Anadolu News Agency: News in English, 00-05-16

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NEWS

16 MAY 2000 Thursday

CONTENTS

[01] TURKEY-PRESS SCAN

[02] QUAKE IN BILECIK AND AYDIN

[03] GALATASARAY TO HAVE ITS 239TH MATCH IN EUROPEAN CUPS

[04] DPT'S MONTHLY ASSESSMENT: ''TURKISH LIRA GAINS BY 0,9 PERCENT IN VALUE IN APRIL''

[05] ''PROTECTION OF ENVIRONMENT MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING'' BETWEEN TURKEY AND GREECE TAKES EFFECT

[06] TALAY, MINISTER OF CULTURE, DUE TO CHINA

[07] WORLD BANK ENERGY PROJECTS -NEGOTIATIONS BETWEEN TREASURY, DPT, AND ENERGY MINISTRY EXPECTED TO REACH CONCLUSION BY THURSDAY

[08] SWEDISH GOVERNMENT SETS UP A FIELD HOSPITAL IN KOCAELI

[09] PAINTERS FROM BURSA DUE TO ATHENS

[10] RUSSIAN PRESIDENT PUTIN SENDS CONGRATULATORY MESSAGE TO SEZER

[11] NATIONAL DEFENSE MINISTER CAKMAKOGLU. -''NATO SECRETARY GENERAL ROBERTSON WANTS TURKEY TO INCREASE NUMBER OF ITS SOLDIERS IN KOSOVO''

[12] ''FIRST INTERNATIONAL BLACK SEA COASTAL COUNTRIES THEATRE MEETING'' STARTS IN TRABZON

[13] INTERIOR MINISTER TANTAN: -''INVESTIGATION INTO ASSASINATION OF MUMCU IS UNDERWAY''

[14] WORLD BANK PLANS TO REVIEW ITS ERL TO TURKEY IN ITS MEETING ON MAY 18

[15] TREASURY SELLS 759.5 TRILLION LIRAS 2-YEAR DEBENTURE BONDS

[16] WORLD BANK CHIEF DUE IN TURKEY ON MAY 25 ON THREE-DAY VISIT

[17] WUPPERTAL PROVINCIAL COURT SENTENCES FOUR GERMAN CONVICTS TO PAY 250 THOUSAND GERMAN MARKS IN COMPENSATION FOR VICTIMS OF SOLINGEN ARSON ATTACK

[18] SPORTS - BOXING -33RD EUROPEAN MEN'S BOXING CHAMPIONSHIPS -PHALIANI OF TURKEY QUALIFIES TO SEMI-FINAL

[19] COUNCIL OF EUROPE WELCOMES ELECTION OF SEZER AS 10TH PRESIDENT OF TURKEY

[20] PROF. DR. DINCER: ''TURKEY NEEDS NUCLEAR ENERGY''

[21] PRESIDENT SEZER TAKES OATH

[22] SPORTS-UEFA CUP FINAL -FOREIGN MINISTRY WISHES GALATASARAY SUCCESS

[23] PRESIDENT SEZER (1): -''FREEDOM AND DEMOCRACY CANNOT BE MENTIONED WITHOUT PRINCIPLE OF SECULARISM WHICH FORMS BASIS OF DEMOCRACY''

[24] PRESIDENT SEZER (2) -''ATATURK'S PRINCIPLES AND REFORMS WILL BE PERMANENT GUIDE OF PRESIDENCY'S DECISIONS''

[25] GERMAN CHANCELLOR SCHROEDER SENDS MESSAGES TO DEMIREL AND SEZER

[26] PAKISTANI PRESIDENT TARAR SENDS A MESSAGE OF CONGRATULATION TO PRESIDENT SEZER

[01] TURKEY-PRESS SCAN

HURRIYET (LIBERAL)

EXECUTION DEMAND FOR 23 HEZBOLLAH TERRORISTS
The Diyarbakir State Security Court Prosecutorship is working on the indictment of the 23 Hezbollah terrorists, who had been captured by the security forces shortly after the killing of Huseyin Velioglu, a top Hezbollah official. The 150 page indictment calls for a capital punishment for the 23 persons, among whom are also Edip Gumus, and Cemal Tutar -the ''brain team'' of the outlawed organisation. 80 pages of the indictment have been reserved for the structuring of the terror organisation. The indictment will be published in the form of booklets to be distributed to media organs. The 23 terrorists are convicted of about 200 murders.

