Anadolu Agency: News in English, 00-10-07

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ANADOLU AGENCY

NEWS

7 OCTOBER 2000

Saturday

CONTENTS

[01] TURKEY-PRESS SCAN

[02] AMOUNT OF FOREIGN CAPITAL INCREASES 129 PERCENT IN SEPTEMBER

[03] DESTINED GLORY-2000 MANOEUVRES

[04] DEPUTY PRIME MINISTER YILMAZ:

[05] RESOLUTION ON SO-CALLED GENOCIDE ON ARMENIANS

[06] ITALY, SYRIA AND GERMANY BECOME EXPORT CENTERS OF SOUTHEAST

[07] AUSTRIAN ARCHEOLOGY COUNCIL CONVENES IN SELCUK

[08] WORLD TOURISM AUTHORS IN ANTALYA

[09] MUNIR, NIGERIA'S AMBASSADOR IN ANKARA:

[10] TOTAL OF 12 THOUSAND FOREIGN TOURISTS VISIT YUSUFELI

[11] YILMAZ, DEPUTY PRIME MINISTER, MEETS WITH SPANISH PRIME MINISTER AZNAR

[12] RODRIK, CENTRAL BANK CONSULTANT, SAYS INFLATION RATE

[13] MHP LEADER AND DEPUTY PRIME MINISTER BAHCELI:

[14] TOTAL OF 38 GREEK CYCLERS ARRIVE IN EDIRNE

[15] GREEK JETS LAND ON BALIKESIR AIR BASE

[16] YILMAZ, DEPUTY PRIME MINISTER, IN MALLORCA

[17] SECOND TURKISH-GREEK MEDIA CONFERENCE STARTS

[18] MINE GAS EXPLOSION IN ILLEGAL COAL MINE

[19] STATE MINISTER YUCELEN:

[20] RAVASIO, EUROPEAN COMMISSION DIRECTOR GENERAL

[21] RETIRED AMBASSADOR TURKMEN:

[01] TURKEY-PRESS SCAN

HURRIYET (LIBERAL)

TWO YOUNG PEOPLE DIE AS THEY STEP ON MINE
Salih Tonk and Ahmet Tonk, two cousins aged 20 and 19, died as they stepped on the mine that had earlier been planted by the terrorists in Uludere township of southeastern Sirnak province. Two cousins were seriously injured as the mine they stepped on, exploded. Ahmet Tonk died en route to hospital while Salih Tonk died at the Sirnak State Hospital where he was taken under medical treatment. Meanwhile, Serhat Cakir, a five year old boy, died as the hand grenade he found and toyed with, exploded.

MILLIYET (LIBERAL)

MESSAGE FROM BARAK TO ECEVIT
Ehud Barak, the Israeli Prime Minister, sent a message to Premier Bulent Ecevit in which he said that the contributions of Turkey to the settlement of incidents will be welcomed. Uri Bar-Ner, the Israeli Ambassador to Turkey, submitted the message to the Foreign Ministry. Barak said that they are against the establishment of an international commission to investigate the incidents.

SABAH (LIBERAL)

ECEVIT WARNS U.S. AMBASSADOR
Premier Bulent Ecevit received Robert Pearson, the U.S. Ambassador to Ankara who has recently been appointed to this office, and warned him against the resolution on the so-called genocide on the Armenians. Ecevit said, ''if the resolution is passed, our relations will be damaged. And, we will use our trump cards.'' Thanking the U.S. administration for its efforts to prevent the adoptation of the resolution, Ecevit said, ''But, I expect the administration to behave more efficiently.'' Ecevit noted that if the resolution is passed, Turkey will impose sanctions.

CUMHURIYET (LEFT)

CAPITAL PUNISHMENT SHOULD BE ABOLISHED
Justice Minister Hikmet Sami Turk said that Turkey should abolish the capital punishment in the long term. Turk, who attended the meeting of the Black Sea Countries' Bars Union, said that the commission which was set up to make amendment to the Article 312 of the Turkish Penal Code, will complete its studies in this month.

ECEVIT: ''DO NOT PERMIT PKK''
Massoud Barzani, the leader of Kurdistan Democratic Party (KDP), said that a solution in Iraq will be within framework of Iraq's integrity. Premier Bulent Ecevit received Barzani in the Prime Ministry. Ecevit requested that the activities of the terrorist organization PKK should not be permitted in the region which is under control of Barzani.

