Anadolu News Agency: News in English, 00-05-11

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From: The Anadolu Agency Home Page at <http://www.anadoluajansi.com.tr/>

11 May 2000 Thursday

CONTENTS

[01] MINISTER OF ENERGY ERSUMER: ''WE'LL OPEN THE WAY FOR ENERGY INVESTMENTS''

[02] TURKISH-SYRIAN COMMERCIAL RELATIONS

[03] ITO EXECUTIVE BOARD PRESIDENT YILDIRIM: ''ANTI-INFLATIONARY MEASURES SHOULDN'T BE HINDERED''

[04] ERIS, CHAIRPERSON OF IKV: ''THERE ARE VERY PRODUCTIVE DEVELOPMENTS IN EU''

[05] TURKISH-SYRIAN MEETINGS

[06] MINISTRY OF LABOUR AND SOCIAL SECURITY CONCLUDES ITS WORK TO IMPROVE EMPLOYMENT STANDARTS

[07] WRECKAGES OF 5,796 BUILDINGS REMOVED IN KOCAELI

[08] FOREIGN MINISTER ISMAIL CEM SAYS BETTERING OF RELATIONS BETWEEN TURKEY AND GREECE CONTRIBUTED TO TURKEY'S IMAGE IN THE WORLD

[09] TOURISM MINISTER MUMCU IN SANLIURFA

[10] INTERIOR MINISTER TANTAN SIGNS PROTOCOL TO FIGHT CORRUPTION

[11] ISRAEL OFFERS WEBSITE IN TURKISH LANGUAGE

[12] FOREIGN MINISTER CEM SAYS GOVERNMENT IS WORKING AROUND THE CLOCK

[13] WEU FOREIGN AND DEFENSE MINISTERS SPRING MEETINGS TO TAKE PLACE IN PORTUGAL

[14] TRNC PRESIDENT DENKTAS:''EXTREME MEASURES ARE NEEDED TO SAVE ECONOMY''

[15] PRESIDENT DEMIREL TO BID FAREWELL TO PARLIAMENT SPEAKER AKBULUT AND PRIME MINISTER ECEVIT ON FRIDAY

[01] MINISTER OF ENERGY ERSUMER: ''WE'LL OPEN THE WAY FOR ENERGY INVESTMENTS''

Ersumer pointed out that they will try to overcome the problem of energy and open the way for energy investments.

Speaking in the dinner held within the framework of the Conference on ''The Tale of Three Seas'' organized by Foreign Economic Relations Council (DEIK), Black Sea Economic Cooperation Business Council and CERA, Ersumer said that Turkey functions as a bridge from Asia to Europe.

The last signature in Baku-Tbilisi-Ceyhan pipeline was put by the agreement concluded yesterday, said Ersumer and pointed out that the agreement will be approved by the parliament rapidly before July 1.

Ersumer said that in his meetings with the U.S. overseas private investment firm ''OPIC,'' they mentioned a sectorial support of 1.6 billion dollars.

Referring to energy investments in Turkey, Ersumer said that ''we will reach an agreement about the number and variation of energy investments.''

Ersumer pointed out that the Treasury guarantee and Turkish Electricity Production and Transmission Inc. (TEAS) purchasing guarantee was an issue of debate. ''In my recent meetings, I felt such a motive in investors that they can also undertake investments in Turkey without such guarantees due to the general stability and security.''

Ersumer stressed that they will re-arrange natural gas draft law and submit it to the parliament soon.

When asked whether or not change of authority in Turkey and the U.S. after the presidential elections would have any adverse effects on the project, Ersumer said that constancy would be provided in the politics.

He said, ''we cannot forget President Demirel's leadership and guidance in the region. We will feel the lack of his support.''

Meanwhile, Wref Diggings, the Deputy Chairman of BP-Amaco Company, stressed that the Baku-Tbilisi-Ceyhan oil pipeline project and the Trans-Caspian natural gas pipeline project should be finalized by protecting common interests of regional countries and international oil companies.

