude to you for the National Sovereignty and Children's Day,'' Bostancioglu wrote in the special book of the mausoleum.

[13] TURK-IS TO MARCH TO ANKARA FROM 9 PROVINCES TO PROTEST GOVERNMENT'S PRIVATIZATION IMPLEMENTATIONS

The march will start on April 24 or 25, depending on how far they are coming from. Representatives from Turk-Is branches in Istanbul, Izmir, Bursa, Adana, Eskisehir, Diyarbakir, Erzurum, Sivas and Samsun will walk to Ankara.

Turk-Is Secretary General Salih Kilic told A.A that 15,000 confederation members lost their jobs in the recent months as parallel to privatization implementations.

On April 26, Turk-Is will organize a meeting at Selim Sirri Tarcan Sports Hall in Ankara. Kilic said after the meeting they will walk to Ataturk's mausoleum.

If the government ignores their demands, Kilic noted, Turk-Is Chairmanship Board will convene as soon as possible and decide over new actions.

[14] STATE MINISTER ONAL PROPOSES TO IMF AND WORLD BANK NOT TO STOP FINANCIAL AID FOR STRUCTURAL REFORMS IN DEVELOPING COUNTRIES LIKE TURKEY

During the United Nations Economic and Social Council's annual meetings, Onal said, they proposed to the IMF and the World Bank not to stop aid for structural reforms in developing countries like Turkey. Onal noted that their proposal was supported by other developing countries.

IMF is planning to stop aid to 17 or 18 countries, including Turkey, which have been receiving aid, and instead help poorer countries.

Onal stressed that there was no clear decision over the matter and added that the financial aid Turkey is getting from the IMF and the World Bank will not change even if this decision is implemented.

Onal said the World Bank and the IMF promised to give a total of 9.25 billion U.S. dollars credit to Turkey.

He said that structural reforms should be viewed separately and they must be supported.

Onal also added that in the years to come, it might be difficult to get financial aid from institutions like the IMF and the World Bank.

[15] TURKEY CELEBRATES NATIONAL SOVEREIGNTY AND CHILDREN'S DAY - PRESIDENT DEMIREL RECEIVES TEACHERS AND STUDENTS FROM 81 SCHOOLS

3,200 teachers and students from 81 schools throughout Turkey who came to Ankara to mark the April 23 National Sovereignty and Children's Day.

Addressing the meeting, President Demirel said, ''I congratulate the April 23 National Sovereignty and Children's Day. Our children will grow up as generations of the Republic which was bestowed to us by Mustafa Kemal Ataturk, the Great Founder of modern Republic of Turkey. You will devote yourselves to his principles and reforms with the aim of further developing our country.''

Meanwhile, Nihan Ozsoy from the Private Altinyildiz Primary School in central Nevsehir province who was elected as ''symbolic president'' by the Second National Cappodocia Children's Assembly, eulogized President Demirel and said that he was an exemplary president.

''We promise on behalf of all Turkish children that we would never abandon Ataturk's principles and reforms. We will expend efforts to protect peace and prosperity both in Turkey and the would. We will always follow Ataturk's principle of 'Peace at Home, Peace in the World'. We are working together for a brilliant future,'' Ozsoy added.

[16] TREASURY UNDERSECRETARY DEMIRALP: - ''INTEREST RATES WILL CONTINUE TO DROP''

Demiralp said Turkey's domestic borrowing policy was continuing successfully reflecting the confidence people feel for the economic programme.

The interest rates are the lowest in the last 15 years and the decrease will continue, he said and noted that they will increase liquidity to further decrease the interest rates.

If the drop continues in the same way, the domestic borrowing stock will decrease and Turkey will save over 20 billion U.S. dollars in 2000.

Gokalp said through privatization and financial aid of finance institutions, Turkey will be able to reduce its domestic borrowing need.

Turkey's domestic borrowing stock was 26 quadrillion 679 trillion 144 billion Turkish Liras last March.

[17] ARMENIAN PATRIARCHSHIP PERFORMS STUPENDOUS EASTER RELIGIOUS CEREMONY

Armenian people living in Istanbul attended the ceremony performed by Patriarch Mesrob II.

Addressing the ceremony, Mesrob II celebrated the Mary Birth Week when Prophet Mohammed was born.

He recalled that the Mary Birth Week coincided with April 23 National Sovereignty and Children's Day, and brought forth joy and happiness.

Following the relegious ceremony marking Easter religious holiday that symbolizes transition into light from darkness, into freedom from captivity, into peace from war, and into resurgence from death, the painted eggs were distributed.

