Anadolu Agency: News in English, 00-08-01

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ANADOLU AGENCY

NEWS

01

AUGUST 2000 Tuesday

[00] TURKEY-PRESS SCAN

These are some of the major headlines and their brief stories in Turkey's press on August 1, 2000. The Anadolu Ajansi does not verify these stories and does not vouch for their accuracy.

HURRIYET (LIBERAL)

What President Ahmet Necdet Sezer was fulfilled and the rector crisis between the Presidential Palace and the Institution of Higher Education (YOK) was solved. As the YOK, which did not include Prof. Dr. Emin Alici, a candidate rector who received the highest votes in 9 Eylul University, ranked him at the third place in the list; Sezer appointed Alici as the rector.

WE WILL PROMOTE HAZELNUTS TO JAPAN

The Hazelnut Promotion Group and Foreign Trade Undersecretariat (DTM) will launch a campaign in Japan to increase hazelnut exports. Yavuz Mollasalihoglu, Chairman of Agriculture Department of DTM's Exports General Directorate and Chairman of Hazelnut Promotion Group, said that the campaign which will be launched in August, aims at introducing hazelnut to the Japanese. Mollasalihoglu noted that their target in the following five years is increasing the hazelnut exports to Japan which is around 500-600 tons, to 10 thousand tons. Mollasalihoglu added that their long-term target is keeping this export rate around 10 thousand tons.

MILLIYET (LIBERAL)

Women Candidates' Encouragement and Education Association (KA-DER) will make women get prepared for politics by its 446 thousand Euro budget, including 340 thousand Euro sent by the European Union (EU). The women who are members of this association take support from Karen Mulhauser, consultant of Democrat Party from which Hillary Clinton, wife of U.S. President Bill Clinton, ran her candidacy and from Barbara Bush's consultant. Turkish women will be educated on every issue from clothing to expressing themselves. KADER's initiatives aim at increasing number of women parliamentarians.

SABAH (LIBERAL)

South of Turkey has become a tropical climate zone which starts from the Equator, due to the global heating. From now on, the summer in south of Turkey will be very hot and dry. North of Turkey is included in a zone called ''second zone'' which is under influence of cool temperatures. Turkey will be under eight warm weather waves until September. Each weather wave will last for four days.

EVERYTHING IS TO SAVE APHRODITE

Like in ancient Zeugma site, artifacts in ancient Allianoi site in Bergama township of Aegean Izmir province are tried to be saved from being inundated by waters. The story of unique and perfect Aphrodite which lived in darkness for 18 centuries, started by water issue and end due to this issue. Ancient Allianoi site, the world of Aphrodite, will remain under waters of Yortanli Dam in the following years. Excavations which will continue for two years, will be ended two years later because the site will be covered by 17 metres of water.

CUMHURIYET (LEFT)

Ankara which calls for presidency system for a stable administration in the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC), increases pressure for the resignation of the TRNC Prime Minister Dervis Eroglu. Five million U.S. dollars aid, which was decided to be given to meet urgent finance requirement of the TRNC, will not be released till Eroglu resigns.

FM CEM WARNS THE U.N. BEFORE LOCAL ELECTIONS IN KOSOVO

Foreign Minister Ismail Cem warned Bernard Kouchner, the U.N. Kosovo Mission Chairman and said required sensitivity should be shown to the rights of Turkish minority living in Kosovo. Cem said they were concerned that existing situation would negatively affect the future of Kosovo.

Speaking before his meeting with Kouchner, Cem said, ''Kosovo is the history and today of Turkey. Welfare of all nations living there is extremely important for Turkey. As a consequence of this importance, Turkey brought its economic and military support to Kosovo.''

RADIKAL (LEFT)

Public accounts bulletin prepared by Finance Ministry said a total of one quadrillion and 32 trillion lira was spent since August 17 to heal the wounds of massive earthquake. 15 percent of this money is composed of the donations of people and foreign aid. Expenses which were made in the first five months of the year 2000 was 421 trillion and 136 billion lira.

CRITICAL MONTH IS AUGUST IN FOREIGN TRADE

Ahmet Kenan Tanrikulu, Ministry of Trade and Industry, said there was no problem in the government and the implementation of economic stability program. The ministry said there would not be any implementation in summer and in autumn that would lead to an instability.

