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Anadolu Agency: News in English, 00-06-23Anadolu Agency: News in English Directory - Previous Article - Next ArticleFrom: The Anadolu Agency Home Page at <http://www.anadoluajansi.com.tr/>ANADOLU AGENCYNEWS 23 JUNE 2000 Friday CONTENTS
[01] TURKEY-PRESS SCANThese are some of the major headlines and their brief stories in Turkey's press on June 23, 2000. The Anadolu Ajansi does not verify these stories and does not vouch for their accuracy.HURRIYET (LIBERAL)CAKICI AND NURIS CONTINUE BATTLEThe battle between the mafia bosses who are in prison, re-occured yesterday. Two innocent people died in the armed attack. The battle between Alaattin Cakici and Nuri Ergin, the leader of Karagumruk gang, had recessed for some time. But, yesterday, an armed attack was staged against Zeynel Ergin, the brother of Nuri Ergin. Zeynel Ergin, who was in his car and talking with a street seller, Kamil Erdogdu from the window. Zeynel Ergin was injured in his chin in the attack. Erdogdu was injured in his chest in the armed attack. Erdogdu, who was taken to the hospital by the police, died. Five hours after this armed attack, gunshots were heard in Yenikapi district of Istanbul. Three people who came to Kennedy Restaurant, raked with gunfire Erkan Ulas and Murat Goksal, who were known as the supporters of Cakici. Haci Hasan Pence, who was working in the restaurant, died in this armed attack. YILMAZ ACQUITTED MILLIYET (LIBERAL)UFO CONFERENCE IN ISTANBULThe 2nd International UFO and New Age Conference was introduced on Thusday with a press conference. Researchers, experts and abductees from the United States, Britain, and Australia, as well as British Defense Ministry, NATO, and CIA officials were presented to the journalists. The conference, which starts on Friday, will last for three days. PROSECUTOR DEMANDS 100 YEARS IN PRISON FOR BAYSAL SABAH (LIBERAL)PARRIS: AMERICA IS DISCOVERING TURKEYMarc Parris, U.S Ambassador in Ankara said that Turkey had a bright social, democratic, and economic future ahead of her. Speaking to reporters during his tour around Bursa, Parris said that Turkey had a vast economic potential, in which America was getting increasingly interested. He pointed out that U.S companies had only recently started discovering the opportunities that Turkey had to offer, and that the ones already made investments in Turkey and made a success, would encourage other companies. ANOTHER CASE FILED AGAINST 'HODJA' CANADIAN CUISINE FESTIVAL CUMHURIYET (LEFT)PARLIAMENT RESCUED YILMAZParliamentary General Assembly discussed the report of Investigation Commission, which was set up to investigate the allegations against former Prime Minister Mesut Yilmaz and State Minister Gunes Taner, regarding Turkbank tender. Report of the Investigation Commission earlier said it was not necessary to send Yilmaz and Taner to Constitutional Court. Meanwhile, a motion submitted by the Virtue Party (FP) parliamentarians to send Yilmaz and Taner to Constitutonal Court, was rejected.A total of 384 parliamentarians joined in the open voting of the motion. 124 parliamentarians voted in favor of the motion, and 242 voted against, while 18 abstained. SEZER: 'CONFEDERATION' IS THE SOLUTION ATHENS-ANKARA MEETING RADIKAL (LEFT)NSC OBJECTED, 'COVERING CONSTITUTIONAL CITIZENSHIP' DELETEDThe National Security Council (NSC) won the discussion on the Copenhagen criteria. The NSC will follow all the constitutional, legal and administrative arrangements in the path to the European Union (EU). The Human Rights Supreme Board had earlier included the principle of ''covering constitutional citizenship'' to the draft. As the NSC objected to this principle, it was deleted from the last report. The report did not include the proposal of the Foreign Ministry which said that the language ban in expressing ideas, should be lifted. SEZER IN TRNC YENI BINYIL (LIBERAL)''I HAD EARLIER WARNED THAT HE WOULD FLEE''Ahmet Karaoglu, the prosecutor of Abdi Ipekci assassination, told Yeni Binyil that the police would release Mehmet Ali Agca three days after he had been captured. Karaoglu said, ''they brought him to me three days later. They told me that they were releasing Agca. I handled the issue and interrogated Agca. In the end, he confessed. I told the Martial Rule Judicial Counsellor that Agca would run away from the prison. But, they laughed at me.'' ALAWITE TENSION IN FOREIGN MINISTRY TURKIYE (RIGHT)CALL FROM TUSIAD: ''DO NOT DETERIORATE STABILITY''Erkut Yucaoglu, the Chairman of the Executive Board of the Turkish Industrialists' and Businessmen's Association (TUSIAD), said that nobody should hope benefits from early elections. Bulent Eczacibasi, the Chairman of TUSIAD Supreme Consultation Board, addressed the politicians and said, ''let's not sacrifice economy to politics.'' FEHRIYE ERDAL FOUND UNJUST ZAMAN (CONSERVATIVE)OUR NATIONAL FOOTBALL TEAM AMONG EIGHT TEAMS OF EUROPEOur national football team which is among the first eight teams of Europe, is getting prepared for the match that it will play with Portugal in the Euro 2000 quarterfinal. Striker Hakan Sukur, who was injured the previous day, is being tried to be cured until the match. [02] 57TH GOVERNMENT SHOULD CONTINUEDevlet Bahceli, the Deputy Prime Minister and the leader of the Nationalist Movement Party (MHP), said following the voting for SEKA investigation that Mesut Yilmaz, the leader of the Motherland Party (ANAP), would not be sent to the Supreme Court. Bahceli noted that the government should continue. Premier Bulent Ecevit evaulated the result of the voting as positive.