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Anadolu Agency: News in English, 00-08-11Anadolu Agency: News in English Directory - Previous Article - Next ArticleFrom: The Anadolu Agency Home Page at <http://www.anadoluajansi.com.tr/>Anadolu AgencyANADOLU AGENCY NEWS 11 AUGUST 2000 Friday TURKEY-PRESS SCAN These are some of the major headlines and their brief stories in Turkey's press on August 9, 2000. The Anadolu Ajansi does not verify these stories and does not vouch for their accuracy. HURRIYET (LIBERAL)ECEVIT SAYS PRESIDENT WOULD CAUSE GOVERNMENT CRISIS IFHE DOES NOT SIGN DECREE Prime Minister Bulent Ecevit who sent the decree over the dismissal of the civil servants for the second time to President Ahmet Necdet Sezer said ''he does not even want to think what would happen if Sezer does not sign the decree.'' Ecevit, speaking at a press conference, refrained from stating what would happen if the President insists on his earlier decision to voteo the decree. AYGUN: ''THE NAMES OF THOSE WHO INCREASE PRICES SHOULD BE ANNOUNCED TO PUBLIC'' The private sector which was accused by the government for not supporting the government's fight against inflation is defending itself. The discussion of ''who is causing the inflation, public or private sector?'' was fueled after State Minister Recep Onal assessed the first six months of the disinflation programme at a press conference on Wednesday and blamed the private sector for high inflation rate of July. Ankara Chamber of Commerce Chairman Sinan Aygun said the government should not ''just put the blame on everyone and it should announce the names of the businesses which make high price increases.'' MILLIYET (LIBERAL)State Minister Mehmet Kececiler who had earlier prepared the law on rent increases to prevent the landlords from increasing the rents arbitrarily, is now asking for cooperation from the Finance Ministry to follow up on the rent costs deposited in banks. The law had been passed as a part of the efforts to curb inflation.On the other hand, lawyers say it is easy to ''get around'' the rent law. TURKEY ALSO LISTENS TO ISRAEL After the visit of Palestinian leader Yasser Arafat to Ankara, Turkish government this time hosted representative of the Israeli government Scholomo Ben-Ami. Turkish government authorities told Ben-Ami that Turkey would not interfere without the approval of both sides. Ben-Ami had a three hour meeting with Foreign Minister Ismail Cem on Thursday. Ben-Ami said ''Arafat should not miss the opportunity for peace while Barak and Clinton are in power,'' and said that declaration of an independent state would have negative consequences. SABAH (LIBERAL)YILMAZ GIVES FULL SUPPORT TO ECEVIT ON DECREEMotherland Party (ANAP) leader Mesut Yilmaz expressed full support to Ecevit after the recent developments regarding the contraversial decree over dismissal of civil servants who are involved in fundamentalist activities. ''Among the civil servants, there are those who are against the basic principles of the Republic and the government has to get rid of them as soon as possible,'' Yilmaz said. ECEVIT UPSET AFTER SEZER CANCELS APPOINTMENT WITH HIM Ecevit revealed another fact at Thursday's press conference after Sezer voted the decree on dismissal of public servants. Ecevit said Sezer cancelled his weekly meeting with him. Sezer went to Istanbul from Ankara early Thursday and sources from the Presidency said Sezer had planned his Istanbul trip back in June and it was not a surprise. It was also stated that Sezer did not tell about this trip to anyone except for a Presidency personnel to prevent the governors from holding ceremonies for him. CUMHURIYET (LEFT)SEZER:''I DON'T HAVE TO APPROVE IT''President Ahmet Necdet Sezer told his close circle that ''he does not have to approve'' the decree which was presented to him for the second time by the government. Sezer also denied Ecevit who said he did not want to have a meeting with him. ''The government prepares a decree draft, the ministers sign it. This draft becomes a decree after the President signs it. It is not a decree if the President didn't sign it. It remains only as a draft. This is the difference between a law and a decree,'' Sezer explained. VURAL TO SIGN TWO U.N. CONVENTIONS BEFORE AUGUST 17 Turkey's permanent U.N. Representative Volkan Vural was authorized by the government to sign two U.N. conventions before August 17, the date