YENI BINYIL (LIBERAL)

Ten people drowned in Istanbul. Three people drowned in Karaburun coast of Catalca, one person drowned in Yalikoy coast, one in Kisirkaya coast of Sariyer, one in Kilyos coast, one in Beykoz and another in Pendik coast drowned. Nur Karaman who was swimming in a pool in Catalca, and Aysel Gunasti who was swimming in a lake in Pendik, could not be saved.

TURTLES TO RETURN TO ZEUGMA

A total of 1,200 turtles which were borne by the turtles that were collected around ancient Zeugma ancient site which will remain under waters of Birecik Dam, will be taken back to their own land starting on August 15. Dr. Ertan Taskavak from Ege University said that authorities focused only on the efforts to save the ancient objects from the waters of the Birecik Dam but that the living things that were to extinct, were also important. Taskavak said that they saved 800 turtles from the region and allowed them to breed.

TURKIYE (RIGHT)

President Ahmet Necdet Sezer made Prof. Emin Alici the rector of 9 Eylul University although he was not taken to the list. Sezer put the last point to the rector candidates crisis between the presidency and the Institute of Higher Education (YOK). Rectors were appointed to 22 universities. Seven of the rectors were not changed.

BAFRA IKIZTEPE EXCAVATIONS TAKE START

Archeological excavations, which have been carried out since 1974 in Ikiztepe ruins in Bafra township in the Black Sea Samsun province, will re- start today. Ikiztepe was discovered in 1940 by the archeologists who made excavations in Dundartepe near Samsun.

ZAMAN (CONSERVATIVE)

Temperatures will decrease 10 to 15 degrees on Tuesday and Wednesday and it will drop to seasonal averages by next weekend.

State Meteorology Works announced that showers which will start in Marmara region will later shift to Black Sea and northern parts of Central Anatolia.

Latest measurements show that the temperatures will start dropping in Marmara region on Monday and it will be felt in all regions on Tuesday.

CROP DUSTER CRASHES INTO GROUND IN CEYHAN, INJURING PILOT

A crop duster crashed into ground in Ceyhan township of southern Adana province on Monday, injuring its pilot.

Halit Oguzberkal, pilot of the crop duster which was to spray disinfectants on a corn field near Hamdilli hamlet, informed the tower that there was a technical malfunction and that he wanted to return to the base.

The sources said that although Oguzberkal unloaded the crop duster en route to the base, he could not prevent the crash.

CONTENTS

[01] FINANCE MINISTER ORAL: -''WE HAVE STARTED PREPARATIONS FOR BUDGET OF 2001''

[02] FIVE MILLION BARRELS OF OIL EXTRACTED IN THE SOUTHEAST

[03] ANNIVERSARY OF IRAQ'S OCCUPATION OF KUWAIT -KUWAITI EMBASSY: ''WE COMMEMORATE WITH GRATITUDE ATTITUDE OF TURKEY AND OTHER FRIENDLY COUNTRIES AGAINST OCCUPATION''

[04] TURKEY'S HELICOPTER TENDER -14 MEMBERS OF THE U.S. HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES EXTEND SUPPORT TO TURKEY REGARDING HELICOPTER ISSUE

[05] HIGHER MILITARY COUNCIL CONVENES

[06] ''SOCIAL RESISTANCE DAY'' CELEBRATED IN TRNC

[07] PEARSON, APPOINTED AS NEW U.S. AMBASSADOR TO TURKEY, TAKES OATH

[08] SECURITY FORCES IMPOUND 3,152 ROOTS OF INDIAN HEMP

[09] TREASURY UNDERSECRETARY: ''THERE IS A CONSIDERABLE INCREASE IN DEMAND IN THE ECONOMY''

[10] THIRD ROUND OF CYPRUS PROXIMITY TALKS CONTINUE IN GENEVA

[11] PRESIDENT STOYANOV OF BULGARIA DUE IN TURKEY

[12] INDUSTRY AND TRADE MINISTER: ''MOST IMPORTANT FACTOR OF THE STABILITY PROGRAM IS THAT IT REDUCES THE DEMAND''

