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Anadolu Agency: News in English, 00-06-14Anadolu Agency: News in English Directory - Previous Article - Next ArticleFrom: The Anadolu Agency Home Page at <http://www.anadoluajansi.com.tr/>ANADOLU AGENCYNEWS 14 JUNE 2000 Wednesday CONTENTS
[01] TURKEY-PRESS SCANThese are some of the major headlines and their brief stories in Turkey's press on June 14, 2000. The Anadolu Ajansi does not verify these stories and does not vouch for their accuracy.HURRIYET (LIBERAL)AGCA IN TURKEY AFTER 19 YEARSMehmet Ali Agca, who served in a prison of Italy for 19 years for attempting an assasination on Pope John Paul, was pardoned by Italy and extradited to Turkey. Last night eight Turkish security officials took Agca from Ancona prison and brought him to Turkey with a special plane. Agca has to serve a nine-and-a-half year jail term in Turkey for the 1979 murder of journalist Abdi Ipekci. He was given a death sentence in absentia, later commuted to 10 years in jail of which he had served a sole 158 days. DECISION FOR AGCA TAKEN IN LONDON MILLIYET (LIBERAL)IPEKCI'S WIFE: I WANT TO TRUST TURKISH JUSTICESibel Ipekci, the wife of journalist Abdi Ipekci who was murdered by Mehmet Ali Agca in 1979, said early on Wednesday that she trusted Turkish justice. Sibel Ipekci said, ''I am following the developments and I want to trust Turkish justice. I am waiting what the Turkish justice will say about the extradition of Agca to Turkey.'' HISTORICAL DIALOGUE SABAH (LIBERAL)YOUNG ASSAD TAKES THE MESSAGEBashar Assad was touched by the visit of President Ahmet Necdet Sezer to Syria to participate in the funeral of Hafez Al-Assad, the late Syrian President. Bashar told Sezer in a 15-minute meeting that ''you came here to share our pain, we won't forget that. We want to look at the future, not the past.'' Diplomatic sources said that Sezer took an important step, adding Syria took the message of Turkey clearly. MONEY FOR PICASSO'S PAINTING FROM SECRET FUND CUMHURIYET (LEFT)AGCA IN TURKEYMehmet Ali Agca who shot Pope Jean Paul II and killed journalist Abdi Ipekci, was pardoned by Italian President Ciampi and extradited to Turkey. Agca was brought to Turkey by a team sent to Italy by the Justice Ministry. Agca's lawyer Marina Magistrelli said, ''this must be a dream. I can't believe this.'' Agca who thanked Pope and Vatican became ''stupefied'' after having informed about the clemency. Vatican announced that it was pleased with the extradition. The Vatican Spokesman recalled that the pope had earlier forgiven Agca. TURK: ''HE WILL STAY IN PRISON FOR NINE YEARS AND SEVEN MONTHS'' BIGGEST PUBLIC ECONOMIC ENTERPRISE TO BE SOLD RADIKAL (LEFT)WAY OPENS FOR BARGAININGThe Parliamentary Investigation Commission decided on Tuesday to refer former Premier Tansu Ciller to the Constitution Court (Supreme Court) for misusing authority by spending the prime ministry secret fund contrary to Article 77 of the Law No. 1050. The Commission decided not to refer former Finance Minister Ismet Attila to the Supreme Court for prosecution. The fate of Mesut Yılmaz, the Motherland Party (ANAP) leader and Tansu Ciller, the DYP leader is same again. Meanwhile Premier Ecevit seeks for ways to save Yılmaz from being prosecuted at Supreme Court. ECEVIT:DEVELOPMENTS MAKE ME WORRY YENİ BİNYIL (LIBERAL)GLADIATOR IN TURKEYMehmet Ali Agca, the famous trigger of extreme-rightist movement before 1980s, shot dead Milliyet newspaper's Editor-in-Chief Abdi Ipekci. He was captured and put into a military prison but he was freed by ''some people''. After escaping abroad, he attempted to kill Pope Jean Paul II in Vatican. He was captured again and sentenced to life. Agca who stayed in prison for 19 years has never talked, leaving a doubt about his mental balance. Four years ago, Agca requested the Italian President to forgive him or send him to a prison in Turkey. And early on yesterday, Italian President Ciampi approved the extradition decision. The reason for the extradition is his ''good conduct and loss of memory''. The plane carrying Agca landed yesterday night. JUSTICE OF ECEVIT ANOTHER CASE OF SHAME TURKIYE (RIGHT)WAY TO PROSECUTION AT CONSTITUTIONAL COURT TO BE CLOSEDIf the Parliament reaches an agreement, the Supreme Court will take the decision about the corruptions. Changes in Articles 100 and 83 of the Constitution are on the agenda. If the Parliament changes these Articles, the Supreme Court will decide whether or not Mesut Yilmaz and Tansu Ciller will be referred to the Constitutional Court, and the accused person can be denounced to the Supreme Court. Prime Minister Ecevit said works were under way with this objective. CILLER: ''LAW IS BEING VIOLATED'' ZAMAN (CONSERVATIVE)YILMAZ TO MEET WITH POPEHead of Religious Affairs Mehmet Nuri Yılmaz will leave for Vatican on Wednesday as the guest of Cardinal Francis Arinze, the Chairman of Papacy Inter-religious Dialogue Council. Issuing a written statement, the Directorate General of Religious Affairs said that Yilmaz and a seven-member delegation would pay a visit to Vatican within the framework of the ''Inter-religious Dialogue and Solidarity Activities''. [02] MEHMET ALI AGCA IN TURKEYISTANBUL, June 14 (A.A) - Mehmet Ali Agca, who was extradited to Turkey after he was pardoned by the decree signed by Italian President Azeglio Ciampi the same day, will be tried on charges of assassinating famous journalist Abdi Ipekcı in Turkey. The plane carrying Ipekci from Italy landed at Istanbul's Ataturk Airport around 02.30 local time early Wednesday. Agca was taken out from the plane and put in an armoured car under tight security. Later he was put in Kartal Special Type Prison. Agca had served 19 years in a prison in Italy for trying to kill Pope John Paul.