KISLALI'S DAUGHTERS: IRAN IS A TERRORIST STATE
Altinay and Dolunay, the daughters of Ahmet Taner Kislali were releived by the seizure of the murderers of their father. In a press release they issued on Monday, the sisters said that the murderers were mere puppets of terrorist policies. They called for strict international sanctions against Iran, which they qualified as a ''terrorist state'', and said they would make the necessary initiatives both at home and at international platforms for this purpose.

MILLIYET (LIBERAL)

TURKISH AIR FORCES VICTORIOUS IN RODEO
Turkish Air Forces, which participated in an 8 nation competition held in five different fields within the framework of the Rodeo 2000 Exercises, came first in two of the fields and won the cup. The Turkish Air Forces Command stated that Turkey had participated in the Rodeo 2000 in North Carolna's Pope Air Base, between May 2 and 13 with one C-130 type cargo plane, one security team, and one maintenance team.

TANAN: REALITIES HIDDEN IN ARCHIVES
Interior Minister Saadettin Tantan said that investigations into the assassination cases of Ugur Mumcu and Ahmet taner Kislali are continuing unabated, that these cases are in fact, not so mysterious, and that one could find answers to many questions in media archives. Tantan said that on way of solving the mysteries of such incidents of violence was to look back into the near past, and examine past events.

SABAH (LIBERAL)

WEAPONS FROM IRAN
Bomb plans, which were used in Kislali assasination, explosives, weapons, silencers, and C-4 explosives were again found in a waste field in the second arsenal in Sincan district of Ankara. Security officials said, ''we think the weapons were brought from Iran. They were planning to create violance with these weapons before fundamentalist rebellion.''

THANKS DEMIREL
President Suleyman Demirel will turn over his office today. Demirel, who accounted for his seven years term in office on Monday, when asked if he plans to return to politics, said ''the geography you see from here, and the geography seen from Guniz street, can be different.''

CUMHURIYET (LEFT)

GREENPEACE ACTIVISTS DETAINED
The Greenpeace Mediterranean activists chained themselves to the main gate of the Japanese Consulate in Istanbul on Monday, demanding the release of 4 Greenpeace activists held under detention in Japan for a week. Tolga Temuge, the Greenpeace Mediterranean Representative, and 13 other protesters were unchained by the police and taken into custody.

SECOND IMF INSPECTION
An IMF delegation to be chaired by Carlo Cottarelli, IMF's Turkey Desk Chief, will come to Turkey on May 18 to gather information and carry out inspections prior to the preparations for the second revision, in the wake of IMF's unleashing of the second portion of the credit. The IMF officials are expected to declare their choices of companies and establishments to be privatised in the forthcoming term, and their views on the additional measures which have to be taken to hit the target in the anti-inflationist program.

RADIKAL (LEFT)

''WHY SHOULD I MURDER MALKI?''
Erol Evcil, the businessmen who is being tried on the murder of Nesim Malki with the charge of inciting murder and setting up a gang, said at Monday's hearing at Istanbul State Security Court no. 6 that there was no reason why he should have killed Malki. Evcil said Malki had been a ''golden goose'' for him, and so he had no reason to kill him, adding that he had been expecting Malki to pay his debts.

YENI BINYIL (LIBERAL)

EVIDENCES HAVE BEEN DARKENED
Human Rights Commission, together with experts of forensic medicine, began to examine the autopsy report of 10 convicts who died during the riot in Ulucanlar prison. Sema Piskinsut, Chairperson of the Human Rights Commission, said the autopsy reports were not prepared in accordance with the world standarts. Piskinsut said, ''without being aware or not, clothes of the convicts, who died, were mixed, and thus the evidences were darkened.'' She said although the convicts had to be undressed in forensic medicine, guardians stripped them and mixed their clothings.

TURKIYE (RIGHT)

KISLALI'S DAUGHTERS ARE PLEASED
Dolunay Uluc and Altinay Kislali, daughters of Prof. Ahmet Taner Kislali, thanked to police as they found the killers of their father. They said ''we expect serious measures. We also want the Iranian killers to be punished.''

SECOND ARSENAL IN SINCAN
Confessions of Necdet Yuksel, who planted the bomb on Kislali's car, made illegal organization to collapse. Yuksel, who is the terrorist of ''Jerusalem Warriors'', said ''I planted the bomb on the car of Kislali.'' Yuksel claimed that they did not aim at killing him, and that they only wanted to frighten him.

A total of 30 kgs of C-4 type explosives, 40 weapons and 8 rocket launchers were seized in the second arsenal in Sincan district of Ankara so far.