[13] ISTANBUL DGM REPUBLICAN CHIEF PROSECUTOR'S OFFICE FILES A LAWSUIT AGAINST NOTORIOUS MAFIA BOSS CAKICI

[14] FINANCE MINISTER: ''INFLATION WILL DECREASE TO ONE-DIGIT NUMBERS AT THE END OF 2001''

[15] TOURISTIC EXCURSIONS FROM ANTALYA TO RHODES START

[16] SPORTS-YACHTING -23RD NORTH AEGEAN CUP RACES

[17] TURGUTREIS FRIGATE TO RETURN TO GOLCUK ON AUGUST 3

[18] TURKISH LAWYER BRINGS A SUIT AGAINST KOUCHNER

[19] OPERATIONS AGAINST DRUG TRAFFICKING

[20] TURKISH LEATHER AND FASHION FAIR TO BE OPENED IN MOSCOW

[21] TRIAL OF 20 SUSPECTS WHO WERE INVOLVED IN STREET CLASHES IN TAKSIM ON THE EVE OF UEFA SEMI-FINAL FIRST LEG MATCH BETWEEN GALATASARAY AND LEEDS UNITED OF BRITAIN CONTINUE

[22] TURKISH VESSEL SINKS OFF-SHORE ITALY

[01] FINANCE MINISTER ORAL: -''WE HAVE STARTED PREPARATIONS FOR BUDGET OF 2001''

Speaking in the monthly meeting of the Aegean Region Chamber of Industry (EBSO), Oral said that the interests will be kept at a lower rate in the budget of 2001 than that of 2000.

Oral stated that there will not be any interest burden stemming from 2000 in next year's budget and that the public debt cost decreased.

''We are narrowing the public deficit, and we will continue to do so. I hope next year will be the last year when Turkey will have one-digit inflation. We have kept the targets of the programme. Moreover, noone should worry about the maintenance of the government,'' Oral added.

[02] FIVE MILLION BARRELS OF OIL EXTRACTED IN THE SOUTHEAST

Officials of Adiyaman Governorship and Turkish Petroleum Corp. (TPAO) told A.A correspondent on Tuesday that 90.1 percent of crude oil was produced by TPAO and the rest by private companies.

The officials said that 47.5 percent of the total crude oil of Turkey was produced from 163 wells in Adiyaman, Sanliurfa and Kilis.

A total of 23 thousand 557 barrels of high-gravity oil was struck in the wells a day, the officials noted.

The officials added that the TPAO and private companies produce oil from wells in Adiyaman, Karakus, Cemberlitas, Bati Firat, Guney Karakus, Kuzey Karakus, Cendere, Besikli, Tokaris, Dogu Besikli, Ikizce, Ozan Sungurlu, Karadut, Caylarbasi, Lilan, Yanankoy, Bozova and Akgun regions.

[03] ANNIVERSARY OF IRAQ'S OCCUPATION OF KUWAIT -KUWAITI EMBASSY: ''WE COMMEMORATE WITH GRATITUDE ATTITUDE OF TURKEY AND OTHER FRIENDLY COUNTRIES AGAINST OCCUPATION''

A statement of Kuwaiti Embassy said that all world condems Iraq which occupied Kuwait on August 2, 1990.

The statement noted that Iraq delayed the application of resolution of United Nations (U.N) Security Council regarding the release of Kuwaiti captives who were kept in prisons in Iraq and that it insisted on not put into practice the resolution.

The result of this behaviour was to prevent the Kuwaiti captives from becoming an item of the agenda, the statement said.

The statement stressed that this issue was the prior and most imporant case of Kuwait.

Kuwait believes that Turkey's support regarding the application of U.N. resolution regarding the release of Kuwaiti captives, will continue, the statement said.

The statement added that Kuwait wishes that relations between Turkey and Kuwait will further improve.

[04] TURKEY'S HELICOPTER TENDER -14 MEMBERS OF THE U.S. HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES EXTEND SUPPORT TO TURKEY REGARDING HELICOPTER ISSUE

The letter stressed that Turkey was one of the most important members of NATO, and noted that Turkey has a vital importance for America's interests and policies in Southern Europe, Middle East, and Central Asia. It said Turkish Armed Forces has been on the side of the U.S. army since Korea War that was 50 years ago, and noted that this fact was seen in Bosnia and Kosovo today.

