Anadolu Agency: News in English, 00-05-19

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NEWS

19 MAY 2000 Friday

CONTENTS

[01] TURKEY-PRESS SCAN

[02] MILD EARTHQUAKES JOLT BALIKESIR AND DENIZLI PROVINCES

[03] SECURITY FORCES CAPTURE 52 ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS

[04] INTERIOR MINISTER TANTAN DUE TO EGYPT

[05] REPO TRANSACTIONS BETWEEN BANKS AND

[06] BANKS' CREDIT VOLUME INCREASES 167.6 TRILLION TL

[07] SECURITIES ACCOUNT AT BANKS INCREASES 843.2 TRILLION TL

[08] TOTAL DEPOSITS AT BANKS REACH 49 QUADRILLION TL

[09] WORLD BANK APPROVES 759.6 MILLION DOLLARS LOAN TO TURKEY

[10] MILD EARTHQUAKE JOLTS ERZURUM

[11] SPORTS - TAEKWONDO

[12] CROP DUSTER CRASHES IN GAZIANTEP

[13] STATE MEDAL OF HONOR PRESENTED TO GALATASARAY

[14] MAY 19 YOUTH AND SPORTS DAY

[15] U.S. PRESIDENT SENDS HIS NEW CYPRUS REPORT TO CONGRESS

[16] MAY 19 YOUTH AND SPORTS DAY CELEBRATED IN TRNC

[17] ELTEM ELEKTRIK A.S. TO REHABILITATE POWER

[18] CULTURE MINISTER TALAY IN PEOPLE'S REPUBLIC OF CHINA

[19] UNITED GARANTI BANK INTERNATIONAL'S BERLIN BRANCH OFFICE OPENED

[20] TURKISH-ISRAELI TOURISM DELEGATIONS MEETING

[21] NUMBER OF FRENCH TOURISTS COMING TO TURKEY INCREASES

[22] PRESIDENT DENKTAS LEAVES FOR TURKEY

[23] TURKISH AMBASSADOR TO BRITAIN HAKTANIR COMPLAINS

[24] HAKTANIR, TURKISH AMBASSADOR TO BRITAIN, TO SUBMIT

[25] TUSIAV CHOOSES 9TH PRESIDENT DEMIREL AS

[26] PRESIDENT DENKTAS OF TRNC ARRIVES IN ANKARA

[27] 14 THOUSAND PEOPLE STILL LIVE IN TENT-CITIES

[28] SPORTS - BOXING

[29] ISTANBUL TO HOST ''CULTURAL IDENTITY IN GLOBALIZATION

[30] ''SYMPOSIUM ON ''TURKEY-EU RELATIONS'' IN BERLIN

[31] IMF'S TURKEY DESK CHIEF STARTS HIS CONTACTS IN ANKARA

[32] PRIME MINISTER ECEVIT:

[33] FOREIGN MINISTER CEM SENDS A LETTER TO HIS

[34] TURKISH WAR PLANES IN GREECE AFTER 28 YEARS

[35] SPORTS-FOOTBALL

[36] TURKISH-ISRAELI TOURISM DELEGATIONS' MEETING ENDS

[37] STATE MINISTER ONAL: ''IMF'S SUPPORT IS IMPORTANT FOR

[38] THREE SEAMEN REPORTED MISSING

[39] PRIME MINISTER ECEVIT MEETS WITH PRESIDENT DENKTAS OF TRNC

[40] HASAN KILIC WHO WAS TAKEN INTO CUSTODY IN OPERATIONS

[41] PRESIDENT SEZER MEETS WITH PRESIDENT DENKTAS OF TRNC

[01] TURKEY-PRESS SCAN

HURRIYET (LIBERAL)

GALATARASARAY TO BE PRESENTED WITH STATE MEDAL OF HONOR
President Ahmet Necdet Sezer will present Faruk Suren, the Chairman of Galatasaray Soccer Club which won the 42nd UEFA Cup, with the State Medal of Honor during the May 19 Youth and Sports Day celebrations.

AKBULUT DUE TO EGYPT
Yildirim Akbulut, the Speaker of Parliament, will leave for Egypt on May 21 to attend the ''European-Mediterranean Parliament Speakers' Meeting'' in Alexandria between May 22-24. In the first session of the meeting, the participants will have talks on ''Regional Peace and Stability, Fighting Against Terorism and Organized Crimes''; and in the second session, talks on ''Technology Transfer, Investment Incentives, Export Incentives, Liberalisation of Trade, and Implementation of GATT Agreements''. On the second day of the meeting, the parliament speakers will take up ''Strengthening Dialogue, and the Effects of Globalisation on Culture'' and ''Creating Employment Opportunities''. Akbulut is expected to return to Turkey on May 26.

