Anadolu Agency: News in English, 00-07-19

Anadolu Agency: News in English Directory - Previous Article - Next Article

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

ANADOLU AGENCY

NEWS

19 JULY 2000

Wednesday

CONTENTS

[01] TURKEY-PRESS SCAN

[02] SUPPORT MEETING HELD FOR TURKEY AT U.S. CONGRESS

[03] STARTING FROM FIRST SQUARE IN EARTHQUAKE HIT AREA

[04] PROMINENT TURKISH PIANIST FAZIL SAY DUE IN GERMANY

[00] 51,1 MILLION U.S. DOLLAR WORTH OF EXPORT REALIZED FROM SOUTH EAST IN FIRST HALF OF 2000

[06] PREMIER ECEVIT: ''TRNC'S EXISTENCE AS AN INDEPENDENT AND DEMOCRATIC STATE IS A REALITY THAT CANNOT BE DENIED''

[07] CONSTRUCTION OF ANKARA-POZANTI HIGHWAY STARTS

[08] TRNC PRESIDENT DENKTAS: -''JULY 20 PEACE OPERATION SAVED US FROM ANNIHILATION''

[09] FOREIGN MINISTER CEM TO MEET WITH HIS GREEK COUNTERPART IN AUGUST

[10] FOREIGN MINISTRY EXPRESSES ITS CONCERN OVER IRAN'S TEST OF SHAHAB 3 MEDIUM-RANGE MISSILES

[11] NAVAL FORCES COMMANDER ERDIL GOES TO TRNC TO REPRESENT TSK AT JULY 20 CELEBRATIONS

[12] LAVASANI, IRANIAN AMBASSADOR TO TURKEY, MEETS WITH ZIYAL, DEPUTY UNDERSECRETARY OF FOREIGN MINISTRY

[13] GERMAN SCHWERTE FOREIGNERS BOARD TO BUILD SCHOOL AND SOCIAL FACILITY IN DUZCE'S DURAKLAR VILLAGE

[14] FOREIGN MINISTRY ASKS KDP TO CATCH THOSE WHO ATTACKED IRAQI TURKMENIAN FRONT PARTY BUILDING IN ERBIL

[15] RELIABLE SOURCES SAY VERHEUGEN PRESENTED A ''NON-PAPER'' DURING HIS VISIT

[01] TURKEY-PRESS SCAN

HURRIYET (LIBERAL)

TURKEY'S VICTORY IN EUROPEAN SECURITY
What Turkey wished for European Security and Defense Initiative (ESDI) became real. The European Union (EU) has to take the permission of NATO in every decision it will take about ESDI.

MILLIYET (LIBERAL)

SPECIAL DELEGATIONS AGAINST TORTURE
Silvia Casale, the Chairwoman of Council of Europe Prevention of Torture Committee, and the accompanying delegation visited Sema Piskinsut, the Chairwoman of Parliamentary Human Rights Commission. Casale said that there should be independent observers in the prisons. The committee proposed Turkey to set up special teams that will collect evidence to prevent torture.

SABAH (LIBERAL)

COUNCIL OF MINISTERS SIGN DECREE ON PRIVATIZATION OF VAKIFBANK
Yuksel Yalova, the Minister of State for Privatization, said that the Council of Ministers approved the decree on privatization of Vakifbank. Yalova noted that they were waiting for the Industry and Trade Minister who was abroad, to sign the decree. Yalova stated that the Council of Ministers approved the decree after the Industry and Trade Minister signed the decree on Tuesday. The World Bank had earlier said that Vakifbank should be rehabilitated and sold off.

CUMHURIYET (LEFT)

TURKEY CLOSELY MONITORED
Parliament Human Rights Commission chairwoman Sema Piskinsut said that Turkey made significant progress in the prevention of human rights violations but she added that there are still more to do in this field. Noting that the Commission's activities are found positive by Silvia Casale, the Council of Europe Prevention of Torture Committee chairwoman, Piskinsut said Turkey's efforts to prevent torture is being closely monitored by this committee. Turkey has been cooperating with the Council of Europe Prevention of Torture Committee for ten years.

