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ANADOLU AGENCY

NEWS

25 JULY 2000

Tuesday

CONTENTS

[01] TURKEY-PRESS SCAN

[02] NSC TO CONVENE ON WEDNESDAY

[03] FIRE-BOMB ATTACK ON A MINIBUS IN ISTANBUL

[04] SPORTS - SOCCER -BESIKTAS TO PLAY AGAINST PFC LEVSKI SOFIA OF BULGARIA IN EUROPEAN CHAMPIONS LEAGE SECOND QUALIFYING ROUND

[05] SECURITY FORCES INTERCEPT 81 ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS

[06] HAZELNUT EXPORTS -675 MILLION U.S. DOLLARS OF HAZELNUTS EXPORTED SINCE SEPTEMBER 1, 1999

[07] TWO MONUMENTS AT FLEET COMMANDERSHIP TO IMMORTALIZE THOSE WHO DIED AT LAST YEAR'S EARTHQUAKE

[08] DEPOSITORS' DEMONSTRATION IN TRNC -NUMBER OF DETAINEES INCREASES TO 55

[09] ERBAKAN, FORMER LEADER OF BANNED RP, APPLIES TO ECHR

[10] MOSAIC PIECE WHICH WAS STOLEN FROM ZEUGMA 32 YEARS AGO TO BE PLACED ON ITS ORIGINAL SPOT

[11] CYPRUS PROXIMITY TALKS -TRNC PRESIDENT DENKTAS: ''THE STATE IS ON DUTY''

[12] CHINESE CONSUL GENERAL SAYS TRADE VOLUME BETWEEN TURKEY AND CHINA SHOULD INCREASE

[13] COUNCIL OF MINISTERS CONVENES

[14] TALABANI, LEADER OF PUK, IN TURKEY

[15] NORDIC INVESTMENT BANK DELEGATION VISITS GAP

[16] TRANS-CASPIAN OIL PIPELINE PROJECT -DRAFT, CONFIRMING CONVENIENCE OF INTERGOVERNMENTAL DECLARATION SUBMITTED TO THE PARLIAMENT

[17] NIGERIAN PRESIDENT OBASANJO DEPARTS FROM TURKEY

[18] TREASURY ARRANGES THREE-MONTH BOND TENDER

[19] DRAFT LAW APPROVING EUROPEAN CONVENTION OF CHILDREN'S RIGHTS SENT TO PARLIAMENT

[20] PRIME MINISTER ECEVIT: (1) -''IT WILL BE APPROPRIATE TO POSTPONE TENDER FOR NUCLEAR POWER PLANT''

[21] HASIPOGLU, ACTING PRESIDENT OF TRNC: -''YESTERDAY'S INCIDENTS WERE PROVOKED BY ANTI-STATE ORGANIZATIONS WHICH ARE PRO-GREEK CYPRIOT SIDE''

[22] PRIME MINISTER ECEVIT: (2) -THE CANCELLATION OF TENDER FOR AKKUYU NUCLEAR STATION DOES NOT MEAN THAT WE QUIT CONSIDERING NUCLEAR ENERGY''

[23] ECEVIT: ''TAKING DECISIONS UNANIMOUSLY AT MGK MEETINGS HAVE BEEN A BENEFICIAL TRADITION''

[24] PRIME MINISTER ECEVIT: -''WE SHALL HAVE A NUCLEAR POWER STATION ONE DAY. IT IS JUST A MATTER OF TIME''

[25] FOURTH EURASIA ISLAM COUNCIL MEETING STARTS IN SARAJEVO

[26] NIGERIAN PRESIDENT OBASANJO INVITES TURKISH BUSINESSMEN TO HIS COUNTRY

[27] CYPRUS PROXIMITY TALKS -PRESIDENT DENKTAS OF TRNC: ''PROXIMITY TALKS ARE GOING WELL''

[28] MINISTERS COUNCIL MEETING -STATE MINISTER TOSKAY SAYS THEY DISCUSSED SEE'S AND DEVELOPMENTS IN FOREIGN TRADE IN LAST SIX MONTHS

[29] GEORGIAN FOREIGN MINISTER MENAGARISHVILI IN TURKEY

[30] 19 INMATES TRANSFERRED TO OTHER PRISONS FOLLOWING INCIDENTS AT NEVSEHIR PRISON IN WHICH ONE PERSON WAS KILLED

[01] TURKEY-PRESS SCAN

press on July 25, 2000. The Anadolu Agency does not verify these stories and

does not vouch for their accuracy.

HURRIYET (LIBERAL)

coalition government of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus, called on

Prime Minister Dervis Eroglu to step down from his post. The UBP deputies

alleged that the Turkish Cypriot people had lost all the confidence they had

in the government, and because of this, the government would not be able to

continue for long under Eroglu's leadership.

WARM WELCOME TO FIRST OFFICIAL GUEST
President Ahmet Necdet Sezer hosted his first official guest, President

Olusegun Obasanjo of Nigeria yesterday in Ankara. Obasanjo, impressed by

Sezer's hospitality, expressed his gratitude for the warm welcome he had

received, and invited his Turkish counterpart over to his country. On monday,

the two countries put signature on two documents foreseeing increased

cooperation between the two countries.