MILLIYET (LIBERAL)

HEARING FOR CAKICI IN FRANCE
Aix-en-Provence Court discussed the application of Turkey which was made to French justice to broaden the scope of extradition of Alaatin Cakici, notorious mafia boss, to Turkey. The judge, who listened to the prosecutor and lawyers of Cakici, will disclose his decision on June 15. France extradited Cakici to Turkey in December to be tried for two cases. Turkey had sent three separate crime files. Turkey later launched initiatives to French Justice Ministry, and called for approval to try Cakici from six separate crime files under Article 14 related with the broadening the scope of extradition. Decision of Aix-En-Provence Court is required to try Cakici from the additional six files.

ULUSOY AND AGAGOLOGLU QUALIFIES TO FINAL
Bulent Ulusoy of Turkey competing in the 67 kg category, qualified to final at the 33rd European Men's Boxing Championships in Tampere, Finland. Ulusoy beat his Lithuanian opponent Dariusz Jaseiavicius in the semi-final match. Ulusoy will vie for gold medal in his final match with Valeri Brazhnik of Ukraine. Meanwhile, in the 54 kg category, Agasi Agaguloglu of Turkey beat Aram Ramazian of Armenia in the semi-final, and qualified to final. He will take on Raimkul Malakhbekov of Russia in the final match.

SABAH (LIBERAL)

CEM TO SEND A LETTER TO HIS IRANIAN COUNTERPART
Foreign Minister Ismail Cem will send a letter to his Iranian counterpart Kamal Kharrazi. Meanwhile, a report on connections between the terrorist Hezbollah organization and Iran will be conveyed to Tehran in coming days. Cem's letter will be conveyed to Kharrazi by Turan Morali, the Turkish Ambassador to Iran. In the letter, Cem underlined that Turkey fully supported Iranian President Mohammad Khatami's moderate policy. He stressed, ''tension escalates not because of Turkey, but because of Iran. You should filfil your responsibilities.''

CUMHURIYET (LEFT)

TURKEY REACTS TO GREECE
Foreign Ministry said that ''Toksotis-Vergina-2000''military maneouvres staged within the Greek-Greek Cypriot Joint Military Doctrine, was evaluated as an activity escalating tension and destabilizing the region. The ministry statement said, ''it is clear that the military exercise will not contribute to the third round of proximity talks, planned to take place at the beginning of July.''

26 MEMBERS OF PKK CAPTURED IN ELAZIG
A total of 26 people aiding and abetting the terrorist organization PKK, were captured in operations launched in Aricak, Alacakaya and Palu townships of eastern Elazig province. A number of shelters used by the terrorists, were destroyed in the operations. The detainees were arrested and sent to prison.

RADIKAL (LEFT)

COTTARELLI: ''EVERYTHING IS PERFECT''
Carlo Cottarelli, Chief of International Monetary Fund's (IMF) Turkey Desk said that Turkey could hit its inflation rate target by the end of the year 2000, if the inflation rate continued along its present tendency. Cottarelli, who is in Turkey for a second revision of the economic program within the framework of the Stand-By rearrangements, noted that the anti-inflationist program of the government had started yielding fruits, and that this April's inflatuion figures were the lowest of the past 13 years. Cottarelli pointed out that not only the IMF, but also the World Bank supported Turkey's anti-inflationist program, and added that the World Bank support to the Economic Reform Loan (ERL) was a clear indication of this.

YENI BINYIL (LIBERAL)

''IT IS CLEAR THAT THEY ARE IRAN-ROOTED''
Regarding the unsolved murders for which the suspects were captured one by one, National Defense Minister Sabahattin Cakmakoglu said, ''it is clear that these are Iran-rooted organizations which seem like they commit crimes on behalf of Islam. These organizations are committing crimes to bring the regime based on Islamic rules. However, murder is not acceptable in Islam.''

TURKIYE (RIGHT)

OUR JETS IN GREECE
The Turkish Air Forces planes will depart today for Greece for the first time in last 28 years to participate in a NATO military exercise. Our planes will take off from Bandirma and Akhisar and land at the Neo Ankhialos Base within framework of the NATO's southern flank's most comprehensive military exercise. Turkey, Greece, Italy, Belgium, Denmark, France, Germany, Netherlands, Portugal, Spain, Britain, Hungary, Czech Republic and the U.S. will participate in the military exercise hosted by Turkey, Greece and Italy.

ZAMAN (CONSERVATIVE)

CIM BOM PLEASES WHOLE WORLD
The Turkish citizens all around the world celebrated Galatasaray's success in the UEFA Cup. The peoples of Greece, Kosovo, Kazakhstan and Azerbaijan were pleased as much as the Turkish people.

WHAT IS ''PEDDLING ONE'S INFLUENCE''?
Prime Minister Bulent Ecevit clarified the concept of ''peddling one's influence'' which was brought onto the agenda by Interior Minister Saadettin Tantan. Ecevit said, ''the KGB spies had made some intelligence works in Britain by peddling influence of high-level bureaucrats, politicians and artists. This is what Tantan meant to say. But it is out of question for Turkey.''