his post ends. Vural will sign U.N. Individual and Political Rights Agreement and U.N. Economic, Social and Cultural Rights Agreement. It was stated that the government will not put any reservations on these conventions which foresees recognizing political and cultural rights of minorities and their right for self-determination. The Foreign Ministry stated that Turkey is already at a more advanced level than the criteria set up by the two conventions with respect to democracy. RADIKAL (LEFT)TRAFFIC MONSTER DOES NOT BREAKHigh speed which is the top cause of traffic accidents continues killing people in Turkey. Although Turkey has speed limits at international standards, the ''ridiculously low'' traffic fines are not enough to make people drive slower. In Turkey, every year an average of 4,500 people die in 440,000 traffic accidents. Last year the traffic tickets given to drivers totalled up only to 75 trillion TL. FORESTS ARE VICTIMS OF NEGLIGENCE Half of the fires which broke out in the last seven months were caused by negligence and carelessness. During this time, the forests which were burnt to ashes reached the size of Gokceada. Unlit cigarette buds are the only reasons of forests which destroyed 1,037 hectares of forest land. While cigarette buds are causing most of the fires, some fires occur when people intentionally burn trees to make room for fields. YENİ BİNYIL (LIBERAL)TURKEY NOT TO REDUCE ITS DEFENSE EXPENSESTurkey which is not even in the first 100 countries with respect to gross national income per capita, is the 14th in the world with its defense expenses. While all expenses were adjusted in line with the economy programme, the defense expenses which were not reduced is making it difficult for the programme to reach its target. Turkey's defense expenses had totalled up to 8.9 billion U.S. dollars in 1999. TURKEY CALLS ON U.S. INVESTORS TO INVEST IN ENERGY IN TURKEY Energy and Natural Resources Deputy Undersecretary Mustafa Mendilcioglu who recently visited the United States said Turkey, in the next 25 years, will make investments in energy sector worth of 400 billion U.S. dollars and called on U.S. firms to have more participation in Turkey's energy investments. TURKIYE (RIGHT)REPORT ON TRAFFIC TERRORISM REVEALS THAT TRAFFIC RULESARE NOT IMPOSED ON ''PRIVILEGED PEOPLE'' Parliament Traffic Safety Research Commission member DSP deputy Cahit Savas Yazici said ''traffic rules are not imposed on a group of privileged people.'' Yazici wrote a detailed report after carrying out research in traffic by disguising his identity and presented the report to Commission Chairmanship. One of the important points he observed during his research was that the police do not impose traffic rules on politicians, bureaucrats, doctors, executives of sports clubs, economically well-off people, and relatives of the government officials. CONSUMER CREDITS GROWING Consumer credits which became attractive to people because of the low interest rates have been growing since the beginning of the year. According to the Central Bank, the banks gave a total credit of 4 quadrillion 906 trillion TL to consumers through credit cards and as consumer credits in the first six months of 2000. ZAMAN (CONSERVATIVE)FILES OPENED AGAINST TEDASSuperiority of Law Association executives stated that TEDAS's new 50 percent price increase on electricity over 150 kilowatt/hour contradicts with realities and it would only take Turkey backwards. The Association's executives applied to the Council of State for the cancellation of this regulation. People's Republic Party (CHP) also applied to Region Administration Court against TEDAS. RED CRESCENT LOSES BLOOD After the Marmara Earthquake, people lost faith in the Red Crescent which caused a drop in blood donations made to the organization. The Red Crescent's Deputy Director in Capa Dr. Nazim Ozgun said people rushed to donate blood immediately after the disaster but then ''due to some misunderstandings'' the amount of donations significantly decreased. Noting that they need negative type blood, Ozgun called on people to donate blood to the organization. CONTENTS
