Anadolu Agency: News in English, 00-08-10

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ANADOLU AGENCY

NEWS

10

AUGUST 2000 Thursday

-TURKEY-PRESS SCAN

These are some of the major headlines and their brief stories in Turkey's press on August 10, 2000. The Anadolu Ajansi does not verify these stories and does not vouch for their accuracy.

HURRIYET (LIBERAL)

Suleyman Demirel, the 9th President, came to central Anatolian Sivas province and visited his nephew Yahya Murat Demirel, who was stabbed in the hip in the barracks. Demirel said, ''this incident made our family sorry. Whoever has a problem, should solve it within the rules of jurisdiction.''

Serdal Alptekin, who attacked Yahya Murat Demirel, said in his interrogation that he did not mean to kill him.

TENDENCY: INSISTENCY ON KHK

The government felt uneasy when President Ahmet Necdet Sezer rejected the decree having the force of law (KHK), which foresees new regulations about dismissal of civil servants.

During Wednesday's leaders' summit, the tendency to send the decree to the presidency appeared again. Yet, the decision of the government will be clarified after Council of Ministers meeting that will take place today. It was reported that the leaders may resist to the presidency after getting the full support of Council of Ministers.

MILLIYET (LIBERAL)

In the draft resolution which brought new changes to the state personnel regime, civil servants will be separated to new assignment groups. New salaries will be composed of ''basic,'' and ''assignment,'' fees. Also, there will be service compensations.

ERCEL TO SUIT FILE AGAINST SOROS

Gazi Ercel, the Governor of the Central Bank, said he would file a suit against George Soros, one of the biggest speculators, regarding the statements against him. Ercel said, ''I was shocked by the unfortunate statements of Soros, which were reflected in the newspapers targetting me.'' Ercel defined the statements of Soros as ''not basing on facts.''

Ercel said, ''I left Yasar Group four years ago. I did not protect anybody or directed by anyone after I resigned. People know me very well.''

SABAH (LIBERAL)

A 76-Article economic stability package was prepared for the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC). After the package takes effect, Turkey will extend 150 trillion lira (234 million U.S. dollars) to the TRNC. This is a support that will be equal to the 40 percent of the national income of the TRNC.

ISLAM SUPPORT TO ECEVIT

Egyptian Ambassador: Islam should be civilized. We can not live in the 21st century with the mentality of sixth century. Sudanese Ambassador: Contribution of Turkey to democracy in Islam would be a service. Afghan Charge d'Affaires: Ecevit is the only experienced Prime Minister in the Islam world in this respect. Palestinian Ambassador: Democracy is the basis of Islam. Libyan Ambassador: Mature people can be models.

CUMHURIYET (LEFT)

Turkey, within the European Union (EU) membership process, silently signs the U.N. Individual and Political Rights Charter and the U.N. Economic, Social, and Cultural Rights Agreement, which it refrained from signing since 1966.

It was reported that Volkan Vural, Turkey's Permanent Representative to the U.N. and the new EU Secretary General, who was given the authority of signature, will sign the ''twin agreement,'' on behalf of Turkey before the scheduled visit of President Ahmet Necdet Sezer to the U.S. to attend the U.N. Millenium Summit.

MINISTER OKSUZ IN RUSSIA

Transportation Minister Enis Oksuz left for Russia on Wednesday to attend inauguration of two international leather and textile fairs in Moscow. Oksuz said a number of Turkish companies would take part in the fairs, adding that he would meet with his Russian counterpart during his visit

RADIKAL (LEFT)

Bidding process for construction of 304 additional classrooms in 38 primary schools in Kocaeli province were completed. The classrooms will be constructed with the financial support of the World Bank.

Kazim Kurtoglu, Deputy Director of National Education, said the total cost of the tender of the additional classrooms would be 7.182.275 U.S. dollars.He said the classrooms are planned to be completed within five months, adding that approximately 11,000 students will be educated in those classrooms.