[02] MILD EARTHQUAKES JOLT BALIKESIR AND DENIZLI PROVINCES

Officials at Istanbul-based Kandilli Observatory Seismology Institute told the A.A correspondent that an earthquake measuring 2.9 on the Richter scale was recorded in Balikesir province in Marmara Region at 11:20 p.m. on Thursday.

A 3.3-magnitude earthquake shook Aegean Denizli province at 01:46 a.m. on Friday while a mild earthquake measuring 3.0 on the Richter scale occurred in Bigadic township of Balikesir at 03:50 a.m the same day.

Meanwhile, two aftershocks measuring 2.9 and 3.0 on the Richter scale, were recorded in Izmit and Adapazari provinces in the quake-stricken area on Thursday.

[03] SECURITY FORCES CAPTURE 52 ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS

The immigrants including 45 Pakistanis and 7 Palestinians, were taken into custody for violating the Turkish borders and the passport law.

Officials told the A.A correspondent that the illegal immigrants would be deported once the legal proceedings are completed.

[04] INTERIOR MINISTER TANTAN DUE TO EGYPT

Releasing a statement, the Interior Ministry recalled on Friday that Turkey and Egypt had signed ''Agreement For Cooperation in Struggle Against Illicit Drug Trafficking'' on March 26, 1978.

The statement noted that six commission meetings were held pending February 4, 1994 in accordance with Article 11 of the protocol.

Tantan's visit to Egypt aims at restarting the commission meetings.

His contacts with Egyptian officials are expected to focus on putting into practice the ''Cooperation in Struggle Against Crimes Agreement'' which was signed by Turkey and Egypt on July 26, 1999; and ''Cooperation in Struggle Against Organized Crimes, Terrorism, Illicit Drug Trafficking, Weapon and Hýstorical Works Smuggling and Security Agreement''.

The issues of Egyptian officials' negative attitude towards Turkish citizens in airports in Egypt, and Turkish convicts in Egyptian prisons who need urgent medical treatment, are expected to brought onto agenda during Tantan's contacts in Egypt.

[05] REPO TRANSACTIONS BETWEEN BANKS AND

The Central Bank data shows that the repo transactions, which were 7 quadrillion 203 trillion TL on April 28, increased to 7 quadrillion 211.2 trillion TL on May 5.

The reverse repo transactions, which were 9 trillion 440 billion TL on April 28, increased 4 trillion 725 billion TL to 14 trillion 165 billion TL.

The repo transactions among the financial organizations reduced 76.7 trillion TL to 2 quadrillion 145.6 trillion TL on May 5. The total repo transactions amount was 2 quadrillion 222.3 trillion TL on April 28.

The reverse repo transactions among the financial organizations, which were 2 quadrillion 208.8 trillion TL on April 28, decreased 65 trillion TL to 2 quadrillion 143.9 trillion TL on May 5.

[06] BANKS' CREDIT VOLUME INCREASES 167.6 TRILLION TL

The total credit volume at banks was 21 quadrillion 854.6 trillion TL on April 28.

The Central Bank data shows that the total credits in the system was composed of 1 quadrillion 292.9 trillion TL of loans given to financial sector and 20 quadrillion 729.3 trillion TL of loans given to non-financial sector as of May 5.

The credits given to financial sector were composed of 677.2 trillion TL of loans given by deposit banks, 612.3 trillion TL of loans given by development and investment banks and 3.3 trillion TL of loans given by the Central Bank.

[07] SECURITIES ACCOUNT AT BANKS INCREASES 843.2 TRILLION TL

The total securities account at banks was 12 quadrillion 230.6 trillion TL on April 28.

The Central Bank data shows that there were a total of 12 quadrillion 792.4 trillion TL of securities including 9 quadrillion 483.3 trillion TL of securities, and 3 quadrillion 309 trillion TL of securities over foreign currency at the deposit banks portfolio.

The securities over TL at deposit banks are composed of 1 quadrillion 1.4 trillion TL in treasury bonds, 7 quadrillion 771.8 trillion TL in state debenture bonds and 529 trillion TL in stocks.

A total of 522.9 trillion TL of foreign currency securities at these banks are abroad while there is a total of 1 quadrillion 872.6 trillion TL of state debenture bonds among the domestic securities.

The total securities account at the development and investment banks was 281.5 trillion TL.

[08] TOTAL DEPOSITS AT BANKS REACH 49 QUADRILLION TL

The Central Bank data shows that the total deposit which was 49 quadrillion 197 trillion TL on April 28 increased to 49 quadrillion 257.8 trillion TL on May 5.