[01] SOUTH EAST'S EXPORT TO EU COUNTRIES INCREASE BY 12.5 PERCENT IN FIRST SEVEN MONTHS OF 2000GAZIANTEP - South East Turkey exported agricultural and animal by-products to EU countries worth of 83,000 U.S. dollars with a 12.5 percent increase in the first seven months of this year. In the same period of last year, Turkey gained 72 million 898,000 U.S. dollars from export to EU countries.According to the South East Anatolia Exporters Union, the region exported to EU countries animal by-products worth of 10,000 U.S. dollars, grains and seeds worth of 822,000 U.S. dollars, dried fruits worth of 10 million 390, 000 U.S. dollars and textile products worth of 69 million 861,000 in January-July period. Italy topped the list of EU countries to which Turkey sells agricultural and animal by-products. Germany and Britain followED Italy. The amount of export to these three countries increased by 40.1 percent compared to the same period of last year. Dried apricots, cotton thread, synthetic thread, and cotton textile products held an important place among the exported goods to EU countries. [02] 59 NORTHERN IRAQIS CAUGHT IN TRUCK ON E-5 HIGHWAYISTANBUL - Police patrolling on Istanbul's E-5 highway caught 59 Northern Iraqi people hidden at the back of a truck while they were tying to pass to Greece via Turkey.Police stopped the truck which was proceeding towards Edirne on the E-5 highway and caught 59 Northern Iraqis. It was also stated that the driver was under the influence of alcohol. One person who was helping the immigrants in return of money first managed to escape but later he was caught by the police after a short chase. The Iraqi citizens were taken to the police station. Police said the immigrants were intending to pass to Italy from Greece. [03] PRODUCTION OF NATURAL GAS INCREASED BY 29.5 PERCENT IN TURKEYANKARA - Crude oil production dropped by 8.8 percent last year in Turkey while the natural gas production increased by 29.5 percent.According to the Oil Affairs General Directorate, crude oil production which was 3.2 million tons in 1998 decreased to 2.9 percent with a drop of 8.8 percent. Production of crude oil had increased as high as 4.4 million tons in 1991. Natural gas production increased 29.5 percent last year and reached 564.5 million cubic meters. Natural gas was discovered only in Tekirdag's Osmancik formation during last year's searches. Thrace Basin Natural Gas Corp firm discovered the natural gas reserve. In 1991, 21 foreign and 3 Turkish companies carried out searches for natural gas. Two of these companies stopped their activities. [04] UNDIAGNOSED DISEASE IN NORTHERN IRAQ KILLS 8 PEOPLE -HEALTH MINISTRY WARNS PEOPLE OF SOUTH EAST AGAINST DISEASEANKARA - The Health Ministry warned all South East Anotolia provinces after eight people died in Northern Iraq because of a disease which has not yet been diagnosed.Health Ministry Undersecretary Haluk Tokucoglu told A.A correspondent that the sympthom of the disease is blood coming out of nose and ears. Tokucoglu warned people of the South East against the risk of contracting the disease since there is no strict control over passages from the Northern Iraq to Turkey. Noting that doctors are suspecting red meat as the cause of the disease, Tokucoglu said the Health Ministry sent a health team to the region. He added that they are working to diagnose the disease. Tokucoglu also said they contacted the World Health Organization (WHO) and they are working together to find out the nature of the disease. [05] GIANT SHIP SB ENTERPRISE WAITING DUE TO BAD WEATHERISTANBUL - Bahamian flagged SG Enterprise ship which was expected to pass from the Istanbul Strait on Friday morning is waiting off shores of Rumeli Lighthouse due to unfavourable weather conditions.Istanbul Sea Traffic Control Center told A.A correspondent that the ship can only pass after the weather conditions turn to normal. [06] TURKEY TO ASK FOR CREDIT FROM WORLD BANK TO FINISH CONGRESS CENTER CARVED IN ROCKS IN AVANOSNEVSEHIR - Turkey will ask for credit from the World Bank to complete the construction of the congress center which is carved in rocks in Nevsehir's Avanos township.Avanos mayor Seyhan Duru told A.A correspondent that the Culture Ministry started the construction in 1993 but the structure was not finished due to insufficient funds. Later, the Culture Ministry transferred the project to Avanos Municipality. The Congress Center, when completed, will be the world's first congress hall carved in rocks. ''If we can't find credit from the World Bank, we are planning to complete the project through build-manage-transfer model,'' Duru said. The Congress Center is expected to boost congress tourism in Cappadocia