Meanwhile, Mesrob II sent a message to Pope Jean Paul II, and invited him to Turkey.

[18] 38TH ANNIVERSARY OF FOUNDATION OF CONSTITUTIONAL COURT TO BE CELEBRATED ON TUESDAY

Constitutional Court Chairman Ahmet Necdet Sezer, members and rapporteurs will visit Ataturk's mausoleum on Monday.

President Suleyman Demirel and Prime Minister Bulent Ecevit are also expected to attend the ceremonies on Tuesday.

Sezer, European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) Chairman Luzius Wildhaber and the Turkish judge of ECHR Dr. Riza Turkmen will speak at the ceremony.

A symposium titled ''Constitutional Justice'' will take place at the Constitutional Court's conference hall on Tuesday and it will also continue on Wednesday.

The Constitutional Court which was founded in 1962 according to the 1961 Constitution, is formed by 11 permanent and 4 alternative members. The court inspects the admissibility of laws and Parliament's regulations. It also deals with cases regarding the closure of political parties. The Court is also in charge of the financial inspection of political parties.

[19] AUSTRALIAN PRIME MINISTER HOWARD VISITS ATATURK'S MAUSOLEUM

He laid a wreath, and signed special notebook of the mausoleum saying that Ataturk, the father of the Turkish nation, had a special place in the history of Australia and its nationhood.

Howard stressed that grandchildren of those who had fought against each other in past, succeeded in setting up friendly relations in todays world.

Australian Prime Minister Howard recalled that nearly 100 thousand Turkish people were living in Australia.

Howard will be received by President Suleyman Demirel later today. He is also scheduled to meet with Prime Minister Bulent Ecevit the same day.

[20] FOREIGN TRADE UNDERSECRETARY TUZMEN SAYS OFF-SET APPLICATIONS SHOULD BE EXPANDED

In an interview published in ''Situation of Foreign Trade'' magazine, Tuzmen said Turkey should display a much more successful export performance in the 21st century.

Turkey must pass urgent regulations in order to be able to compete in the world markets in the 2000's.

Off-set applications in Turkey have been limited to defense industry projects since 1984, Tuzmen said and added that these applications should be expanded to a larger area to develop export.

Research and develpment activities (AR-GE) should be encouraged to increase production for export and the expenses in this field should be raised to the level of developed countries, he asserted.

Due to its geographical position, Turkey is one of the most favourable countries for transit trade and it should participate in the international trade system not only as a producer but also as a trader, he noted.

Tuzmen said railroads and sea transport should be developed and connected to each other.

Speaking about electronic trade, Tuzmen said world electronic trade exceeded 300 billion U.S. dollars in the beginning of 2000's due to growing internet usage and noted that Turkish firms must also adjust themselves to this trend very quickly in order to benefit from electronic trade.

[21] PRESIDENTIAL ELECTIONS - FIRST ROUND OF VOTE PLANNED TO BE HELD ON APRIL 27

Applications for presidential candidacy will end at 00:00 a.m. on April 25.

According to draft program prepared by the Parliament Speaker's Office, the Advisory Committee will convene at 11:00 a.m. on April 25 to determine schedule for vote.

The Constitution foresees that two-thirds (367) of total number of deputies is required in the first two rounds of vote.

If this number of votes cannot be reached in the first two rounds, the absolute majority (276) of the total number of deputies is required in the third round.

The second round of vote will be held in May 1.

If one of the candidates cannot reach two-thirds in the first two rounds, the third round of vote will be held on May 5.

If the absolute majority cannot be reached, two of the candidates who receive the highest votes, will attend the fourth round on May 9.

If president cannot be elected in the fourth round, the parliamentary elections will be held immediately.

In accordance with Article 101 of the Constitution, the president is elected by the parliament for a seven-year term in office.

[22] AYDIN, ANKARA DEPUTY OF DSP, APPLIES FOR PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDACY

Criticizing attitudes of leaders of political parties in presidential elections process, Aygun said, ''I have applied for presidential candidacy as a reaction.''

Staging a press conference at the parliament, Aygun stressed, ''Turkey should not make a mistake during such an important election. I am aware of difficulties awating me. It will be difficult to compete against a single candidate named by leaders of the political parties. Although they are totaly free, deputies will accept such a candidate to please their leaders.''