RADIKAL (LEFT)

HALKBANK TO OBTAIN 150 MILLION EURO EXTERNAL LOAN
Halkbank will obtain a five-year maturity 150 million Euro external securitization loan. Halkbank Executive Board Chairman and General Director Yenal Ansen said that Halkbank had obtained more than 500 million U.S. dollars medium-term external loans in last three years. ''Within framework of the agreement for the 150 million Euro second tranche securitization loan with the WestLB, an agreement for the 100 million Euro part of the loan will be signed in London on July 21,'' he said. Ansen added that the loan would have a Euribor+3.90 percent interest rate.

YENI BINYIL (LIBERAL)

''EU DOES NOT WANT CYPRUS RISK''
Sjoerd Isaak Hendrik Gosses, the Dutch Ambassador to Turkey, said that the Cyprus question should definitely be resolved before membership to the European Union (EU) because the EU does not want to carry this problem to the Union. Speaking at a meeting organized by Ankara Young Businessmen's Association (ANGIAD), Gosses said that the Netherlands was a founding member of the EU and added that they want to keep the Union alive. Noting that Cyprus problem should be definitely resolved before it joins the EU, Gosses said nobody wants to carry this problem into their Union.

TURKIYE (RIGHT)

ECEVIT SAYS VERHEUGEN DID NOT GIVE HIM ANY REPORT
Prime Minister Bulent Ecevit said EU Commissioner for Enlargement Guenter Verheugen who visited Turkey last week did not submit any reports to Turkish authorities, not even an unofficial draft, nor they discussed cultural rights in the bilateral meetings. ''Turkey has already reached some of the targets Verheugen proposed,'' Ecevit said. Two other topics focused on during his contacts was Cyprus and relations with Greece, he added.

ZAMAN (CONSERVATIVE)

FIRE-BOMB ATTACK ON A PUBLIC BUS IN ISTANBUL
Unidentified armed assailants hurled a fire-bomb to a public bus in Kagithane district of Istanbul. A group of nearly 15 armed people wearing masks, stopped the vehicle and forced driver and passengers to get out of the bus. Later, the assailants hurled a fire bomb to the bus. Fire broke out in the bus after the fire bomb went off. Fire-fighting teams extinguished the fire, but major damage occurred in the bus. Security forces found a placard in the scene of attack on which name of an illegal extreme leftist organization was written.

[02] SUPPORT MEETING HELD FOR TURKEY AT U.S. CONGRESS

Byrd, a ''friend of Turkey'', is having contacts to form commercial ties between Turkey and the U.S. firms in West Virginia, Alabama, Georgia, Kentucky, Maryland, Mississippi, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Tennessee and Virginia.

Turkish Ambassador to the U.S. Baki Ilkin and Robert Pearson who is expected to start his post as the U.S. Ambassador to Turkey in fall, were also present at the reception which was held for the first time for Turkey.

Besides Byrd, Arlen Spector from Pennsylvania, Thad Cochran from Mississippi, Ted Stevens from Alabama represented the Republican Party at the meeting. The Democrat Party were represented by Edward Kennedy from Massachussetts, Tom Daschle from South Dakota who is also the minority leader, John Rockefeller frm West Virginia, Carl Levin from Michigan, Charles Robb from Virginia and Daniel Inouye from Hawaii.

From the House of Representatives, Bob Wise (D), Nick Rahall (D), Charles Taylor (R), and Robert Aderholt (R) attended the reception.

Pointing out that Turkey is a strategic partner of the U.S. and a valuable NATO ally, Byrd said Turkey proved its importance in the Gulf War. ''Turkey is the oldest democracy in Eurasia and it is the only Muslim, yet secular country in the world,'' he stressed.