region. [07] WINDSURF FESTIVAL AT ISTANBUL STRAITISTANBUL - Veezy Windsurf World Cup Trans-Bosphorus Competition will be held in Istanbul on Saturday.World's first long distance windsurf competition will start at Altinkum beach at 2.30 p.m. and end in Ortakoy at 5 p.m. The competition which is included in the 2000 programme of the Professional Windsurfers Association (PWA), is sponsored by Veezy internet service provider. [08] 80 FOREIGN HUNTERS APPLY TO HUNT IN TOROS AND KARANFIL MOUNTAIONADANA - Foreign hunters started showing interest to Turkey after a goat species with the third longest horns in the world, 132 centimeters, was shot in Karanfil mountains last year.Ibrahim Kesler from National Parks Wild Life Department of the Forest Ministry said foreign hunters flocked to Karanfil and Toros mountains as the hunting season began. ''However, we can not allow all of them to hunt. We can only allow a certain number of hunters,'' he added. Pointing out that 80 foreign and 55 Turkish hunters applied to hunt in the area, Kesler said they permitted only to 24 foreign and 12 Turkish hunters to hunt. He added that foreign hunters were mostly from from the United States, German, France, and Britain. [09] TOURISTS FLOCK TO SUMELA MONASTERYTRABZON - Sumela Monastery in Trabzon's Macka township is drawing great interest from both Turkish and foreign tourists.Tourists who visit the monastery at Altindere valley also picnic at the valley while enjoying all shades of green. The number of accomodation facilities run by the private sector is increasing on the 15 kilometer road between Macka and Sumela Monastery. The social facility at the entrance of the monastery which remained closed for one year also opened to service of people. Hamit Eyuboglu, one of the executives of the facility said they observed a sharp increase in the number of tourists visiting the monastery this year. He also noted that there are many Greek tourists visiting the monastery and they are showing special attention to them. Noting that Turkish and foreign tourists want to see some traditions, Eyuboglu said they are offering traditional Black Sea food to please their guests and they are also introducing the traditional instrument ''kemence'' and traditional folkloric dance ''horon'' to tourists. [10] ''REPENTANCE LAW'' HEARING OF SAKIK CONTINUESDIYARBAKIR - ''Repentance Law,'' hearing of Semdin Sakik, so-called high level official of the terrorist organization, continued on Friday. Sakik had earlier applied to benefit from ''Repentance Law,'' after Diyarbakir State Security Court (DGM) sentenced him to capital punishment. Supreme Court confirmed the death sentence.Semdin Sakik, the convict, was ready in the hearing held in Diyarbakir DGM. Prosecutor Sami Gongur wanted the information to be requested from the Diyarbakir Provincial Gendarme Parade Commandership if Sakik helped security forces after his capture. The court delegation adjourned the hearing after deciding to wait for the response of the article sent to the Commandership. [11] TRNC PRESIDENT DENKTAS TO BRIEF ABOUT POLITICAL PARTIESLEFKOSA - Rauf Denktas, the President of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC), will brief the political parties regarding the recent developments on Cyprus.The meeting will take place in Presidency at 10:00 local time. Denktas will focus on the third round of proximity talks held in Geneva. Denktas held a meeting with the TRNC Prime Minister Dervis Eroglu, and Mustafa Akinci, Deputy Prime Minister on Thursday and briefed about the talks. [12] REPO TRANSACTIONS BETWEEN BANKS AND THEIR CUSTOMERS INCREASE 59.9 TRILLION TLANKARA - The repo transactions between banks and their customers increased by 59 trillion 988 billion Turkish Liras (TL) between July 28 and August 4. The Central Bank data shows that the repo transactions, which were 6 quadrillion 914 trillion TL on July 28, increased to 6 quadrillion 973.9 trillion TL on August 4.The reverse repo transactions, which were 11 trillion 368 billion TL on July 28, decreased 6 trillion 759 billion TL to 4 trillion 609 billion TL on August 4. The repo transactions among the financial organizations reduced 533.3 trillion TL to 1 quadrillion 666.8 trillion TL on August 4. The total repo transactions amount was 2 quadrillion 200.3 trillion TL on July 28. The reverse repo transactions among the financial organizations, which were 2 quadrillion 194.1 trillion TL