[03] TURKEY-GREECE POLITICAL CONSULTATIONS STARTANKARA - Turkey-Greece political consultations started in the Foreign Ministry on Friday.The first of these consultations was held last November in the level of Foreign Ministry Deputy Undersecretaries of two countries. Yigit Alpogan, the Foreign Ministry Deputy Undersecretary, and Anastese Scopelitis, the Greek Foreign Ministry Political Director, are chairing the consultations. Turkish and Greek delegations will exchange ideas about the regional and international issues which concern two countries. The European Security and Defense Initiative (ESDI), the Balkans, the Caucasus, and the Middle East, are among these issues. [04] EAST AND SOUTH EAST ANATOLIAN TOURISM BOOSTSANKARA - Tourism Minister Erkan Mumcu said on Friday, that they expected a great increase in the number of tourists visiting East and South East Anatolia in the forthcoming year, and that the region has to get ready for this boost.Tourism Minister Mumcu will go to Adiyaman, to attend the 8th International Kahta Kommagene Festival between June 24 and 25. After inaugurating the festival, Mumcu will then visit various touristic spots in the region and carry out observations. Mumcu told the A.A correspondent that Sanliurfa broke a record this year in tourism, and added, ''All hotels in Sanliurfa are full right now. I believe that there will be an incredible increase in the number of tourists visiting Adiyaman, Nemrut in particular, next year; so, the region would better get ready for the forthcoming year's boost.'' Noting that Nemrut, the Mountain of the Gods, was one of the most tourism potentials that the region had to offer, Mumcu said that the construction of the highway between Nemrut and Malatya, would be completed before the end of this year. The Tourism Ministry has so far sent 485 billion Turkish Liras to be utilised in infrastructure projects in east Anatolian provinces. [05] TURKISH BANKING SYSTEM -APPLEYARD, VICE PRESIDENT OF BARCLAYS BANK: -''TURKEY IS BECOMING MORE ATTRACTIVE FOR INVESTORS''ANKARA - Sir Leonard Appleyard, Vice Chairman of the Executive Board of the London-based Barclays Bank, one of world's leading banks, said on Friday, that Turkey was becoming more and more attractive for investors every day.Sir Leonard Appleyard, who has recently applied to officials to set up a representation in Turkey, told the A.A correspondent that Turkish economy had turned out to be quite reliable, particularly after Turkey signed the Stand-By agreement with the IMF, and that Turkey had an incredible potential for the banking sector. He pointed out that the new regulations enforced to better the structure of the banking system worked out pretty well, and added that the Turkish banking sector had become more concrete and established than ever before. Appleyard said Barclays Bank was planning to provide international loans, medium and long term credit and financing services through its representation in Turkey. [06] TURKEY-GREECE ENVIRONMENT WORKING GROUP MEETINGANKARA - The second meeting of the Environment Working Group, held regularly within the framework of the accord signed between Turkey and Greece on the protection of the environment, started on Friday in Ankara.Figen Ok, a Turkish Foreign Ministry official participating in the meeting said that the two countries shared similar problems in this field, and expressed belief that much could be done together. Ok said that the participants would be taking up a number of issues, and added that NGO's had important duties to fulfil in the protection of the environment. Ok expressed satisfaction with the increasing contribution of NGO's to their meetings, and said, in Friday's session, they would also be taking up means of further developing cooperation. Chairman of the TEMA Association Hayrettin Karaca, who was also to take part in the meeting, said that Turkey was suffering seriously from erosion, and that because of this, the problems of the soil were more important than the problems of the agricultural sector. [07] DIYARBAKIR DGM'S INDICTMENT REVEALS FACTS ABOUT HEZBOLLAH'S OPERATING METHODSDIYARBAKIR - Diyarbakir State Security Court (DGM) Prosecutor's Office included the operating methods of the terrorist organization Hezbollah in the indictment written over the ''science group'' of the terrorist organization Hezbollah.The indictment said the organization punishes any of its members immediately if they have the slightest doubt that that person revealed the government's secrets, risked