It said Turkey's key role in Gulf War caused serious financial loss to this country, and despite this financial loss, Turkey's cooperation has a key importance in sanctions imposed on Iraq, and no fly zone implementation in Northern Iraq. It said Turkey also has close and constructive relations with Israel.

The letter stressed that Turkey deserved the U.S. supported in meeting its military needs because of these, and noted that Turkey, which has to live in a geostrategical position and a tough neighbourhood, should consider the U.S. as a reliable source and partner in strengthening its defense. We are calling on the U.S. administration to take effect in sale of helicopter.

Earlier, 38 members of Senate, that is the higher flank of the Congress, wrote a similar letter to Albright.

[05] HIGHER MILITARY COUNCIL CONVENES

The ordinary August meeting of Higher Military Council started in the General Staff Headquarters at 10.05 a.m.

Huseyin Kivrikoglu, Chief of General Staff; National Defense Minister Sabahattin Cakmakoglu; Land Forces Commander Atilla Ates; Naval Forces Commander Ilhami Erdil; Air Forces Commander Ergin Celasin; Gendarme General Commander Rasim Betir and some high-ranking military personnel attended the meeting.

The Higher Military Council will take up the generals and admirals who will be promoted to a higher rank, and colonels who will be appointed as generals and admirals.

The Higher Military Council will discuss the military personnel who will be requested to retire due to lack of cadre.

Issues concerning Turkish Armed Forces (TSK) will also be discussed in the meeting.

The meeting will continue till August 4.

[06] ''SOCIAL RESISTANCE DAY'' CELEBRATED IN TRNC

Official ceremonies were held in Ataturk Monument and Martyrdom Monument in Lefkosa.

Wreaths were laid to the monuments and a minute of silence was observed.

General Ali Nihat Ozeyranli, Commander of Security Forces, wrote in Monument Special Book that Turkish Cypriots will not extinguish the freedom torch lit by Great Leader Ataturk.

Ozeyranli said that the Turkish Cypriots will live freely and independently till eternity and that their flag will fly forever.

The Security Forces Commandership will continue to be the biggest guarantee of TRNC, Ozeyranli added.

The celebration will continue with Folklore Festivals in Lefkosa in the evening.

[07] PEARSON, APPOINTED AS NEW U.S. AMBASSADOR TO TURKEY, TAKES OATH

Pearson said that the U.S. and Turkey are two nations which build their future on past experiences and rich heritage and that he listens to the Turkish people living in the U.S who expressed himself about their hopes.

After its European Union (EU) candidacy was announced, Turkey is face to face with a big examination, Pearson stated.

Pearson stressed that the EU membership dream of Turkey which is supported by the U.S. is much likely to come true today than ever but that there are more things that Europe and Turkey should do.

Turkey should rehabilitate human rights, Pearson said.

Pearson emphasized that after he takes over the mission from Mark Parris, the present U.S. Ambassador to Turkey, he will do his best to further improve Turkish-American relations.

The U.S. will continue efforts to bring Turkey and Greece closer and to solve Cyprus question, Pearson said.

Pearson noted that Turkey is beside the U.S. against various threats in 21st century, including mass destruction weapons and drug trafficking.

Two countries have common targets, especially Baku-Ceyhan and Trans-Caspian energy corridor, Pearson stated.

Pearson stressed that the American people opened their heart to Turkish people following the deadly earthquake.

Strobe Talbott, the U.S. Acting State Secretary, said that the U.S. and Turkey are very far away from each other in respect of geography but very close to each other in history and interests.

Talbott noted that Turkey was beside the U.S. in military developments in recent years.

Emphasizing that Turkey is a NATO ally which has vital importance, Talbott touched on the importance that Clinton administration attribute to Turkey's EU membership.

Talbott stated that the U.S. do not believe in conflicts among cultures and that the border of Europe does not end in the Straits.

Turkey has key importance in Europe's construction, Talbott stressed.

Pearson will come to Ankara in the beginning of October.

[08] SECURITY FORCES IMPOUND 3,152 ROOTS OF INDIAN HEMP

Officials told A.A correspondent that security forces raided a house belonged to Huseyin Kaplan in Altinuzum hamlet of Islahiye township.

Security forces impounded 3,152 roots of indian hemp in the house and incinerated them.

Huseyin Kaplan was taken into custody.

