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Anadolu Agency: News in English, 00-07-26

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

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

Anadolu Agency

ANADOLU AGENCY

NEWS

26 JULY 2000

Wednesday


CONTENTS

  • [01] TURKEY-PRESS SCAN
  • [02] IN FIRST SIX MONTHS, 78.6 MILLION U.S. DOLLARS OF TEXTILE PRODUCTS EXPORTED FROM GAP REGION
  • [03] TCDD TO PURCHASE 23 LOCOMOTIVES
  • [04] SECURITY FORCES REVEAL A TUNNEL DIGGED BY INMATES AT BERGAMA PRISON
  • [05] FOREIGN TRADE STATISTICS (1) -11.1 BILLION U.S. DOLLARS GOODS EXPORTED AND 20.3 BILLION U.S. DOLLARS GOODS IMPORTED IN FIRST FIVE MONTHS OF 2000
  • [06] ONLY 5 PERCENT OF ANCIENT NYSA SITE UNEARTHED IN 93 YEARS
  • [07] NATIONAL DEFENSE MINISTRY: ''BIDS OF FIRMS WERE EVALUATED WITHIN FRAMEWORK OF NATIONAL INTERESTS, PERFORMANCE, ADMINISTRATION, COST, OFF-SET, TECHNOLOGY TRANSFER AND DOMESTIC CONTRIBUTION''
  • [08] FOREIGN TRADE STATISTICS (2)
  • [09] CYPRUS PROXIMITY TALKS IN GENEVA
  • [10] STATE MINISTER TOSKAY: -''INFLATION HAS A STABLE DECREASE TENDENCY SINCE MARCH''
  • [11] NATIONAL DEFENSE MINISTER CAKMAKOGLU DUE IN LONDON
  • [12] STATE MINISTER TOSKAY (2): -''NEGATIVE REFLECTIONS OF ECONOMIC PROGRAM ARE MOSTLY SEEN IN FOREIGN TRADE''
  • [13] STATE MINISTER TOSKAY (3): -''IMPORTS WILL EXCEED 48 BILLION U.S. DOLLARS THIS YEAR''
  • [14] FOREIGN MINISTRY DEPUTY SPOKESMAN DIRIOZ: -''WE SAW THAT PUK'S PKK POLICY IS MORE POSITIVE AND EFFECTIVE''
  • [15] DEPOSITORS' DEMONSTRATION IN TRNC -DIRIOZ, DEPUTY SPOKESMAN OF FOREIGN MINISTRY: -''TRNC HAS REACHED ADEQUATE POLITICAL MATURITY TO SOLVE ITS PROBLEMS''
  • [16] PRESIDENT SEZER SAYS HE WILL SUPPORT WORKS AIMING AT SAVING HISTORICAL ARTIFACTS IN ZEUGMA
  • [17] STATE MINISTER TOSKAY (4): -''THERE WILL NOT BE A CHANGE IN PRICE INDICES UNTIL THE END OF ECONOMIC PROGRAMME''
  • [18] SECURITY FORCES DETAIN 50 PEOPLE WHO ATTEMPTED TO HOLD AN ILLEGAL DEMONSTRATION TO PROTES F TYPYE PRISONS
  • [19] TUPRAS, TEAS AND ARCELIK ARE FIRST THREE GIANT INDUSTRIAL INSTITUTIONS OF TURKEY
  • [20] QUAKE MONUMENTS INAUGUARETED
  • [21] ELBISTAN HIGH CRIMINAL COURT SENTENCES MEZARCI, FORMER DEPUTY OF BANNED RP, TO TWO YEARS AND SIX MONTHS IN PRISON
  • [22] ANTI-NUCLEAR PLATFORM OF NINE PROVINCES: -''AKKUYU TENDER WAS CANCELLED, OUR COUNTRY WON''
  • [23] SECURITY FORCES IMPOUND 15 KG OF HEROIN
  • [24] LOAN PROVIDED FOR EXPORTS BY TURKISH EXIMBANK INCREASES 11 PERCENT
  • [25] INDIAN CONSUL GENERAL SINGH CALLS ON TURKISH BUSINESSMEN TO INVEST IN INDIA
  • [26] HUMAN SKELETONS UNEARTHED IN DIYARBAKIR

  • [01] TURKEY-PRESS SCAN

    These are some of the major headlines and their brief stories in Turkey's press on July 26, 2000. The Anadolu Agency does not verify these stories and does not vouch for their accuracy.