Hezbollah's activities, and acted as spy. ''Every organization member is an intelligence agent,'' the indictment said.''They have a very good working system. Therefore Hezbollah's Science Organization is the only organization which is free of spies and its archive has never been found. Every organization member has a code name and every Hezbollah militant whose identity is revealed has a few identity cards.'' It was also stated that Hezbollah does not use posters and similar material to make its propaganda and it does not have its own publication. Unlike classical terrorist organizations, it does not use other people in their crimes and it does not claim responsibility of their crimes. ''It is very difficult to make Hezbollah militants speak at the interrogation. They are trained to resist all types of violence. During their interrogation, they close their eyes and pray and try to remain calm. Sometimes, they pretend they are insane. Those who speak during their interrogation change their statements at the court and they claim they were tortured by the gendarme. They try to create the impression that they spoke under pressure,'' it was said. The indictment added that Hezbollah members made it a ''rule'' to lie for ideological and political reasons. The organization always punishes those who speak during interrogation, therefore there are only a few members who so far have confessed their doings. It was even noted that a few members who spoke to the security forces who interrogated them, later committed suicide. [08] TURKEY-CANADA BUSINESS COUNCIL AND ALLIANCE OF MANUFACTURERS & EXPORTERS OF CANADA HOLDS JOINTMEETING IN TORONTOISTANBUL - Turkish-Canada Business Council and Alliance of Manufacturers & Exporters of Canada held a joint meeting in Toronto on Friday. Speaking at the meeting, Foreign Trade Undersecretary Kursad Tuzmen said the trade volume which is 350 million U.S. dollars between Turkey and Canada, is much lower than the existing potential. He said both sides should work harder to increase foreign trade and advance economic relations. Canada does 85 percent of its foreign trade with the United States and the same situation exists between Turkey and the European Union, Tuzmen said and it would be for the benefit of both countries if they stop being dependent on one single market. Tuzmen later presented information about the cooperation opportunities in Turkey at the meeting which was participated by 64 businessmen, company and state representatives. Canadian Ambassador to Turkey Jean Marc Duval assessing the most recent developments between Turkey and Canada while Turkey-Canada Business Council Deputy Chairman Enver Guney stressed Turkey's strategic importance and invited Canadian companies to make business in Turkey. International Contractors Association Chairman Yilmaz Gurer briefed the attendees about projects undertaken by Turkish contractors in other countries. After the meeting, businessmen from both contries had meetings. [09] TURKEY AND REPUBLIC OF SOUTH AFRICA SIGN POLITICAL COOPERATION AND CONSULTATION PROTOCOLANKARA - Turkey and Republic of South Africa signed a protocol on Friday foreseeing political cooperation and consultations.The signatories of the protocol was Faruk Logoglu, Foreign Ministry Undersecretary, and Aziz Pahad, South African Deputy Foreign Minister. Speaking before the signing ceremony, Logoglu said Turkey attributed importance to relations with Republic of South Africa. When Logoglu said, ''I wish these signatures to work for the benefit of our countries,'' Pahad said he believed that the signatures will work not only for the benefit of the two countries, but for the benefit of many countries. Interdelegation talks started after signing ceremony. Logoglu will host a luncheon in honor of Pahad and the accompanying delegation following the talks. [10] GOKALP, MINISTER OF AGRICULTURE AND RURAL AFFAIRS, DUE TO THE U.S.ANKARA - Husnu Yusuf Gokalp, Minister of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, will pay an official visit to the U.S. on June 25.A written statement issued by the ministry said Gokalp will be the official guest of Dan Glickman, the U.S. Agriculture Minister. Improvement of agricultural cooperation between Turkey and the U.S. would be taken up during the meeting. Gokalp will visit various institutions linked with the U.S. Agriculture Ministry, and in Kansas City. During the visit Gokalp will meet with the World Bank officials regarding Agriculture Reform and agriculture policies implemented in Turkey and the projects which the bank would provide allocation. Gokalp will wrap up his official contacts on July 2 and return to Turkey. [11] PRESIDENT SEZER ATTENDS INAUGURATION CEREMONY OF THE NEW BUILDING OF EASTERN MEDITERRANEAN UNIVERSITY FACULTY OF LAWGAZIMAGOSA - President Ahmet Necdet Sezer said on Friday that Cyprus problem, which entered to its 37th year, still waited for a solution, adding that, ''although the solution is ready, we can not reach it because of the distorted mentality of Greek Cypriot side.''Sezer attended the