on July 28, decreased 531.9 trillion TL to 1 quadrillion 662.1 trillion TL on August 4. [13] TOTAL DEPOSITS AT BANKS REACH 54.4 QUADRILLION TLANKARA - The total deposits at banks increased 3 trillion 230 billion Turkish Liras (TL) to 54 quadrillion 462.5 trillion TL between July 21 and 28. The Central Bank data shows that the total deposit which was 54 quadrillion 459.3 trillion TL on July 21 increased to 54 quadrillion 462.5 trillion TL on July 28.When the inter-banks deposits are not considered, the total deposit, which was 49 quadrillion 224.9 trillion TL on July 21, increased 178.8 trillion TL to 49 quadrillion 403.7 trillion TL on July 28. The total TL deposit increased 546.7 trillion TL to 24 quadrillion 756.6 trillion TL on July 28. The total TL deposit was 24 quadrillion 209.9 trillion on July 21. As of July 28, the total TL deposit was composed of 16 quadrillion 73 trillion TL deposits at public banks, 8 quadrillion 406.8 trillion TL of deposits at private deposit banks and 124.9 trillion TL of deposits at foreign banks. The foreign exchange accounts at banks decreased 367.9 trillion TL to 24 quadrillion 647 trillion TL on July 28. [14] SECURITIES ACCOUNT AT BANKS DECREASES 200 TRILLION TLANKARA - The securities account at banks decreased 200 trillion Turkish Liras (TL) to 11 quadrillion 767 trillion TL on July 28.The total securities account at banks was 11 quadrillion 967 trillion TL on July 21. The Central Bank data shows that there were a total of 11 quadrillion 497.3 trillion TL of securities including 8 quadrillion 335 trillion TL of securities, and 3 quadrillion 162.3 trillion TL of securities over foreign currency at the deposit banks portfolio. The securities over TL at deposit banks are composed of 325 trillion TL in treasury bonds, 7 quadrillion 137.6 trillion TL in state debenture bonds and 658.6 trillion TL in stocks. A total of 598.5 trillion TL of foreign currency securities at these banks are abroad while there is a total of 1 quadrillion 722.6 trillion TL of state debenture bonds among the domestic securities. The total securities account at the development and investment banks was 269.3 trillion TL. [15] BANKS' CREDIT VOLUME INCREASES 146.6 TRILLION TLANKARA - The banks' credit volume increased 146.6 trillion Turkish Liras (TL) to 25 quadrillion 334.5 trillion TL between July 21 and 28.The total credit volume at banks was 25 quadrillion 187.9 trillion TL on July 21. The Central Bank data shows that the total credits in the system was composed of 1 quadrillion 419.2 trillion TL of loans given to financial sector and 23 quadrillion 915.2 trillion TL of loans given to non-financial sector as of July 28. The credits given to financial sector were composed of 744.5 trillion TL of loans given by deposit banks, and 674.7 trillion TL of loans given by development and investment banks. [16] SECURITY FORCES CAPTURE 190 ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTSEDIRNE - Security forces captured 190 people in Bosnakoy, Ipsala and Meric townships of northwestern Edirne province in the last two days as they were trying to proceed to Greece illegally.The immigrants including Iranians, Iraqis, Afghans, Palestinians, Bangladeshis, Azerbaijanis, Ghanaians, Romanians, Georgians and Pakistanis, were taken into custody for violating the Turkish borders and the passport law. Officials told the A.A correspondent that the illegal immigrants would be deported once the legal proceedings are completed. [17] SPORTS-SOCCER -TURKISH DIVISION ONE MATCHES TO RESUME ON FRIDAYANKARA - 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: 08:00 p.m. Kocaelispor v Fenerbahce Saturday, August 12: 07:00 p.m. Besiktas v Yimpas Yozgatspor 07:00 p.m. Genclerbirligi v Caykur Rizespor 07:00 p.m. Bursaspor v Gaziantepspor 07:00 p.m. Erzurumspor v Trabzonspor Sunday, August 13: 05:00 p.m. Istanbulspor v Adanaspor 05:00 p.m. Siirt Jet-Pa Spor v Antalyaspor 07:00 p.m. Samsunspor v Ankaragucu: 07:00 p.m. Denizlispor v Galatasaray [18] 557 FAMILIES, WHO MIGRATED FROM BINGOL, RETURNED TO THEIR VILLAGESBINGOL - Those who left Eastern Anatolia Region due to security reasons, began to return to their villages after tranquility atmosphere was provided in the region.Bingol Governorship said 17,499 people, who had migrated from southeastern Bingol province to big cities because of terror incidents, applied to return to their villages. The 557 families, composed of 