    HURRIYET (LIBERAL)

    CENK KORAY LAID TO REST
    Cenk Koray, a prominent journalist and TV personality who passed away of a heart attack on Saturday, was laid to rest in Karacahmet Graveyard in Istanbul. Koray's relatives, friends, Ismet Sezgin, the Acting Chairman of the Democratic Turkey Party (DTP); Ali Mufit Gurtuna, the Mayor of Istanbul; Besim Tibuk, the leader of Liberal Democracy Party (LDP); Hayri Kozakcioglu, the Deputy Chairman of True Path Party (DYP); Hikmet Cetin, the former Speaker of Parliament, and a number of fans paid their last tribute to Koray during the funeral.

    TENDER FOR AKKUYU NUCLEAR POWER PLANT CANCELLED
    The Council of Ministers cancelled tender for Akkuyu Nuclear Power Plant. Prime Minister Bulent 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.''

    ERBAKAN, FORMER LEADER OF BANNED RP, APPLIES TO ECHR
    Necmettin Erbakan, the former leader of the banned Welfare Party (RP), applied to the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) with the request of suspension of implementation of court ruling against him. 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). Meanwhile, Erbakan is expected to apply to the Appleas Court Republican Chief Prosecutor's Office for the correction of the verdict. But a request for correction of verdict do not prevent implementation of court ruling in accordance with the Criminal Trial Procedure Law.

    MILLIYET (LIBERAL)

    BELGIAN COUNCIL OF STATE SUSPENDS DECISION TO DEPORT ERDAL
    Belgian Council of State suspended the Interior Ministry's decision to deport Fehriye Erdal, a member of the illegal Revolutionary People's Liberation Party-Front (DHKP-C) and one of the suspects of assasination of businessman Ozdemir Sabanci in 1996. Erdal applied to the Belgian Council of State yesterday to suspend the decision to deport her. The Prosecutor's Office considered Erdal's request, and suspended the Interior Ministry's decision to deport her. The Belgian Council of State's decision will delay deport of Erdal till a new decision is taken.

    TENDER FOR THIRD GSM LICENCE TO BE FINALIZED BY END-JULY
    Transportation and Communications Minister Enis Oksuz said that the sales contract for the third GSM phone network licence should be signed by the end of July. Oksuz recalled that a protocol had been signed last month foreseeing the signing of the sales contract by the end of July 2000. Responding to a question when the winning consortium Is Bankasi-Telecom Italia would deposit the money, Oksuz said that preparations for this issue should be finalized by the end of July.

    SABAH (LIBERAL)

    SUPPORT FOR A CIVILIAN NSC
    Some ministers said that statement of General Huseyin Kivrikoglu, the Chief of General Staff, regarding an increase in number of civilian members in the National Security Council (NSC), were positive. State Minister Mustafa Yilmaz said Turkey should do whatever necessary to become a member of the European Union (EU). ''I agree with General Kivrikoglu. We should start every initiative to join the EU. Turkish people want to join the EU.'' State Minister Mehmet Kececiler said, ''it is his own appreciation and it is a good decision.'' Meanwhile, State Minister Rustu Kazim Yucelen said, ''these were known before. We have stated this on the report which we called our road map. We are planning to discuss it once again in August and then bring it to the agenda in September.''

    HASIPOGLU:''INCIDENTS WERE PROVOKED BY ANTI-STATE ORGANIZATIONS''
    Ertugrul Hasipoglu, the Acting President of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) and Speaker of Parliament, said, ''yesterday's demonstrations held by depositors were provoked by anti-state parties, trade unions and organizations who are pro-Greek Cypriot side.''

    CUMHURIYET (LEFT)

    KUCURADI: ''HUMAN RIGHTS TRAINING IS NOT SUFFICIENT''
    Prof. Dr. Ioanna Kucuradi who was presented with the ''Freedom of Press Award'' by the Turkish Journalists' Soicety, said, ''human rights training in police departments and other institutions is not sufficient.'' Noting that human rights violations could not be stopped through only training, Prof. Dr. Kucuradi said that people at prisons felt a serious lack of confidence.

    A NEW STEP FOR EU MEMBERSHIP
    Draft law approving the European Convention of Children's Rights has been submitted to the parliament. The European Convention of Children's Rights is based on the 4th and 12th articles of the United Nations 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. 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.