When the inter-banks deposits are not considered, the total deposit, which was 44 quadrillion 443.6 trillion TL on April 28, increased 136.3 trillion TL to 44 quadrillion 579.9 trillion TL on May 5.

The total TL deposit decreased 297.7 trillion TL to 21 quadrillion 923.2 trillion TL on May 5. The total TL deposit was 22 quadrillion 217.9 trillion on April 28.

As of April 28, the total TL deposit was composed of 14 quadrillion 575.1 trillion TL deposits at public banks, 7 quadrillion 371 trillion TL of deposits at private deposit banks and 72.2 trillion TL of deposits at foreign banks.

The foreign exchange accounts at banks increased 431 trillion TL to 22 quadrillion 656.6 trillion TL on May 5.

[09] WORLD BANK APPROVES 759.6 MILLION DOLLARS LOAN TO TURKEY

Sources said the Economic Reform Loan (ERL) would be used to finance the management of public spendings, social security, agriculture and infrastructure reforms.

Following the World Bank Executive Directors' Board meeting, a statement was issued, saying that telecommunications and energy were among the infrastructure fields.

It said the ERL would also support the Turkish government's disinflation program and acceleration of privatization.

The statement said the ERL would help Turkey fulfil institutional reforms in social security system and contribute to financial realization of social security structure in medium term and increase productivity and transparency.

The statement stressed that the ERL would assist Turkey in its transition into the system which foresaw direct support to farmers from the current unproductive price subsidy, and contribute to privatization of public economic enterprises in agriculture sector.

The statement added that 384.6 million U.S. dollars part of the ERL would be transferred to Central Bank of Turkey immediately.

[10] MILD EARTHQUAKE JOLTS ERZURUM

Officials at the Ataturk University Seismology Institute in Erzurum told the A.A correspondent that the earthquake was centered on rural area between Senkaya township of Erzurum province and Sarikamis township of eatern Kars province.

There were no immediate reports of casualties or damage.

[11] SPORTS - TAEKWONDO

Spain, Germany, Poland, the Netherlands, Finland, Iran, Azerbaijan, Britain, Georgia, Ukraine and Belarus said that they would take part in the tournament.

Meanwhile, Greece has accepted to participate in the tournament, but it has not conveyed its official application yet.

[12] CROP DUSTER CRASHES IN GAZIANTEP

Mehmet Cavas, pilot of the plane, was slightly injured in the accident.

He was taken to Gaziantep State Hospital for medical treatment.

[13] STATE MEDAL OF HONOR PRESENTED TO GALATASARAY

President Sezer presented the State Medal of Honor to Galatasaray President Faruk Suren during the celebrations in the May 19 Stadium in Ankara.

Addressing the ceremony, President Sezer congratulated Turkish citizens' May 19 Youth and Sports Day.

''Today, there is another event which has increased our enthusiasm is being celebrated. The State Medal of Honor will be presented to Galatasaray Soccer Club as a result of their successes. Galatasaray which have displayed a great perormance in European Cups in recent years have once again proved their belief and determination in competing with the world in every field. This championship was a victory won in the football field, and it is very important for Turkey's introduction,'' the President said.

''Our nation is determined to reach contemporary levels in every field. We want this for the well-being and happiness of our nation. Galatasaray have proved that the Turkish nation has reached the contemporary level in football. I congratulate the technical staff, managers and players of Galatasaray Club as they have brought home the UEFA Cup, pleasing the Turkish nation. You made us feel honored. I take pride in presenting the State Medal of Honor to you as an indicator of our nation's feelings,'' President Sezer stated.

[14] MAY 19 YOUTH AND SPORTS DAY

An official ceremony was held in the Mausoleum of Mustafa Kemal Ataturk, the Founder of modern Republic of Turkey.

Pillars of State headed by President Ahmet Necdet Sezer, visited the Mausoleum.

They laid a wreath to the tomb of Ataturk, and observed a minute of silence out of respect to Ataturk and those who sacrificed their lives for the sake of the country.

President Sezer signed special book of the mausoleum saying,

''Great Ataturk,

We commemorate you with respect on May 19 Youth and Sports Day you bestowed to the Turkish youth.

The fire you lit for independence on May 19, 1999, is a symbol of our nation's resurrection.

Turkey and the Turkish nation are progressing to reach targets you put forward step by step and with a great determination.

Our Republic is recording sublime progress everyday.

We will always protect the democratic and secular republic you founded.

The Republic of Turkey you entrusted to the Turkish youth, is under guarantee.

The Turkish youth will protect and maintain the Republic of Turkey forever.

We are grateful to you.

Rest in peace.''