[09] TREASURY UNDERSECRETARY: ''THERE IS A CONSIDERABLE INCREASE IN DEMAND IN THE ECONOMY''

Speaking to the A.A correspondent, Demiralp and Ercel stressed that private sector companies set their prices without taking into consideration the increase in production and decrease in input costs by taking advantage of increase in demand.

Treasury Undersecretary Demiralp said aqll circles of public should support disinflation program, and that the private sector should fulfil its responsibilities to this end.

Demiralp said that the increase in domestic demand considerably reflected in some sectors especially the automotive industry.

Noting that the increase in demand was very positive as it was one of the most important factors of economic growth, Demrialp said, ''however, we see that the private sector companies are still increasing the prices.''

Central Bank Governor Gazi Ercel said that the intentions of the private sector companies for setting prices were the continuation of habits in the past, and these undoubtedly affected the program negatively.

Stressing that an important momentum had been gained in disinflation, and they expected the development in currency and interest rates to positively affect the intentions for setting prices in coming months, Ercel said the current monthly currency increse rate was 1.3 percent, and it would decrease to 1 percent after October.

Noting that the current interest rates fluctuated between 20-30 percent, Ercel said, ''soaring temperatures in July negatively affected the prices of fresh fruits and vegetables, and this will be the main designator for the change in inflation in wholesale prices index. Besides, we should not ignore the reflections of increases in prices of oil and some metal goods.''

[10] THIRD ROUND OF CYPRUS PROXIMITY TALKS CONTINUE IN GENEVA

Alvaro De Soto, the Special Representative of United Nations Secretary General Kofi Annan to Cyprus, met with Glafcos Clerides, the leader of the Greek Cypriot administration, at the United Nations Headquartes.

De Soto is expected to come together with President Rauf Denktas of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) later in the day.

Addressing journalists yesterday, De Soto said that the third round of proximity talks would continue till August 4 as it was scheduled before.

[11] PRESIDENT STOYANOV OF BULGARIA DUE IN TURKEY

Releasing a statement, the Foreign Ministry said on Tuesday that President Stoyanov would pay a visit to Turkey between August 3-13.

President Stoyanov is expected to pay a visit of courtesy to President Ahmet Necdet Sezer.

He is also scheduled to meet with Suleyman Demirel, the former President, and Prime Minister Bulent Ecevit.

President Stoyanov is expected to receive Mesut Yilmaz, the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of State.

[12] INDUSTRY AND TRADE MINISTER: ''MOST IMPORTANT FACTOR OF THE STABILITY PROGRAM IS THAT IT REDUCES THE DEMAND''

Speaking to the A.A correspondent, Tanrikulu said the recovery in the economy would be developed in coming period with implementations to reduce the demand, increasing the industrial production and the sales in trade.

Noting that spendings reform and other structural reforms would be made in the second stage of the economic stability program, Tanrikulu said that the desired recovery in the markets would occur after those reforms.

Defending that loosening the expenditures at the current point would be risky, Tanrikulu said that the desired decreasing trend in inflation had not been maintained yet.

''When the desired decreasing trend in inflation is reached, we will make implementations to relieve the domestic demand. It is not possible at this current stage,'' he said.

''Currently, we are at such a dangerous point that if we put into practice a different implementation to loosen the the demand which is under a serious pressure, we may encounter the risk of increase in inflation and prices. When we maintain a decreasing trend in inflatioon, the program will offer implementations which loosen the expenditures. The government is determined in the success of the program,'' he said.

Tanrikulu recalled that the foreign trade had increased and this was the only program target that was achieved.

Stating that they would put into practice structural measures to increase the production in the domestic economy, Tanrikulu said, ''last year, the Turkish industrials made profit from the fields in which they are not making business. This indicates the disordered economic structure. Because, the unstable atmosphere destroyed the expectations, and industrialists refrained from investment and production. The economic program that the our government put into practice give confidence to the markets. However, there are still a few concerns.''

[13] ISTANBUL DGM REPUBLICAN CHIEF PROSECUTOR'S OFFICE FILES A LAWSUIT AGAINST NOTORIOUS MAFIA BOSS CAKICI

The indictment sought imprisonment terms from 304.5 years to 384 years to Cakici with charges of ''forming a crime organization and inciting murder'' in accordance with the Article 1 of the Law no: 4422 and Article 448 of the Turkish Penal Code (TCK).