ZAMAN (CONSERVATIVE)

Kutan said they were aware of their responsibilities.

TANTAN ADVISES PATIENCE
Interior Minister Sadettin Tantan, briefing about ''Umut'' operation launched within the scope of Mumcu and Kislali assasinations, told reporters that, ''if you be more patient and calm, the people will have the chance to learn the facts, and we may have the chance to capture the persons who make population espionage.

WE WILL CONSTRUCT SHIP FOR CUBA
Ramazan Mirzaoglu, Minister of State, said the new fleet which Cuba will establish, will be made in Turkish shipyards. Evaluting his visit to Cuba, Mirzaoglu said, ''we will construct the ships of new naval fleet which Cuba will set up.'' Mirzaoglu also noted that they started initiatives to bring the Turkish flagged ship Cemre-1 to Turkey which has been kept in Cuba since January 26, 2000 because of a commercial disagreement that arose between the countries. He said the ship's crew of 22 people will also be brought to Turkey in the coming days.

[02] QUAKE IN BILECIK AND AYDIN

Bogazici University Kandilli Observatory and Quake Research Institute said an earthquake with a preliminary magnitude of 2.9 occurred in Bilecik-Sogut at 15:21 local time.

Officials said another quake measuring 3.0 on the Richter scale shook Aydin-Germencik at 23:32 local time.

Meanwhile, an aftershock, measuring 3.0, was recorded in Adapazari-Hendek at 03:41 local time.

[03] GALATASARAY TO HAVE ITS 239TH MATCH IN EUROPEAN CUPS

Galatasaray have attended 138 matches so far, and it was victorious 51 times, and was defeated for 55 times. A total of 32 matches ended in a draw.

Galatasaray sent 179 goals in return for 219 goals it received.

Galatasaray, in the 28 matches it had in UEFA Cup, got 10 victories, was defeated for 10 times, and eight matches ended in draw.

Galatasaray soccer team, in this cup, defeated Italian FC Bologna 1-1 and 2-1, German BV Borussia Dortmund 2-0 and 0-0, Spanish Real Mallorca 4-1 and 2-1, AFC Leeds United 2-0 and 2-2, and recorded a historical success.

[04] DPT'S MONTHLY ASSESSMENT: ''TURKISH LIRA GAINS BY 0,9 PERCENT IN VALUE IN APRIL''

In its monthly assessment report, the DPT said that the cumulative value gain of the Turkish Lira in the January-April 2000 period stood at 5,5 percent.

According to the report, the high rate of price increase recorded in agricultural products brought an increase to wholesale and consumer prices, giving an increase slightly higher than estimations.

In the February-April period, however, prices started plunging in both private and public production industries.

The price increase rates in mining, production industries, and energy sectors neared the monthly increase rate of foreign exchange basket, at around 1,7 percent; which indicated that the private sector had started to harmonise with the anti-inflationist program.

The price increase rate for the agrecultural sectors was recorded 2-3 points below the average, a tendency expected to continue into the summer months.

The bettering in production and sales of durable consumer goods, which had started late last year, continued into the first to months of 2000, and the extent of production and sales increase rates started shrinking in March.

Similarly, the first three months of the year staged a considerable increase in automobile sales. The January-March 2000 period enjoyed a sales increase by 87,3 percent as compared to the same period of the previous year.

Exports in the January-April period increased by 2,8 percent, particularly in the exports of iron and non-iron metals, transportation vehicles, electronic devices, chemicals, cement, and agricultural products.

A parity effect resulting from the coniderably high value that the U.S dollar gained against the Euro, played a determining role in limiting exports.

According to initial data, April's cash income totalled to 2 quadrillion 125 trillion Turkish Liras, whereas non-interest expenses reached 1 quadrillion 836 trillion.

April's initial figure for interest expenses was 1 quadrillion 798 trillion Turkish Liras, and non-interest surplus totalled to 289 trillion Turkish Liras.

[05] ''PROTECTION OF ENVIRONMENT MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING'' BETWEEN TURKEY AND GREECE TAKES EFFECT

The agreement, aiming to increase quality of life between the two countries, had been signed on January 10, 2000. The agreement was signed to improve technical cooperation to prevent pollution and to protect environment.

The agreement says cooperation on environment should not be limited only between the governments, but that non-governmental organizations, academic institutions, and private companies should be encouraged.

The agreement targets seminars, symposiums, work groups and expert meetings to take place.

[06] TALAY, MINISTER OF CULTURE, DUE TO CHINA

Talay will hold contacts in Beijing, Xi'an, and Shanghai during the visit.