MILLIYET (LIBERAL)

of civilian members in the National Security Council (MGK). Answering Milliyet

correspondent's question, Chief of General Staff Huseyin Kivrikoglu said ''They

have consulted us. There can be hundreds of civilian members in the MGK. We

don't mind it.''

THERE IS STILL HOPE FOR ZEUGMA
Private Sector, TEMA and scientists started a new initiative to save Zeugma

ancient city which is slowly drowning by the waters of the the Birecik Dam.

The group is aiming to carry the second terrace of Zeugma to a higher

altitude. The representatives of the group who are working to save Zeugma said

''this was not an initiative which accuses the government, but it was a

completely positive approach to save Zeugma.''

SABAH (LIBERAL)

Council, prepared a decree having the force of law (KHK) foreseeing the

removal from office of those government clerks and policemen who had involved

in radical fundamentalist activities, and submitted it to the Prime Minister's

Office. According to the KHK, these persons would not have another chance of

being employed at public services.

SECOND REDUCTION TO CREDIT CARD INTERESTS
Turkish Bank are reducing their credit card interest rates for a second time.

Following Pamukbank's decision to pull down the credit card interest rate from

5.95 percent to 5.90 percent, Kocbank has resolved to pull down this rate from

6.25 to 5.5 percent.

CUMHURIYET (LEFT)

the elderly people in Ankara which has a total population of 3,5 million.

Ankara Municipality received a bill of 1,5 trillion TL from the Directorate of

Electricity Gas and Bus (EGO) in June and half of this bill covers the costs

of free pass bus cards. Gokcek has cancelled the free bus cards which were

earlier given to the handicapped, retired teachers, foreign students and

municipality workers.

HIGH SPEED KILLS 39 PEOPLE IN TRAFFIC ACCIDENTS ON MONDAY
On Monday, 39 people died and 46 others were injured in the traffic accidents

that occured all around Turkey. The accident in Malatya resulted in the

highest number of deaths. 13 people died and seven passengers were injured

when a minubus driver lost control of the vehicle because of a flat tire and

crashed head-on into the truck which was coming from the opposite direction.

Other accidents took place in Elazig, Istanbul, Sakarya, and Ankara's Golbasi

district.

RADIKAL (LEFT)

Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) rebelled when the government failed to pay

back their investments. ''Bank-victims'' first walked to the Presidency

building, later they broke into TRNC Parliament and manhandled some of the

deputies. Prime Minister Dervis Eroglu who was asked to come to the rostrum

said the ''people will definitely be paid back their cash.'' Later security

forces took the angry crowd out of Parliament. One person was injured in the

incident while 29 others were detained.

SEZER: ''YOK'S SYSTEM WILL CHANGE''
President Ahmet Necdet Sezer who vetoed the rector candidate list of the

Higher Education Council (YOK) said the system to elect rectors should change.

Sezer said the current system is creating mistrust and chaos and he promised

to members of Lecturers Association (TUMOD) that the current system will

change.

YENI BINYIL (LIBERAL)

Ivan Shilyashki, Chairman of Bulgaria's State Energy and Energy Sources Agency

Chairman said that a 260 kilometer-long power communication line between

Turkey and Bulgaria would be installed, and that Bulgaria's portion would cost

about 31 million dollars. Shilyashki said that the 200 kilometer portion of

the line would be within Turkish territory, and each country would be

responsible of financing its own portion.

SUSURLUK HEARING LASTS 3 MINUTES
The 22nd hearing of the Susurluk case was heard yesterday at Istanbul State

Security Court No 6, but the case was adjourned for one more time, in order to

give time to one of the defendants to recover from his state of

unconsciousness. Ugur Onder, Ibrahim Sahin's lawyer said his client had

rcently had a traffic accident, that he would be undergoing a surgery in the

month of September, and called for an adjournment. The case was adjourned to

October 2.

TURKIYE (RIGHT)

yesterday under the chairmanship of State Minister and Deputy Prime Minister

Husamettin Ozkan. The Council agreed to turn on the green light to a shift

from cable and satellite broadcasts to digital, provided that the

rearrangements required to secure national interests are made within three

months.

VAKIFBANK SUPPORT TO QUAKE STRICKEN INDUSTRIALISTS
The Vakiflar Bank will provide credits to industrialists who had suffered

losses in last year's earthquakes. Vakifbank's Project Loans Director Nese

Aslan Kayacan said about the bank's decision to provide credits to quake

stricken industrialists, that the bank had reserved a 150 million euro portion

of a total of 600 million euros provided by the European Bank of Investment,

to provide as credits in compensation of the losses that the sector suffered.

ZAMAN (CONSERVATIVE)

of Sarajevo to attend the Fourth Eurasia Islam Council meeting between July

25-27. Representatives of Turkish Republics in Central Asia, Albaia, Romania,

Russia, Croatia, Iraq, Yugoslavia, Syria, Bulgaria, Mongolia and Poland will

be in attendance at the meeting.

CAGIRICI SENTENCED TO CAPITAL PUNISHMENT
Trial of 41 members of the illegal Islamic Movement Organization who were

accused of committing a number of homicides including assasinations of

journalist-writer Cetin Emec, journalist-writer Turan Dursun, and Iranian

opponent Ali Aksar Gorbani, and staging bomb attacks held at the Istanbul

State Security Court (DGM) no: 3. At the end of the trial, Irfan Cagrici, a

member of the organization's execution council, was sentenced to capital

punishment on charges of attempting to change the constitutional order with

armed struggle. The Istanbul DGM no: 3 sentenced four suspects to life in

prison. While 17 suspects were sentenced to imprisonment terms from three- year-nine-month

to twelve-year-six-month, 20 suspects were acquitted.