    RADIKAL (LEFT)

    MILITARY VEHICLE OVERTURNS, INJURING 11 SOLDIERS
    A military vehicle which was on its way from Mus province to Bingol province, overturned, injuring 11 soldiers. The injured soldiers were taken to the hospital for medical treatment. Doctors said that they were in good condition.

    ''SOLUTION COCKTAIL'' FOR CYPRUS
    Alvaro de Soto, the Special Representative of United Nations Secretary General Kofi Annan to Cyprus, is expected to a present a ''solution cocktail'' to President Rauf Denktas of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC), and Glafcos Clerides, the leader of the Greek Cypriot administration, prior to the fourth round of proximity talks which will start in New York, the U.S. on September 12, 2000.

    PERMISSION FOR WIND FARMS ON NATURAL AND ARCHAEOLOGICAL SITES
    Culture Minister Istehiman Talay said that the decisions in principle giving permission to the installation of wind farms on 1st, 2nd, and 3rd degree natural and 3rd degree archaeological sites have been passed.

    TURKIYE (RIGHT)

    NUCLEAR ENERGY TO SOME OTHER TIME
    The Coincil of Ministers annuled the tender for Akkuyu Nuclear Power Plant. Premier Bulent Ecevit told reporters after the meeting that the nuclear energy is unnecessary for the time-being and inconvenient for the economy.

    TURKSAT 2A IS THE POWER OF TURKEY: ALPTURK
    Ibrahim Hakki Alptürk, the General Director of Turk Telecom, said that the third satellite of Turkey will be in its orbit in September.

    ZAMAN (CONSERVATIVE)

    THE BARGAIN FOR CHANGE
    The EU calendar of the civilians and the restraints of the military will be taken up in the National Security Council today.

    NEW DRAFT LAW FOR HIGHER EDUCATION INSTITUTIONS (YOK)
    Motherland Party prepared a draft law to change the Higher Education Institutions law which attracts continuous reactions. The draft law transfers the executive authorities of YOK to university boards.

    [02] IN FIRST SIX MONTHS, 78.6 MILLION U.S. DOLLARS OF TEXTILE PRODUCTS EXPORTED FROM GAP REGION

    GAZIANTEP - The exports of textile products from the Southeastern Anatolia Project (GAP) region in the first six months of 2000 increased 47.5 percent to 78 million 601 thousand U.S. dollars.

    In the same period last year, the region exported 53 million 278 thousand U.S. dollars of textile products.

    Officials at the Southeastern Anatolia Exporters' Union, told the A.A correspondent on Wednesday that in the first six months of the year, they exported 37 million 221 thousand U.S. dollars in carpets; 35 million 121 thousand U.S. dollars in cotton fabric; 832 thousand U.S. dollars in towel and 5 million 427 thousand U.S. dollars in plastic sack.

    The majority of the goods were exported to Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Romania, Uzbekistan, Italy, Belgium, Greece, France, Algeria, Russia, Israel, Azerbaijan, the U.S., Germany, Portugal, Iraq, Lebanon, Australia, Jordan and Sweden.

    [03] TCDD TO PURCHASE 23 LOCOMOTIVES

    ANKARA - Turkish State Railways (TCDD) opened a tender for the purchase of 23 locomotives.

    Officials said on Wednesday that TCDD will receive bids for the tender until September 12, 2000.

    The officials noted that the locomotives are planned to be purchased by foreign loan and that the amount of foreign loan is expected to be around 60 million U.S. dollars.

    The German and French companies are expected to be interested in this tender, the officials stated.

    The officials stressed that the new locomotives will be used in the lines which are given priority in modernization works.

    The officials added that in accordance with the specification, some locomotives will be purchased abroad and some of them in TCDD installations in central Eskisehir province.

    [04] SECURITY FORCES REVEAL A TUNNEL DIGGED BY INMATES AT BERGAMA PRISON

    BERGAMA - Security forces revealed a 110-metre tunnel at Bergama prison on Wednesday which was digged by inmates.

    Police and gendarmerie units have taken tight security measures in and around the prison building.

    Officials told A.A correspondent that security forces who had carried out a comprehensive search at the Bergama Prison overnight, revealed a 110-metre tunnel.

    There are 274 inmates who are members of illegal organizations such as Revolutionary People's Liberation Party-Front (DHKP-C), the terrorist organization PKK, and the Turkish Workers and Peasant Liberation Army (TIKKO) at the Bergama Prison.