Yildirim Akbulut, the Speaker of Parliament; Prime Minister Bulent Ecevit; General Huseyin Kivrikoglu, the Chief of General Staff; 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; Hasim Kilic, the Acting Chairman of the Constitutional Court; commanders of land, air and naval forces; General Rasim Betir, the Commander of Gendarme Forces; Mesut Yilmaz, the leader of the Motherland Party (ANAP); Tansu Ciller, the leader of the True Path Party (DYP); Altan Oymen, the leader of the Republican People's Party (CHP); Melih Gokcek, the Mayor of Ankara; high-level bureaucrats and high-ranking military officials were in attendance at the ceremory.

[15] U.S. PRESIDENT SENDS HIS NEW CYPRUS REPORT TO CONGRESS

Clinton sent his report including the latest developments on Cyprus between February 1 and March 31 to Senate Foreign Affairs Committee Chairman Jesse Helms and House of Representatives Speaker Dennis Hastert.

U.S. President Clinton said in his report that the new round of proximity talks on Cyprus had earlier foreseen to start in New York on May 23 but those talks would probably be postponed for a few months due to illness of Greek Cypriot administration leader Glafcos Clerides.

The U.S. President stated that the U.S. was strongly supporting the initiatives launcned by the United Nations for a comprehensive solution to Cyprus issue.

[16] MAY 19 YOUTH AND SPORTS DAY CELEBRATED IN TRNC

An official ceremony took place in front of the Ataturk Monument in Lefkosa.

President Rauf Denktas of the TRNC; Ertugrul Hasipoglu, the Speaker of TRNC Parliament; Mustafa Akinci, the Acting Prime Minister, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of State; Ertugrul Apakan, the Turkish Ambassador to the TRNC; high-ranking military officials and senior officials were in attendance in the ceremony.

Meanwhile, President Denktas sent congratulatory messages to President Ahmet Necdet Sezer; Yildirim Akbulut, the Speaker of Parliament; Prime Minister Bulent Ecevit; Devlet Bahceli, the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of State; Husamettin Ozkan, the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of State; General Huseyin Kivrikoglu, the Chief of General Staff; General Atilla Ates, the Commander of Land Forces; General Ergin Celasun, the Commander of Air Forces; Admiral Ilhami Erdil, the Commander of Naval Forces; General Rasim Betir, the Commander of Gendarme Forces; Sukru Sina Gurel, the State Minister; Ismail Cem, the Foreign Minister; and Sabahattin Cakmakoglu, the Defense Minister.

In his messages, President Denktas congratulated May 19 Youth and Sports Day, and stressed that the Turkish Cypriots would always be loyal and grateful to Turkey.

[17] ELTEM ELEKTRIK A.S. TO REHABILITATE POWER

According to the statement issued by Eltem Elektrik A.S., the projects it will carry out in Turkmenistan are as follows:

''Installation and rehabilitation of Turkmenistan Energy Distribution and System and the system which will transfer electricity energy to Turkey, installation and rehabilitation of power distribution system in Ashkhabad, and construction of Turkmen Energy and Industry Ministry's new building.''

Eltem will also construct high-voltage transformer centers, supply technical equipment and carry out assembling works in Turkmenistan.

[18] CULTURE MINISTER TALAY IN PEOPLE'S REPUBLIC OF CHINA

Addressing the meeting, Talay said that his visit aimed at expanding economic and political cooperation between Turkey and the People's Republic of China to field of culture.

Underlining the importance of cultural exchange in order to make the Turkish and Chinese people know each other in a better way, Talay said, ''performances of the State Folk Dances Company which came to China with me, constitute the first step to this end.''

Meanwhile, Sun said in his part that great progress has been recorded in bilateral relations in recent years.

Sun noted that Chinese President Jiang Zemin's visit to Turkey in April had accelerated relations between the two countries.

Following the meeting, Sun hosted a luncheon in honor of Talay and accompanying delegation.

Later, Talay attended inauguration of postcard exhibition ''Bosphorus Mystery'' at the National Fine Arts Museum in Beijing.

Meng Xiaosi, Chinese Deputy Culture Minister; Ji Peiding, Chinese Deputy Foreign Minister; and Daryal Batibay, Turkish Ambassador to China, were in attendance in the inauguration.

The exhibition which is composed of 250 postcards belonged to the period between 1895 and 1914 will remain open till May 28.

Talay will visit historical places in Beijing on Saturday, and watch the performance of the State Folk Dances Company.

Talay and accompanying delegation are expected to return to Turkey on May 26.

[19] UNITED GARANTI BANK INTERNATIONAL'S BERLIN BRANCH OFFICE OPENED

Addressing the inauguration, Hakan Ozten, a Deputy Director of the UGBI which has offices in several European countries, said the UGBI Bank in which Garanti Bankasi of Turkey has 100 percent share had been set up in Amsterdam in 1980, and they started operating in Germany in 1990.

Ozten said their aim was to serve Turkish citizens living in Germany and other countries in Europe, and their balance sheet had been 2.4 billion German marks as of 1999.