[03] TURKEY RECEIVES WORLD BANK'S GEF GRANT FOR BIODIVERSITY AND NATURAL RESOURCE MANAGEMENTWASHINGTON D.C., June 14 (A.A) - The World Bank on Tuesday agreed to implement the 11.54 million U.S. dollars Biodiversity and Natural Resource Management Project in Turkey which is funded by a 8.2 million U.S. dollars equivalent grant from the Global Environment Facility (GEF) and 3.35 million U.S. dollars from the Government of Turkey. The project will establish effective participatory planning and sustainable management of protected areas and natural resources at four selected biodiversity conservation sites. It will also build capacity at the national level to support replication of these activities at other priority conservation sites in Turkey. The project will finance a review of the legal and regulatory framework for biodiversity conservation and explore opportunities for mainstreaming biodiversity conservation in forest planning and management, local land use, tourism development, agricultural extension, and environmental management of water systems. The four pilot biodiversity conservation sites are: ''-Caucasian mixed temperate rain forest and high alpine meadows of the Camili Forest District, Artvin Province, North East Black Sea mountains; -Wetland and steppe ecosystems of Sultan Sazligi-Erciyes protected area, Kayseri, Central Anatolian Plateau; -Mediterranean forest and high alpine ecosystems of the Taurus mountains in Koprulu Kanyon National Park, Taurus Mountains, Southern Turkey; and -Alluvial forest with associated aquatic and coastal ecosystems at Igneada, Kirklareli, protected and wildlife management areas of the Thracean Black Sea coast.'' Different conservation challenges will be addressed at each site, including the impacts of existing or encroaching mass tourism, unsustainable use of common resources, and inadequate coordination of biodiversity conservation initiatives with sectoral and local land use planning. The project includes the following components: ''-Strengthening of the National Framework for Biodiversity Conservation. This includes participatory review and development of a strategy for rationalizing a legal framework for biodiversity conservation. It also includes the strengthening of institutional capacity to develop a national network of protected areas. The project will also aid in establishing a system to monitor the status of biodiversity and conservation initiatives throughout the country and develop a prioritized national strategy and action plan to raise awareness of key stakeholders and the general public about the importance of biodiversity conservation in Turkey. The project will also demonstrate how biodiversity issues can be incorporated in the forest management planning process. -Development of Prototypes for Effective Protected Area Management.. The four pilot sites will establish innovative systems for conservation management by building Protected Area Management Authority staff skills, developing protected area management planning systems, and providing equipment and facilities which will include visitor interpretation, educational, and/or community centers. -Project Management and Monitoring. This component will finance equipment and cover incremental expenses associated with implementation by the Project Management Team at the national level.'' The GEF provides grant and concessional funds to developing countries and those with economies in transition for projects and activities that address four aspects of the global environment-biological diversity, climate change, international waters, and the ozone layer. Activities concerning land degradation, primarily those addressing deforestation and desertification, as they relate to the focal areas are also eligible for funding.[04] TRANSPORTATION MINISTER OKSUZ IN KAZAKHSTANASTANA, June 14 (A.A) - Enis Oksuz, the Minister of Transportation and Communications, arrived early on Wednesday in Astana to attend ''Trans-Eurasia-2000'' conference. Oksuz will present statements on ''Tube-Tunnel Project'', ''Black Sea Coastal Motorway'' and ''Kars-Tbilisi Railway'' in the conference. Oksuz will attend the joint press briefing at the end of the conference.