ERDAL IS IN CRITICAL HEALTH CONDITION

Lawyers of Fehriye Erdal, one of the suspects of Sabanci assasination, said in a press release that Erdal continued hunger strike in Bruges city in Belgium, and claimed that her health condition was bad. The lawyers said they visited Erdal everyday, adding that Erdal had hunger strike for 27 days, and claimed that she lost 14 kilos. The lawyers claimed that her health condition became serious as of Sunday.

Erdal will appear at court on August 11 as the ''plaintiff,'' and continue her legal initiatives against the Interior Ministry which prevented her release. She will call for her release on bail.

YENİ BİNYIL (LIBERAL)

The U.N. will convene ''Millenium Summit,'' in September 6-8. Kofi Annan, the U.N. Secretary General, sent letters to the Presidents of the member countries and called them to sign the U.N. agreements which they have not signed so far.

Ankara, within this framework, decided to sign two agreements, which it opposed to sign for 34 years.

EXPLOSION IN THE HOSPITAL

An explosion occurred in the third floor of Florance Nightingale Hospital on Wednesday injuring one person. It is estimated that gas which leaked from the oxygen tube caused the explosion. Security units and fire brigades continue efforts to determine the reason of the explosion.

TURKIYE (RIGHT)

Mehmet Ali Agca, who was extradited from Italy to Turkey, said Vatican offered him 50 million U.S. dollars, freedom and cardinalship if he became a Catholic, but that he did not accept it.

Hearing of terrorist Agca, who is the murder of journalist Abdi Ipekci, continued. Up to 60 years of imprisonment sentence is expected to be called for Agca regarding exortion and robbery cases.

VAKIFBANK TO BE PRIVATIZED

Yuksel Yalova, the Minister of State for Privatization, said public offering of Vakifbank would be made through the end of October. Yalova said he believed domestic and foreign investors would show great interest in the public offering. Noting that the legal process of the public offering was under way, Yalova said the technical works were also continuing.

Vakifbank's assets are now about 6 billion 571 million U.S. dollars.

ZAMAN (CONSERVATIVE)

Izmir State Security Court (DGM) sent 24 people, out of 28, to prison who were taken into custody within the scope of fictitious export operation.

Mehmet Niyazioglu, the businessman, during the interrogation felt uneasy and hospitalized.

THREE APPLICATIONS TO TUBE TUNNEL

Three consortiums, composed of various companies from Turkey, Japan, the Netherlands, Britain, the U.S., Germany and France, applied for the tube tunnel which has a total cost of 1.6 billion U.S. dollars. Officials said the final bids will be accepted on August 28.

6,734 TURKISH CITIZENS ARE IN PRISONS IN VARIOUS COUNTRIES

Foreign Ministry prepared a report about the Turkish citizens arrested in various countries of the world upon the request of Justice Ministry. The report said there were 6,734 Turkish citizens in prisons in various countries. A total of 4,765 Turkish citizens are in prisons of Germany. A total of 175 in Britain, and 118 Turkish citizens are in prisons in Saudi Arabia.

Foreign Ministry pointed out that those who have double citizenship were not included in the figures.

(AY-AÖ)

-NATO AIR MEET-2000 MANOEUVRES -TURKEY TO PERFORM AIR DEFENSE AND RECONNAISSANCE

MISSIONS IN THE MANOEUVRES THAT WILL START ON AUGUST 28

ANKARA, Aug 10 (A.A) - ''NATO Air Meet-2000,'' one of the planned and biggest air manoeuvres of NATO member countries, will be performed in Denmark between August 28-September 8.

General Staff General Secretariat issued a statement and noted that Turkey, Denmark, Germany, Belgium, the Netherlands, France, Italy, Britain, Greece, the U.S., and Poland will actively take place in the manoeuvres.