It is time to focus on economic relations between the U.S. and Turkey, Byrd said and he called on U.S. investors in Appalachia region to make investments in Turkey which is one of the ten emerging markets.

Ambassador Ilkin who also spoke at the meeting, said contrary to the previous short-lived governments, Turkey now has a coalition government which works in harmony. Drawing attention to Turkey's reforms in social security, banking, agriculture, privatization, taxes, energy and the stand by agreement signed with the IMF, Ilkin said there is a general feeling that the political and economic stability would last in Turkey. The next step could be, Ilkin said, is a visit by a Turkish trade delegation to Appalachia region.

Robert Pearson who will replace U.S. Ambassador to Turkey, Mark Parris in fall, said he and his wife have met with Turkish businessmen in New York and they were impressed by their enthusiasm. Pearson emphasized that they want to focus their attention on commercial relations with Turkey.

[03] STARTING FROM FIRST SQUARE IN EARTHQUAKE HIT AREA

Works have been completed regarding consultation services to re-design the land system in settlement units in Kocaeli, Sakarya and Yalova which suffered extensive damage during the quake.

The Prime Ministry will run the project through the Directorate of Land Registration and Ownership and the project will be financed by the World Bank.

The Prime Ministry will receive bids for the ''pre-election'' from counseling firms until July 31. After assessing the firms, the Prime Ministry will receive bids for the second time from firms which win the first election.

The winning counseling firm will take over infrastructure works in the area and will form an updated map of land registration and ownership. Providing geographical information about the land, developing the necessary software to run the works, and making a full documentation of the system will be among the tasks of the winning firm. The firm will also be in charge of developing techniques to collect data and provide assistance to the Directorate of Land Registeration and Ownership.

The winning firm will be expected to begin works to rebuild the area latest by the end of this year.

[04] PROMINENT TURKISH PIANIST FAZIL SAY DUE IN GERMANY

Releasing a statement, the Turkey Researches Center (TAM) based in Essen, said on Wednesday that a number of Turkish citizens were living in Bochum.

Noting that Say would give the concert within framework of ''Removing Crisis Among Cultures Project'', the statement added that the project was attributed great importance in regard to encourage multi-cultural activities in Germany.

[00] 51,1 MILLION U.S. DOLLAR WORTH OF EXPORT REALIZED FROM SOUTH EAST IN FIRST HALF OF 2000

In the first half of this year, 51,1 million U.S. dollars were gained from the export of fresh fruits and vegetables, and industry products with a 14 percent increase from last year. Last year, export from the South East was 44,5 million U.S. dollars.

Export of fresh fruits and vegetables and industry products were mostly sold to European Union and Middle Eastern countries this year.

[06] PREMIER ECEVIT: ''TRNC'S EXISTENCE AS AN INDEPENDENT AND DEMOCRATIC STATE IS A REALITY THAT CANNOT BE DENIED''

Ecevit sent congratulatory messages to TRNC President Reuf Denktas and TRNC Prime Minister Dervis Eroglu on the occassion of 26th anniversary of Cyprus Peace Operation.

Ecevit said that whole world will accept this reality sooner or later.

Ecevit noted in the message he sent to Denktas that lasting peace was brought to TRNC by the Peace Operation.

''Despite the cruel embargoes, the Turkish Cypriots managed to take giant steps in the path of development and welfare under your leadership. Turkish Cypriots will always find Turkey beside themselves in every difficulty,'' Ecevit said.

Ecevit stated that TRNC's independence has vital importance for Turkey's security.

Ecevit added, ''I wish the continuation of your successful contributions to national case of Turkish Cypriots and welfare and happiness to Turkish Cypriot nation.''

Ecevit said in the message he sent to Eroglu that despite the oppression and obstacles, Turkish Cypriots succeeded in protecting their freedom and independence and developing TRNC.

Ecevit emphasized that Turkey will continue to contribute to the national case of Turkish Cypriots.

