Anadolu Agency: News in English, 01-01-24

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ANADOLU AGENCY

NEWS

24 JANUARY

2001 Wednesday

CONTENTS

[01] TURKEY-PRESS SCAN

[01] TURKEY-PRESS SCAN

HURRIYET (LIBERAL)

ONE QUADRILLION TL TAX EVASION
The Finance Ministry auditors revealed in their inspections last year that almost 1 quadrillion Turkish liras (TL) of tax had been evaded from the state. Auditors' Board Chairman Abdullah Arslan said that auditors had prepared 3,103 reports after their inspections last year, and that 1,066 of those reports were about illegal transactions and tax evasions. Auditors inspected 1 quadrillion 223 trillion 427 billion 564 million TL of tax base last year, revealing that tax payers who had made a 1.2 quadrillion TL of tax return to the state in return for 2.1 quadrillion TL of income, evaded 959 trillion 8 billion 208 million TL of income from the state and paid low taxes totalling 13 trillion 890 billion 547 million TL.

MILLIYET (LIBERAL)

LINDH: EU SHOULD NOT INTERVENE TO CYPRUS
Anna Lindh, the Foreign Minister of Sweden, the European Union (EU) Term President, said if the EU intervenes in Cyprus talks, it will make a mistake.

Speaking in the Committee on Foreign Affairs, Human Rights, Common Security and Defense Policy of the European Parliament (AFET), Lindh noted that the Cyprus proximity talks continue within the framework of the United Nations (U.N.), and wished these efforts to succeed.

SABAH (LIBERAL)

A TUNNEL REVEALED IN CANAKKALE PRISON
Security forces revealed that inmates in Canakkale Prison had dug an eight- meter tunnel before the intervention in prisons. The eight-metre tunnel led towards the north of the prison via outside the ventilation shaft. A tunnel was found in Umraniye prison last week.

CUMHURIYET (LEFT)

TOTAL OF 23 THOUSAND PEOPLE BENEFITED FROM AMNESTY
Justice Minister Hikmet Sami Turk said that 23,314 inmates benefited from the law on conditional release and suspension of punishments. Turk noted that they will open the F type prisons to discussion by inviting the foreign experts if the ongoing hunger strikes and death fasts in prisons are ended.

27TH SISTER CITY TO ISTANBUL
Istanbul and Bulgaria's Plovdiv city became sister cities. The sister city protocol was signed by Istanbul Mayor Ali Mufit Gurtuna and Plovdiv Mayor Ivan Chomakov in a ceremony held at the Briefing Hall of the Istanbul Municipality.

RADIKAL (LEFT)

REJECTION FOR THE COALITION PARTNERS TO CENSURE MOTION
The parliamentary general council rejected by 314 votes against 171 taking onto agenda the censure motion submitted by the True Path Party (DYP) against Cumhur Ersumer, the Minister of Energy and Natural Resources. A total of 486 deputies participated in the voting and one deputy abstained from voting.

TURKIYE (RIGHT)

DEMIRALP: BALANCES TO BE SETTLED IN THREE MONTHS
Selcuk Demiralp, the Treasury Undersecretary, said the three-year economic program, signed with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) was carried out as it was planned, noting that their team worked night and day on the issue.

Briefing about the lastest situation in economy, Demiralp said it was not possible to overcome the difficulties experienced in financial sector in one moment.

ZAMAN (CONSERVATIVE)

Cakmakoglu said exclusion of French Lecleck tank from the tank puchase, which is thought to take place soon, was also on the agenda.

FOREIGN MINISTER CEM: TURKEY WILL NOT FORGET
Foreign Minister Ismail Cem, who addressed the parliament, said, ''Turkey will use its legal rights,'' adding that Turkey would not forget the things that were done to it, and that it would respond to the within the framework of logic.

-BRITISH UNDERSECRETARY HUGHES, SAYS THEY EXTEND
SUPPORT TO TURKEY FOR ITS ACCESSION TO THE EU
ISTANBUL - Beverley Hughes, British Parliamentary Undersecretary of State Department of Environment, Transportation and the Region, said on Wednesday that they think that Turkey is a very important country and that they extend support to Turkey for its accession to the European Union (EU).

Hughes visited Istanbul Mayor Erol Cakir.

Cakir said that he is pleased to see Hughes in Istanbul and that the city is under a big immigration threat.

Pointing out to that the reason of the immigration is economic, Cakir noted that the immigration causes environmental and settlement problems.