Diggings noted that new natural gas resources in Azerbaijan could be used to meet energy needs of Azerbaijan, Georgia and Turkey for a short period of time.

Recalling that the BP-Amaco was the biggest oil investor in Turkey Diggings added that their social services in Turkey such as construction of a school in Duzce province in the quake-stricken area, would continue.

[02] TURKISH-SYRIAN COMMERCIAL RELATIONS

After signing the Fourth Term Joint Economic Commission (JEC) Memorandum of Understanding, State Minister Onal and Syrian Economy Minister Mohammed El-Imadi responded to the questions of press members.

When a Syrian journalist asked Onal if water in return of natural gas and oil came to the agenda in the meetings, he said that he met with Syrian Natural Gas and Oil Minister about this issue the same day.

Onal stressed that Turkey became an energy bridge between the Balkans and Caucasus, the Balkans and Turkish Republics, the Balkans and Iran by the pipeline projects foreseen to be constructed.

''Natural gas which is needed by natural gas combit circles can be met by the Syrian natural gas when Syria fully determines its natural gas potential. Besides production of urea will be possible by the construction of fertilizer factories either in Syria or in Turkey,'' Onal said.

Upon another question on electricity transfer between Turkey and Syria, Onal said that a Turkish firm won the tender put out for electricity production. Electricity will be exchanged soon when certain technical difficulties are overcome, Onal noted.

Syrian Minister El-Imadi said that there is an agreement on integration of electricity systems signed by five countries including Turkey. If this system starts to operate, countries can either export or import electricity, he said.

El-Imadi added that the changes in the laws will continue to ease the flow of capital to Syria and private banks will be permitted to have branches.

''If God permits and Turkey becames a full member of the European Union soon, the relations with Turkey will be better and giant steps will be taken,'' he added.

[03] ITO EXECUTIVE BOARD PRESIDENT YILDIRIM: ''ANTI-INFLATIONARY MEASURES SHOULDN'T BE HINDERED''

Yıldırım said that certain measures that must be taken to struggle with inflation have not been taken yet.

Yıldırım pointed out that the time lost due to presidential election must be compensated, adding ''inflation should be at the agenda of the public opinion, other developments that are on the agenda of the country shouldn't hinder the implementation of anti-inflationary measures.''

The law on rehabilitation of agriculture sale cooperatives and unions has not been adopted by the parliament yet, said Yılıdırm and added that the third reform should be undertaken to reconstruct the administration by giving authority to local administrations and decreasing public expenditures.

[04] ERIS, CHAIRPERSON OF IKV: ''THERE ARE VERY PRODUCTIVE DEVELOPMENTS IN EU''

Responding to questions of the A.A correspondent, Eris recalled that the IKV delegation had held contacts with the EU officials in Brussels.

Eris noted, ''we examined the EU's preparations for the accession partnership document and full membership. There are very satisfactory developments.''

''The EU is working on the necessary proceedings for the accession partnership document which should be prepared in October. As for financial aid, we got the impression that we would be able to benefit from the EU funds as of June. The financial aid will be 180 million Euro for the year 2000. Turkey should make preperations in parallel with the EU's preparations,'' Eris added.

[05] TURKISH-SYRIAN MEETINGS

Speaking to A.A correspondent, Kocer said that this is an important deficiency because it is Gaziantep industrialists who make most of the trade with Syria.

''It seems as if a new market is discovered and we were not included in the delegation as we didn't undestand this trade issue,'' said Kocer, adding ''industrialists of Gaziantep have also set up friendships with Syrian industrialists. Besides Gaziantep industry aims at meeting the needs of Syria.''

If the state extends the support Gaziantep industrialists deserve regarding the relations with Syria, an important development will take place, said Kocer and added that:

''We were not in the JEC meetings that took place between Turkey and Syria, yet 25 firms from Gaziantep take part in the fair that was held in Damascus between 7-12 May. If that support comes, we can make an exportation of 250 million dollars in the first year and 500 million dollars in the second year only from Gaziantep. Gaziantep is the most advantageous centre regarding trade with Syria,'' he added.