[20] TURKISH-ISRAELI TOURISM DELEGATIONS MEETING

Turkish-Israeli Tourism Delegations' Meeting started in Istanbul on Friday with the participation of representatives of Turkish and Israeli private sector.

Addressing the meeting, Mumcu recalled that they came together with Israeli delegation for the second time, and added that several concrete steps had been taken since the first meeting.

Mumcu said, ''we have the will and appropriate conditions to further improve our cooperation with Israel. We consider Israel as a natural and historical partner of Turkey in the Eastern Mediterranean. We aim at further improving this partnership.''

Responding to questions of journalists, Mumcu said that every year 150 thousand to 500 thousand Israeli tourists came to Turkey to spend their holidays.

When asked whether Galatasaray's winning the UEFA Cup would affect tourism in Turkey, Mumcu noted, ''Galatasaray's success will make a valuable contribution to promotion of Turkey.''

Meanwhile, Ammon Lipkin Shahak, Israeli Tourism Minister, said in his part that both Turkey and Israel had great opportunities in the field of tourism.

Underlining the importance of religious belief tourism to mark the 2000th anniversary of Jesus Christ's birth, Shakak said that Israel was the starting point of three monotheistic faiths.

[21] NUMBER OF FRENCH TOURISTS COMING TO TURKEY INCREASES

Officials at the Turkish Tourism Consultancy in Paris told the A.A correspondent on Friday that number of French tourists coming to Turkey in April 2000 increased 89 percent to 44,330.

Meanwhile, number of foreign tourists visiting Turkey in April 2000 increased 68.95 percent to 720,681 compared to same period of 1999.

In the first four months of 2000, 81 thousand French tourists came to Turkey.

In the same period of the year, 1,844,241 foreign tourists visited Turkey.

[22] PRESIDENT DENKTAS LEAVES FOR TURKEY

President Denktas is scheduled to come together with President Ahmet Necdet Sezer and Prime Minister Bulent Ecevit.

Addressing journalists, President Denktas recalled that the third round of proximity talks would start in Geneva, Switzerland, on July 5.

President Denktas emphasized, ''recognition of existence, equality and sovereignty of both sides are necessary for a reconciliation on the island.''

Noting that proximity talks aimed at preparing an approppriate ground for comprehensive talks, President Denktas added, ''we want equal approach towards the two sides, and acceptance of the two sides' sovereignty and basic human rights and their right to determine their future.''

[23] TURKISH AMBASSADOR TO BRITAIN HAKTANIR COMPLAINS

Ambassador Haktanir sent a letter of complaint to Commission Chairman Lord Wakeham, saying that many Turkish and Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) citizens living in Britain were applying to the Turkish Embassy every day stating that pressures and threats had been increased.

Noting that this included the danger of reaching a serious ethnic discrimination level, Haktanir recalled that the Turkish Embassy and Turkish associations and foundations had launched initiatives to prevent escalation of tension between the two peoples due to the incidents in last weeks.

''However, all of those efforts have failed to get a result due to the aggressive and provocative news and articles of the British tabloid press,'' he stated.

Haktanir recalled that The Mirror had used the headlines of ''They Came to Kill'' and ''Send These Turks to Hell''.

Haktanir stated that The Mirror had called Turks ''barbarians'', ''bullies'' and ''low-down people'', stressing that the British tabloid press had created an atmosphere of hatred.

Noting that those news and articles had resulted in such a point that threatened the lives of the Turkish people living in Britain, Haktanir asked the Commission to carry out the necessary legal procedure against those press organs.

Ambassador Haktanir sent the same letter also to the editor of The Mirror.

[24] HAKTANIR, TURKISH AMBASSADOR TO BRITAIN, TO SUBMIT

At the meeting, Haktanir will present his letter of credentials to Queen Elizabet II.

Meanwhile, Haktanir hosted a reception on Thursday night, and met with members of British-Turkish Parliamentary Friendship Group and the British-Northern Cyprus Joint Parliamentary Group.

A number of British MPs including John Taylor, the leader of the Unity Party, were in attendance at the reception.

Addressing the reception, Haktanir underlined importance of official recognition of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC).

Haktanir added that the recognition of the TRNC would contribute to the efforts to find a lasting solution to the Cyprus question.

[25] TUSIAV CHOOSES 9TH PRESIDENT DEMIREL AS

Issuing a written statement, the TUSIAV said on Friday that Demirel would be given his award in a ceremony that would take place on May 22.

Enis Oksuz, the Transportation and Communications Minister; Rustu Kazim Yucelen, the State Minister; Teoman Koman; Mustafa Suzer; Emrehan Halici; Mehmet Nuri Yilmaz, the Head of Religious Affairs; Zafer Caglayan; Vural Savas, the Chief Prosecutor of Supreme Court; Irfan Onal; Altan Kocer; Mehmet Nevrozoglu; Foundation of Turkish State Hospitals and Relief to Patients (HASVAK) will also be awarded in the ceremony.