Talay will also attend the opening ceremony of a postcard exhibition titled ''Mystery of Bosphorus,'' covering the terms in 1895-1914.

State Folk Dances Team will go to China together with Talay to attend an international festival titled, ''Meeting in Beijing in the Year 2000.''
Talay will return to Turkey on May 26.

[07] WORLD BANK ENERGY PROJECTS -NEGOTIATIONS BETWEEN TREASURY, DPT, AND ENERGY MINISTRY EXPECTED TO REACH CONCLUSION BY THURSDAY

A financing guarantee for the year 2002, when the energy deficit is expected to reach a peak, for certain 'build-operate-transfer' (BOT) projects by the Treasury is needed, in order to be able to make use of the ERL.

Yet another warning by the World Bank calls attention to post-2002 period. Bank experts say that there will be an energy production surplus in the year 2003, with the financing guarantee by the Treasury.

The sides are discussing also what could be done about the expected energy surplus in 2003.

The World Bank officials reportedly reiterated that they would give the necessary support to Turkey if she chooses to employ such renewable energy sources as wind, sunlight, and water, instead of short term natural gas stations.

[08] SWEDISH GOVERNMENT SETS UP A FIELD HOSPITAL IN KOCAELI

The field hospital is composed of 16 tents in which there are three operating rooms, one intensive care unit, policlinics, and generator.

The hospital cost nearly 6 million U.S. dollars.

The Health Ministry will appoint personnel to the hospital in coming days.

The personnel will be trained for two months.

Erhan Yenilmez, the Mayor of Korfez, told the A.A correspondent on Tuesday that there was not any health service in the township, and residents would have to go neighbouring Derince township or Izmit for medical treatment.

[09] PAINTERS FROM BURSA DUE TO ATHENS

Sahin told a press conference on Tuesday that he was very pleased about the rapproachment between Turkey and Greece and that efforts should be exerted to contribute to this rapprochement.

People should take lessons from the mistakes in the past, Sahin said.

Sahin noted that the nations of two countries are ready to get closer but the politicians are those who are actually responsible for this rapprochement.

They will visit Athens for 15 days, and they will meet with the Greek painters, Sahin stated.

Sahin said, ''we will paint pictures in the streets and we will stage press conferences. We will be very pleased if we can contribute to the improvement of the relations between two countries.''

Saltabas said that they want the improvement of the peaceful atmosphere in the world and that within this framework, they think that the Turkish-Greek rapprochement will play an important role.

Saltabas also said that it is very pleasing that Turkey can establish good relations with especially the neighbouring countries without making concessions of its interests.

''Artists should influence the society. Many Turkish and Greek artists has carried out joint good will initiatives until today. This is first time that Turkish painters will go to Greece to contribute to the friendship and to promote Turkey. This is very pleasing,'' Saltabas added.

[10] RUSSIAN PRESIDENT PUTIN SENDS CONGRATULATORY MESSAGE TO SEZER

The Russian Presidential Press Center quoted Putin as saying that he attributes importance to the improvement of the relations with Turkey and that he is ready to exert personal efforts within this framework.

Putin also said that he hopes that Sezer's term in office will be remembered as a term when the good neighbourhood and cooperation between two countries are improved.

He attributes great importance to the Turkish-Russian cooperation in the regional and international grounds, Putin noted.

Putin stated that the present connections with Turkey are among Russia's foreign policy priorities.

He is ready to contribute to putting into practice the bilateral partnership between two countries, Putin added.

[11] NATIONAL DEFENSE MINISTER CAKMAKOGLU. -''NATO SECRETARY GENERAL ROBERTSON WANTS TURKEY TO INCREASE NUMBER OF ITS SOLDIERS IN KOSOVO''

Addressing Turkish journalists, Cakmakoglu recalled that he had come together with Robertson yesterday.

He noted that the meeting had focused on relations between Turkey and NATO, and on the latest developments in Kosovo.

Cakmakoglu told reporters, ''Robertson wants Turkey to increase number of its soldiers in Kosovo. We will evaluate it.''

He recalled that he had also held talks with his Greek counterpart Akis Tsohatzopoulos and German counterpart Rudolf Scharping within framework of the WEU Council of Ministers meeting.

Cakmakoglu said, ''Turkey aims at full, equal and active participation in the European Security and Defense Initiative (ESDI). Britain, Norway and Sweden fully support Turkey's target, and other countries did not oppose it.''