NATO Air Meet-2000 manoevres aims to perform every kind of tactic air operations in a multi-national atmosphere, and to improve mutual understanding, confidence and cooperation between the NATO member countries air forces.

Turkey will attend the manoeuvres with 6XF-RF-4 plane and 60 personnel, and will perform air defense and reconnaissance missions.

-DRIED FRUITS, WORTH OF 22.2 MILLION

U.S. DOLLARS, EXPORTED FROM THE GAP REGION

IN SEVEN MONTHS

GAZIANTEP - Dried fruits, worth of 22.2 million U.S. dollars, were exported from the Southeastern Anatolian Project (GAP) region in the first seven months of the year.

Exportation, worth of 27.2 million U.S. dollars, had been made last year same month.

The U.S., France, Britain, Australia, Germany, Israel, Switzerland, Spain, Sweden, Romania, Saudi Arabia and Greece are among the countries where dried fruits exported.

-WHO ALLOCATES 200,000 U.S. DOLLARS TO TURKEY

ANKARA - World Health Organization (WHO) Europe Regional Office allocated 200,000 U.S. dollars to Turkey from the regular budget for the year 2000- 2001.

Health Ministry officials told A.A correspondent that 200,000 U.S. dollars, which was allocated to Turkey under the Medium Term Cooperation program signed between WHO Europe Regional Office and Health Ministry covering 2000- 2001, will be used in prevention and control of diseases and injuries, and betterment of health services.

Within the framework of the program, training works will be made to remove polio, measles, and to take control over hypertension, malaria and tuberculosis. Also, a strategy will be prepared to improve emergency health services.

A national congress will be staged to develop medicine services.

Some part of the sources will be spent for disaster administration and people health, and vaccination.

-BAGDAD 33RD INTERNATIONAL FAIR

-TURKEY TO ATTEND THE FAIR WITH MORE THAN 50 COMPANIES

ANKARA - Turkey will attend ''Baghdad 33rd International Fair,'' with more than 50 companies. The fair will take place in November.

Forum Fuarcilik Incorp. issued a statement and said the Turkish companies will exhibit their products on a 4,500 square meters area.

Products like medical equipment, agriculture equipments, construction equipments, automotive sub-industry products, plastic chairs and tables, textile, glass, ceramics, kitchen goods, carpets, house textile products, and eye-glasses will be exhibited in the fair.

-BEN-AMI, ISRAELI PUBLIC SECURITY MINISTER, IN TURKEY

ANKARA - Sholomo Ben-Ami, Israeli Public Security Minister, arrived in Turkey on Thursday to hold contacts.

In a brief statement he made at Ankara's Esenboga Airport, Ben-Ami said he would brief about the peace process following Camp David. summit.

Ben-Ami said they wanted the process to reach a positive end, adding that they had several policies in this respect. Ben-Ami expressed belief that Turkey would have important contributions to reach a result in this process.

Ben-Ami visited Turkey following the visit of Yasser Arafat, Palestinian President after Camp David summit. Ben-Ami is expected to inform Turkey about the recent developments in the Middle East peace process and will convey the views of his country.

Ben-Ami is known as one of the politicians close to Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Barak, and an expert on Palestinian problem.

Ben-Ami is scheduled to meet with Foreign Minister Ismail Cem and will be received by Prime Minister Bulent Ecevit.

Ben-Ami is expected to proceed to European countries following his contacts in Ankara.

Meanwhile, Israeli Prime Minister Barak appointed Ben-Ami as the Acting Foreign Minister during his arrival to Ankara.

-COUNCIL OF MINISTERS CONVENES

ANKARA - The Council of Ministers convened on Thursday under the leadership of Prime Minister Bulent Ecevit.

The meeting started at 11:05 in Premiership Central Building.

Results of the leaders' summit will be discussed, which took place on Wednesday after the rejection of the decree having the force of law (KHK) which foresees new regulations about dismissal of civil servants, and other developments will be taken up.