[02] NSC TO CONVENE ON WEDNESDAY

Wednesday under the chairmanship of President Ahmet Necdet Sezer.

The monthly meeting of the NSC will start at 02:00 p.m. at the War Academies.

Following the meeting, President Sezer and members of the NSC will attend

graduation ceremony at the War Academies.

[03] FIRE-BOMB ATTACK ON A MINIBUS IN ISTANBUL

Bahcelievler district of Istanbul early on Tuesday.

Fire broke out in the minibus after the bomb went off.

Fire-fighting teams and local residents extinguished the fire.

The attack caused major damage in the minibus.

Officials told the A.A correspondent that the assailants had left a placard

near the minibus on which name an illegal organization was written.

A full investigation into the attack is underway.

[04] SPORTS - SOCCER -BESIKTAS TO PLAY AGAINST PFC LEVSKI SOFIA OF BULGARIA IN EUROPEAN CHAMPIONS LEAGE SECOND QUALIFYING ROUND

Levski Sofia of Bulgaria will be played on July 26 in Istanbul.

The match will start at 08:45 p.m.

Fiorenzo Treossi, Fabrizio Babini and Lorenzo Fornasin of Italy will referee

the match.

The second leg will be played in Sofia on August 2.

The program of first leg matches in the second qualifying round of Euponean

Champions Leage are as follows:

06:00 p.m. Shaktar Donetsk (Ukraine) v Levadia Maardu (Estonia)

07:00 p.m. SK Slavia Prag (Czech Republic) v FC Shamkir (Azerbaijan)

07:30 p.m. Brondby IF (Denmark) v KR Reykjavik (Iceland)

07:30 p.m. Zimbru Kisinev (Moldova) v NK Maribor Banik (Slovenia)

08:00 p.m. Helsingborgs IF (Sweden) v Bate Borisov (Belarus)

07:00 p.m. Haka Valkeakoska (Finland)v ASK Inter Bratislava (Slovakia)

09:45 p.m. Glasgow Rangers (Scotland) v FBK Kaunas (Lithuania)

10:00 p.m. FC Shelbourne (Ireland) v Rosenborg BK Trondheim (Norway)

09:15 p.m. HNK Hajduk Split (Croatia) v Dunaferr SE (Hungary)

09:30 p.m. SK Sturm Graz (Austria) v Hapoel Tel Aviv (Israel)

08:45 p.m. BESIKTAS (Turkey) v PFC Levski Sofia (Bulgaria)

09:00 p.m. Dinamo Bucharest (Romania) v KP Polonia Warsaw (Poland)

09:00 p.m. Kizilyildiz Belgrad (Yugoslavia)vTorpedo Kutaisi (Georgia)

09:00 p.m. Anderlecht (Belgium) v Anorthosis Famagusta (Greek Cypriot

side)

[05] SECURITY FORCES INTERCEPT 81 ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS

of eastern Igdir province who had entered Turkey illegally.

The immigrants including 77 Pakistanis and 4 Iranians, 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.

[06] HAZELNUT EXPORTS -675 MILLION U.S. DOLLARS OF HAZELNUTS EXPORTED SINCE SEPTEMBER 1, 1999

her exports of hazelnuts since September 1, 1999 which was the first month of

the 1999-2000 export year.

Officials at the Black Sea Union of Hazelnut Exporters told the A.A

correspondent on Tuesday that Turkey exported 194 thousand 434 tonnes of

hazelnuts, and obtained an income of 675.4 million U.S. dollars.

Turkey exports hazelnuts mainly to the European countries.

In the same period last year, Turkey had exported 171 thousand 920 tonnes of

hazelnuts, and obtained an income of 711 million 634 thousand 873 U.S.

dollars.

[07] TWO MONUMENTS AT FLEET COMMANDERSHIP TO IMMORTALIZE THOSE WHO DIED AT LAST YEAR'S EARTHQUAKE

the Turkish Armed Forces (TSK) personnel who lost their lives at last year's

devastating earthquake.

Naval Forces Commandership said in a written statement that the 441 people who

died on August 17 will be immortalized by the monuments which will open with a

ceremony on Wednesday. The monuments, one built in the Headquarts Building and

the other at the Naval Officers House, bear the names of those who lost their

lives in the quake.

Chief of General Staff Huseyin Kivrikoglu, Land Forces Commander Atilla Ates,

Naval Forces Commander Ilhami Erdil, Air Forces Commander Ergin Celasin and

Gendarme General Commander Resim Betir will be present at the opening

ceremony. President Ahmet Necdet Sezer is also expected to attend the

ceremony.

People who lost their relatives, including the family of British Major James

Shermor Acton who was staying at the military guest house when the quake

stroke, have been invited to the ceremony.

[08] DEPOSITORS' DEMONSTRATION IN TRNC -NUMBER OF DETAINEES INCREASES TO 55

demonstration of depositors in the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC).
Officials told the A.A correspondent that following overnight's search and

investigation, number of detainees which was declared as 29, increased to

55.