    Officials said that inmates had started to dig the tunnel from the ward in which 34 members of the DHKP-C were staying.

    Reinforcement units, ambulances and fire-fighting vehicles have been deployed outside the prison building.

    [05] FOREIGN TRADE STATISTICS (1) -11.1 BILLION U.S. DOLLARS GOODS EXPORTED AND 20.3 BILLION U.S. DOLLARS GOODS IMPORTED IN FIRST FIVE MONTHS OF 2000

    ANKARA - Turkey exported 11 billion 167.9 million U.S. dollars goods and imported 20 billion 370.3 million U.S. dollars products in January-May 2000 period.

    The exports increased by 4.8 percent compared to same period last year while the increase in imports reached 37.6 percent.

    The State Institute of Statistics (DIE) said that in parallel to the five- month increase in imports, the foreign trade deficit rose 122 percent to 9 billion 202.4 million U.S. dollars, and the rate of exports meeting imports decreased from 72 percent to 54.8 percent.

    In the same peroid last year, the total exports were 10 billion 658.6 million U.S. dollars, the total imports were 14 billion 803.1 million U.S. dollars and the foreign trade deficit was 4 billion 144.5 million U.S. dollars.

    Meanwhile, Turkey exported 2 billion 175.6 million U.S. dollars goods and imported 4 billion 648.2 million U.S. dollars products in May 2000.

    In the same period last year, the total exports were 2 billion 225.5 million U.S. dollars and the total imports were 3 billion 409.3 million U.S. dollars.

    The exports decreased by 2.2 percent compared to same period last year while the increase in imports reached 36.3 percent.

    The foreign trade deficit which was 1 billion 183.7 million U.S. dollars in May 1999, increased by 108.9 percent to 2 billion 472.5 million U.S. dollars.

    The realizations in foreign trade figures as of May 1999 and 2000 according to the DIE data are as follows: (million U.S. dollars)

    . 1999 2000 Difference

    . JAN-MAY JAN-MAY (percent)

    . ---------------- ---------------- ------------
    Exports 10,658.6 11,167.9 4.8

    Imports 14,803.1 20,370.3 37.6

    Deficit - 4,144.5 - 9,202.4 122.0

    Rate of

    Meeting (%) 72.0 54.8

    [06] ONLY 5 PERCENT OF ANCIENT NYSA SITE UNEARTHED IN 93 YEARS

    SULTANHISAR - Only five percent of ancient Nysa site in Sultanhisar township of Aegean Aydin province was unearthed in excavations which are underway for 93 years.

    Prof. Dr. Vedat Idil, a lecturer of Ankara University's Archeology Department, said on Wednesday that ancient Nysa site was the fourth biggest site of its age.

    Idil noted that the site was the only civilian village of its age and was known as ''The Village of People.''

    Idil continued, ''whole of Nysa, where 100 thousand people lived during the Roman, Byzantine and Seljuk eras and which had an amphi-theatre that could host 30 thousand people, can be brought to daylight in 100 years. First excavations in Nysa were conducted by German archeologists in 1907. The Culture Ministry resumed the excavations in Nysa in 1990. 95 percent of the ancient site is still underground.''

    A total of 20 people join this year's excavations, and the excavations will continue for two months, Idil stated.

    Idil stressed that they have taken under control most of the historical artifacts they found, in Aydin Museum and that some of the historical artifacts are being preserved in Nysa.

    A museum should also be opened in Sultanhisar, Idil added.

    [07] NATIONAL DEFENSE MINISTRY: ''BIDS OF FIRMS WERE EVALUATED WITHIN FRAMEWORK OF NATIONAL INTERESTS, PERFORMANCE, ADMINISTRATION, COST, OFF-SET, TECHNOLOGY TRANSFER AND DOMESTIC CONTRIBUTION''

    ANKARA - The National Defense Ministry stated on Wednesday, ''bids of firms for tender for 145 strike helicopters were evaluated within framework of all issues requested in the tender specification including national interests, performance, cost, administration, off-set, technology transfer and domestic contribution.''

    Issuing a written statement, the National Defense Ministry noted that several press organs published unrealistic and baseless news reports regarding the tender for strike helicopters.

    In the statement, the National Defense Ministry said, ''contract negotiations for production of 145 strike helicopters will be held with with American Bell company. If talks with the Bell Company is proved unsuccessful, contract negotiations will continue with Russian-Israeli consortium Kamov-IAI.''