Noting that the issue of NATO military manoeuvres ''Dynamic Mix'' which will start on May 20, was brought onto agenda of his meeting with Tsohatzopoulos, Cakmakoglu said, ''the maneouvres will be the sign of friendship process between Turkey and Greece.''

[12] ''FIRST INTERNATIONAL BLACK SEA COASTAL COUNTRIES THEATRE MEETING'' STARTS IN TRABZON

Speaking in the ceremony, Rahmi Dilligil, the Director General of the State Theatres, said that they are pleased to organize an international theatre festival in Trabzon.

Dilligil said, ''today, there is also an international festival in Istanbul. We give start to a new festival in Trabzon. I hope this festival will also be a permanent festival.''

Adil Yazar, the Trabzon Governor, said that they want this festival to become a tradition festival and that Trabzon has a significant historical heritage which goes back to very old times.

Trabzon is the center of social and cultural activities, Yazar noted.

Yazar stated that the festival brings together people from neighbouring countries and that thus, these people contribute to the global and regional peace, and tourism.

Theatre companies from Turkey, Russia, Georgia, Moldova, Romania, Ukraine and Bulgaria are participating in the Theatre Meeting.

The Theatre Meeting will end on May 24, 2000.

[13] INTERIOR MINISTER TANTAN: -''INVESTIGATION INTO ASSASINATION OF MUMCU IS UNDERWAY''

Addressing journalists before the Parliamentary Domestic Affairs Commission meeting, Tantan said, ''it is too early to make a statement. All I can say for the time being is that our works are continuing.''

Meanwhile, Turan Genc, the Director General of Security, told journalists that they would make a statement in coming days to relieve the public opinion.

When asked whether or not they requested appropritation for the nationwide operations, Genc said, ''we requested a small amount of appropriation. It will be coordinated by the Prime Ministry Office.''

Mumcu was killed when a bomb went off under his car on January 24, 1993.

[14] WORLD BANK PLANS TO REVIEW ITS ERL TO TURKEY IN ITS MEETING ON MAY 18

The Bank issued a statement and said that the main target of the ERL was to ''provide sustainable macro economic stability, consolidate the growth, strengthen public sector management, reduce economic sensitivity and support the Turkish Government''.

The statement said the ERL which would accelerate struggle against chronic high inflation and privatization initiatives would support the Turkish Government's reform works on public spendings management, social security, agriculture, telecommunication and energy infrastructure.

''The Turkish Government has displayed positive developments in retirement reform which is one of the structural reforms, modernization of the current legal frame for control of banks, establishment of an organ that arranges telecommunication systems and implementation of international arbitration,'' it said.

''Successful results have been achieved in privatization program while works on main privatization implementations for the second half of 2000 are under way,'' it said.

''Supplementary structural reforms have to be taken in energy and agriculture sectors. The ERL foresees to contribute to the Turkish Government's policies to support agriculture with direct income in spite of information, price and loan support to farmers, and create competition in electricity and gas,'' it added.

The statement said that the ERL was the first of the accord loans that aimed at implementation of accelerated reforms in Turkey.

[15] TREASURY SELLS 759.5 TRILLION LIRAS 2-YEAR DEBENTURE BONDS

The total bid in the auction had been 1 quadrillion 772.8 trillion TL while the Treasury sold 767.2 trillion nominal-valued papers.

The annual simple interest rate became 39.79 percent and the annual composite interest rate became 46.13 percent.

The maximum simple interest rate was 39.91 percent and the minimum simple interest rate was 39.41 percent.

The maximum composite interest rate became 46.28 percent and the minimum composite interest rate became 45.63 percent.

The value date of debenture bonds is May 17, 2000 and the maturity is May 15, 2002.

Meanwhile, Treasury will repay 3 quadrillion 98.8 trillion TL in domestic borrowing on May 19, 2000.

[16] WORLD BANK CHIEF DUE IN TURKEY ON MAY 25 ON THREE-DAY VISIT

The World Bank said on Tuesday that Wolfensohn's visit would start from Istanbul where he would meet with private sector representatives to exchange opinion on economic situation in Turkey.

It said Wolfensohn would also meet with representatives of non-governmental organizations, and make a speech on global financial reforms at the Turkish Banks' Union in Istanbul and within this framework, he would discuss priorities of the Turkish financial sector.

Recalling that the World Bank had allocated one billion U.S. dollars to Turkey within framework of its aid and restructuring projects after the August's killing earthquake, the statement said Wolfensohn would proceed to Golcuk and visit social services for tent cities.