-CLASHES IN AFGHANISTAN

-TURKEY CALLS ON THE SIDES TO PUT AN END TO CLASHES

ANKARA - Foreign Ministry called on the clashes which escalated recently in Afghanistan to end, and noted that Turkey preserved its belief that the problem in Afghanistan could not reach a solution through war.

Foreign Ministry statement pointed out that clashes escalated as a result of the military operation which Taleban forces started in Takhar provinces of Northern Afghanistan, and noted that this caused important loss of lives and property. The statement said, ''we are sorry to learn that many civilians met with the danger of hunger and disease as they were forced to leave their houses.''

The statement expressed concern that efforts toward the settlement of peace and tranquility in the country were interrupted as de facto ceasefire in Afghanistan ended.

The statement pointed out that, ''we wish consolidation of ceasefire and initiation of sincere and meaningful talks among the sides for the settlement of a broad-based government, with the participation of all Afghan sides. We also wish the efforts of the U.N. exerted in this respect, to be intensified.''

-EU FUNDS OFFERED TO FOREIGNERS TO MAKE TOURISM INVESTMENTS IN TURKEY

ANTALYA - Faruk Sen, the General Director of the Germany based Turkey Research Center said foreign investors who are planning to invest in tourism in Turkey can benefit from EU funds.

Sen who is vacationing in Antalya told A.A correspondent that foreign investors who are interested in the Turkish tourism market can use EU funds. The amount of credit available from this source is 30 percent of the investment cost and they can also obtain a donation which is 10 percent of the investment cost. Noting that investors can obtain further information from the EU's tourism office in Brussels, Sen said the Tourism Ministry, Tursab and all tourism investors should be informed about this development.

Dwelling about Turkish investors, Sen said they can also get loans and donations which totals up to 400 million Euros from EU funds but he complained that Turkish tourism investors have not so far made use of EU funds as they should have. He also noted that Turkey's rivals in tourism Spain, Greece, Italy and France form their tourism infrastructure through these funds.

Pointing out that for the first time this year, European and U.S. investors started to make tourism investments in Turkey. ''European investors who were only doing the management of tourism facilities in Turkey, started to purchase these facilities for the first time this year.''

Indicating that Turkey will host 7-8 million tourists in 2000 and obtain 10 billion U.S. dollars from this activity, Sen said developments are for the first time in favour of Turkey. ''European tourists are tired of South European countries and they have have started showing interest in Turkey,'' he said.

-TURKEY-ISRAEL

-BEN-AMI APPOINTED AS FOREIGN MINISTER SHORTLY BEFORE

HIS VISIT TO TURKEY

-ISRAEL PLEASED WITH TURKEY'S POSITION

TEL AVIV - Sholomo Ben-Ami, the Public Security Minister of Israel who was assigned to brief Ankara on the developments during and after the Camp David Summit was appointed as the Foreign Minister shortly before his visit to Turkey.

Sholomo Ben-Ami who was appointed as the Foreign Minister of Israel temporarily till the end of October will be in charge of both Public Security and Foreign Ministries of Israel.

The Israeli Prime Ministry sources said Ben-Ami was appointed as the Foreign Minister as he played an important role in the talks with Palestine since the beginning.

Justice Minister Yossi Beilin and Regional Cooperation Minister Shimon Peres will also be responsible of foreign affairs.

In Turkey which is his first stop of his European tour, Ben-Ami will brief Ankara on the issues discussed at the Camp David Summit, Israel's positions and the likely developments in the future.

Israeli sources told the A.A correspondent that Bem-Ami wouldn't make any request to Turkey as Israel found Ankara's statements after Camp David Summit and Palestinian President Yasser Arafat's visit satisfactory.

Noting that Ankara deployed a position towards the continuation of the talks and refraining from unilateral movements, sources said that the position in question was in parallel with the tri-partite declaration issued after the summit.