RADIKAL (LEFT)

Barzani said that the two sides are of the same opinion about Iraq's integrity and that hopes and expectations of the Iraqi nation were also taken up in the meeting.

PREMIER ECEVIT WARNS AGAIN
Prime Minister Bulent Ecevit once again conveyed the uneasiness Turkey felt over the adoption of the resolution on so-called genocide on Armenians in the U.S. House of Representatives commissions.

Ecevit who received Robert Pearson, the U.S. Ambassador to Turkey, warned that bilateral relations would be damaged, and conveyed him the policy of the state regarding the regional issues.

YENİ BİNYIL (LIBERAL)

The data of the Automotive Industry Association(OSD) show that the number of the automobiles produced in the first nine months of the year has increased 47 percent compared to the same period of last year, and reached 222 thousand 262. The number of automobiles produced in the first nine months of 1999, was 151 thousand 309.

ECEVIT: YUGOSLAVIAN PEOPLE GET RID OF THE PEOPLE WHO BLOCK DEMOCRACY
Prime Minister Bulent Ecevit said on Friday that ''the Yugoslavian people who lost their patience at last showed by their recent attitude that they are determined to save Yugoslavia from those who block the way to democracy.''

Prime Minister Bulent Ecevit told press members that the Milosevic regime which caused pain for Bosnian and Kosovar people for years, seems to have come to the end. ''I hope the recent developments will bring happiness to Yugoslavia and the all Balkan countries,'' said Ecevit.

TURKIYE (RIGHT)

Oksuz sent a letter to Rodney E. Slater, the U.S. Secretary of Transportation and explained the reason of his decision.

FRIENDSHIP COCKTAIL
The second Turkish-Greek Media Conference, which is jointly staged by Press Council and Press Council Solidarity and Development Foundation, will start in Istanbul today.

A cocktail was given on Friday in honor of the participants. Orhan Birgit, the Chairman of the Press Concil Solidarity and Development Foundation, hosted the cocktail. Birgit, who responded to the questions of journalists, said a ''Contact Group,'' was set up between the Turkish and Greek journalists, and that the first Turkish-Greek Media Conference had taken place in February 5-6, 2000 in Athens.

ZAMAN (CONSERVATIVE)

ECEVIT: WE WILL COMPENSATE IT
Prime Minister Bulent Ecevit said loss of time, which will occur with the annulment of Authority Law, will be compensated with the overworking of the Parliament. Responding to the questions of reporters, Ecevit said this was the internal problem of Turkey, and that it has nothing to do with the International Monetary Fund (IMF).

[02] AMOUNT OF FOREIGN CAPITAL INCREASES 129 PERCENT IN SEPTEMBER

A statement of the Treasury Undersecretariat's Foreign Capital General Directorate said on Friday that the amount of foreign capital in Turkey increased 54.4 percent in January-September 2000 when compared with the same period in 1999.

The foreign capital which was 65 million U.S. dollars in September 1999, climbed to 149 million U.S. dollars in September 2000.

The foreign capital which was 1 billion 254 million U.S. dollars in January- September 1999, increased to 1 billion 937 million U.S. dollars in January- September 2000.

A total of 1 billion 371.6 million U.S. dollars of the foreign capital which was permitted to inflow into Turkey between January and September 2000, will be used in services, 502.2 million U.S. dollars in manufacturing, 58.8 million U.S. dollars in agriculture, and 1.6 million U.S. dollars in mining.

A total of 453 foreign capital permit documents were given to services, 301 documents to manufacture, 20 to agriculture, and 18 to mining.

A total of 1 billion 176.2 million U.S. dollar of the foreign capital was EU-oriented, and 295.3 million U.S. dollars was OECD-oriented.

[03] DESTINED GLORY-2000 MANOEUVRES

General Staff General Secretariat issued a written statement and said naval, air and amphibious forces from Turkey, Germany, the U.S., France, Britain, Spain, and Italy will take part in Destined Glory-2000 manoeuvres, which is one of the leading exercises of NATO.