[26] PRESIDENT DENKTAS OF TRNC ARRIVES IN ANKARA

Plane carrying President Denktas, landed at the Esenboga Airport in Ankara at 02:00 p.m.

State Minister Sukru Sina Gurel and Yahya Gur, the Governor of Ankara, welcomed President Denktas at the airport.

President Denktas is scheduled to come together with President Ahmet Necdet Sezer and Prime Minister Bulent Ecevit.

[27] 14 THOUSAND PEOPLE STILL LIVE IN TENT-CITIES

Officials at the Duzce Crisis Center told the A.A correspondent on Friday that a total of 14 thousand quake survivors were still living in 3,929 tents erected in 13 different tent-cities in Duzce while 3,315 families had settled in prefabricated huts.

[28] SPORTS - BOXING

Suleymanoglu was defeated by his Russian opponent Alex Leonev.

Meanwhile, Bulent Ulusoy of Turkey competing in the 67 kg category, will vie for gold medal in his final match with Valeri Brazhnik of Ukraine while in the 54 kg category, Agasi Agaguloglu of Turkey will take on Raimkul Malakhbekov of Russia in the final match.

[29] ISTANBUL TO HOST ''CULTURAL IDENTITY IN GLOBALIZATION

Istemihan Talay, the Culture Minister, is expected to attend opening of the congress.

Experts from the U.S., Germany and France, journalist Nilufer Kuyas, poet-writer Murathan Mungan, writer Ataol Behramoglu and director Baris Pirhasan will be in attendance at the congress.

At the congress, issues of ''Cultural Identity in Modernization and Globalization Process'', ''Causes and Consequences of Coca-Cola and Hollywood-American Culture's Dominance in the World'', ''Protection of National Culture and European Culture: Models of France and the European Union'', ''Globalization of Media and its Cultural Consequences'', ''Does Western Culture Threaten Turkish Culture?'', ''Is Turkish Culture National or International?'' will be discussed.

[30] ''SYMPOSIUM ON ''TURKEY-EU RELATIONS'' IN BERLIN

Addressing the symposium, Cem Ozdemir, a deputy of the Unity 90/Greens Party of Germany, said that Turkey would be successful in EU path as long as it accepted the EU norms.

''The Turkish Government has to take Galatasaray Soccer Club as its model by abiding by the European norms,'' he said.

Noting that Turkey had still deficiencies in human rights, Ozdemir stressed that several pleasing developments had recently occurred in Turkey.

Stating that election of prominent jurist Ahmet Necdet Sezer as the 10th President of Turkey was a very positive development, Cem Ozdemir said that Chief of General Staff General Huseyin Kivrikoglu's statements on democracy were very pleasing.

Stressing that European perspective was very important for Turkey, Ozdemir said the European countries which really wanted Turkey's modernization, development and full-membership to the EU had to offer this perspective to Turkey.

[31] IMF'S TURKEY DESK CHIEF STARTS HIS CONTACTS IN ANKARA

Sources said Cottarelli got information on macro economic figures from the officials at the Treasury.

Cottarelli also discussed the schedule for his official contacts that would start next week, sources added.

Cotterelli will come together with the IMF Turkey Desk experts at the week-end.

The experts had arrived in Ankara last Tuesday and collected the latest macro economic figures.

Cottarelli will visit State Planning Organization, Treasury, Finance Ministry, Central Bank, Capital Market Board and Banking Arrangement and Control Authority beginning from Monday.

The IMF delegation headed by Cottarelli will leave Turkey end-May while the delegation's report and Turkey's supplementary letter of intent are expected to be taken up by the IMF's Board in July.

[32] PRIME MINISTER ECEVIT:

Prime Minister Ecevit received a group of young people within framework of May 19 Youth and Sports Day celebrations.

Addressing the meeting, Ecevit said, ''Ataturk who had founded the modern Republic of Turkey and started the modernization movement, entrusted the Republic to the Turkish youth. This is a very important responsibility. You have undertaken the responsibility of reaching the targets put forward by Ataturk. Your successes will be Turkey's achievement. Contemporary education, science and technology are the conditions to reach these targets. Increasing compulsory education to eight years was the first step of educational reform process.''

''Protection of secular and democratic Republic is necessary to reach the targets that Ataturk put forward. Some circles used to think that secularism could not be reconciled with Islam in a country densely populated by the Muslims. On the contrary, Turkey has proved that Islam could be reconciled with secularism, democracy and modernization under the leadership of Ataturk. This year May 19 Youth and Sports Day coincided with Galatasaray's great success in the UEFA Cup. It has been understood from Galatasaray's victory that Turkey is capable of opening all doors in Europe as a result of disciplined and scientific work,'' Ecevit stressed.