Stating that Ankara could continue its recommendations to Arafat for refraining from uniletarel movements, sources recalled that Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Barak, within this framework, had sent letters to leaders of other countries and to Prime Minister Bulent Ecevit.

Sources said that Israel did not Want Turkey to directly intervene in the peace process but was in favor of Ankara's continuing recommendations to both sides.

-SPORTS-SOCCER

-TURKISH DIVISION ONE MATCHES TO RESUME ON FRIDAY

ANKARA - The Turkish Soccer Division One 2000-2001 season will start on Friday.

Turkish division one soccer fixtures for August 11 to 13:

Friday, August 11:

Kocaelispor v Fenerbahce

Saturday, August 12:

Besiktas v Yimpas Yozgatspor

Genclerbirligi v Caykur Rizespor

Bursaspor v Gaziantepspor

Erzurumspor v Trabzonspor

Sunday, August 13:

Istanbulspor v Adanaspor

Siirt Jet-Pa Spor v Antalyaspor

Samsunspor v Ankaragucu:

Denizlispor v Galatasaray

-ILLEGAL IMMIGRATION

-43 IRAQIS CAPTURED IN A HOUSE IN EASTERN VAN PROVINCE

VAN - Security forces raided a house in eastern Van province, capturing 43 Iraqis who had entered Turkey illegally.

Sources said that acting on a tip-off, security forces raided a house in Yenimahalle neighborhood in Van and captured 43 Iraqis.

Officials said those Iraqis would be deported on charges of violating Law on Borders and Passport.

-ISRAELI PUBLIC SECURITY MINISTER MEETS WITH FOREIGN MINISTER CEM

ANKARA - The interdelegationary meetings headed by Foreign Minister Ismail Cem and Israeli Public Security Minister and Acting Foreign Minister Sholomo Ben-Ami started in Ankara on Thursday.

No statement was issued before the meetings at the Foreign Ministry building.

Responding to questions of journalists, Foreign Minister Cem said that statement would be made by the Foreign Ministry if it was necessary.

The guest Israeli Minister will be received by Prime Minister Bulent Ecevit and he will later stage a press conference.

-MBC AND NEW YORK TIMES TO PROMOTE GAP

SANLIURFA - The Middle East Broadcasting Centre (MBC) bbased in London which is mainly broadcasting to Arab countries and the New York Times, will introduce the South East Anatolia (GAP) project to their audience and readers.

Authorities from the GAP Region Development Management Directorate told A.A correspondent that the GAP, one of the world's few integrated developments projects, is drawing more and more attention from the foreign press.

It was noted that MBC's Turkey representative M. Daniel Abdulfettah, cameraman Raef Debejan and correspondent Mohamed Chebaro came the region and started shootings.

The British tv team has completed their shootings in Batman and Hasankeyf, and now they began working in Mardin. MBC team will arrive in Sanliurfa on August 12 and interview GAP Region Development Director Erkan Alemdarogluy. Later they will shoot images of the Ataturk Dam, Harran ruins, Balikligul and fields which opened to irrigation.

It was stated that the MBC team will visit Halfeti and the Birecik Dam on August 13 before they leave the region on August 14.

Authorities noted that Turkey representative of the New York Times, Doug Frantz will also come to Sanliurfa for a two day visit.

-TEN ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS CAUGHT IN MUGLA

MUGLA - Gendarme forces caught ten foreigners who were trying to illegally go to the Greek island of Kos from Emecik village of Mugla's Datca township on Thursday. Two Turkish men who were helping them were also arrested.

Acting on a tip off, the security forces caught ten people from Sudan, Nigeria, Ethiopia, and Indonesia.

During their interrogations, the illegal immigrants revealed the names of two Turkish men who charged every one of them 600 U.S. dollars. The two men were also arrested.

The foreigners will be extradited and the legal procedures will continue regarding the two Turkish suspects.