A total of 70 ships, 100 planes, 70 helicopters, an amphibious force composed of 3,100 people, and soldiers and sailors will attend the exercises.

Meanwhile, ships belonging to Standing Naval Force Mediterrenan (STANAOVFORMED), arrived in the Aegean Izmir Harbour, to attend the ''NATO Destined Glory 2000.''

[04] DEPUTY PRIME MINISTER YILMAZ:

Yilmaz spoke in the Foro Formentor Round Table Meeting which was held by the Repsol Foundation in Mallorca island of Spain. The security of the Meditteranean was discussed in the meeting.

Yilmaz said, ''within this framework, Turkey always exert efforts to establish positive and constructive relations in the region and ensure real dialogue.''

Turkey has supported the Middle East peace process from the very beginning, Yilmaz noted, adding that it will continue to do so.

Yilmaz stated that Turkey wishes that its views regarding this issue will contribute to the peace process.

Yilmaz continued, ''Turkey has taken part in the efforts of European organizations in the Meditteranean. The security in Europe is closely linked with the security and stability in the Meditteranean. The Mediterranean dimension is one of the many components which form the security structure of Europe. The NATO has started dialogue with six countries in the region, including Egypt, Israel, Jordan, Mauritania, Morocco, and Tunisia. We are pleased that Algeria became a participant.''

''The ending of the ideological division of Europe changed the nature of Europe and world politics. The NATO has also changed. The Alliance started to actively support the partnership and cooperation with other countries rather than passive defense. The new NATO contributed to the stability and confidence in Europe by establishing bridges through cooperation and partnership programmes. The Stability Force (SFOR) deployed in Bosnia- Herzegovina and KFOR, the peace force deployed in Kosovo are the best examples of this cooperative approach,'' Yilmaz added.

Stating that the importance of the Mediterranean has been realized and that the new NATO can have positive effects on the region, Yilmaz said, ''many NATO allies are Mediterranean countries and this region can benefit from the successful experiences of NATO.''

Yilmaz stated that the most comprehensive effort regarding the Meditteranean was launched by the Barcelona Conference held by the European Union (EU) in 1995.

The Europe-Mediterranean Partnership (EMP) with its three dimensions, including the political and security problems, economic problems, and social and cultural aspects, is not only a comprehensive study but also a constructive one, Yilmaz stressed.

Yilmaz emphasized that the existence of MEDA funds makes significant contributions but that the EMP's political and security dimensions could not be developed much.

Yilmaz said, ''there are reasons for giving a new security dimension to the EMP. The role of the army in the political system of many Mediterranean countries enables the improvement of political and security dialogue, including the military dimension. This is one of the reasons. Also, it establishes a new and more positive political atmosphere which surrounds the traditional problems in the region. Nobody can be sure about the further political developments in the Meditterranean.''

''There are intensive talks in various phases of Arab-Israeli dispute. A good understanding was developed in Turkish-Greek relations. Libya is gradually turning to the international community and the situation in Western countries seems positive. We think that the EMP should exert efforts regarding the security problems and the mechanism which will bring forward peace and stability,'' Yilmaz added.

Yilmaz said that necessary cooperation and coordination among various organizations cannot be provided, and this is another problem that should be dealt with.

A more coordinated approach will make important contributions to the security, stability and welfare of the Meditteranean.

Spanish Prime Minister Jose Maria Aznar, Portugese Prime Minister Antonio Guterres, Maltese State Minister Guido De Marco, and German Interior Minister Otto Schily attended the meeting.

Following the meeting, Yilmaz attended the dinner hosted by Spanish Prime Minister Aznar.

[05] RESOLUTION ON SO-CALLED GENOCIDE ON ARMENIANS

The first development which occurred within this framework was the statement of the U.N. that the expressions, which the resolution referred to the U.N., were distorted.

Article 22 of the resolution on so-called genocide on Armenians, which will be discussed in the full House, claims that a report issued by the U.N. Human Rights Commission in 1986, used the expression ''genocide.'' The U.N. which made a statement on the issue pointed out that this report was discussed but was never approved. The U.N. also said no formal attitude was adopted in the U.N. regarding the so-called genocide.