    The National Defense Ministry emphasized that the Defense Industry Undersecretariat and the Land Forces Commandership had carried out a detailed investigation for one and a half year to evaluate the bids of the firms.

    The statement noted, ''within this framework, the Defense Industry Executive Committee convened three times in a year. The helicopter which will be produced in the project, will not be ready weapon system. But it will be a specific Turkish type helicopter. As a result, we will have a sustainable weapon system by using domestic capabilities and strengthening aviation industry infrastructure. A helicopter that was described in the technical specification, has not been produced by the bidding firms.''

    [08] FOREIGN TRADE STATISTICS (2)

    ANKARA - The exports of manufacturing industry goods increased by 8.4 percent to 10 billion 206.5 million U.S. dollars in January-May 2000 period.

    According to the State Institute of Statistics (DIE) data, in the same period last year the exports of manufacturing industry goods was 9 billion 414.2 million U.S. dollars.

    As of the January-May 2000 period, the exports of fishery products decreased 40.9 percent to 11 million 352 thousand U.S. dollars from 19 million 221 thousand U.S. dollars.

    The exports of agricultural decreased 26 percent and the exports of mining and quarry products fell 0.06 percent.

    The imports of consumer goods increased by 43.1 percent to 2 billion 597.4 million U.S. dollars from 1 billion 815.6 million U.S. dollars.

    The imports of capital goods, which were 3 billion 41.4 million U.S. dollars in the same period in 1999, increased by 31.7 percent to 4 billion 4.8 million U.S. dollars.

    The imports of intermediate goods rose by 39.3 percent from 9 billion 821.4 million U.S. dollars to 13 billion 676.4 million U.S. dollars.

    Turkey's exports to the European Union (EU) countries increased 4.8 percent in the first five months of 2000. Turkey's exports to the European Free Trade Area (EFTA) countries reduced 18.3 percent.

    Turkey's exports to the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) countries decreased 2.9 percent while her exports to the Black Sea Economic Cooperation (BSEC) countries rose 9.1 percent. Exports to the Turkish Republics decreased 6.5 percent and exports to the Organization for Islamic Conference (OIC) countries dropped 11.9 percent.

    In the January-May 2000 period, Turkey's imports from the EU member countries increased 28.4; her imports from the EFTA countries rose 29.7 percent; her imports from the CIS countries decreased 62.1 percent and her imports.

    In the same period, Turkey's imports from the Turkish Republics increased 103.7; her imports from the BSEC countries rose 61.3 percent; and her imports from the OIC countries rose 68.2 percent.

    (End)

    [09] CYPRUS PROXIMITY TALKS IN GENEVA

    GENEVA - The second phase of the third round of Cyprus proximity talks are continuing in Geneva, Switzerland, on Wednesday.

    The United Nations officials are evaluating responses of President Rauf Denktas of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) and by Glafcos Clerides, the leader of the Greek Cypriot administration, to proposals submitted by Alvaro de Soto, the Special Representative of United Nations Secretary General Kofi Annan to Cyprus, during the first phase of the third round of proximity talks.

    Officials said that the United Nations' evaluation was expected to be conveyed to President Denktas and Clerides on Thursday.

    Meanwhile, de Soto is not expected to come together with President Denktas and Clerides today.

    De Soto came together with President Denktas at dinner yesterday after his brief visit to Clerides.

    President Denktas is scheduled to meet with Sir David Hannay, the British Special Representative to Cyprus, later today.

    [10] STATE MINISTER TOSKAY: -''INFLATION HAS A STABLE DECREASE TENDENCY SINCE MARCH''

    ANKARA - State Minister Tunca Toskay said on Wednesday that inflation has a stable decrease tendency since March.

    Toskay told a press conference that positive developments are being marked in struggling against inflation.

    Turkey's economy grew 4.2 percent in the first three months of 2000, Toskay noted.

    Toskay stated that the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) climbed 5.6 percent in the mentioned period.

    The increase trend in utilization ratio in manufacturing continues, Toskay stressed.

    Toskay emphasized that the utilization ratio in manufacturing which was 72.4 percent in 1999, increased to 76.6 percent in June 2000.

    In parallel to this, the production in manufacturing which decreased 5.6 percent in first five months of 1999, increased 3.6 percent in the same period in 2000, Toskay said.