[07] CONSTRUCTION OF ANKARA-POZANTI HIGHWAY STARTS

Kemerhisar-Eminlik, Eminlik-Ciftehan and Ciftehan-Pozanti portions of the road will cost 600 million U.S. dollars. Kemerhisar-Pozanti portion of the highway will be 84.3 kilometers long including the 30.3 kilometer of connection roads.

Drivers will enjoy a two way highway between Edirne and Silopi once the highway is completed.

[08] TRNC PRESIDENT DENKTAS: -''JULY 20 PEACE OPERATION SAVED US FROM ANNIHILATION''

The July 20 Peace and Freedom Day celebrations officially started as Denktas addressed a speech in radio and television channels.

Denktas said that July 20 is the day of the rebirth of Turkish Cypriots.

They are exerting efforts to reach a lasting and solid agreement which will not bring back the earlier days and which will prevent the sorrow and difficulties they lived through between 1963 and 1974, Denktas said.

Denktas noted that they will decide whether or not to adopt a possible agreement with the free will of people.

They will not give up sovereignty, equality, their rights on Cyprus, Turkey's guarantorship, and balance between Turkey and Greece in the region, Denktas stated.

Denktas stressed that they can settle peace by protecting these and that they are going forward in this direction.

[09] FOREIGN MINISTER CEM TO MEET WITH HIS GREEK COUNTERPART IN AUGUST

Huseyin Dirioz, the Foreign Ministry Deputy Spokesman, told on Wednesday the weekly press conference that two ministers met each other in Republic of Macedonia a short time ago and that they decided to meet each other again in August.

Dirioz said that the recent Turkish-Greek relations and future initiatives will be discussed in the meeting.

The place and date of the meeting have not yet become clear, Dirioz added.

[10] FOREIGN MINISTRY EXPRESSES ITS CONCERN OVER IRAN'S TEST OF SHAHAB 3 MEDIUM-RANGE MISSILES

Addressing journalists, Dirioz recalled that Turkey took place in a geography in which the risk of proliferation of mass dectruction weapons was extremely high.

Dirioz stressed that Turkey had been following a sensitive policy on the issue of prevention of mass dectruction weapons proliferation.

Expressing concern over armament efforts of some neighboring countries, Dirioz added, ''Turkey is sensitive about Iran's second test of the Shahab 3 medium-range missiles on July 15. We closely monitor the developments.''

[11] NAVAL FORCES COMMANDER ERDIL GOES TO TRNC TO REPRESENT TSK AT JULY 20 CELEBRATIONS

Erdil was received by TRNC President Rauf Denktas and Parliament Speaker Ertugrul Hasipoglu separately, on Wednesday.

Speaking at the meeting, Denktas said Turkish Cypriots were saved from being massacred on July 20 and stressed that they were happy to see Turkish sailors in the TRNC.

With the visit, Denktas said, Turkey is giving a message that it will always support the TRNC and will not yield to demands of the Greek Cypriots.

Hasipoglu said the Turkish Cypriots owed their existence on the island to the TSK. July 20 brought peace and tranquility to both sides in Cyprus and also established democracy in Greece, Hasipoglu also noted.

During his contacts, Erdil said the Turkish Cypriots achieved to fight against the political pressures and economic sanctions for 36 years. He added that the Turkish Cypriots patiently continue their legal struggle at the proximity talks.

Assuring that the TSK will always support the rightful case of the TRNC, Erdil said the peace and stability atmosphere will continue on the island through their cooperation with the TRNC. He also noted that the Turkish Cypriots' support for the TSK was praiseworthy.

Erdil said a coast guard boat which was made in Turkey will be submitted to the TRNC and stressed that the TRNC should develop naval security and protect its naval rights since it is an island.

During the meeting, Erdal presensted Denktas a written message of Fhief of General Staff Huseyin Kivrikoglu.