inauguration ceremony of the new building of Eastern Mediterranean University Faculty of Law. Addressing the students, Sezer said his visit provided him to see the developments recorded by Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) in social and economic fields. Sezer stressed that position of the TRNC recorded despite all the difficulties is a sucess. Sezer said the stages recorded by the TRNC were noteworthy and deserved appreciation because it could not sell the goods it produced in spite of an embargo imposed on its foreign trade, and it could not get any help from any country of the world, except Turkey, and its communication with the world was prevented. Sezer said, ''yet, Turkish Cypriot people continued to struggle despite all the sufferings, and protected their rights. It never made concessions from its sovereignty and independence despite all the pressures.'' Sezer said those who did not want TRNC to improve, did their best and noted that, ''Greek Cypriot side is after adding a new ring to the chain of inhumane embargoes imposed on TRNC for years. The tricks Greek Cypriot side played to prevent cooperation between Eastern Mediterranean University with a university in the U.S. is an important indication of this. Greek Cypriot side now declared war to the universities which is the symbol of high and universal values. It is impossible to accept it. We should put an end to these efforts.'' ''Embargoes should be lifted. Turkey does its best in international platforms in this respect. We wish all the concerned sides to see that embargoes formed an obstacle in front of the way leading to a solution, and remove this problem,'' Sezer noted. Sezer said Cyprus problem entered to 37th year, and 37 years have passed after Greek Cypriots destroyed Cyprus Republic, which was based on equality and partnership. ''The problem still waits for a solution. No result could be obtained despite all the effors. It is impossible to get a result unless understanding of Greek Cypriot side showing themselves as the ruling side and the Turkish Cypriot side as the minority changes.'' Sezer said TRNC recorded success in democracy as well as in culture, economy and social fields. President Sezer pointed out that TRNC has an example position in the region adding that recent presidential elections showed that pluralist democratic order was settled in TRNC, and that the people reached democratic and political maturity. ''Respect to democratic values and human rights and the importance attributed to supremacy of law is praiseworthy. Protecting these values is the requirement of era.'' Sezer said Turkish Cypriot people never made concession from the understanding of rights, rules, and democracy, and that it proved to the whole world that it was a civilized country. ''TRNC will reach to a further developed prosperity level. Turkey will exert every required support. Yet, the real guarantee of this target is the Turkish youth here,'' Sezer stressed. Sezer said experiences of the past would sheld light to young generations, pointing out that, ''great struggles have been given, and great sufferings have been experienced. It is not easy to forget the difficulties.'' Sezer said universities should undertake important responsibilities for the realization of this target, adding that universities would prepare a brilliant future in the TRNC. ''A society will inevitably progress if pluralist democratic values and science are the drawing force in that society. The young generation will preserve secularism, democracy, human rights, and the supremacy of law in the TRNC,'' he said. ''Because of the distorted mentality of the Greek Cypriots, we cannot reach a solution while the solution is so obvious,'' Sezer went on to say. ''The solution is a confederation with two states. There are two different societies and two different states in Cyprus. Confederation is the only solution which will enable the two states exist together in peace. The incidents that took place on the island so far and the lack of confidence obstructs a solution. It is time for the Greek Cypriot side to see the realities and realize that they cannot reach anywhere just by avoiding the truth. It is out of question for the Turkish Cypriots to give up their state, sovereignty, and independence which they fought for heroically.'' As long as truth is disregarded, Sezer said, it is not possible to maintain a long lasting solution in Cyprus and all the efforts will be in vain. ''There will be tests and obstacles in the future. This is a long term fight. The side who has patience and persistence will be victorious. Therefore, I believe that we will be triumphant. Turkish Cypriot people have proved their persistence to the whole world. This is the fight of freedom, justice, human rights, and law. Turkish Cypriots are not alone in this fight. Turkey and the TRNC are fighting together on the same front,'' Sezer said. ''All the resources we have are in the service of Turkish Cypriots. We have mobilized all our sources to raise the prosperity level of Turkish