Referring to yesterday's leaders summit, Aygun recalled that four names including Ismail Cem, the Foreign Minister, Sabahattin Cakmakoglu, the National Defense Minister, Prof. Dr. Mehmet Haberal, the Rector of University of Baskent, and Prof. Dr. Kamil Turan, the Dean of University of Gazi Faculty of Law, were proposed at the leaders summit.

Aygun claimed, ''such a nomination process is wrong. Unbelievable tricks are being played at the parliament for presidential elections. I believe that initiatives to name a joint candidate would not come to a conclusion.''

Responding to a question, Aygun said that he informed President Suleyman Demirel, Prime Minister Bulent Ecevit and Devlet Bahceli, the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of State, on his decision to apply for the presidential candidacy.

Following the press conference, Aygun submitted his petition for candidacy to the Parliament.

Aygun was born in Ankara in 1933. He earned a degree in medicine.

Aygun had entered the Parliament and served as a Justice Party (AP) deputy for more than ten years.

Aygun was elected as a DSP deputy from Ankara province in the 1999 general elections.

Aygun is married and has two children.

Previously Mail Buyukerman, Eskisehir deputy of DSP, and Agah Oktay Guner, Balikesir deputy of the Motherland Party (ANAP), have applied for the presidential candidacy.

[23] SECURITY FORCES CONFISCATE 80.3 KG OF HEROIN

Security forces launched an operation at the Ataturk Airport on April 21, and detained Vartan Aywazian and Silva Vartikian, Dutch citizens, and

Melisa Gulbitti. They confiscated 6.3 kg of heroin hinned in bags belonged to the detainees.

In a second operation launched in Buyukcekmece district of Istanbul, security forces seized 45 kg of heroin and detained three people.

Three people who were trying to market 29 kg of heroin which was brought to Turkey from Iran, were taken into custody yesterday in Umraniye district of Istanbul.

Security forces also confiscated 2.5 kg of hashish, two pistols, and three automobiles during the operations.

Officials told the A.A correspondent that market value of the drug was 3 trillion Turkish Liras.

[24] TURKEY CELEBRATES NATIONAL SOVEREIGNTY AND CHILDREN'S DAY - AN OFFICIAL CEREMONY HELD AT PARLIAMENT TO MARK ITS 80TH FOUNDATION ANNIVERSARY

''With this, Turkey was an example for all oppressed nations who were treated unjustly,'' Akbulut said.

An official ceremony was held at the Parliament to mark its 80th foundation anniversary on Sunday.

Akbulut; Chief of General Staff Huseyin Kivrikoglu; Deputy Prime Minister Devlet Bahceli; National Defense Minister Sabahattin Cakmakoglu; Foreign Minister Ismail Cem; Public Works and Housing Minister Koray Aydin; Land Forces Commander General Atilla Ates; Naval Forces Commander Admiral Ergin Celasin; Air Forces Commander General Ilhami Erdil; Gendarmerie Forces Commander General Rasim Betir and many deputies attended the ceremony.

''Eighty years ago today, the distinguished members of the first Parliament spreaded the passion of freedom and sovereignty from this building to the whole country,'' Akbulut went on to say.

''Doubtlessly, there were other countries which gained their sovereignty before we did, but there was no Parliament like the one Turkey founded 80 years ago. Think of an empire which had been one of the most powerful forces for centuries and it enters a decline lasting for 200 years. Despite all reforms, this decline could not be prevented. Finally, the disasterous war consumed the nation. The war ended in 1918 with Moudhros Armistice and Turkey's all corners were occupied. This nation which kept quiet for 200 years started seeing the facts after this agreement. Voices started raising from all parts of the country which gradually grew stronger. One month after the armistice, an awakening started in the whole country from Kars to Edirne. Local political organizations were formed and people started fighting for democracy with their own means. Until April 23 1920, tens of congresses were held and many associations were set up. No country other than Turkey experienced such a great awakening in two years,'' Akbulut said.

He stressed, ''Ataturk was the voice of law and justice. The Turkish parliament formed a model to the nations who were exposed to unfairness and pressure. Addressing the parliament on April 24, Ataturk said, 'our enemies do not use their military forces to reach their targets. On the contrary they are trying to make us fight against each otner.' We should never forget Ataturk's warning. We should maintain our unity and solidarity.''

Later, Akbulut signed special notebook of the parliament saying, ''we are celebrating 80th anniversary of foundation of our parliament. The parliament is the symbol of the Turkish people's resolution, determination and devotion to independence, development, progress and modernization. Today, we are commemorating Mustafa Kemal Ataturk, the Great Founder of modern Republic of Turkey and martyrs who sacrificed their lives for our country with great respect and gratitude.''