A full investigation into the incidents is underway in the TRNC.

Meanwhile, those who were injured during the incidents and taken to the Dr.

Burhan Nalbantoglu State Hospital for medical treatment, are in good

condition.

Officials told the A.A correspondent that 17 out of 19 people who were taken

to the hospital, were discharged after their medical treatments were

completed.

Meanwhile, the Turkish Cypriot newspapers covered the story on their first

pages. The newspapers defended that provocateurs distorted righful

demonstration of the depositors.

A group of nearly 2 thousand depositors who demanded repayment of their

savings at banks which were sequestrated by the state, stormed the parliament

building by breaking doors and windows. They later continued their

demonstration in the General Assembly Hall by throwing all official documents

into the air, and chanting slogans urging President Rauf Denktas and the

government to resign.

[09] ERBAKAN, FORMER LEADER OF BANNED RP, APPLIES TO ECHR

said on Tuesday that they had applied to the European Court of Rights (ECHR)

with the request of suspension of implementation of court ruling about

Necmettin Erbakan, the former leader of the RP.

Kazan recalled that the Appeals Court had upheld one-year imprisonment

sentence against Erbakan in accordance with the second paragraph of Article

312 of the Turkish Penal Code (TCK).

Noting that Erbakan would apply to the Appleas Court Republican Chief

Prosecutor's Office for the correction of the verdict, Kazan said that a

request for correction of verdict did not prevent implementation of court

ruling in accordance with the Criminal Trial Procedure Law.

Kazan said that Erbakan's French lawyer had applied to the ECHR with the

request of suspenzion of the implementation of court ruling.

Kazan added that their application also included their objections regarded

with the merits of the case.

[10] MOSAIC PIECE WHICH WAS STOLEN FROM ZEUGMA 32 YEARS AGO TO BE PLACED ON ITS ORIGINAL SPOT

piece which was stolen from Zeugma ancient city 32 years ago will be placed

back to its original spot. The mosaic was brought back to Turkey from the U.S.

on June 19.

Eliacik told A.A correspondent that the mosaic depicting the love of Partenope

and Metiox has been put together by experts and it will be promoted to public

by a ceremony which will be attended by Culture Minister Istemihan Talay.

Eliacik said the mosaic, after the ceremony, will be restored and it will open

to visitors soon.

The mosaic which is 2,5 meters to 2,5 meters was found in the U.S. in 1993

through the joint efforts of Gaziantep Museum and Prof. david Kennedy from

West Australia University. It was found out that the mosaic was stolen from

Turkey in 1968. Through the initiative of Istemihan Talay, the valuable piece

was brought home on June 19.

[11] CYPRUS PROXIMITY TALKS -TRNC PRESIDENT DENKTAS: ''THE STATE IS ON DUTY''

Cyprus proximity talks are continuing on Tuesday, in Geneva under the

mediation of the United Nations.

Alvaro de Soto, U.N Secretary General Kofi Annan's Special Cyprus

Representative met on Tuesday morning with President Rauf Denktas of the

Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC).

Speaking to Greek Cypriot reporters about Monday's incidents in the TRNC,

Denktas said that similar things were taking place also in the Greek Cypriot

sector, but that this did not mean that the State was not on duty, watching

over its people.''

De Soto was to meet with Greek Cypriot leader Glafcos Clerides after his

meeting with Denktas.

The second stage of the third round of proximity talks are expected to last

until August 4.

[12] CHINESE CONSUL GENERAL SAYS TRADE VOLUME BETWEEN TURKEY AND CHINA SHOULD INCREASE

trade volume between his country and Turkey should further increase.

Kun Xu who paid a visit of courtesy to Bursa governor Ali Fuat Guven said that

the Chinese economy has been growing very rapidly in the last decade and added

that the economic crisis which hit the southeast Asia could not even stop this

growth. Kun Xu stated that China's growth rate is expected to be about seven

percent this year.

Noting that Turkey and China enjoy very good political relations, Kun Xu said

the trade volume should also increase as parallel to the good relations.

Kun Xu said last year's trade volume was 700 million U.S. dollars. ''This

figure should increase because there is a big potential between the two

countries. Both sides should work hard to increase their trade volume.''

The economic recovery in China is also pulling up the prosperity level in the

country, he said and noted that last year many Chinese people travelled

outside China as tourists. Kun Xu said there will be a sharp rise in the

number of Chinese tourists visiting Turkey if the Chinese economy further

improves in the coming years.

[13] COUNCIL OF MINISTERS CONVENES

of Prime Minister Bulent Ecevit.

Mesut Yilmaz, the leader of the Motherland Party (ANAP) who was appointed as

the deputy prime minister and minister of state on July 13, is also in

attendance at the meeting which started at 11:00 a.m.

At the meeting, the Council of Ministers will take a decision about the tender

for Akkuyu Nuclear Power Plant.

Husamettin Ozkan, the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of State, and Tunca

Toskay, the State Minister, will inform the Council of Ministers on the recent

economic developments.

Selcuk Demiralp, the Undersecretary of Treasury; Kursad Tuzmen, the

Undersecretary of Foreign Trade; Muzaffer Selvi, the Director General of the

Turkish Electricity Production and Distribution Corp (TEAS); and Ahmet

Kilicoglu, the Director General of the Eximbank, are also in attendance at the

meeting.