-TURKEY TO PARTICIPATE IN INTERNATIONAL SALONICA TRADE

FAIR AFTER 12 YEARS OF BREAK

ISTANBUL - The 65th International Salonica Trade Fair will take place in Salonica on Septermber 2-11.

International Fair and Exhibition Services Inc. which is organizing the participation of the Turkish firms stated that Turkey will participate in the fair at the national level for the first time after 12 years.

A total of 86 Turkish firms will be represented at the fair. Enka Holding, Koc Holding, Yasar Holding, Bursa Industry and Trade Chamber, Aegean Region Industry Chamber and Eskisehir Industry Chamber will also attend the fair.

Ata Investment which is sponsoring the fair will give a reception in Istanbul on September 4.

-FOREIGN EXCHANGE RESERVES OF CENTRAL BANK

DECREASE BY 295 MILLION U.S. DOLLARS

ANKARA - The foreign exchange reserves of the Central Bank decreased to 24 billion 380 million U.S. dollars.

The Central Bank data shows that the foreign exchange reserves, which fell by 295 million U.S. dollars between July 28 and August 4, decreased to 24 billion 380 million U.S. dollars on August 4.

The Central Bank's foreign exchange reserves were 24 billion 675 million U.S. dollars on July 28.

Meanwhile, according to the July 21-based statistics, Turkey's total international gross reserves increased 273 million U.S. dollars to 39 billion 906 million U.S. dollars between July 14 and 21.

The international gross reserves of Turkey were 39 billion 633 million U.S. dollars on July 14.

As of July 21, Turkey's international reserves were composed of 1 billion 10 million U.S. dollars in gold reserves; 24 billion 114 million U.S. dollars in the Central Bank's foreign exchange reserves; and 14 billion 782 million U.S. dollars in the commercial banks' foreign exchange reserves.

-COUNCIL OF MINISTERS' MEETING

-PRIME MINISTER ECEVIT SAYS KHK ON CIVIL SERVANTS WOULD

BE SUBMITTED ONCE AGAIN TO PRESIDENT SEZER WITHOUT ANY CHANGE

ANKARA - Prime Minister Bulent Ecevit said on Thursday that the Council of Ministers decided to submit the decree having the power of law on civil servants (KHK) once again to President Ahmet Necdet Sezer without any change.

Ecevit said that it was a constitutional obligatory for the President to approve the KHK which was presented to him for the second time without any change.

-TURKEY REPAYS 99.24 MILLION U.S. DOLLARS

IN FOREIGN DEBT BETWEEN AUGUST 1-9

ANKARA - Turkey repaid a total of 99.24 million U.S. dollars in foreign debt between August 1-9, 2000.

The Central Bank data shows that the Treasury repaid 46.60 million U.S. dollars; the Central Bank repaid 36.95 million U.S. dollars; the administrations with general and annexed budgets repaid 15.69 million U.S. dollars in foreign debt between August 1-9.

Meanwhile, a total of 6 billion 41.86 million U.S. dollars of foreign debt has been repaid since the beginning of the year.

-TURKISH-GERMAN FINANCIAL AND TECHNICAL COOPERATION

AGREEMENT TO FOCUS ON PURIFICATION OF WASTE WATER AND

RECYCLING

ANKARA - Waste water purification and recycling projects and assistance for municipalities to set up the necessary facilities, will constitute the basis of the Turkish-German Financial and Technical Cooperation agreement which is expected to be signed in fall.

German Embassy in Ankara stated that municipalities in Turkey will be provided assistance with environmental projects such as waste water purification and recycling of solid waste products.

During last year's meetings, Turkish municipalities were given counseling service and during the consultations it was decided to complete the existing projects instead of finding resources for new projects.

The technical cooperation foresees providing technical and administrational training to Turkish municipalities to help them set up the institutions necessary for these projects. As a part of these efforts, the municipalities will be offered information and counseling services over the running of projects, providing financing and its management, and training of personnel.