Meanwhile, when asked whether or not he would apply for presidential candidacy, Sabahattin Cakmakoglu, the National Defense Minister, said, ''it is too early to make a comment. We should wait and see.''

[25] DENKTAS TO TAKE OATH AT TRNC PARLIAMENT ON MONDAY

Following the elections in the TRNC on April 15, 2000, independent candidate Rauf Denktas and Prime Minister Dervis Eroglu from National Unity Party (UBP) got the highest number of votes. A second round of elections was scheduled for April 22.

After Eroglu withdrew from the elections, YSK declared Denktas as the president according to Article 63 of 1976 Election Law and cancelled the second round.

[26] CHILDREN'S DAY CELEBRATIONS HELD IN TRNC

There were two ceremonies held at Ataturk Monument and Ataturk Stadium in Lefkosa.

At the ceremony, students performed a folkloric dance show. Children coming from other countries to the TRNC also presented examples of their own folkloric dances.

April 23 has been celebrated also in other cities of the TRNC, however they were cancelled in Gazimagusa due to rain.

Children from 13 countries who are participating in the 3rd International Children's Folkloric Dances Festival will perform a show at Ataturk Stadium on Sunday night.

In the meantime, TRNC President Rauf Denktas sent celebration messages to Turkish authorities including President Suleyman Demirel, Parliament Speaker Yildirim Akbulut and Prime Minister Bulent Ecevit.

[27] 80TH ANNIVERSARY OF FOUNDATION OF PARLIAMENT - PARLIAMENT SPEAKER AKBULUT: - ''PARLIAMENT IS A SYMBOL OF TURKISH PEOPLE'S DETERMINATION AND DEVOTION TO INDEPENDENCE, DEVELOPMENT, PROGRESS AND MODERNIZATION''

Marking the 80th anniversary of foundation of the parliament, Akbulut stressed, ''the Turkish parliament was one of the first parliaments based on national sovereignty in the 20th century. The first parliament based on national sovereignty was founded in the U.S. in 1787.''

''Our parliament which was founded 80 years ago, is respectful to freedoms. A new era began in Turkey's democratization process following the general elections held in 1950. The human rights gained great importance and became a part of the inter-state law. Turkey signed the Universal Declaration of Human Rights in 1949, and the European Convention of Human Rights in 1954. International norms have begun to be influencial in our state and society since that time,'' he emphasized.

Akbulut said, ''later, the parliament changed its traditional structure and adapted the separation of powers principle. Political disputes and crisises brought forth the 1982 Constitution. Articles of the 1982 Constitution regarded with human rights were criticized. The parliament has begun to correct them.''

He noted, ''Turkey has recently recorded important progress on the issue of human rights. But this progress should not be connected with Turkey's candidacy to the European Union (EU). I want to emphasize that the 1924 Constitution was very close to the EU norms. Our nation deserves the highest democracy and freedom atmosphere whether we become a member of the EU or not. Our entrance to the EU should not be considered as a result of these efforts. We have reached it as a result of secularism principle, the basis of our democracy. We aim at becoming one of the most contemporary socities of the world in the 21st century. Ataturk put forward this target even before the EU was established.''

Akbulut added that the parliament was a symbol of the Turkish people's resolution, determination and devotion to independence, development, progress and modernization.

[28] PRESIDENT DEMIREL RECEIVES AUSTRALIAN PRIME MINISTER HOWARD

Addrressing the meeting, President Demirel thanked the Australian people who had rushed to assist Turkey in the wake of massive earthquake disasters which devastated northwestern Turkey on August 17 and November 12.

Describing bilateral relations between the two countries as 'perfect',

President Demirel noted, ''we want to further improve relations with Australia. Trade volume between Turkey and Australia which is currently 500 million U.S. dollars, should be increased up to 1 billion U.S. dollars. There is a great potential to increase the trade volume between Turkey and Australia. We should support investments and prevent double taxation to this end. Nearly 150 thousand Turkish people are living in Australia. They are pleased with living in Australia. We are grateful to you for your friendly approach to these people. There are many investment opportunities in Turkey especially in the fields of energy and privatization.''

Meanwhile, Australian Prime Minister Howard thanked Turkey for sending

20 policemen and military observers to East Timor within framework of the United Nations' initiatives. He also thanked President Demirel for his support to form a 'Peace Park' in Gelibolu towhship of Canakkale province.

Howard invited President Demirel to Australia.