[06] MINISTRY OF LABOUR AND SOCIAL SECURITY CONCLUDES ITS WORK TO IMPROVE EMPLOYMENT STANDARTS

A total of 14 International Labour Organization's (ILO) Conventions are expected to be approved to reach ILO and EU standarts in employment.

Speaking to A.A correspondent, Yasar Okuyan, the Minister of Labour and Social Security said that the International Standarts Watch Committee was founded within the Ministry structure and this Commission closely monitors both EU Directives and also ILO Conventions.

EU Directives and ILO Conventions are similar to each other, said Okuyan and noted that some deficiencies in working conditions have been determined and preparations are underway to overcome them.

Okuyan said that there are some deficiencies in the Turkish emloyment life particularly for the seamen.

One third of the ILO conventions was signed in this field, said Okuyan adding Turkey is one of the countries in the world which trained 85,000 seamen.

''We've seen that the ILO norms in sea can be applied to our national laws,'' said Okuyan, adding Turkey signed 39 of the 182 ILO conventions till today.

[07] WRECKAGES OF 5,796 BUILDINGS REMOVED IN KOCAELI

Damage-assassment teams had decided to destroy 7,074 buildings after the quake that devastated Kocaeli on August 17.

[08] FOREIGN MINISTER ISMAIL CEM SAYS BETTERING OF RELATIONS BETWEEN TURKEY AND GREECE CONTRIBUTED TO TURKEY'S IMAGE IN THE WORLD

During his visit to Kayseri Governor Nihat Canpolat, Cem was briefed about Kayseri's problems and promised to help them as soon as possible.

Responding to reporters' questions, Cem said the rapproachment between Turkish and Greek people was extremely important but he said it was too early to tell how this would be reflected to politicians' attitudes.

The point reached with Greece also had big contributions to Turkish tourism, he noted. ''This also helped to improve Turkey's image in the world. We are starting contacts to develop a triple border trade among Bulgaria, Greece and Turkey. Although we just started to work in this direction, we already started getting its positive results in Thrace and Aegean. The number of tourists is increasing and economy is improving,'' he explained.

When asked what the future of the Turkish-Greek relations will be, Cem said ''we will wait and see.'' ''I don't look at things and say everything is going perfectly. We shouldn't forget this, Greek Foreign Minister defends Greece's interests. The interests of two countries don't always coincide. Our success was to find the points where the national interests of Turkey and Greece coincided. I am hoping that Turkey continues like this carefully and cautiously. I think we arrived at an important point,'' he told reporters.

Responding to a question about Turkey-Iran relations which became tense due to the latest developments in Mumcu assasination, Cem said ''the government is dealing with the issue.''

Cem declined to answer reporters' persistent questions on the same subject.

[09] TOURISM MINISTER MUMCU IN SANLIURFA

Mumcu was met by Sanliurfa Governor Sahabettin Harput and Acting Mayor Nuri Gunes at Sanliurfa Airport.

At the Governor's Office, Mumcu said Sanliurfa was an important center for religious belief tourism and noted that he will come back to Sanliurfa a few more times this year. Mumcu said they will add new projects to the ongoing projects in Sanliurfa.

He also noted that for the first time, Israeli and Japanese tourist groups came directly to Sanliurfa Airport.

He stressed that Turkey had a great potential and said unfortunately Turkey cannot make full use of this potential.

''Every year will be better than the previous year. We will reach the targets that we set up,'' he said.

[10] INTERIOR MINISTER TANTAN SIGNS PROTOCOL TO FIGHT CORRUPTION

Interior Minister who signed the protocol, said corruption damages the respectibility of the state, raises the cost of public services and negatively affects the operation of public administration.

Tantan said when there are big amounts of profits in question, the act is no longer individual and simple but it becomes national or international actions which also involve threatening, violence and intimidation.

''Struggle with corruption has become very difficult due to the increasing economic competition. Weakening ethics in the society also make the struggle difficult,'' he added.

The contribution of people, non-governmental organizations and media is essential in combating corruption, Tantan noted. He also said carrying out scientific research and international cooperation were also very important.