It said Wolfensohn would proceed to Ankara on May 26 and meet with Prime Minister Bulent Ecevit and some government officials to exchange opinion on economic reform implementations.

It said other dimensions of the World Bank's support to Turkey would also be taken up in those meetings in Ankara.

The statement said World Bank Cheif was scheduled to visit the Parliament and meet with the parliamentarians at several commissions.

Wolfensohn who will fly to central Malatya province on May 27 to observe World Bank-supported Eastern Anatolia Project will return to Ankara and stage a press conference the same day.

The World Bank Chief will meet the same day with the representatives of foreign organizations that extend support to Turkey.

Wolfensohn who will be accompanied by World Bank Deputy Chief Johannes Linn will leave Turkey on May 28.

[17] WUPPERTAL PROVINCIAL COURT SENTENCES FOUR GERMAN CONVICTS TO PAY 250 THOUSAND GERMAN MARKS IN COMPENSATION FOR VICTIMS OF SOLINGEN ARSON ATTACK

The Court announced on Tuesday its verdict in the suit filed by members of Genc family.

The court sentenced four extreme rightist German convits to pay 250 thousand German marks in compensation to Bekir Genc, who suffered severe burns in the attack.

The court also sentenced the convicts to pay 8 thousand German marks in compensation to wife of Ahmet Ince who was killed in the attack, and 10 thousand German marks in compensation to Guldane Ince, who was seriously injured in the attack.

Addressing journalists after announcement of the verdict, Rainer Brussow, the lawyer of Genc family, said that it was a scandal that the case had continued for four years.

Four extreme rightist German people aged between 25 and 30, had staged an arson attack in a dwelling belonged to Genc family, in May 1993. Five people lost their lives in the attack while 14 others were injured.

[18] SPORTS - BOXING -33RD EUROPEAN MEN'S BOXING CHAMPIONSHIPS -PHALIANI OF TURKEY QUALIFIES TO SEMI-FINAL

Phaliani beat his French opponent Jean Francois Fahrasmane in the quarter-final.

He will take on Alex Malepin of Russia on Wednesday.

[19] COUNCIL OF EUROPE WELCOMES ELECTION OF SEZER AS 10TH PRESIDENT OF TURKEY

Responding to questions of A.A correspondent during the Council of Europe Parliamentary Assembly meetings in Dublin, Schwimmer said that Sezer would play an important role in improvement of human rights and democracy in Turkey.

Schwimmer stressed that they expected Sezer to expend efforts to persuade the government and the parliament to lift capital punishment.

Noting that they attributed great importance to respect citizens' rights to speak their own mother language within the framework of Turkey's territorial integrity, Schwimmer said that they expected Sezer to expend efforts to this end.

Expressing his satisfaction over the recent positive developments in Turkey in the fields of human rights and democracy, Schwimmer wished that progress would continue in future.

[20] PROF. DR. DINCER: ''TURKEY NEEDS NUCLEAR ENERGY''

Dincer told A.A correspondent that nuclear energy technology should be transferred to Turkey without losing time.

Electricity demand is rapidly increasing in Turkey like in many other countries, Dincer noted.

Dincer continued, ''the increase in population, economic development and modernization caused this rapid increase in electricity demand. Meeting the increasing electricity demand depends on the continuity of the investments.''

''Turkey should reach suitable capacity and structure in electricity to seize the era and be beside the developed countries. To this end, Turkey needs nuclear energy. Developed countries produce a great deal of their electricity from the nuclear energy power stations, '' Dincer added.

Dincer stated that when measures are taken, the nuclear power stations are only as dangerous as the LPG canisters.

Dincer said, ''the nuclear power stations have the strongest and most reliable structure among the energy systems. Nuclear energy is environment's friend. The nuclear power stations do not give much harm to human health and environment. They prevent the increase in the global heating. They do not cause the formation of ozone holes. They do not lead to the leakage of arsenic, lead and mercury which cause cancer.''

''Nuclear power stations are the solution to overcome the bottleneck in electricity. Turkey should continue to search for uranium ore. Thus, it does not need to depend on the foreign countries when operating the nuclear power stations,'' Dincer added.

[21] PRESIDENT SEZER TAKES OATH

The Parliamentary General Assembly convened at 3.00 p.m. for the oath taking ceremony.

After Yildirim Akbulut, the Parliament Speaker, informed the deputies about the oath taking ceremony, Sezer entered into the Parliamentary General Assembly Hall.

Sezer, who was accompanied by Vecdi Gonul, the oldest acting parliament speaker, walked to the rostrum to take his presidential oath.