[12] LAVASANI, IRANIAN AMBASSADOR TO TURKEY, MEETS WITH ZIYAL, DEPUTY UNDERSECRETARY OF FOREIGN MINISTRY

Lavasani met on Wednesday with Ugur Ziyal, the Deputy Undersecretary of Foreign Ministry.

Responding to questions of the A.A correspondent following the one-hour meeting, Lavasani said that the issue of the Shahab 3 missiles having a range of 1,300 km, was not taken up at the meeting.

When recalled about views saying that the Shahab 3 millies posed threat to neighboring countries including Turkey, Lavasani defended that such a threat was out of question.

He added that ''the missiles were not against a third country.''

Diplomatic sources said that several administrative problems regarded with the Iranian Embassy in Ankara, were discussed at the meeting while the issue of ballistic missile tests were not brought onto agenda.

Meanwhile, Muhsin Eminzade, the Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister, is expected to come to Turkey to hold contacts in August.

[13] GERMAN SCHWERTE FOREIGNERS BOARD TO BUILD SCHOOL AND SOCIAL FACILITY IN DUZCE'S DURAKLAR VILLAGE

Yenal Turan and Hans Joachim Berner from Schwerte Foreigners Board and Ekrem Kubilay, a Turkish person working in Germany, briefed Duzce governor Fikret Guven about the education complex after visiting Duraklar village.

Noting that they are planning to build an education complex in the village, Berner asked for Guven's support for the project.

Governor Guven said they very much appreciated the project and assured the delegation members that they will do their best for the smooth operation of their activities.

[14] FOREIGN MINISTRY ASKS KDP TO CATCH THOSE WHO ATTACKED IRAQI TURKMENIAN FRONT PARTY BUILDING IN ERBIL

Foreign Ministry Deputy Spokesman Huseyin Dirioz, at his weekly press briefing, said they were saddened over the death of two people in the clash which broke out between the security personnel of KDP and guards watching the party building of Iraqi Turkmen Front.

Noting that they lack sufficient information about the incident, Dirioz said they had earlier summoned Sami Abdurrahman from KDP on July 12 to the Ministry and called for termination of such incidents. He added that they also summoned Dizai to the Foreign Ministry on Wednesday and repeated their call. We are expecting the KDP to make the necessary investigation and inform us, he added.

Dirioz stressed that Turkey is closely monitoring the Turkmens in Iraq in order to prevent them suffering from lack of authority in the region.

The party building of the Iraqi Turkmen Front in Irbil was attacked at midnight on July 11.

[15] RELIABLE SOURCES SAY VERHEUGEN PRESENTED A ''NON-PAPER'' DURING HIS VISIT

Reliable sources said Verheugen presented to Ankara ''EU's expectations from Turkey'' prior to the Accession Partnership Accord which is expected to be announced in November. The same sources said Verheugen, after conveying his thoughts verbally, also presented to government authorities the ''non-paper'' which has no official value.

It was stated that the report listed the points included in the progress reports prepared for Turkey in 1998 and 1999, but used a ''more cautious'' language. The report had no statements asking for the annulment of the State Security Courts (MGKs).

Verheugen's visit fuelled allegations and speculations in the media, and some newspapers had written that Verheugen left a ''draft'' of the Accession Partnership Accord which asked for education and broadcast in Kurdish language.

Prime Minister Bulent Ecevit, when asked to confirm the news, had said that education and broadcast in Kurdish language was among Verheugen's proposals, but he had stressed that the issue had not come up during his meeting with the EU Commissioner.

Noting that their contacts were generally positive, Ecevit had denied receiving a draft from Verheugen. ''There is not even an unofficial draft which he presented us. Verheugen did not speak about cultural rights with me. Therefore, I did not find it necessary to bring up the issue. I had reminded him that Turkey has already achieved some of the targets which he brought onto the agenda,'' Ecevit had said.

Anadolu Agency: News in English Directory - Previous Article - Next Article