[05] EU TO SET UP BUSINESS CENTRE IN GAZIANTEPGAZIANTEP - European Union (EU) will set up a business centre in Gaziantep. Mehmet Aslan, the Chairman of Gaziantep Trade Chamber told A.A that the EU opened its first local information network office in Turkey again in Gaziantep, adding ''the new center, which will act for consultation and training activities, carries great importance for the region.'' ''A big part of the source necessary to set up the business centre will be met by the EU. The construction will start in a land which will be in conformity with EU norms. As I said before Gaziantep did its mission in the membership process,'' he said. Aslan said that EU will also set up business centres in Izmir and Kocaeli.[06] TRANSPORTATION MINISTER OKSUZ IN KAZAKHSTAN (2)ASTANA - Transportation Minister Enis Oksuz said on Wednesday that the the transportation problems between European and Asian countries will also come to the agenda at the ''Trans-Eurasia-2000'' Conference. The Conference started at Astana, the capital of Kazakhstan the same day. The land and railway projects that will connect oceans to Baltic Sea will be discussed at the conference. Oksuz will represent Turkey in the conference which will lsat for two days. Problems between countries in transportation field will be put clearer at the end of the conference, said Oksuz and noted that Turkey's project of tube-tunnel through the straits, the Black Sea Motorway and Kars-Tbilisi railway project are important projects for the future of the Caucasian and Central Asian countries. Official delegations from 22 countries, representatives of firms acting in transportation field and experts attend the conference. U.N., EU, ECO, World Bank and European Development and Public Works Bank, Islam Development Bank and Asian Development Bank will also participate in the conference.[07] ETHIOPIAN EDUCATION MINISTER VISITS NATIONAL EDUCATION MINISTER BOSTANCIOGLUANKARA - Ethiopian Education Minister Genet Zewdie visited on Wednesday National Education Minister Metin Bostancioglu. Addressing the meeting, Bostancioglu said Turkey wanted to continue its friendly relations and cooperate with all countries in the world in the field of education. Noting that he believed Zewdie's visit would contribute to bilateral relations in the field of education, Bostancioglu said that works on a cultural cooperation agreement and education protocol between Turkey and Ethiopia were under way. Ethiopian Education Minister Zewdie said in his part that they wanted to make use of Turkey's experiences in every field during Ethiopia's transition process. Zewdie added that they attributed importance to improvement of relations especially in the field of education.[08] 2,175 HISTORICAL PIECES OF ART TO BE RETURNED BACK TO TURKEY FROM BRITAINLONDON - A total of the 2,175 historical pices of art which were seized in London after being smuggled from Turkey, will be returned back to Turkey in the coming days. The suit filed on the historical works of art seized by British police officers at London's Heathrow Airport in 1996, ended on May, 2000. A total of 2,175 works of art belonging to Roman, Byzantium, Phrgian and Ottoman eras, will be brought to Turkey by the Ministry of Culture officials. These works of art will be classified and registered in museums of Turkey under the Law No. 2863 on Protection of Cultural and Natural Riches. A ceremony will be held on June 19 at Turkish Embassy in London upon the delivery of the works of art.[09] TURKISH BUSINESSMAN STARTS CAMPAIGN IN U.S. TO SUPPORT FUGEN GULERTEKINCHICAGO - A Turkish businessman living in Chicago, the U.S. started a political campaign for Turkish woman Fugen Gulertekin who was sentenced to eight-years in prison in Columbus city. Ismet Deletioglu, the businessman said on Wednesday that Gulertekin, who was imprisoned unjustly for saving a baby from death, was left unprotected and he will try to draw the attention on this human rights violation by sending a report to all politicians in the U.S. including the U.S. President Bill Clinton. Deletioglu was elected as the citizen of the year in the U.S. by the activities he carried out in the U.S. till today.[10] OPERATIONS AGAINST TERRORIST HEZBOLLAH ORGANIZATION SEVEN TERRORISTS CAPTURED IN SOUTHERN ADANAADANA - Security forces captured seven Hezbollah terrorists who were determined to have been involved in murders of three people during operations launched in southern Adana province. Security officials said on Wednesday that those seven terrorists had confessed during their interrogation that they had been involved in murders of seven people. Officials said two of those terrorists had been sent to southeastern Diyarbakir province to point the places of murders.