The indictment sought imprisonment terms from 304 years to 384 years to suspects Ahmet Celik, Okan Erunal, Cihan Cakici and Mustak Cimenci on charges of ''being a member of a crime organization and attempting to commit homicide''.

The indictment sought imprisonment terms from 3 years to six years to suspects Muradi Guler and Yakup Cakici on charges of ''being a member of a crime organization''.

The indictment also sought imprisonment terms from 1.5 year to 4 years to suspects Veysi Cirit, Mehmet Ali Okur, Rahim Kara and Alican Engulen on charges of ''aiding and abbetting to a crime organization''.

In the armed attack, 15 people were injured.

[14] FINANCE MINISTER: ''INFLATION WILL DECREASE TO ONE-DIGIT NUMBERS AT THE END OF 2001''

Finance Minister Oral and State Minister Mehmet Kececiler visited the central Konya province Governor's Office.

Oral recalled that they had firstly given the start for a three-year program to recover the balances in the Turkish economy and finance.

Stressing that they had achieved the targets of the program for the first half of 2000, Oral said that the political and economic stability had been settled.

''The interest mortgage on the budget is the most serious economic problem in Turkey. Alomst half of the budget was spent on the interest payments in the past. We have almost overcome this problem. The 130 percent borrowing last year decreased to 30 percent this year. The interest burden on the budget is gradually decreasing. The targets of the disinflation program are being achieved,'' he said.

Noting that inflation was the most serious problem in Turkey, Oral said the government was struggling against this problem with determination.

Stating that many problems would be solved with the decrease in inflation, Oral said, ''the inflation rate will decrease to one-d,g,t numbers at the end of 2001.''

State Minister Mehmet Kececiler said that the Konya Plain Project (KOP) was the second biggest project in Turkey after the Southeastern Anatolia Project (GAP).

Noting that construction of some irrigation dams had been finalized within scope of the KOP, Kececiler said that the amount of irrigation had increased 1.5-fold in the region.

[15] TOURISTIC EXCURSIONS FROM ANTALYA TO RHODES START

Erhan Ozkan, the Owner of the Antalya-based Ertur Tourism Company, staged a press conference to introduce one-day touristic excursion from Antalya to Rhodes.

Ozkan said, ''as a result of our negotiations, Greece will not require visa from Turkish tourists who will visit Rhodes, Kos and Samos islands.''

Noting that they aimed at attracting nearly 12 thousand Greek tourists to Turkey next year within framework of mutual tours, Ozkan said, ''residents of these islands are interested in natural and historical assets of Antalya. They want to visit the Santa Claus Church in Demre township, and other holy places in Antalya. Greece will not require visa from Turkish tourists who will visit these islands.''

''One-day touristic excursion from Finike to Rhodes will start at 08:30 a.m. on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Travel costs 150 German mark per person,'' Ozkan added.

[16] SPORTS-YACHTING -23RD NORTH AEGEAN CUP RACES

In the first day of the race in which 37 yachts participate, Can Halman of Turkey came first at the IMS Excursion category with his yacht ''Eshquia'' and Samim Arduman came first at the ORC-Club category with his yacht ''Uzma'' while Ergin Imre came second at the IMS Race with his yacht ''Provezza X''.

The 23rd North Aegean Cup Yacht Races will end on August 5.

[17] TURGUTREIS FRIGATE TO RETURN TO GOLCUK ON AUGUST 3

The Naval Forces Commandership issued a statement on Tuesday saying that Turgutreis Frigate had visited 14 ports in 9 countries.

Noting that Turgutreis had visited Egypt, Djibouti, India, Singapore, Japan, China, South Korea, Malaysia and Jordan, the statement said Turgutreis Frigate cruised in Pacific and Indian oceans, and in Aegean, East Mediterranean, Oman, Bengal, Andaman, South China, Philippines, East China, Yellow and Japan seas, totalling up to 21,598 nautical miles (40 thousand kilometers).

The statement added that Turgutreis Frigate which also participated in trainings together with allied fleets became the first Turkish warship visiting People's Republic China.

[18] TURKISH LAWYER BRINGS A SUIT AGAINST KOUCHNER

Suroy accused Kouchner of excluding Turkish from the list of official languages.