The total cost of the projects that are run by Turkish-German financial and technical cooperation is 909 million German Marks as of end of July. 850,5 million German Marks were used for financial cooperation while 58,5 million German Marks were spent for technical cooperation.

-COUNCIL OF MINISTERS' MEETING (2)

-PRIME MINISTER ECEVIT: ''AFTER HE APPROVES THE DECREE, THE

PRESIDENT CAN BRING A SUIT AT THE CONSTITUTINAL COURT TO ANNUL IT''

ANKARA - Prime Minister Bulent Ecevit said on Thursday that the Council of Ministers decided to submit the decree having the power of law on civil servants (KHK) once again to President Ahmet Necdet Sezer without any change.

Ecevit said that it was a constitutional obligatory for the President to approve the KHK which was presented to him for the second time without any change.

Bulent Ecevit made a statement after the KHK in question had been discussed in the meeting.

''The President has vetoed this KHK which aims at making the sanctions more effective. These sanctions protect the secular and democratic Republic and its integrity. In accordance with Article 6 of the Constitution, nobody or no organ can use a state authority which does not take its source from the Constitution,'' he said.

''Article 104 of the Constitution which arranges tasks and authorities of the President allows the President to veto the laws but it does not allow the President to veto the KHKs. However, it has been understood that the President has given the start for the process about the laws by sending the KHK in question back to the Prime Ministry. With this respect, it is a constitutional obligatory for the President to approve the KHK which is once afain presented to him without any change. However, after approving the KHK in question, the President can bring a suit at the Consitutional Court to annul it on charges of its incongruity with the Constitution,'' the Prime Minister stated.

''The main task of our government is to protect the undividedness of Turkey and basic principles of the secular and democratic Republic and to enable Turkish citizens to make use of all basic rights and freedoms,'' he said.

''With this respect, the Council of Ministers has decided to submit the KHK in question once again to the President without any change,'' Prime Minister Ecevit added.

-COUNCIL OF MINISTERS' MEETING (3)

-PRIME MINISTER ECEVIT: ''THE PRESIDENT HAS STATED THAT HE DID NOT

HAVE THE INTENTION TO HAVE A MEETING WITH ME FOR THE TIME BEING.

WE DON'T HAVE THE RIGHT TO DISTURB HIM''

ANKARA - Prime Minister Bulent Ecevit said on Thursday that President Ahmet Necdet Sezer did not have the intention to have a meeting with him the same day or next Thursday so they didn't have the right to disturb the President.

Noting that the President should approve the decree having the power of law (KHK) on civil servants if it was once again submitted to him without any change, Ecevit said, ''if he can't digest the KHK and considers that it contradicts with the Constitution, the President has the right to apply to the Constitutional Court.''

''The President has to approve this KHK. Because, he has given the start for the process about the draft laws by sending this KHK back to the Prime Ministry. We think that he has preferred this process although it contradicts with the constitution and sent the draft KHK in question back. With this respect, it is an obligation to approve the KHK which is once again presented to the President without any change,'' Ecevit said.

''However, if he considers that this KHK contradicts with the Constitution and his opinions, the President has the right to apply to the Constitutional Court, of course,'' Ecevit stated.

When asked whether or not they had planned to change the KHK into a law after the Parliament recessed, Ecevit said, ''for the time being, our aim is to legalize the KHK. Because, the negative, destructive and separatist activities have recently intended to multiply under different names. With this respect, it is beneficial to immediately legalize the KHK in question. Later, we will think about what we will do in the future.''

When asked whether or not he would have a meeting with the President to this end, Prime Minister Ecevit said, ''the President and I meet on Thursdays. He considered it unnecessary to receive me today or next Thursday. So I don't have the opportunity to hold a tete-a-tete meeting with the President for the present. We don't have the right to disturb him. However, the opportunity can be found if it is necessary.''

''The President has stated that the Chief of General Staff was currently not in Ankara. However, the meetings between the Chief of General Staff and the President are separate meetings. He did not state the reason for not receiving me. The President has stated that he would attend a ceremony about the earthquake disaster next week,'' he said.