Cypriots. Turkey's support for TRNC will always continue,'' Sezer concluded. [12] NATIONAL DEFENSE MINISTER CAKMAKOGLU GOES TO SOUTH KOREAISTANBUL - National Defense Minister Sabahattin Cakmakoglu said on Friday that Turkey has to be active in European security defense mechanism.Prior to his departure to Seoul, Cakmakoglu said Turkey and South Korea have enjoyed good relations for long years. Cakmakoglu said 700 Turkish soldiers died at the Korean wars in the 1950's and added that he will attend the 50th anniversary ceremonies during his stay in South Korea. He noted that he will discuss the cooperation opportunites in the defense industry with South Korean authorities and noted that he is hoping to advance relations in this field. Cakmakoglu, during his stay, will have meetings with South Korean President, Chief of General Staff, and Defence Minister. Responding to a question over the EU's attitude to exclude Turkey from European Security and Defense Identity (ESDI), Cakmakoglu said Turkey has been involved in Europe's security for 50 years. ''We think that the European security should be formed by the contribution of all European countries,'' Cakmakoglu said. ''Turkey cannot stay outside of this mechanism. Turkey has to be fully active in Europan Security Defense mechanism. Turkey should be consulted in every stage of the decision taking mechanism.'' [13] GREEK AGRICULTURE MINISTER IN GAPSANLIURFA - Georgies Anomeritis, Greek Agriculture Minister, said on Friday that usage of water sources meant the solution of problems experienced in agriculture.Erkan Alemdaroglu, Regional Director of Southeastern Anatolia Project (GAP) Regional Development Administration, and Gulabi Polat, State Water Works (DSI) Regional Director briefed Anomeritis and the accompanying delegation. Anomeritis, Greek Agricture Minister, later visited Ataturk Dam and Hydroelectric Power Plant. Anomeritis said better usage of water sources in 2000-2010 years would mean the solution of problems in agriculture. The guest minister said he appreciated such kind of efforts and noted that his visit further strengthened friendship relations between Turkey and Greece. Anomeritis said within the framework of a protocol they signed with Husnu Yusuf Gokalp, Minister of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, they would convey the experience they got in European Economic Community. The guest minister pointed out that they did not want Turkey to experience the mistakes they made. He said a commission had been set up, adding that a delegation from Turkish Agriculture Ministry would visit Greece on July 15, 2000. Anomeritis said they would teach all the agriculture techniques to their Turkish friends. Greek Minister and the accompanying delegation later proceeded to southeastern Sanliurfa province. [14] TWO PAKISTANIS CAUGHT IN IZMIR WHILE HELPING ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS TO GO TO OTHER COUNTRIESIZMIR - Security forces caught two Pakistanis in Istanbul on Friday who were smuggling people from Turkey to other countries.Tajammal Huseyin and Mumtaz Ahmed were caught in operations carried out by Izmir Foreigners Department's teams in Vefa and Fatih districts. It was stated that Huseyin had provided shelter in Istanbul to 61 Pakistanis, 14 Nigerians and one man from Togo who were caught while trying to leave the country through illegal ways 15 days ago. Ahmed had helped the 27 Pakistani citizens who were caught in Urla a month ago. The two men were sent to the court from the Foreigners Department. [15] GENERAL KIVRIKOGLU, CHIEF OF GENERAL STAFF, IN TBILISITBILISI - Gen. Huseyin Kivrikoglu, Chief of General Staff, currently holding contacts in Tbilisi, Georgian capital, met with David Tevsadze, Georgian Defense Minister, on Friday for a second time.Speaking after the meeting, Kivrikoglu said 60 tonnes of fuel oil, 11 military vehicles, and 6,000 military wearings will be given to Georgian Armed Forces as a part of the agreement signed in 1999. Recalling the importance Turkey attributed to the development of Georgian Armed Forces, Gen. Kivrikoglu said Turkey's support would continue. Tevsadze, Georgian Defense Minister, in his part thanked to Turkey's support and noted that Georgian Armed Forces needed support for some more time. Kivrikoglu is expected to visit a sports complex that was constructed with the support of Turkey, be received by Eduard Shevardnadze, Georgian President. [16] SECOND TRADITIONAL AEGEAN FRIENDSHIP MOTORCYCLE RALLY TO START IN ISTANBUL TOMORROWISTANBUL- Second Traditional Aegean FriendshipMotorcycle rally will start in Istanbul on Saturday. Many Turkish and Greek Harley Davidson motorcycle fans will participate in the rally. The rally will start in front of Dolmabahce Palace and will follow the route passing from Istanbul, Ipsala, Salonica, Athens, Rhodos, Kas, Bodrum, Kusadasi and Izmir. Greek Harley Davidson fans will meet the Turkish team at Ispala border gate and they will ride the rest of the friendship rally together.
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