Sources which spoke to A.A said George Radanovich, Deputy from California Republican Party, said they would correct the mistake if there was any. He also said if necessary, they would remove Article 22, where the name of the U.N. was mentioned.

Apart from this, the resolution claims that Ronald Reason and George Bush, the former U.S. Presidents, and Bill Clinton, the U.S. President, issued messages every year on April 24 commemorating the so-called genocide. However, the U.S. presidents, used the word ''massacre,'' not ''genocide.''

There is a strong possibility that the resolution will be discussed in full House on Tuesday or Wednesday.

Republican Party is in an effort to pass the resolution before House of Representatives recess by mid October.

Even if the resolution is adopted in the full House, it has no binding force for the U.S. administration. It does not have to fulfil the things envisaged by the resolution.

[06] ITALY, SYRIA AND GERMANY BECOME EXPORT CENTERS OF SOUTHEAST

The region exported 26 million 998 thousand U.S. dollar agricultural and animal products to Italy in the first eight months of 2000 with 19.6 percent increase.

The agricultural and animal product exports to Syria decreased 54.8 percent to 21 million 960 thousand U.S. dollars while to Germany increased 109.4 percent to 17 million 628 thousand U.S. dollars in the first eight months of 2000 when compared with the same period in 1999.

In the same period last year, the Southeastern Anatolia Region exported 22 million 577 thousand U.S. dollar agricultural and animal products to Italy, 48 million 533 thousand U.S. dollar products to Syria, and 8 million 419 thousand U.S. dollar products to Germany.

In accordance with the figures of the Southeastern Anatolia Exporters Union, textile ranked the first among the products exported to the mentioned countries in the first eight months.

A total of 26 million 71 thousand U.S. dollar textile products, 920 thousand U.S. dollar dried fruit, 7 thousand U.S. dollar creals and leguminosae were exported to Italy in the mentioned period.

A total of 17 million 100 thousand textile products, 4 million 860 thousand U.S. dollar cereals and leguminosae, oil products were exported to Syria.

The region exported 13 million 305 thousand U.S. dollar textile products, 2 million 709 thousand U.S. dollar dried fruit, 573 thousand U.S. dollar cereal, leguminosae, and 1 million 41 thousand U.S. dollar animal products to Germany in the mentioned period.

The textile exports to Italy increased 21.2 percent and to Germany 228.8 percent while textile exports to Syria decreased 50.4 percent in the first eight months of 2000 when compared with the same period in 1999.

Dried apricot, cotton thread, synthetic thread, cotton and knitted textile, and plastic bags were the main products exported to Italy, Syria and Germany.

[07] AUSTRIAN ARCHEOLOGY COUNCIL CONVENES IN SELCUK

This is the first time that the Austrian Archeology Council convenes outside Austria.

Prof. Friedrich Krinzinger, the Chairman of the Austrian Archeology Institute who heads the excavations in Ephesus, said that the Council convened to evaluate the excavations carried out in Austria and foreign countries by the Austrian archeologists and to determine the excavations that will be carried out in 2001.

Krinzinger noted that the excavations in ancient Ephesus site is carried out by the Austrian delegation.

Austria supports and carries out archeological excavations in many foreign countries, Krinzinger stated.

Krinzinger said that Ephesus is one of the excavation sites to which Austria attributes vital importance.

To this end, the Austrian Archeology Council has convened in Ephesus, Krinzinger added.

[08] WORLD TOURISM AUTHORS IN ANTALYA

Turkish Tourism Authors Association hosts the meeting which will take place in October 8-14.

More than 300 foreign tourism authors, who are members of FIJET, will visit Turkey for the meeting which is supported by the Tourism Ministry.

[09] MUNIR, NIGERIA'S AMBASSADOR IN ANKARA:

Munir, who visited Denizli as the guest of Young Tradesmen and Businessmen Association (GETIAD) in Denizli province, pointed out that economic cooperation between Turkey and Nigeria should be improved.

Munir stressed that Nigeria was a big market for Turkish businessmen, and expressed readiness to do his best to open this market to Turkey.

Zeki Erdemir, the Chairman of GETIAD, pointed out that they wanted to improve cooperation with Nigeria.