[14] TALABANI, LEADER OF PUK, IN TURKEY

of Iraq, arrived in Ankara on Monday to hold talks.

Addressing journalists at the Esenboga Airport in Ankara after his arrival,

Talabani said that he came to Turkey from Syrian capital of Damascus.

When asked of news reports claiming that President Saddam Hussein of Iraq was

preparing to stage an attack on Sulaymaniyah, Talabani said, ''these news

reports are not new. We hear about such news reports from time to time. But I

do not suppose that Saddam could stage such an attack.''

When asked whether or not he would request support from Turkey, Talabani, ''we

always want support of our friends.''

Meanwhile, the second meeting of the Peace Monitoring Group that was scheduled

to be held later today, was postponed due to Talabani's visit to Turkey.

The first meeting of the Peace Monitoring Group was held last week in

Ankara.

The Peace Monitoring Group was set up to protect cease-fire between Iraqi

Kurdistan Democratic Party (KDP) and Patriotic Union of Kurdistan (PUK).

[15] NORDIC INVESTMENT BANK DELEGATION VISITS GAP

foreign loan for Sanliurfa's Yaylik Valley irrigation project is visiting

southeastern Sanliurfa and Adiyaman provinces.

GAP Regional Development Administration authorities told A.A correspondent on

Tuesday that the bidding for the Yaylak Valley project took place some time

ago and the project will provide irrigation to 20,000 hectares of land.

Nordic Investment Bank delegation which is formed by six representatives have

been briefed on the latest situation at GAP by the authorities. The delegation

later went to Yaylak Valley.

Delegation members will later visit Ataturk Dam and Hydro Electric Power

Plant. On Wednesday, the delegation will tour some historical sites in

Adiyaman before they leave Turkey.

[16] TRANS-CASPIAN OIL PIPELINE PROJECT -DRAFT, CONFIRMING CONVENIENCE OF INTERGOVERNMENTAL DECLARATION SUBMITTED TO THE PARLIAMENT

declaration, pertaining to the realisation of the Trans-Caspian Oil Pipeline

project, was submitted to the Parliament on Tuesday.

In the draft, it was said that the purpose in the signing of the

Intergovernmental Declaration Pertaining to the Implementation Principles of

the Trans-Caspian oil Pipeline Project was to encourage domestic and foreign

investors to take part in transportation projects through the host countries,

namely Turkmenistan, Georgia, Azerbaijan, and Turkey, to establish a regional

pipeline network that would be sufficient enough to meet the demands of the

countries concerned, to form an export pipeline network in the region, and to

develop a project that would eventually transport Turkoman natural gas to

Turkey and from there, to European markets.

It also said that the signatories had agreed to provide the necessary support

to sponsors, which they could need to complete the project before the end of

the last quarter of the year 2002.

''Turkey has been developing various projects in order to meet her increasing

demand for energy and create reliable and economical alternatives to diversify

her energy resources on one hand, and to become one of the major energy

terminals of the world on the other. The Trans-Caspian Oil Pipeline Project is

not only an economical alternative for Turkey in meeting her increasing

demands, but also one, that is strategically important in the integration of

the regional countries with the west.

This project will become part of the pipeline network that will be formed

along the East-West Energy Corridor, together with the Baku-Tbilisi-Ceyhan

Main Oil Pipeline.

With these facts in hand, the approval of the aforementioned declaration,

which includes stipulations pertaining to the realisation of the Trans- Caspian

Natural Gas Pipeline Project that is to contribute greatly to Turkey's

political and economic priorities, is highly significant,'' the draft said.

[17] NIGERIAN PRESIDENT OBASANJO DEPARTS FROM TURKEY

official visit, took off from Istanbul's Ataturk Airport for home at 01:15

p.m. on Tuesday.

President Obasanjo was seen off by State Minister Edip Safder Gaydali,

Governor of Istanbul Erol Cakir, Istanbul Central Base Commander General

Niyazi Hatipoglu, Police Chief Hasan Ozdemir and various other officials.

[18] TREASURY ARRANGES THREE-MONTH BOND TENDER

Tuesday.

The bonds will be issued on July 26 while the repayment of bonds will be

realized on October 25, 2000.

The Treasury realized a net sale of 307 trillion Turkish Liras (TL) at the

tender.

Meanwhile, Treasury will realize 429 trillion 836 billion TL in domestic

borrowing repayment on July 26.

[19] DRAFT LAW APPROVING EUROPEAN CONVENTION OF CHILDREN'S RIGHTS SENT TO PARLIAMENT

been presented to the Parliament Chairmanship.

The European Convention of Children's Rights is based on the 4th and 12th

articles of the UN Children's Rights Convention which expects the countries

which signed the convention to take all types of legal, administrative and

other measures to protect children's rights and enable children to express

their views on every field freely.

The convention proposes to give legal rights to children which aims to protect

children's rights as a human being and an individual. Some points in the

convention aim to facilitate children to use their rights or another

institution or person to use these rights on behalf of the children.

The convention also intends to allow children express their opinions at a

court during family trials such as divorce. The convention says children's

views should be taken into consideration and the court should decide on a

solution which would benefit the children most.