    Toskay noted that the inflation rate in wholesale prices index (WPI) became 0.3 and in consumer prices index (CPI) became 0.7 and that this is the lowest rate recorded in inflation in recent years.

    Toskay continued, ''we have started to record significant decrease in CPI which was targeted to be around 25 percent by the end of 2000. The WPI which was around 69.7 percent in February 2000, fell to 58.6 percent in June.''

    Toskay added, ''the CPI rate was 17.8 percent in first half of 2000. The increase rate in WPI which was 67.5 percent in February, fell to 56.8 percent in June. The WPI rate became 18.5 percent in first half of 2000.''

    Kursad Tuzmen, the Foreign Trade Undersecretary, also participated in the press conference.

    [11] NATIONAL DEFENSE MINISTER CAKMAKOGLU DUE IN LONDON

    LONDON - Sabahattin Cakmakoglu, the National Defense Minister, will pay a two-day official visit to British capital of London.

    Cakmakoglu who is expected to arrive in London later on Wednesday, will meet with his British counterpart Geoff Hoon.

    He will attend a meeting on joint production of A400 planes which is descrubed as the ''plane of future'' on Thursday within framework of the Farmborough Weapon Fair.

    Cakmakoglu will partake in a luncheon together with defense ministers of many countries.

    He is expected to participate in the press conference which will be staged regarding the A400 Planes Project.

    Cakmakoglu is expected to return to Turkey on Friday.

    [12] STATE MINISTER TOSKAY (2): -''NEGATIVE REFLECTIONS OF ECONOMIC PROGRAM ARE MOSTLY SEEN IN FOREIGN TRADE''

    ANKARA - State Minister Tunca Toskay said on Wednesday that the negative reflections of economic program are mostly seen in foreign trade.

    Addressing a press conference, Toskay said that despite this, the targeted rate of exports which was 28.3 million U.S. dollars, was reached and that the import target which was 46 million U.S. dollars, was exceeded.

    Toskay noted that the Turkish Lira (TL) has gained 1.6 percent value in foreign trade basket and 5.1 percent value against EURO in the first half of 2000.

    The imports increased 37.6 percent in first five months of 2000 when compared with the figures of 1999 and 6.4 percent when compared with the figures of 1998, Toskay stated.

    Toskay stressed that the increase in the crude oil prices which was 12 U.S. dollars per barrel in 1999, led to the increase in import figures.

    The import of consumption goods increased 0.7 percent while the import of investment goods decreased 0.6 percent when compared with the figures of 1999, Toskay said.

    Toskay continued, ''the increase of import of consumption goods and decrease of import of investment goods do not cause any problems at the moment. But, the developments should closely be followed.''

    Toskay emphasized that the current balance which had more than 562 million U.S. dollar surplus in first four months of 1999, had 3.5 billion U.S. dollar surplus this year.

    The shuttle trade increased 49.3 percent and the tourism revenues climbed 31.9 percent this year, Toskay said.

    Toskay noted that the increase in tourism revenues in summer will have positive effects on the current balance.

    The International Monetary Fund (IMF) thinks that the global trade will increase 7.9 percent this year, Toskay stated.

    Toskay emphasized that all the factors in economy should work intensively and in harmony to get the share from the global trade which Turkey deserves.

    [13] STATE MINISTER TOSKAY (3): -''IMPORTS WILL EXCEED 48 BILLION U.S. DOLLARS THIS YEAR''

    ANKARA - State Minister Tunca Toskay said on Wednesday that imports will exceed 48 billion U.S. dollars this year.

    Responding to the questions of journalists following the press conference, Toskay noted that it seems that imports will exceed the targeted rate.

    When a journalist reminded him that the foreign trade deficit can be around 25 billion U.S. dollars, Toskay said that the foreign trade deficit will become 25 billion U.S. dollars only if total import figures exceed 53 billion U.S. dollars.

    Toskay noted that it is not possible to reach those figures and that the State Planning Organization (DPT) predicted that the total import figures will be around 47.5 billion U.S. dollars.

    Responding to a question about the loss of foreign companies after the nuclear power station tender was cancelled and whether or not these companies will impose embargo on Turkey, Toskay said that the expenditures of each companies in this tender was around 20-30 million U.S. dollars.

    Toskay stated that besides this, the Turkish Electricity Production and Distribution Corp (TEAS) spent 50-60 million U.S. dollars for the infrastructural works of Akkuyu tender.