The presidential oath which is written in the Article 103 of the Constitution is as follows:

''As the President of the Republic of Turkey, I swear that I will protect the existence and independence of the state, inseparable integrity of the country and nation and sovereignty of the nation without concession and with determination. I promise that I will abide by the Constitution, supremacy of law, democracy and Ataturk's principles and reforms and principle of secular Republic regime. I swear that I will abide by the principle that everyone should benefit from human rights and basic freedoms within understanding of peace and prosperity of the nation, national solidarity and justice. I swear that I will protect esteem and prestige of the Republic of Turkey and work to fulfil my office with impartiality before the Parliament and history.''

Sezer's wife Semra Sezer, his son Levent Sezer, his daughters Ebru Akbatur and Zeynep Kisaciklioglu, and his sons-in-law Hakan Akbatur and Mustafa Kemal Kisacikoglu watched the ceremony.

Prime Minister Bulent Ecevit, the leader of the Democratic Left Party (DSP); Devlet Bahceli, the Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of State and leader of the Nationalist Movement Party (MHP); Tansu Ciller, the leader of the True Path Party (DYP); Mesut Yilmaz, the leader of the Motherland Party (ANAP); Recai Kutan, the leader of the Virtue Party (FP), were among the participants.

General Huseyin Kivrikoglu, the Chief of General Staff; General Atilla Ates, the Commander of Land Forces; General Rasim Betir, the Commander of Gendarme Forces; Kemal Guruz, the Chairman of the Institution of Higher Education; rectors of universities; high-level bureaucrats; representatives of foreign missions in Turkey; and former deputies were in attendance at the oath ceremony.

[22] SPORTS-UEFA CUP FINAL -FOREIGN MINISTRY WISHES GALATASARAY SUCCESS

The Foreign Ministry issued a statement recalling that a mission group had been established to help Turkish supporters to watch the match in peace and safety.

The Ministry said that the Dannish authorities acted within understanding of cooperation in initiatives for the safety of the Galatasaray team and Turkish supporters, expressing its pleasure with observing that all necessary measures had been taken by the Dannish authorities.

''The Foreign Ministry wishes that the UEFA Cup final will be played within an atmosphere of friendship and festivity which suits sports. The Ministry wishes Galatasaray success in the match,'' the statement added.

[23] PRESIDENT SEZER (1): -''FREEDOM AND DEMOCRACY CANNOT BE MENTIONED WITHOUT PRINCIPLE OF SECULARISM WHICH FORMS BASIS OF DEMOCRACY''

Addressing the Parliamentary General Assembly following the oath ceremony, President Sezer said, ''it is a great honor to me to address the parliament as the 10th President of Turkey. The Turkish parliament has a special place among the other parliament because it was established in a national independence movement and it led a national independence war.''

Stressing that the real source of sovereignty was unconditionally the Turkish nation, President Sezer noted that the principle of secularism would be protected without concession and with determination.

''Freedom and democracy cannot be mentioned without principle of secularism which forms the basis of democracy. State and social life cannot be arranged with the religious rules. The main target and basic of every duty stemming from national sovereignty, is to strengthen the welfare and prosperity of the nation. The State was organized to this end. All organs and institutions of the State should carry out their duties with this consciousness. They should fulfil responsibility of their duties. The presidency will contribute to these efforts. Because the Turkish nation deserves to live in a more free and prosperous world. My prior duty is to protect our people's rights, and to prevent exploitation of their feelings, religious belief, and labour. Our success will be sign of our patriotism,'' Sezer said.

President Ahmet Necdet Sezer stated that the beginning of this brilliant way was the realization of state of law, democracy and basic human rights and freedoms in universal dimension.

''We have to put this into practice as we attach importance to desires of our nation and modernization program, as we are a great nation and as we have to fulfil Great Leader Ataturk's principle to exceed beyond the contemporary civilization level. We are obliged to achieve this,'' he stated.

''We don't have to postpone our duty to settle contemporary democracy in our political life and principle of state of law in our state structure. We have to meet the requirements of contemporary society without ignoring the structures and implementations that remind police state. The Presidency will attribute importance to this reform and development. The actions which suit democracy and principle of state of law will increase national productivity and happiness,'' he stated.

(To be continued)

[24] PRESIDENT SEZER (2) -''ATATURK'S PRINCIPLES AND REFORMS WILL BE PERMANENT GUIDE OF PRESIDENCY'S DECISIONS''

Addressing the Parliamentary General Assembly following the oath ceremony, President Sezer said, ''a strong economic structure will be guarantee of democracy and state of law. All opportunities should be supported to provide this guarantee. All arrangements should be done to this end by protecting the national interests, providing fair distribution of income and preventing unemployment.''