The convention suggests to form a common international attitude to set up

institutional mechanisms which will guarantee that the court decision will be

applied.

Turkey had earlier stated that it will act in line with the convention in

cases related to divorce, guardianship of children, and parent-children

relationships.

[20] PRIME MINISTER ECEVIT: (1) -''IT WILL BE APPROPRIATE TO POSTPONE TENDER FOR NUCLEAR POWER PLANT''

appropriate to postpone tender for nuclear power plant for a period of

time.''

Addressing journalists following the Council of Ministers meeting, Prime

Minister Ecevit said, ''as a country that had decided construction of a number

of natural gas and hydroelectric power plants, it is unnecessary for us, for

the time being, to invest in nuclear energy like the other member countries to

the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD). At the same

time, it is inconvenient in regard to our economy. Our economic stability

program can be seriously hampered.''

Prime Minister Ecevit added, ''eventually, it will be appropriate to postpone

the tender for nuclear power plant for a period of time. Cancellation of

tender for Akkuyu Nuclear Power Plant will not mean giving up nuclear energy.''

[21] HASIPOGLU, ACTING PRESIDENT OF TRNC: -''YESTERDAY'S INCIDENTS WERE PROVOKED BY ANTI-STATE ORGANIZATIONS WHICH ARE PRO-GREEK CYPRIOT SIDE''

Northern Cyprus (TRNC) and Speaker of Parliament, said on Tuesday, ''yesterday's

demonstrations held by depositors were provoked by anti-state parties, trade

unions and organizations who are pro-Greek Cypriot side.''

Addressing a press conference, Hasipoglu said, ''security forces launched an

investigation following the incidents and determined ten provocateurs among

the depositors.''

Hasipoglu said that the incidents were taken under control as a result of

determined attitude of the Security Forces Commandership.

He told reporters, ''the parliament is not an executive organ. It is the main

source of democracy reflecting the people's will. No one can reach anywhere by

storming the parliament. I wish such incidents would not occur again.''

''There may be circles who want to benefit from the situation in the country.

Our people should claim their rights with common-sense. They should not be

provoked by these circles. It is very meaningful that these incidents had

coincided with the third round of proximity talks in Geneva, Switzerland. We

are experiencing a very critical period. A concensus should be provided.

Otherwise, such incidents may lead to a change in the regime,'' he stressed.

Noting that the depositors were righful, Hasipoglu told reporters, ''the

government could not keep its promises due to recent economic difficulties.

The government plans to pay back depositors' savings at the banks which were

sequestrated by the state, by dividing into 18 instalment. The first three

payments have already been made. Jurisdiction process regarding the banks in

question should not be delayed.''

Hasipoglu said that 53 people were arrested during yesterday's incidents.

He added that three police vehicles and six official vehicles were damaged in

the incidents.

Meanwhile, seven detainees are expected to stand trial later today on charges

of damaging state's properties.

[22] PRIME MINISTER ECEVIT: (2) -THE CANCELLATION OF TENDER FOR AKKUYU NUCLEAR STATION DOES NOT MEAN THAT WE QUIT CONSIDERING NUCLEAR ENERGY''

Tuesday. Prime Minister Bulent Ecevit, in a statement he made in the wake of

this development, said that the cancellation of the tender did not mean that

Turkey would quit considering nuclear power in the future.

''The Council of Ministers are in full accord in their decision to take up the

nuclear power station issue, once the economic program reaches its targets, ''

he stressed.

Prime Minister Ecevit, who made a statement pertaining to the cancellation of

the tender for Akkuyu Nuclear Power Station during the Council of Ministers

meeting, which started at 11.00 hours and which is still continuing said:

''The Council of Ministers have agreed to make an assessment of the Turkish

Atomic Energy Authority (TAEK) report. According to this report, the Chernobyl

disaster occurred not when the station was at production, but during an

experiment. The report also stresses on the negligence of the Soviet

authorities of the time, who had not taken into consideration the fact that

such a reactor needed steel protection buildings. There exists and operates

many nuclear power stations in neighboring countries, whose technological

standards are not so up-to-date, and which again carry the risk of causing

disasters. This means that Turkey will still be under the threat of a possible

disaster even if she does not have any nuclear stations.

Nuclear power stations are not a threat against tourism either. One of the

most popular countries that tourists choose to go, is France, which at the

same time, has the greatest number of nuclear power stations within its

borders. We have other reasons to delay the construction of a nuclear station

in Turkey, reasons that have to do with our economy.''

Ecevit pointed out that Turkey did not need to consider nuclear power stations

for the time-being, and added:

''It would be better if we consider building nuclear power stations after we

have solved our economic problems. It is better for us to put the 'nuclear'

file to the shelf, and not take it down until we have implemented the whole

economic reform program successfully.

The TAEK report says that natural gas resources could fall insufficient only

after 15 or 20 years. Then, we might reconsider nuclear energy as an

alternative.

When and if natural gas shortage emerges as a serious problem, we will, most

probably need more than one nuclear power stations. But at present, we have no

financial sources for such a thing. And the Treasury Undersecretariat has

warned us against this financial situation.

According to the TAEK report, nuclear power station designers are working on

projects that would reduce the cost of future generation power stations by 25

percent, and prolong their operational lives to 40-50 years.