    Toskay added, ''the three companies which participated in the tender spent more than 100 million U.S. dollars. This is a problem which will technically be solved by the TEAS officials and the companies. But, I do not think that an embargo will be imposed on Turkey.''

    [14] FOREIGN MINISTRY DEPUTY SPOKESMAN DIRIOZ: -''WE SAW THAT PUK'S PKK POLICY IS MORE POSITIVE AND EFFECTIVE''

    ANKARA - Huseyin Dirioz, the Foreign Ministry Deputy Spokesman, said on Wednesday that they saw that the policies of the Patriotic Union for Kurdistan (PUK) of Iraq on terrorist organization PKK are more positive and effective.

    Dirioz told the weekly press conference that but, PUK's efforts should continue.

    Responding to a question, Dirioz said that Jalal Talabani, the leader of PUK, is visiting Turkey upon his own will.

    Dirioz continued, ''territorial integrity and sovereignty of Iraq are important for Turkey. Within this framework, we are in contact with everybody. Positive contacts have been held.''

    When a journalist reminded him Talabani's statements in which he said that they will make public their federation demand and similar demands freely in the Iraqi parliament, Dirioz said that they believe that the solutions of Iraq's problems should be found in Iraq's territory.

    Dirioz noted that they believe that when the appropriate time comes, Iraq's future should be searched by all elements in Iraq and by holding consultations with central administration in the end of normal and democratic process.

    Dirioz stated that a meeting was held within framework of Ankara process mechanisms last week.

    Turkey wants the revival of Ankara process like Talabani, but within an appropriate limit and framework, Dirioz said.

    Responding to another question, Dirioz said that Talabani has some demands from Ankara and that these demands are being evaluated.

    [15] DEPOSITORS' DEMONSTRATION IN TRNC -DIRIOZ, DEPUTY SPOKESMAN OF FOREIGN MINISTRY: -''TRNC HAS REACHED ADEQUATE POLITICAL MATURITY TO SOLVE ITS PROBLEMS''

    ANKARA - Huseyin Dirioz, the Deputy Spokesman of Foreign Ministry, said on Wednesday, ''the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) has reached adequate political maturity to solve its problems.''

    Addressing a weekly press conference, Dirioz said that the TRNC was an independent and sovereign state.

    Referring to Monday's demonstration by the Turkish Cypriot depositors, Dirioz noted that the issue was a domestic affair of the TRNC:

    He said, ''the TRNC will celebrate the 17th anniversary of its independence on November. It means that TRNC has reached an adequate political maturity to solve its problems. We wish that the TRNC would overcome these problems soon.''

    [16] PRESIDENT SEZER SAYS HE WILL SUPPORT WORKS AIMING AT SAVING HISTORICAL ARTIFACTS IN ZEUGMA

    ISTANBUL/KADIKOY - President Ahmet Necdet Sezer said on Wednesday that he will extend support for the completion of works aiming at saving historical artifacts in ancient Zeugma site which will remain under waters in 100 days.

    Sezer received 15-member Zeugma Initiative Group including Tourism Minister Erkan Mumcu.

    The Presidential Press Center quoted Sezer as saying that he is pleased about the continuation of the saving excavations under his auspices.

    Following the meeting, Mumcu told reporters that their strategy is putting forward the sensitivity of preserving human heritage.

    Ersin Ozince, the Spokesman of Zeugma Initiative Group and General Director of Is Bankasi, said that Sezer told them that he will extend support to save Zeugma.

    Ozince noted that they will exert efforts to carry out the technical works until the ancient site is inundated by waters of Birecik Dam and that they aim at extending necessary material and equipment support.

    The postponement of the release of Birecik Dam's waters is not possible because the implementation of Birecik Dam project carries importance for Turkey, Ozince stated.

    Ozince stressed that they have launched this initiative to mobilize the society.

    Ozince added that there is not a single day to lose in saving artifacts from ancient Zeugma site.

    [17] STATE MINISTER TOSKAY (4): -''THERE WILL NOT BE A CHANGE IN PRICE INDICES UNTIL THE END OF ECONOMIC PROGRAMME''

    ANKARA - State Minister Tunca Toskay said on Wednesday that there will not be a change in price indices until the end of economic programme.

    Responding to questions of journalists following the press conference, Toskay noted that efforts of State Statistics Institute (DIE) are underway to technically develop the price indices.