TESEV director Ozdem Sanberk, who gave information about the project, said they are going to use 3,000 test subjects in the project.

The test subjects will be asked 60 questions which were prepared by the World Bank and later adapted to Turkey's conditions. The project will be completed in six to eight months and aim to find out where the corruptions are rooted from.

The same project has been earlier carried out in Hong Kong and the government was very successful in fighting corruption under the light of the results obtained from the project.

''This is not a police examination, it is a scientific study,'' Sanberk said.

In the meantime, Tantan declined to answer reporters' questions on Mumcu assasination.

[11] ISRAEL OFFERS WEBSITE IN TURKISH LANGUAGE

A statement by the Israeli Embassy said the website was a part of the activities which are carried out on the 52th anniversary of Israel's foundation.

''www.israel.org.tr'' offers detailed information about Israel government, history, archeology, education, health, as well as visa procedures.

The statement also said the Israeli press can also be followed from the same website in Turkish language in the near future.

[12] FOREIGN MINISTER CEM SAYS GOVERNMENT IS WORKING AROUND THE CLOCK

Tahir Horoz from the Kayseri branch of a labour union asked Cem's help in transferring workers of Kayseri Sumer Cloth Factory to other public institutions, building a second SSK Hospital, and expanding the present hospital.

Genel-Is Labour Union regional chairman Halil Yildiz asked the government to pass laws concerning job security as soon as possible.

''The discrepencies in employment laws will be removed. We are continuing to work in this field. Sometimes, when I look at things with an eye of a journalist, I don't find our achievements sufficient. We have many lacking points. We should get better results. The government is working very hard and sincerely,'' he said.

[13] WEU FOREIGN AND DEFENSE MINISTERS SPRING MEETINGS TO TAKE PLACE IN PORTUGAL

A written statement issued by Foreign Ministry pointed out that Sabahattin Cakmakoglu, National Defense Minister will lead Turkish delegation which will participate in defense ministers meeting. The statement also said Temel Iskit, Turkey's permanent representative to WEU will lead the delegation that will attend foreign ministers meeting.

The statement said that Defense and Foreign Ministers of WEU member countries, during the joint sessions of the meetings, will discuss reflections of the developments in European Security and Defense Initiative, and European Joint Security and Defense Policy on WEU, and will issue Porto Statement.

In Defense Ministers meeting, experiences obtained in CMX/CRISEX 2000 manouevres will be discussed, and in Foreign Ministers meetings, experience of WEU on Europe's crisis administration will be discussed.

WEU Armament Group (WEAG) Defense Ministers meeting will take place on May 15 in Porto.

[14] TRNC PRESIDENT DENKTAS:''EXTREME MEASURES ARE NEEDED TO SAVE ECONOMY''

''The fire should be extinguished before it spreads,'' Denktas said and added that he briefed President Suleyman Demirel about TRNC's economic problems.

Denktas received Cyprus Turkish Farmers Association Ali Can Kabanci on Thursday. During the visit, Denktas said that TRNC is facing serious economic problems and accused the government for not taking the necessary measures in time.

Denktas said he will ask the Turkish economic delegation to visit TRNC at an earlier date than scheduled.

When asked if the TRNC government asked for money from Turkey, Denktas said ''I don't know if the government had such a request from Turkey or not. I told Demirel how serious the situation is. It is difficult to find a solution without new money under these conditions. But if the same system will continue, the money will be wasted. Everybody is expecting scientific reports. Unfortunately, there is a lack of trust everywhere,'' Denktas commented.

Ali Can Kabanci also told Denktas about their economic troubles and said the government should resign.

[15] PRESIDENT DEMIREL TO BID FAREWELL TO PARLIAMENT SPEAKER AKBULUT AND PRIME MINISTER ECEVIT ON FRIDAY

After meeting with Akbulut and Ecevit, President Demirel is expected to lead Council of Ministers meeting at 10:30 local time.

Demirel is expected to make a speech at the meeting and bid farewell to the members of Council of Ministers.

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