Since we are not faced with serious energy problems for the time being, and

since we'd better concentrate on solving our economic problems, it would be

much better if we consider a nuclear power station after 10 or 20 years from

now.''

(end)

[23] ECEVIT: ''TAKING DECISIONS UNANIMOUSLY AT MGK MEETINGS HAVE BEEN A BENEFICIAL TRADITION''

taking decisions unanimously has been a beneficial tradition at the National

Security Council (MGK).

Following his statement during which he announced that the Akkuyu Nuclear

Power Project has been postponed once again, Ecevit answered reporters'

questions.

When reminded of Chief of General Staff Huseyin Kivrikoglu's words regarding

increasing the number of civilian members in the MGK, Ecevit said ''Kivrikoglu

only stressed a truth with his statement.'' ''Taking decisions unanimously and

through compromise at MGK meetings has been a beneficial tradition.''

Responding to another question, Ecevit said he has no information about the

decree having the power of law which foresees dismissing civil servants who

were involved in fundamentalist and separatist acts.

[24] PRIME MINISTER ECEVIT: -''WE SHALL HAVE A NUCLEAR POWER STATION ONE DAY. IT IS JUST A MATTER OF TIME''

Turkey would have a nuclear power station, adding, ''It is just a matter of

time.''

Prime Minister Ecevit told reporters that Turkey could have her own nuclear

power station 15-20 years from now, that all the participants of the Council

of Ministers meeting were in accord over Turkey's adoption of nuclear energy,

but that it was just a matter of time.

In reply to a question on when the Energy and Natural Resources Ministry

report pertaining to limitations of electricity consumption would be issued,

Ecevit said that they were still working on the report.

[25] FOURTH EURASIA ISLAM COUNCIL MEETING STARTS IN SARAJEVO

''adherents of three monotheistic faiths should work together to provide peace

and happiness.''

The Fourth Eurasia Islam Council meeting started at the Holiday Inn Hotel in

Bosnian capital of Sarajevo with participation of 49 religious leaders from 26

countries and 10 autonomous regions.

Addressing the opening session of the meeting, Yilmaz said, ''we have decided

to hold the meeting in Bosnia-Herzegovina because it is a country in the

middle of Europe which is densely populated by Muslims.''

Yilmaz said, ''human has been asking questions 'who am I?', 'where do I come

from and where do I go?', 'what is the purpose of my existence?' since the

beginning of his existence. Religion responded his questions. Philosophers and

metaphysicians tried to respond these questions. But only religion's answers

were satisfied the human. The religion aims at unifying people by leading them

to happiness. Adherents of three monotheistic faiths should work together to

provide peace and happiness.''

Jack Klayn, a representative of the United Nations, underlined importance of

dialoque among different cultures and religious beliefs in efforts to provide

peace in the world.

Prime Minister Ethem Bicakcic of Bosnian Federation was also in attendance at

the opening session of the three-day meeting.

Meanwhile, Yildirim Akbulut, the Speaker of Parliament; Prime Minister Bulent

Ecevit; Devlet Bahceli, the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of State; Mesut

Yilmaz, the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of State; Husamettin Ozkan, the

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of State; and Recai Kutan, the leader of

the Virtue Party (FP) sent congratulary messages to Yilmaz.

[26] NIGERIAN PRESIDENT OBASANJO INVITES TURKISH BUSINESSMEN TO HIS COUNTRY

country was presently in a process of reconstruction and democratisation after

15 years of military rule, and called on Turkish businessmen to make

investments in his country.

''There are very profitable investment opportunities in Nigeria for Turkish

companies,'' Obasanjo said.

Nigerian President Olusegun Obasanjo and the delegation accompanying him

attended a meeting on Tuesday, organised by the Foreign Economic Affairs

Council (DEIK), and had talks with the representatives of Turkish business

circles.

Noting that Turkish and Nigerian busines circles could cooperate in launching

joint projects in Nigeria in the fields of energy, natural gas, oil, mining,

potable water, food, agriculture and various branches of industries, and said:

''We have to further develop our economic cooperation relations with Turkey, a

country with which Nigeria has been entertaining good and friendly relations

for centuries. We invite Turkish businessmen to Nigeria, to make investments

and run businesses. Nigeria has rich natural resources, so it has much to

offer to Turkish businessmen. Our sources are rich, but we are in need of

investments to exploit them.''

DEIK Executive Board Director Yavuz Zeytinoglu said that the trade volume

between Turkey and Nigeria had been around 61 million dollars in the year

1999, 37 million being exports from Turkey and 24 million exports from Nigeria,

and that the major Turkish goods exported to Nigeria were non-metal minerals,

iron and steel, textiles, vitamins, and medicine.

He went on to say that 21 million worth of Turkey's imports from Nigeria was

constituted by natural gas, and that the remainder, by oily seeds, fruits,

coffee, tea, and various spices.

State Minister Edip Safter Gaydali, Governor of Istanbul Erol Cakir, Mayor of

Istanbul Ali Mufit Gurtuna, Turkey's Ambassador to Nigeria Sahin Kaya,

Assembly Speaker of the Istanbul Chamber of Trade Atalay Sahinoglu and various

Turkish businessmen attended the DEIK meeting.

[27] CYPRUS PROXIMITY TALKS -PRESIDENT DENKTAS OF TRNC: ''PROXIMITY TALKS ARE GOING WELL''

said on Tuesday, ''the third round of proximity talks in Geneva, Switzerland,

are going well.''