    Toskay stated that they do not make speculations about inflation and that they wish the continuation of decrease tendency in inflation.

    The increase in import figures does not cause problems at the moment, Toskay stressed.

    Toskay said that if this increase gains momentum, the trade policy means like quota, control, anti-damping investigation and standardization applications, will be efficiently used in accordance with the international agreements and commitments.

    The main target of foreign trade strategy is increasing exports by increasing regional and sectoral diversity, Toskay stressed.

    Toskay emphasized that the 1998-2005 Export Strategy was revised within this framework.

    The sources which were allocated to efficiently implement the policies that can increase export figures, are insufficient, Toskay said.

    Toskay noted that exports should be given priority and sources should be increased in budget and economic programme of 2001.

    Toskay stated that Eximbank's capital should be increased, the costs of basic inputs like transportation, energy and communication, should be decreased, the small and medium scale enterprises and sectoral foreign trade companies should be encouraged and agriculture and agricultural product exports should be supported to increase exports.

    When a journalist reminded him news saying that 30 percent of total exports was composed of fictitious export figures, Toskay said that they consider these rumours as rumours.

    Toskay added that there are some deviations in foreign trade which result from country's standards and conditions and that they exert efforts to reduce these deviations.

    [18] SECURITY FORCES DETAIN 50 PEOPLE WHO ATTEMPTED TO HOLD AN ILLEGAL DEMONSTRATION TO PROTES F TYPYE PRISONS

    ISTANBUL - Security forces detained on Wednesday 50 people who attempted to hold an illegal demonstration to protest the ''F'' type prisons in Istanbul.

    A group of 50 people who gathered in front of the Channel D building, attempted to make a press release to protest the F type prisons.

    Security forces warned the demonstrators to disperce peacefully.

    After the demonstrators refused to disperse, security forces intervened in the group.

    A total of 50 demonstrators were taken into custody.

    [19] TUPRAS, TEAS AND ARCELIK ARE FIRST THREE GIANT INDUSTRIAL INSTITUTIONS OF TURKEY

    ISTANBUL - Turkish Oil Refineries Corp. (TUPRAS) became the biggest industrial institution of Turkey in 1999.

    In accordance with Istanbul Chamber of Industry (ISO) 500 Report, Tupras ranked at the first place among the giant industrial institutions of Turkey with 1 quadrillion 313 trillion 619 billion 297 million TL sale.

    Turkish Electricity Production and Distribution Corp (TEAS) became the second with 821 trillion 754 billion 136 million TL sale and Arcelik became the third with 465 trillion 757 billion 808 million TL.

    Oyak Renault, Eregli, Turkish Sugar Factories, Vestel Elektronik, Petkim, Turkish Coal Enterprises and Turkish state-run Tobacco and Liquor Administration Tekel are the institutions which ranked at the first ten place in this list.

    A total of four private and six public institutions became the first ten giant industrial institutions of Turkey.

    TUPRAS, Tekel, Philsa became the first three institutions in value added tax list.

    TUPRAS, Petrol Ofisi and Arcelik became the first three institutions in productivity while Oyak Renault, Vestel Elektronik and Arcelik became the first three in exports.

    The first three giant private institutions are Arcelik with 465 trillion 757 billion 808 million TL, Oyak Renault with 464 trillion 917 billion 105 million TL and Eregli Demir Celik with 334 trillion 817 billion 165 million TL.

    Below listed the three most lucrative industrial institutions:

    1- Tupras: 330 trillion 66 billion 809 million TL

    2- Petrol Ofisi: 111 trillion 248 billion 322 million TL

    3- Arcelik: 83 trillion 998 billion 895 million TL

    Below listed the first three industrial institutions in respect of added value:

    1- Tupras: 2 quadrillion 126 trillion 36 billion 231 million TL

    2- Tekel: 590 trillion 65 billion 925 million TL

    3- Philsa Philip Morris Sabanci: 316 trillion 757 billion 540 million TL

    Below listed the three institutions which realized the highest rate of exports:

    1- Oyak Renault Fab. : 612 million 227 thousand U.S. dollars

    2- Vestel Elektronik : 441 million 130 thousand U.S. dollars

    3- Arcelik: 209 million 212 thousand U.S. dollars

    Below listed the biggest 50 industrial institutions of Turkey in accordance with ISO 500 Report:


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