[10] TOTAL OF 12 THOUSAND FOREIGN TOURISTS VISIT YUSUFELI

Sirali Aydin, the Chairman of Yusufeli Rafting Tourism Association, told A.A correspondent on Saturday that this number was around 8 thousand last year.

Aydin said that especially, the Israelis, New Zealanders, Germans, Australians and Indonesians visit Yusufeli.

The tourists stay either in pensions in the villages or in the camps, Aydin noted.

Aydin said, ''some of the tourists raft on the Coruh river. Some of them go tracking on the foot of Kackar Mountains.''

[11] YILMAZ, DEPUTY PRIME MINISTER, MEETS WITH SPANISH PRIME MINISTER AZNAR

Yilmaz, who attended ''For Formentor Round Table Meeting,'' that was staged in Spain's Mallorca Island, also met with Aznar.

Yilmaz responded to the questions of Turkish reporters about the meeting and the agenda of Turkey.

Briefing about his meeting with Aznar, Yilmaz recalled that Spain contributed a lot to the change of the decision, which had been taken against Turkey in Luxembourg, in the summit held in Helsinki two years later.

Yilmaz recalled that Aznar visited Turkey in the past when he was acting as the Prime Minister, and noted that, ''we had the opportunity to discuss Turkey's relations with the EU in detail. He always defended Turkey in the EU platforms before the Helsinki summit. Spain only feels uneasy over the enlargement of the EU toward eastern Europe. It attributes importance to the enlargement of the EU toward the Mediterranean.''

Yilmaz said, ''Foro Formentor,'' was a meeting targeting changing the Mediterranean dimension of Europe, adding that security of the Mediterranean basin, and economic cooperation facilities were discussed.

Yilmaz said he briefed Aznar about the developments recorded in Turkey since Helsinki Summit, and the situation in economic stability program, adding he also conveyed him the preparation works to the EU.

Pointing out that Accession Partnership would be discussed in Council of Europe on November 8, Yilmaz said, ''the Accession Partnership Draft, which the Commission prepared by consulting to Turkey, has been changed in the Council as a result of some interventions, and changed with some elements that can not be accepted by Turkey. I called on his support in this respect He promised to extend full support to us to this end.''

Yilmaz also said they had the opportunity to discuss Turkish-Spanish bilateral relations, adding that positive developments have been recorded after the action plan, which was adopted in 1998 to improve economic relations. Yilmaz noted he and Aznar agreeded that these positive developments were not adequate.

Yilmaz also said they decided to make more cooperation.

Stressing that famous Spanish telephone company was interested in privatizations in Turkey, Yilmaz said he briefed Aznar about the developments in privatizations in Turkey.

Yilmaz stated that Spanish Prime Minister Aznar will invite Prime Minister Bulent Ecevit to his country in February, adding that Aznar also invited him to Spain to review the issues discussed during the meeting.

Responding to a question about the elements which Turkey could not accept in Accession Partnership Document, Yilmaz said Turkey opposed to the connection of Cyprus issue with the EU.

[12] RODRIK, CENTRAL BANK CONSULTANT, SAYS INFLATION RATE

Rodrik told A.A correspondent that the inflation rate in wholesale prices index (WPI) was 2.3 percent and in consumer prices index (CIS) was 3.1 percent in September. Rodrik said that these rates should be accepted as successful.

Rodrik noted that now, it is time to evaluate the forthcoming strategy very well.

Risks in inflation and current balance deficit continue, Rodrik said.

Rodrik stated that that new foreign currency regime will be put into effect in the second half of 2001 increases the uncertainity.

Some people in Turkey and International Monetary Fund (IMF) think that there are things that should be done to decrease the risks and uncertainity, Rodrik stressed.

Rodrik said that the rapid implementation of structural reforms and increase of budget surplus are some of these efforts.

But, focusing on budget and structural reforms will also cause risks, Rodrik noted.

Rodrik said that firstly, the budget surplus or the structural reforms do not have close relationship with the inflation rate in the short term.

Secondly, the implementation of structural reforms in a hurry causes political difficulties and increases the risk of implementing the reforms wrongly or with deficiencies, Rodrik stated.

Rodrik stressed that what is important in budget and structural reforms is putting a robust and sustainable medium term programme not reaching all results in the short term.

What should be done in the short term is the enlargement of the income policy implemented in Turkey in a way that it will include the private sector, Rodrik said.