3,806 people, who earlier left Bingol, returned to their villages. Those families were settled to 14 villages. Tamer Gursoy, Bingol Governor, pointed out that all the infrastructure services will be brought for those who returned to their villages, adding that every kind of facilities will be provided. Tamer said they extended financial aid for the poor families for the repair of their houses. [19] TRIAL OF MAFIA BOSS SEDAT SAHIN CONTINUESISTANBUL - Trial of 22 suspects including Sedat Sahin, a mafia boss who was extradited to Turkey by Germany, and his brother Vedat Sahin, continued on Friday at the Istanbul State Security Court (DGM) no: 6.Atalay Cebesoy, the lawyer of Sedat and Vedat Sahin, requested release of his clients, but the court delegation rejected the demand. The court delegation also decided to send the file to the republican prosecutor to prepare his view regarding the merits of the case, and adjourned the hearing. The indictment prepared by the Istanbul DGM Republican Chief Prosecutor's Office, sought imprisonment terms from three years to six years to suspect Sedat Sahin on charges of ''forming an organization to commit crimes''. The indictment sought capital punishment to suspects Vedat Sahin, Alaattin Cuhadar, Mehmet Tosun and Kemal Guner on charges of ''intentionally committing homicides, incitement, and participating in crimes''. It sought imprisonment terms from two years to six years to other suspects. Sedat Sahin was extradited to Turkey on April 10, 2000 from Germany. [20] YILMAZ: ''WE PROPOSE THE PRESIDENT TO SIGN THE KHK AND SEND IT TO CONSTITUTIONAL COURT TO BE INSPECTED DUE TO ITS INCONGRUITY TO CONSTITUTION''ANKARA - Mesut Yilmaz, the State Minister and Deputy Prime Minister, said on Friday that they propose President Ahmet Necdet Sezer to sign the decree having the power of law on civil servants (KHK) and send it to the Constitutional Court to be inspected due to its incongruity to the Constitution.Yilmaz responded to the questions of reporters regarding the developments after President Sezer rejected the KHK. Yilmaz pointed out that a government in legal state could not issue a law or decree having the power of law that is contrary to the Constitution. Yilmaz said, ''as a result, a decree having the power of law is dependent on the judicial inspection. So, the Constitutional Court is the only authority that will determine a contradiction, if there is such a claim. Thus, we propose the President to sign the KHK and send it to the Constitutional Court.'' Yilmaz also said they expected the President to complete the procedure within 15 days. [21] DEPUTY PRIME MINISTER YILMAZ VISITS ELCIBEY, FORMER PRESIDENT OF AZERBAIJANANKARA - Mesut Yilmaz, the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of State, visited on Friday Ebulfez Elcibey, the former President of Azerbaijan who is currently under medical treatment at GATA Hosital in Ankara.Yasar Okuyan, the Labour and Social Security Minister, accompanied Yilmaz during the visit. Addressing journalists following the meeting, Yilmaz said, ''Elcibey is suffering from asthma, pneumonia, and cancer. The GATA is one of the most distinguished hospitals in Turkey. All doctors are doing their utmost for Elcibey.'' [22] KHK REGARDING THE CIVIL SERVANTS -ARSEVEN, ACTING PARLIAMENT SPEAKER: ''I DON'T THINK THERE IS ANY PROBLEM THAT CAN NOT BE SOLVED''ANKARA - Nejat Arseven, Acting Parliament Speaker, speaking about the rejection of the decree having the power of law on civil servants (KHK) by President Ahmet Necdet Sezer, said, ''I don't think there is any problem that can not be solved. I don't believe a crisis will erupt.''Responding to the questions of reporters, Arseven said Article 104 of the Constitution was related with the authority and assignments of the President, adding that there was not anything clear in this article regarding the KHK's. Arseven said, ''I think the President rejected the decree thinking that decrees having the power of law would be taken up as the laws. There may be a discussion in this respect, but I don't think there is any problem that can not be solved.'' When asked if a restriction could be brought to the authorities of the president in the new legislation period, Arseven said, ''such separate incidents can not lessen the authorities of Presidency.'' Arseven said, ''the President will abide by the principles of supremacy of law, and will continue to use