Addressing journalists following his meeting with Alvaro de Soto, the Special

Representative of United Nations Secretary General Kofi Annan to Cyprus,

President Denktas said, ''they listened to us and invited to talks again. We

do not know when we will hold talks again, but we have been satisfied with the

talks.''

Meanwhile, the United Nations officials said that de Soto would not come

together with Glafcos Clerides, the leader of the Greek Cypriot administration,

today.

Referring to yesterday's incidents, President Denktas called on the depositors

to remain calm.

He stressed that the depositors' problems would be resolved soon.

President Denktas added that the government should keep its promises.

[28] MINISTERS COUNCIL MEETING -STATE MINISTER TOSKAY SAYS THEY DISCUSSED SEE'S AND DEVELOPMENTS IN FOREIGN TRADE IN LAST SIX MONTHS

Council meeting they have discussed the public economic enterprises (SEEs) and

the developments in the foreign trade in the last six months.

''The currency and parity situation caused by the economic policy is

negatively affecting our export but the figures are not worrying and they are

going quite well,'' Toskay said.

A committee of three ministers headed by Deputy Prime Minister Husamettin

Ozkan will work on the measures that need to be taken to remove the obstacles

in front of export and to support export.

Speaking about the SEEs, Toskay said they first focused on those which are in

energy sector. He added that Ozkan and Treasury Undersecretary Selcuk Demiralp

informed the Ministers Council about these institutions.

Toskay said the Ministers Council has taken some decisions of principle but he

declined to say what these decisions these were. However, he noted that they

have agreed to carry out more detailed studies regarding other measures.

Dwelling on the foreign trade, Toskay said at the meeting they had a

presentation about the developments in the foreign trade in the last six

months. The presentation, he noted, tried to draw a general picture of the

economy including balance sheet of payments, foreign trade, production,

capacity usage rates and price changes.

According to the figures of the Exporters Associations, the export increase in

the last six months was 4.9 percent, he said and stressed that this should

continue increasingly.

''Works have started these days to prepare the budget and economic programme

of 2001. While these are at the beginning stage, we will carry out studies to

remove the obstacles in front of export, and to take measures to support

export.''

''To carry out these studies, a committee will be formed under the supervision

of Deputy Prime Minister Ozkan and it will include me and State Minister in

charge of economy Recep Onal,'' Toskay said.

[29] GEORGIAN FOREIGN MINISTER MENAGARISHVILI IN TURKEY

key country in Turkey's policy towards Caucasus.''

Cem met with his Georgian counterpart Irakli Menagarishvili in Trabzon

province in the Black Sea Region.

The meeting focused on recent regional and international developments.

Addressing journalists following the meeting, Cem said, ''Georgia is a key

country in Turkey's policy towards Caucasus. We tried to assist Georgia in its

recent political dificulties. We contributed to its territorial integrity and

security. Our contributions will continue in the future.''

Noting that they had exchange opinions on the issues of Baku-Tbilisi-Ceyhan

oil pipeline and East-West energy corridors at the meeting, Cem said, ''we

discussed security of joint natural gas lines. Host countries will undertake

great responsibilities in providing security of the lines. We envisage to work

together with contribution of all relevant countries.''

''The issue of using Gargabani Electricity Power Plant in Georgia was also

taken up at the meeting. We will convey our opinions to our energy ministers

in coming days. Another issue that was discussed at the meeting was Caucasian

Stability Pact. We have decided to further develop the Caucasian Stability

Pact. Materialization of the pact depends on peace in Caucasus,'' Cem told

reporters.

Referring to importance of Kars-Tbilisi Railway, Cem said, ''this route will

not connect only Turkey and Georgia to each other. It will connect whole

Caucasus to Western and Eastern Europe. But we have some difficulties in

financing the project. It is expected to cost about 1 billion 200 million U.S.

dollars. Turkey cannot undertake it on its own. Joint works are continuing

between the two countries.''

Meanwhile, Menagarishvilli said in his part that Turkey had an important role

in Georgia's acquisition of its independence and its integration with Europe.

He added that Turkey's role became much bigger after its candidacy to the

European Union (EU) was announced at last year's Helsinki Summit.

[30] 19 INMATES TRANSFERRED TO OTHER PRISONS FOLLOWING INCIDENTS AT NEVSEHIR PRISON IN WHICH ONE PERSON WAS KILLED

following the incidents at Nevsehir Prison in which one inmate was killed

while two others were injured.

Isik Keskin Ozbay, the Republican Chief Prosecutor in Nevsehir, told the A.A

correspondent that 19 inmates who were involved in the incidents were

transferred to prisons in Pozanti, Nigde, Sinop, Samsun, Gumushane, Ordu,

Giresun and Trabzon due to security reasons.

Ozbay said that security forces seized 12 skewers during the search in the

prison building.

Fighting broke out among inmates at C-8 and D-2 wards of the Nevsehir Prison

on Sunday due to ongoing bullying. Erdal Asal who was sentenced to life

imprisonment on charges of committing homicide, was killed in the fighting

while Kadir Yilmaz and Sacit Caki were injured. Administrative and judicial

investigation has been launched against 50 inmates who were involved in the

fighting.

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