[11] EXTRADITION OF AGCA TO TURKEY JUSTICE MINISTER TURK (1): ''AGCA CAN'T BE RE-TRIED FOR IPEKCI MURDER, THE VERDICT HAD BECOME DEFINITE''ANKARA - Justice Minister Hikmet Sami Turk said on Wednesday that the re-trial of terrorist Mehmet Ali Agca, for killing Abdi Ipekci, a famous journalist-writer, is not possible. ''The verdict of this case had become definite,'' said Turk and added that ''a new trial can only come true if new evidence effecting the merits of the case is discovered. He can be a witness in this case and in other ones.'' Staging a press briefing, Turk said that Agca was taken from Ancona Airport of Italy by the team that went from Turkey at 22.30 local time in Turkey and the plane carrying Agca and the security team landed at Istanbul's Ataturk airport at 02.20 local time. Turk noted that Agca was jailed in Kartal Special Type Prison due to the apprehension order earlier issued for him. Turk stressed that Agca will be tried at Kadıkoy High Criminal court No. 2 for usurpation and Kartal prison is a safe one. Police executed a body search on Agca and he was identified again after being jailed at 03.35 local time on Wednesday, said Turk and noted that the doctors examined his health, which is fine both physically and mentally. Agca will stand trial as soon as possible and the decision of arrest in absentia given for him will be turned into arrest in his presence, Turk said. If Agca is convicted for usurpation, the interim provisions of Anti-Terrorism Law; Articles 1 and 2 will be applied, said Turk. Upon a question asking whether or not Agca could be questioned in relation to the murder of Abdi Ipekci once again, Turk stressed that Agca was tried in his absentia, he was sentenced to death penalty and the verdict became definite. Under the interim provision 1 of the Anti-Terrorism law, death penalties won't be executed and those who serve 10 years in prison will be released under parole, said Turk. ''Nothing can be done about Ipekci murder as long as no new evidence is discovered,'' said Turk. ''Agca can't be re-tried in Ipekci murder,'' said Turk. Agca was extradited to Turkey by Italy to execute the punishment given to him for killing Ipekci and to stand trial for usurpation, said Turk and added that if Agca's new crimes become clear, his standing trial depends on the permission of Italy. Turk reiterated that the punishment that can be given to Agca for usurpation is within the scope of interim provisions of the Anti-Terrorism Law Articles 1 and 2. ''It means if Agca is convicted in this case, he will benefit from the deductions foreseen by the law. For instance if he is imprisoned for 20 years, he will stay in prison for four years.''[12] TEMA HOLDS CONFERENCE IN GERMANYBERLIN - Turkish Foundation to Combat Erosion for Reforestation and For the Protection of Natural Habitats (TEMA) organized a conference in the German city Berlin to draw young people's attention to the erosion's bad effects on Turkish economy. Speaking at a ceremony where certificates were given to the companies which made the biggest donations to TEMA, Turkish Ambassador to Germany Tugay Ulucevik called on all Turkish citizens living both in Turkey and abroad to protect the country's soil against erosion. Turkish Consular Asim Temizgil said he supported TEMA's activities and thanked to young Turkish people for their wide participation in these activities. TEMA Chairman Hayrettin Karaca said globalization is the main reason of the environmental problems that came to existence in the last 30-35 years. He said ''world's treasures must be shared equally''. ''We are not aware that we are going toward an unlivable world,'' he noted. For many years erosion is considered as a big threat, but it never became a part of social awareness, Karaca said and added that education is a must to raise awareness in public on this matter.[13] MACEDONIAN LABOUR AND SOCIAL SECURITY MINISTER TRENEVSKI VISITS OKUYANANKARA - Labour and Social Security Miniser Yasar Okuyan said on Wednesday that Turkey and Macedonia, two EU candidates, must help each other in their EU candidacy process. Macedonian Minister of Immigrant Affairs Martin Trenevski who is currently in Turkey visited Okuyan. Following his visit, Trenevski told reporters that he has observed that ''Turkey is growing with giant steps.'' Turkey is an economic, political and military partner for Macedonia, Tranevski said. He also added that they will work to advance relations between the two countries. Trenevski asked Turkish companies to have bigger participation in the privatization efforts in Macedonia and said the two countries should support each other in their EU candidacy process. Okuyan noted that Turkey and Macedonia have historical and cultural ties and said about 80,000 Turks living in Macedonia and many Macedonians living in Turkey constitute a good picture of friendship. Okuyan said Turkey and Macedonia signed a Social Security Agreement in 1988 and no problems emerged between the two countries in this field. Okuyan said Turkey will always support Macedonia. ''We will work in order to develop relations between Turkey and Macedonia,'' he said.