the presidency in an impartial way. The important thing is that this should not be turned into a crisis. This country needs stability and tranquility. The things which they wished to make with this decree is the facts of Turkey. Nobody can claim that Turkey does not have problem with separatism and fundamentalism. Arragements on the sisue should be made within the framework of law.'' [23] STATEMENT FROM PRESIDENCY: ''PRESENTATION OF THE ISSUE IN THE PRESS AS THERE IS A MEETING CRISIS BETWEEN THE TWO AUTHORITIES OF THE SUMMIT OF THE STATE IS UNNECESSARY, AND MAY LEAD TO AN ARTIFICIAL PROBLEM''ANKARA - Presidential Press Center issued a statement on Friday and said, ''presentation of the issue in the press as there is a meeting crisis between the two authorities of the summit of the state may lead to an unnecessary and artificial problem.'' The statement said, ''President believes that such a tension would not be desired either by him and the Prime Minister.''The statement, concerning the regular weekly meeting between President Ahmet Necdet Sezer and Prime Minister Bulent Ecevit, recalled that the Presidency issued a statement on Thursday. The statement said, ''by considering the way the issue was reflected to the press and that functioning of state organs regularly and in harmony was an assignment given to the President by the Constitution, we think it would be beneficial to bring the issues stated below to the attention of public,'' ''President Sezer was planning to go to Istanbul for summer period. His visit to Istanbul was scheduled for last week if the conditions were available. Completion of his works, regarding the decree having the power of law on civil servants (KHK) on August 8 delayed this planned visit. When his visit to Istanbul became certain, the President informed the Prime Minister that he would be outside Ankara on Thursday. Although it was pointed out that the President would visit the quake region on August 17, no statement has been issued regarding the time of next week's meeting. No request has come from the Prime Minister about the meeting. It is obvious that other comments, which are related with the meeting that could not take place this week, would lack basis.'' The statement said, ''when it is remembered that more than one meeting took place with the Prime Minister last week upon the request of the President, it would be understood that the President favors maintenance of a strong dialogue between the two authorities.'' The statement said the President does not feel suspicion that he shares the same determination with the Prime Minister to carry out effective communication, consultation, and coordination without interruption. [24] ANKARA DGM ISSUES AN ARREST WARRANT FOR GULENANKARA - The Ankara State Security Court (DGM) no: 2 issued an arrest warrant on Friday for Fethullah Gulen.Ankara State Security Court (DGM) no:2 considered as right the opposition of Republican Prosecutor Nuh Mete Yuksel, to the decision of alternate judgeship refusing the request of Yuksel to arrest Gulen. DGM Prosecutor Yuksel on August 3, 2000 applied to Ankara no:1 Alternate Judgeship calling for Gulen to be arrested in absentia. Alternate Judge Ramazan Aksan concluded the application on August 7, 2000 and rejected the request of Yuksel. Prosecutor Yuksel opposed to the decision. The Ankara DGM no: 2 which accepted Yuksel's opposition, has unanimously decided to arrest Gulen in his absence in accordance with Article 104 of the Criminal Trial Procedure Law (CMUK). The Article 104 of the CMUK says, ''people about whom there are strong evidences on his/her guiltiness, can be arrested in cases mentioned below: -if there are events causing suspicion about escape, -if there are events revealing that the person in question is trying to destroy, change or hide evidences, to incite witnesses to perjury or to affect expert witnesses.'' Yuksel told the A.A correspondent, ''investigation regarding the lawsuit which is expected to be brought against Gulen next week, is continuing in accordance with Article 7 of Anti-Terrorism Law no: 3713. The article seeks imprisonment terms from five years to 10 years to those who forms and leads organizations which was mentioned in Article 1 of the same law. The article seeks imprisonment terms from three years to five years to those who are members of such organization.''
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