-UN PERMANENT REPRESENTATIVE VURAL TO SIGN TO UN CONVENTIONS IN ONE WEEK

ANKARA - Turkey's UN Permanent Representative Ambassador Volkan Vural next week will sign two important UN conventions which Turkey has not yet signed.

Reliable sources told A.A correspondent that the Convention of Political and Civil Rights and the Convention of Economic, Social and Cultural Rights which was opened to signature in 1966 will soon be signed also by Turkey.

The Ministers Council authorized Ambassador Vural to sign the two conventions which formed the new world order after the Second World War. Vural whose post will be over on August 16 will sign the two documents until this date. Vural, after performing this important task, will hand over his post to Prime Minister Bulent Ecevit's Foreign Affairs Advisor Umit Pamir.

Diplomatic sources said the Ministers Council studied all articles of the convention carefully and the Foreign Ministry supported the decision to sign the two documents.

Noting that Turkey is currently at a more advanced level than these conventions with respect to democracy, the Foreign Ministry said signing the documents would be a good score for Turkey.

It was also stated that UN Secretary Kofi Annan's letter to ninth president Suleyman Demirel also had a role in the decision.

Annan had sent a letter to leaders of several countries including Demirel in the beginning of 2000 and called on the leaders to sign the basic 25 UN documents until the Millennium Summit in September.

Diplomatic sources are drawing attention to the fact that the Kopenhagen criteria which Turkey is trying to reach is more advanced than the two UN conventions in question. They also noted that these two conventions would not be binding for Turkey. A total of 144 countries so far signed the above mentioned two conventions.

The approval process will start after Vural signs the documents. The conventions will be studied by the related commissions of the Parliament just like any draft law and then they will be presented to the General Council for approval. If approved, a law will be passed and the UN will be informed about this development.

Reservations can be put in certain parts of these two agreements to make it binding for Turkey.

-ISRAELI PUBLIC SECURITY MINISTER BEN-AMI IN ANKARA

ANKARA - The Foreign Ministry said on Thursday that the opportunities of Turkey's constructive contributions to the Middle East Peace Process would be evaluated carefully.

The Foreign Ministry issued a statement saying that the interdelegationary meetings headed by Foreign minster Ismail Cem and Israeli Public Security and Acting Foreign Minister Sholomo Ben-Ami were ''comprehensive and beneficial''.

The statement said Turkey would make evaluations under the light of its experience in the region and the information it was receiving.

''We believe that the Peace Process is very important for the prosperity and stability in our region, and we wish that the Peace Process will reach a successful result. With this objective, the opportunities of Turkey's constructive contributions will be evaluated with utmost care,'' it said.

The statement added that U.S. Assistant State Secretary Ned Walker in charge of Middle Eastern Affairs would come to Turkey early next week, and he would be received by Foreign Minister Ismail Cem.

-TRANSPORTATION MINISTER OKSUZ INAUGURATES

TURKISH FASHION AND LEATHER FAIRS IN MOSCOW

MOSCOW - Transportation and Communications Minister Enis Oksuz opened the Leshow 2000 International Leather and Fur Fair and the Turkish Fashion Fair in Moscow on Thursday.

Both fairs are taking place at the Expocenter in the city-center of Moscow.

A total of 88 Turkish companies and 20 Russian companies have stands at these two fairs.

Speaking at the inauguration, Oksuz said that Turkey and Russia are two powerful Black Sea littoral states.

''There are important services that these two powerful countries will carry out for the world. Increase in economic, cultural, ethnic and political cooperation between Turkey and Russia will contribute to both countries and their peoples. There is a need for cooperation instead of destroying competition. The amount of external intervention in cooperation between Turkey and Russia decreased, and this is a very good news and development for Eurasia,'' he said.

Both fairs will remain open till August 12.

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