Stressing that education was the basis of modernization and economic development, President Sezer noted, ''quality of education should be increased. 11 years of compulsory education should be our target.''

Stressing that conformity of actions with the rules was the main factor that made social life valuable, meaningful and esteemed, Sezer said, ''if the rules are implemented without concession and discrimination and the rules are obeyed, it means that the concepts like freedom, equality, entrepreneurship and development of capabilities and social happiness are secured. Actually, the main task of the state is to protect independency and integrity of the Turkish nation, the Republic and democracy, to provide individuals' and society's peace and prosperity, to remove political, economic and social obstacles which restrict basic human rights and freedoms in a way that does not suit principles of social state of law and justice, and to try to prepare the conditions necessary for improvement of material and moral ties of the individual.''

Emphasizing that the state had to make the laws dominant over the society, the President said, ''this is the condition for peace, freedom and happiness. Nobody is superior than the laws. The principle of supremacy of law should always bind everybody, and the unity of the Constitution and laws should always be fulfilled against everybody. It should not be forgotten that most serious social disaster is the lack of confidence in the laws and justice.''

''Illegal actions and corruptions should absolutely be prevented. All Presidency capabilities will serve the society in the struggle with deternmination against the attempts for profiteering,'' the President stated.

Sezer said that the ensurement and maintenance of social peace should be perceived and fulfilled as the state duty.

Sezer continued, ''presidency which is representing the unity of the Republic of Turkey and Turkish nation, will not permit any discussions regarding the unity of the nation and the country. Presidency will consider the protection of the unity of the country and nation as its basic duty.''

''The attacks against the basic features of the Republic and the terrorism have lost their effect. But, they still continue. Our army and the security forces which are the guarantee of our existence, continue to fulfil their responsibilities in this struggle. It will be our duty to ensure the fortification of our armed forces in the future,'' Sezer added.

Sezer said, ''the basic principles in national foreign policy implementations which were adopted during the rule of Great Leader Kemal Ataturk, are still valid. Turkey, which is an active and esteemed member of the international society, will maintain Ataturk's esteemed nationalist line which does not make any concessions of independence.''

''Our country should integrate with the civilization values adopted by the European Union (EU). The successes we mark in being a state based on law and democracy, will promote our esteem in the modern societies. The rapid acceleration in technology and communication, new developments in international relations, new formations and new globalization can provide new opportunities and developments in our foreign policy in the following term. We should be careful and prepared for this,'' Sezer also said.

Sezer added, ''Ataturk's Nationalism, principles and reforms, and the principles of his illumination and modernization program will be the source of inspiration in Presidency. The Presidency will take into consideration Ataturk's Nationalism, principles and reforms, and the principles of Ataturk's illumination and modernization program while taking decisions.''

(End)

[25] GERMAN CHANCELLOR SCHROEDER SENDS MESSAGES TO DEMIREL AND SEZER

In his message to Demirel, Schroeder stressed that Demirel had made valuable contributions to Turkey's modernization during his term in office as a political party leader, and as a prime minister, and then as a president within 40 years.

Pointing out that Demirel had played an important role in further improvement of friendly and traditional relations between Turkey and Germany, Schroeder noted that Turkey became a candidate to the European Union as a result of Demirel's efforts to maintain democratic reforms.

In a separate message to President Sezer, Schroeder congratulated him.

Schroeder stressed that they appreciated with Sezer's efforts during his term in office as the chairman of the Constitutional Court for democracy.

Emphasizing that democracy would further strengthen in Turkey under the leadership of Sezer, Schroeder expressed his belief over that Turkey would continue to progress on the path to the EU.

[26] PAKISTANI PRESIDENT TARAR SENDS A MESSAGE OF CONGRATULATION TO PRESIDENT SEZER

Releasing a statement, the Pakistani Embassy in Ankara said that President Tarar expressed his hope in his message over further development of Turkey under the leadership of Sezer.

President Tarar said he believed that multilateral cooperation between Turkey and Pakistan would be further improved during President Sezer's term in office.

Meanwhile, General Pervez Musharraf, the leader of the military administration in Pakistan, sent a message of congratulation to President Sezer.

In his message, General Musharraf stressed that they considered Turkey as a bridge between the East and the West.

He expressed his belief over further improvement of relations between the two countries during President Sezer's term in office.

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