Describing the bilateral relations between Turkey and Australia as very positive, Prime Minister Howard stressed that relations should be further improved, and investments should be increased.

Prime Minister Howard also congratulated Galatasaray Soccer Club which qualified to final in UEFA Cup.

[29] DYP LEADER CILLER ASKS COALITION PARTNERS TO AGREE ON A NAME AS QUICKLY AS POSSIBLE

''At least two parties can come together and propose a name to form a base for compromise,'' Ciller told reporters.

''I am warning everybody,'' Ciller said. ''If individual ambitions and calculations block this agreement, a sustainable stability cannot be created,'' she added.

''If the coalition partners fail to agree on a single name then each party will propose its own candidates and there will be a confusion. There will be those who will want to benefit from this chaos and they will get a lot of credit,'' she commented.

She also noted that Tuesday is the deadline for candidacy applications.

When asked who their candidate is, Ciller said they have to wait for Monday's leaders summit to make a comment.

[30] TURKEY CELEBRATES NATIONAL SOVEREIGNTY AND CHILDREN'S DAY - ECEVIT SPEAKS AT PARLIAMENT

Ecevit delivered a speech at the Parliament's General Council on the 80th foundation anniversary of the Parliament.

Turkey was the first nation which declared a Children's Day under the leadership of Ataturk, Ecevit said and noted that this showed how much Ataturk treasured children. Ecevit also reminded his listeners that Ataturk also set up the Institution for the Protection of Children and the Bank of Housing and Motherless Children.

Initiatives in the field of education started during the War of Independence and they speeded up after the declaration of the Republic.

The 55th, 56th and 57th governments passed the educational reform which made the eight year education compulsory, Ecevit went on to say. ''This reform is not only limited to the eight year compulsory education but it also aims to develop science and technology and offer people from all segments of the society equal opportunities to benefit from education,'' he said.

Ecevit noted that the education reform already started giving its fruits and received great support from people. There was a dramatic increase in the number of children who go to school after the reform, he added.

''Last year, 354 schools opened, important developments took place to meet the demands for teachers, and many text books were revised and modernized. Turkey received 600 million U.S. dollars from the World Bank for its education investments. Education of handicapped children was also given special attention,'' he explained.

SHCEK started new projects in the recent years for children who need special protection like providing care for children of female prisoners at day care centers and nurseries. A total of 1,300 women who have children at school age were also educated through Mother and Children Education Program, he added.

Like all over the world, Turkey also has a child labour problem, Ecevit said. Although it might take some time to totally prevent employment of children, at least measures can be taken to protect them at work life and keep them away from working at dangerous jobs, he said.

All Turkish children should benefit from the country's education and health services equally, Ecevit said and stressed that the government has been sensitive over this matter.

''We are also taking determined steps to protect our children from anti- secular trends,'' Ecevit added.

At the end of his speech, Ecevit wished success to all children and young people.

[31] DENKTAS' RE-ELECTION ANNOUNCED IN OFFICIAL GAZETTE

Denktas will start his new term in office on Monday after taking an oath at the TRNC Republican Parliament.

[32] CEREMONIES TO MARK 85TH ANNIVERSARY OF ANZAC LANDING - AUSTRALIAN AND NEW ZEALANDER PRIME MINISTERS DUE IN CANAKKALE

Monday to attend ceremonies which will be held on April 25 to mark the 85th anniversary of the Anzac landing on Gelibolu (Gallipoli) Peninsula in 1915.

The first ceremony will be held in Anzac Inlet at 05:00 a.m. on Tuesday with participation of nearly 8 thousand tourist.

A monument which was constructed out of respect to Anzac soldiers who lost their lives in the war, will be inaugurated in the ceremony.

Later, an international ceremony will be held at the Canakkale Martyrs Monument with the participation of representatives of ten countries that were involved in the war.

The participants will lay a wreath and observe a minute of silence in memory of those who lost their lives in the war.

The Anzac Day marks the first major engagement of Australian and New Zealander forces in the World War I.

Meanwhile, tight security measures have been taken in Canakkale.

[33] PARLIAMENT SPEAKER AKBULUT APPLIES FOR PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDACY

Akbulut visited Mesut Yilmaz, the leader of the Motherland Party (ANAP).

Addressing journalists following the seven-minute meeting, Akbulut said, ''I had informed Yilmaz on my decision to apply for the presidential candidacy. I will hold talks with leaders of other political parties.''

When asked about Yilmaz's approach, Akbulut said, ''his approach was very positive. He told me 'let's hope for the best'.''

[34] A.A

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