[14] EXTRADITION OF AGCA TO TURKEY (2) TURK, JUSTICE MINISTER: ''ABOLITION OF CAPITAL PUNISHMENT SHOULD BE EVALUATED AGAIN''ANKARA - Hikmet Sami Turk, Justice Minister, said on Wednesday that lifting of capital punishment should be evaluated again by taking into consideration its outcomes and consequences. Turk said capital punishment was put forward against Turkey as an obstacle in front of criminal law, quality of capital punishment, and extradition of criminals. Turk responded to the questions of reporters following the news conference. When recalled of the statement of Agca's Italian lawyer that prison conditions in Turkey were bad, Turk said he did not know the basis for such a statement of the Italian lawyer, adding that the Kartal Prison was one of the best prisons in Turkey. Pointing out that Agca's family did not make an application for a meeting, Turk said Agca would be tried by Kadikoy High Criminal Court on charges of extortion, and noted that they were not thinking of a special security measure or another trial place. When asked whether or not Agca could have a refrigerator or other household in his cell, Turk said, ''no, he will stay in prison under same conditions as other inmates. He has been put into a one-perosn cell.'' Turk said Turkey entered a successful period in the recent 1.5 years concerning extradition of criminals, adding that he met with his British and Belgian counterparts and Malta Chief Prosecutor during European Justice Ministers' Meeting held in Britain. Turk said they focused on the international cooperation in extradition and punishment of criminals, and added that, ''our insistent pursue will continue for the criminals who are abroad. However, this process takes much time. British Justice Minister told me that the process was very conflicted.'' Responding to a question regarding the extradition of Fehriye Erdal, a member of the illegal extreme leftist DHKP-C organization who was involved in the assassination of businessman Ozdemir Sabanci, Turk said Belgian Justice Minister recalled that request of Turkey for the extradition of Erdal was rejected as Erdal was tried under Article 146 of the Turkish Penal Code (TCK). Turk said Belgian Justice Minister told him that a response would be given to Turkey after investigating the issue. Turk said Belgian Minister told him that this was under the authority of Belgian Interior Ministry, and stressed that the issue would be evaluated by Belgian Interior Ministry. Recalling that an Asian origin British citizen was killed in Istanbul two years ago, Turk said Egyptian suspect, who was wanted because of this murder, fled to Malta. Turk said he requested extradition of this suspect to Turkey during his meeting with Malta Chief Prosecutor, adding that the Chief Prosecutor recalled that there was capital punishment in Turkey, and noted that extradition was impossible. Turk said he recalled the reservations Turkey raised regarding the extradition of criminals, and stressed that no capital punishment has been carried out in Turkey since 1984. Turk said Belgian Interior Ministry stated that Erdal posed threat against the public order, adding that his Belgian counterpart told him that decision of appeals court regarding the extradition also binded the Belgian Interior Ministry.[15] PARLIAMENT SPEAKER AKBULUT RETURNS TO TURKEYANKARA - Yildirim Akbulut, the Speaker of Parliament who had paid a three-day official visit to the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC), returned to Turkey on Wednesday after wrapping up his contacts. Addressing journalists at the Esenboga Airport in Ankara after his arrival, Akbulut said that he had held very productive talks with President Rauf Denktas of the TRNC, Ertugrul Hasipoglu, the Speaker of TRNC Parliament, and other high-level officials. ''Turkey and the TRNC shares the same opinions on all issues. It is very confidential. I am very pleased with developments TRNC recorded in 17 years although it was exposed to illegal embargos,'' he told reporters. Stressing that he had exchanged opinions on the Cyprus question with President Denktas, Akbulut said, ''lasting solution cannot be reached with those who do not recognize existence of two separate states, and who ignore the facts on the island.'' Referring to recent economic difficulties in the TRNC, Akbulut noted that Turkey was ready to do its utmost to assist TRNC in overcoming economic difficulties.[16] SWEDEN DONATES 4.4 MILLION U.S. DOLLARS TO TURKEY TO BE USED IN GAP AREA AND EASTERN PROVINCESANKARA - The Swedish government will donate Turkey 4.4 million U.S. dollars to be used for South East Anatolia Project (GAP) and in Turkey's eastern provinces. The Swedish Embassy in Ankara announced that the Swedish government and the United Nations Development Program (UNDP) will sign an agreement in Ankara on Thursday to give Turkey 4.4 million U.S. dollars to be used in a series of projects in east and south-east Turkey. Half of the donation will be used for GAP projects while the other half will be used for projects aiming to raise women's social status in these areas. The project also aims to turn Mardin's city center to a tourism site.
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