Rodrik noted that the government should meet with the employers, and employee representatives and try to get suitable wage commitments which is in compliance with the inflation targets.

The income policy was the weakest leg of this program, Rodrik added.

[13] MHP LEADER AND DEPUTY PRIME MINISTER BAHCELI:

Speaking at the MHP Central Decision Board meeting, Bahceli said that Turkish nation was one of the sides which were unjustly treated during the World War I.

Bahceli noted that Turkey does not have any shame of humanity in its history which can be defined as a genocide.

''The cooperation of several lobbies and circles in recent days cannot change the historical realities,'' Bahceli said.

Bahceli stated that the Palestinian-Israeli relations should become definite to establish a lasting stability in the Middle East, wishing a fair peace and stability between Israel and Palestine to be settled.

Bahceli continued, ''the developments marked in the last decade has become meaningful to underline a reality. The incidents in Palestine are the most clear evidence this. The clashes which occurred following the provocative visit of the Israeli opposition leader in Palestine had reach a very saddening dimension. It is not possible to accept the massacre of innocent people, regardless of its reasons and purposes.''

''The sides should be more careful in the point that has been reached. We wish the establishment of a fair peace and stability between the Israelis and Palestinians. We are again face to face with an international scenario which targets at taking revenge from Turkish nation by distorting the history. Of course, all these have some other saddening dimensions than distorting the history and making it a tool for an international struggle. It is seen that some Armenian circles which are in contact with Armenian State, and which try to direct the world public opinion and corner Turkey by benefitting from several opportunities, have marked some distance,'' Bahceli said.

Bahceli noted that the Armenians have never given up their tricks to cause problems for Turkey, yet added that the most grave side of the developments was the situation of the countries and their parliaments which consider themselves as the cradle and castle of universal peace and stability and values like justice and democracy.

Bahceli said the aim of those, who brought the allegations regarding so- called genocide on Armenians to the U.S. House of Representatives and parliaments of many European countries, was not definite.

Bahceli continued, ''it was seen that even the members of the U.S. House of Representatives who felt uneasy about the existence and speeches of the Turkish parliamentary delegation which went to the U.S. to give information, in fact don't know what they were trying to do. These initiatives are unacceptable for us. We harshly reject and condemn these attitudes and initiatives which are prejudiced and wicked-minded.''

''Turkish nation was one of the sides which was unjustly treated in the World War I. It does not have any shame of humanity in its history which can be defined as genocide. Cooperation of several lobbies and circles in recent days cannot distort historical realities. None of the parliaments can have th right to judge our history and give sentence,'' Bahceli added.

Such initiatives will have no contributions to the global peace and stability and international friendship and cooperation, but it will have damages on them, Bahceli said.

Bahceli noted that that every country's and parliament's being concious about its duties and responsibilities is the requirement of its liability to history and humanity.

[14] TOTAL OF 38 GREEK CYCLERS ARRIVE IN EDIRNE

Greek cyclers from Orestias, Greece, were welcomed by Edirne Mayor Cengiz Varnatopu and Nezih Atsiz, the Chairperson of Environment Volunteers Association.

Teodaraki Pelagia, the Deputy Chairman of Orestias Environment and Nature Protection Association, also came to Turkey.

Varnatopu said that the non-governmental organizations undertake responsibilities in the improvement of friendship among countries.

''Orestias is very near to our city. We want to further improve our relations with this city. Our commercial, sportive, cultural and tourist relations with the Greek and Bulgarian cities which are near to Edirne are gradually improving,'' Varnatopu also said.

Pelagia said that they have come to Edirne to learn about the enrivons.

They also want to learn about Edirne, which is near to Orestias, Pelagia noted and stated that they would not only visit historical and cultural places of Edirne but also hold contacts regarding the environment.

The Greek delegation visited the campus of the Trakya University, historical train station, and Lausanne Monument.

The Greek cyclers will return to their country on Sunday.

[15] GREEK JETS LAND ON BALIKESIR AIR BASE

The Destined Glory amphibious exercise, arranged by NATO's southern command, will be performed in October 9 and 25.

Turkish and Greek Commanders made a brief statement to the journalists.