Suroy told the A.A correspondent on Tuesday that Kouchner had violated human rights of Turkish people living in Kosovo.

He noted that representatives of the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE), took action after he had filed the lawsuit, Suroy said that he refused to meet with OSCE representatives as the side they had to talk with was Kouchner.

He stressed that the OSCE representatives should meet with Kouchner.

Recalling that Kouchner proposed Turkish to become an official language only in Prizren and Mamusa, Suroy added, ''Kouchner proposes division of Kosovo. We are against such a division. How can we accept such a proposal that is against interests of our Albanian and Bosnian friends?''

[19] OPERATIONS AGAINST DRUG TRAFFICKING

Seven people were taken into custody in the operations.

Officials told the A.A correspondent on Tuesday that narcotics officials had revealed two months ago that a gang would smuggle a considerable amount of heroin from Iran to European countries via Turkey.

Narcotics officials stopped and searched a passenger bus at the Ipsala Border Gate between Turkey and Greece on July 29.

They confiscated 200 kg of heroin hidden in the cache of the bus.

A total of four people were taken into custody in the operation.

Meanwhile, narcotics officials impounded 8,670 illicit drug pills in Aksaray district of Istanbul. Seven people were taken into custody.

[20] TURKISH LEATHER AND FASHION FAIR TO BE OPENED IN MOSCOW

Turkel's Chairman Korhan Yazgan staged a press conference on Tuesday in Moscow, saying that almost 30 Turkish companies would attend the fair.

Yazgan said they expected the fair would increase the interest of Russians in Turkish textile products.

[21] TRIAL OF 20 SUSPECTS WHO WERE INVOLVED IN STREET CLASHES IN TAKSIM ON THE EVE OF UEFA SEMI-FINAL FIRST LEG MATCH BETWEEN GALATASARAY AND LEEDS UNITED OF BRITAIN CONTINUE

The report of autopsy performed on body of British citizen Christopher John Loftus who lost his live during the incidents, was read out at the hearing.

The report said that three stabbing injuries were observed in right chest and back of Loftus.

It was determined that Loftus died of hemorrhage as a result of a cut in his vein.

Fuat Akkoyunlu, the lawyer of suspect Ali Umit Demir, said that his client had stabbed British soccer fan in his leg in order to save his uncle.

Noting that the person whom Demir had stabbed, could not be Loftus in accordance with the autopsy report, Akkoyunlu noted that his client had not committed murder.

Meanwhile, two eyewitnesses said that drunk British hooligans had stopped a taxi and a bus and damaged the vehicles.

Later, the court delegation decided to keep Demir under arrest, and adjourned the hearing.

The indictment prepared by Beyoglu Republican Chief Prosecutor's Office said that street clashes had erupted between Turkish and British soccer fans in Taksim Square on April 5, 2000 on the eve of UEFA semi-final first leg match between Galatasaray and Leeds United of Britain.

It noted that two British soccer fans, Christopher John Loftus and Kevin Speight, were stabbed to death in the street clashes while Gerard Headey, Poul Jefferies, Mark Colins, David Elin, Steven White and Paul Mundy were injured.

The indictment sought imprisonment terms from 24 years to 30 years to suspects Ali Umit Demir, Ozkan Balci, Suleyman Aydin, Suleyman Gokhan Guven and Yilmaz Tutas on charges of ''intentionally murdering two people''.

The indictment sought imprisonment terms from 2 years to 5 years to suspects Kazim Dalga, Hasan Altun, Murat Yahsi, Ibrahim Emrah Kaygisiz and Zafer Yildirim on charges of ''involving in fight and attacking on dead and injured people''.

It sought six months in prison to suspect Savas Altay, Ugur Yevsukof, Gokhan Oba and Burak Savucu on charges of ''involving in a fight that resulted in casualties.''

[22] TURKISH VESSEL SINKS OFF-SHORE ITALY

The captain and 22-person crew of the 8,921 gross ton-vessel were rescued by a Dutch-flagged ship.

Sources said that a fire broke out early on Tuesday in Hasat which was 135 meters in length and was carrying containers from Marseilles to Piraeus while it was 150-200 nautical miles east of Sicily.

Sources said the reason for the fire had not been known yet.

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