[33] FOREIGN MINISTER CEM SENDS A LETTER TO HIS

Diplomatic sources told the A.A correspondent that the letter could not be conveyed to Kharrazi yet because Friday was an official holiday in Iran.

In his letter, Cem underlined that Turkey attributed great importance to relations with Iran.

Cem also responded to Kharrazi's criticisms towards Turkish press, and emphasized that the press was free in Turkey.

[34] TURKISH WAR PLANES IN GREECE AFTER 28 YEARS

The C-130s carrying technical equipment and a 70-member personnel, and the F-16 war planes landed at the Neo Ankhialos Air Base near Volos city, some 300 kilometres west of Athens.

The war planes will stay in Greece for 17 days as guests of the 111th Squadron of the Greek Air Forces.

The Turkish F-16 war planes will carry out their missions together with the Greek war planes for the first time during the NATO's Dynamic Mix maneouvres between May 20 and June 10.

A Turkish war plane had landed in Greece for a short mission in 1972.

[35] SPORTS-FOOTBALL

Sources said Scala would discuss transfer of players with the Besiktas managers.

Meanwhile, Tayfun Korkut, a midfielder of Fenerbahce Soccer Club, will leave on May 21 for Spain to discuss his transfer to Real Sociedad.

Sources said previous talks between Korkut and Real Sociedad had been positive, and Kokut was likely to sign contract with the Spanish club if Real Sociedad and Fenerbahce could reach an agreement.

Meanwhile, Selim Soydan, Fenerbahce's high-level official for Football Branch, said that they would not join UEFA Intertoto Cup in accordance with their coach Mustafa Denizli's decision.

[36] TURKISH-ISRAELI TOURISM DELEGATIONS' MEETING ENDS

A joint declaration was issued at the end of the meeting.

At the meeting, the two sides have taken a series of decisions to improve tourism between Turkey and Israel, and decided to set up a joint committee till July 15 at the latest in order to monitor the developments.

The committee will convene twice a year.

Within this framework, represantitves of Turkish travel agencies will visit Tel-Aviv in September while their Israeli counterparts will come to Istanbul in November.

The declaration emphasized that promotion activities would be accelerated to enable third countries to join tourism cooperation between Turkey and Israel.

The two sides have decided to encourage joint investments in the tourism sector.

The declaration noted that the Turkish Airlines (THY) and Israeli Airlines (El-Al) would determine a joint price policy in order to encourage further improvement of tourism between the two countries.

Israel will provide visa facility to Turkish citizens.

Turkish and Israeli private sectors will prepare a joint web-site to promote their countries.

[37] STATE MINISTER ONAL: ''IMF'S SUPPORT IS IMPORTANT FOR

''IMF's support is important for maturity and interest rate of external borrowing,'' he stated.

Speaking to the A.A correspondent, Onal said the stability program was being carried out together by the IMF and World Bank.

Onal said the IMF would observe the program for three-month periods in first year and six-month periods in second year, and that IMF's Turkey Desk Chief Carlo Cottarelli arrived in Turkey to observe the second three-month period.

''The statements and positive messages given by the representatives of these organizations are important for the financial markets,'' Onal stated.

Stressing that Turkish people were supporting the disinflation program, Onal said, ''we will achieve the 25 percent inflation target if there will not be any international crisis, natural disasters like earthquake or political crisis.''

[38] THREE SEAMEN REPORTED MISSING

Sources said on Friday that Omer Buyukeller, Bilgin Lazir and Hakan Gezer had put to sea with a six-meter yacht.

Coast Guard teams, Sea Police, helicopters and some yachts are searching for the missing yacht and the seamen.

[39] PRIME MINISTER ECEVIT MEETS WITH PRESIDENT DENKTAS OF TRNC

Following the 45-minute meeting at the Hilton Hotel in Ankara, Prime Minister Ecevit and President Denktas staged a press conference.

Prime Minister Ecevit said that the meeting had focused on economic difficulties in the TRNC.

He said, ''we did not need to discuss foreign relations and political problems of the TRNC at the meeting. Because attitudes of Turkey and the TRNC, and President Denktas's determination are clear. A satisfactory solution cannot be found unless existence of two separate and independent states on the island is recognized.''

[40] HASAN KILIC WHO WAS TAKEN INTO CUSTODY IN OPERATIONS

Hamza Keles, the Republican Prosecutor of the Ankara DGM, interrogated Kilic who was detained by the Anti-Terrorism teams.

Kilic was arrested with charges of having involved in assasination of Mumcu, and being a member of the illegal Tevhid (Unification) organization.

Kilic will be taken to Ankara Maximum Security Prison once the legal proceedings are completed.

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

[41] PRESIDENT SEZER MEETS WITH PRESIDENT DENKTAS OF TRNC

President Denktas will receive the Ataturk International Peace Award later today.

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