Colonel Semih Birdogan, the operational commander of the Turkish base, called the joint training exercises a historic opportunity for two

countries, ''we will do our best to succeed in this military exercise together with 347th Greek Fleet,'' he noted.

Greek commander Lieutenant Colonel Ionannis Vizondios, Commander of 347th Fleet, pointed out that they came to Turkey with good will, and noted that the two sides will carry out the duties given by NATO.

A total of 77 ships, 112 warplanes, 77 helicopters, eight DK planes, and nearly 4,140 soldiers will take part in the military exercise which will be performed in the Aegean, Eastern Mediterranean, Doganbey and Saros Bay.

Turkey will attend the manoeuvres with 28 F16 AND F-4 planes, Greece with 12 F-16 and A-7 planes, U.S. with 54 F-14, F-18, EA-6B and AV-8 planes.

Turkish jets had landed Greek bases in May to take part in Dynaix 2000, which is again a NATO military exercise.

[16] YILMAZ, DEPUTY PRIME MINISTER, IN MALLORCA

Yilmaz, who attended ''Foro Formentor Round Table Meeting,'' in Mallorca Island of Spain, responded to the questions of reporters following the meeting.

When a journalist recalled Yilmaz's visit to General Staff, and asked if works related with the EU were brought to the agenda, Yilmaz said, ''of course, that was the aim of our visit.''

Yilmaz said they discussed the works of Turkey toward the EU membership, new structuring, and new arragements foreseen to take place soon. Yilmaz also said, ''It was beneficial to discuss some of them in detail.''

When asked about the issues that the TSK was sensitive, Yilmaz said amendment to Article 312 was one of the most important one.

He also said, ''apart from this, they had several concerns regarding the steps that Turkey should take on Copenhagen Criteria. However, General Staff stressed insistently that TSK supported Turkey's EU membership, but that this process should be carried out very carefully by considering some of the incidents experienced in Turkey, and also the responsibilities of TSK stemming from its own laws on this issue.''

''They defend that steps which will lead to the eruption of two threats, separatism and fundamentalism, which were experienced a while ago, should be avoided. Those are the values which we also share. I think a solution is possible which will not allow these threats, protect the values in question, and which at the same time will adjust with the norms of the EU. This is a compromise which we should provide within ourselves. This means, we should provide a compromise with the values which we want to protect, and with the criteria which we want to abide by. Yilmaz also said Turkey will materialize such a compromise soon.

[17] SECOND TURKISH-GREEK MEDIA CONFERENCE STARTS

Addressing the opening remarks, Oktay Eksi, the Chairman of the Press Council, said that he is pleased to see the Greek journalists in Istanbul.

''We think that it is obligatory to meet with each other and to establish dialogue to understand each other,'' Eksi said.

Eksi noted that when the journalists of the two countries decided to organize meetings to make the warm atmosphere between the two nations a lasting one following the devastating earthquakes that hit Turkey and Greece last year, they did not think that they could mark such a distance in one year.

Eksi continued, ''we held our first meeting in October last year with our 11 Greek colleagues. Our purpose was to once more test whether or not we can understand each other. When we saw that our Greek colleagues were as much willing as we were, we became very pleased. We set up a contact group in the end of the meeting. Thus, there were no reasons to exaggerate some stories that did not reflect the realities and that could cause tension, by the newspapers, radio and television channels. We tried to prevent the public opinion of the two countries from being negatively affected by such news.''

The first Turkish-Greek media conference was held in Athens, Eksi said.

Eksi stated that they were affected by the hospitality of the Greek journalists.

A total of 63 delegates from Greece and 78 delegates from Turkey join this year's conference, Eksi stressed.

Eksi said that they have decided that both Turkish and Greek will be the languages of the conference.

The Council is a non-governmental organization, and it listens to the complaints of the media, Eksi said, adding that it gives decision about the dossiers in no later than two months.

Eksi stressed that the Press Council exerts efforts to lift the obstacles in front of freedom of expression.

Eksi emphasized that they should discuss the ways to further improve the relations between the journalists of two countries, adding that they should bring forward proposals and find solutions.

Panos Koliopanos, the Greek Flash Media Group General Director, said that he is pleased to see that the initiative launched between the Turkish and Greek journalists is successful.

Koliopanos noted that one day, all the members of Greek and Turkish media will join such meetings.

It is very pleasing that many Greek media members are joining the conference, Koliopanos stated.

Koliopanos expressed pleasure over the efforts of Oktay Eksi, who try to improve cooperation.

Emphasizing that the world has entered into a new technology and internet era, Koliopanos said that a web-site can be opened within framework of proposals.

Koliopanos stressed that Greece should consider Turkey as a big country which it can cooperate with, and that Turkey should consider Greece as a door where it can easily enter into the European Union (EU).

There are many aspects which unite the two countries, including the culture, Koliopanos emphasized.

Koliopanos added that they will present the Turkish and Greek journalists who exert efforts to further improve the relations between the two countries, with awards.

[18] MINE GAS EXPLOSION IN ILLEGAL COAL MINE

Officials said four people stranded in the mine according to the first reports.

[19] STATE MINISTER YUCELEN:

Yucelen noted that the Armenians are aiming at staging a play which targets at distorting the historical realities by lobbying.

''The Ottoman archives are strong enough to put forward the history of 30 countries and they are realistic enough to shed light to the world's history. Nobody can distort history. Turkey is strong enough to protect its rights against the resolution on the so-called genocide on the Armenians,'' Yucelen said.

[20] RAVASIO, EUROPEAN COMMISSION DIRECTOR GENERAL

A statement issued by the European Union (EU), said the purpose of the visit was to deepen the economic dialogue between the EU and the Turkish authorities.

The statement said Ravasio will note with satisfaction the progress that has been made with the implementation of the economic program. Inflation has clearly been put on a downward path and interest reates have decreased spectacularly, thanks to an appropriate combination of fiscal, monetary, and income policies. The authorities assured that they would further restrict budgetary policy if needed to keep the current account deficit under control. Progress has also been made on strutural reforms, although some delays have corred mainly due to legal problems.

The statement pointed out that Ravasio was impressed by the degree of consensus with the government coalition on the sometimes difficult reforms. It will be vital to maintain this concensus to complete the macroeconomic stabilisation and to successfully implement the remaining structural reforms.

During the meetings, Ravasio will clarify that only the Copenhagen Criteria are accession criteria. There is no obligation to fulfil the Maastrict criteria before being a member of the EU. Nevertheless, the economic Copenhagen Critera also demand a sustainable degree of macroeconomic stabilization which is not yet applicable in Turkey.

Ravasio will meet with Gazi Ercel, the Governor of the Central Bank; Recep Onal, the state minister for the Economy; Selcuk Demiralp, the Undersecretary at the Treasury; Faruk Logoglu, the Undersecretary at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs; and Volkan Vural, Secretary General for the EU Coordination.

[21] RETIRED AMBASSADOR TURKMEN:

Speaking at the ''Second Turkish-Greek Media Conference'' held in Istanbul, Tuzmen said, ''but, we should not feel as if the problems are solved. There are many issues that we have to solve,'' Turkmen said.

Nicolas Voulelis, the Managing Director of the Athens News Agency, said that what is important in Turkish-Greek relations was to find common points that can bring closer the two countries.

A new period has started in relations between Turkey and Greece, Voulelis noted.

Voulelis stated that they, as the mass communication means, should overcome problems and that they should use their dynamism efficiently.

They can even discuss Cyprus question, but they cannot say one side is guilty in this issue, Voulelis said, adding that both sides can be guilty.

Voulelis said that Greece should be the biggest supporter in Turkey's integration with the European Union (EU).

They should put forward their long-term interests, and Greece can help Turkey especially in the EU norms, Voulelis noted.

George Kapopoulos, the Foreign News Desk Chief of Greek Kathimerini newspaper, said that the two countries think that time is needed to further improve the relations and solve the problems.

Kapopoulos noted that especially, the media can have an important role in the improvement of relations between the two countries.

Mithat Bereket, the programme producer of NTV, said that the meetings and conferences held between Turkish and Greek media are important.

''I think we have assembled a cable between the two countries over the Aegean by this initiative. I hope this cable will become a communication channel soon,'' Bereket said.

Bereket added that committees should be formed between the two countries to make joint television programmes and prepare reports that can influence the foreign policies.

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