Hughes said that this is her second visit to Istanbul and that Istanbul is a very dynamic city.

The immigration in Istanbul not only causes problems for the city but also provides opportunities, Hughes noted, stating that there are some cities in Britain where people migrate.

Reminding that she is accompanied by a delegation comprised of British advisers and officials of construction companies, Hughes emphasized that they aim at further improving the commercial relations between the two countries.

Peter Hunt, the British Consul General in Istanbul, and Deputy Istanbul Governor Bulent Karacol attended the meeting.

-ZEUGMA MOSAICS TO BE REPAIRED
GAZIANTEP - Repair of the 65 pieces of mosaics, which were brought to daylight from Zeugma, is being made by a 20-people delegation led by famous Italian Mosaic Expert Roberto Nardi.

The team, which was comprised of the experts who attended the excavations in Zeugma, are in an effort to repair the mosaics so that they can be exhibited.

Hasan Eliacik, the Gaziantep Culture Director, told A.A correspondent that restoration and exhibition of the mosaics were also very important.

Eliacik said the mosaics, which were brought to the Gaziantep Archeology Museum, were restorated in prefabricated laboratories.

-HUNGARIAN FOREIGN MINISTER MARTONYI FASCINATED BY CAPPADOCIA
NEVSEHIR - Hungarian Foreign Minister Janos Martonyi, who is in Turkey as the official guest of Foreign Minister Ismail Cem, visited on Wednesday the historical and touristic sites in Cappadocia.

Martonyi visited Goreme Open Air Museum, Saint Basil Chapel, Elmali and Karanlik churches.

Martonyi told reporters that they exert efforts to promote the relations between Turkey and Hungary and that to this end, he paid this visit.

He had heard about Cappadocia by some of his Hungarian friends who had earlier visited the region, Martonyi said, noting that the natural beauties in this region were marvellous.

Martonyi added that he wishes that more Hungarians will visit the region which has a fascinating view.

The Hungarian Foreign Minister and the accompanying delegation left for Ankara after visiting the pottery factories in Avanos and Kaymakli underground city.

-AGRICULTURE AND RURAL AFFAIRS MINISTER GOKALP LEAVES FOR TUNISIA
ISTANBUL - Husnu Yusuf Gokalp, the Agriculture and Rural Affairs Minister, left for Tunisia on Wednesday as the official guest of his Tunisian counterpart Sadok Rabeh.

Speaking at Istanbul's Ataturk Airport before his departure, Gokalp said cooperation between the two countries in the field of agriculture and sub- sectors of agriculture had started years ago, noting that during the visit they would discuss further improvement of relations in agriculture.

Gokalp said they were willing to improve joint investments with Tunisia in the field of agriculture, adding that, ''trade volume between Turkey and Tunisia is 300 million U.S. dollars. We think it will be beneficial for the two countries to increase trade volume.''

When asked about the sanction that will be imposed on France which adopted the resolution on so-called genocide on Armenians, Gokalp said, ''there was not much product importation from France. However, there were the importation of some animal vaccines and similar products. We will review them. We will take measures to make the importation from other

countries.''

-TURKISH-GREEK JOINT ENVIRONMENT PROJECT
ANKARA - Fevzi Aytekin, the Environment Minister, said on Wednesday that Turkey and Greece will produce joint projects with Greece this year on environment, noting that, ''we are willing to further strengthen cooperation with Greece. The countries and the peoples need this.''

Speaking to A.A correspondent, Aytekin recalled that foreign ministries of the two countries signed a Memorandum of Understanding last May regarding Protection of Environment, noting that this memorandum of understanding foresaw scientific and technical cooperation in protection of environment and prevention of environmental pollution within the principle of sustainable development.

Aytekin said two committees, which were set up within the scope of the memorandum of understanding, carried out efforts in evaluation of Turkey's environment regulations in the EU process, and benefit from the funds of the EU by producing joint projects on environment.

Pointing out that various joint environmental projects would be developed between the two countries, Aytekin said, ''we will produce the projects this year, and will be in an effort to provide finance.''

The memorandum of understanding signed between Turkey and Greece foresees cooperation between the two countries on environmental protection.

The government organs will exchange scientific, technical and legal information, and similar exchanges will also be made by academic institutions, non-governmental organizations and private companies.

Symposiums, seminars and working group meetings will be staged within this framework.

-PRIME MINISTER ECEVIT ADDRESSES DSP GROUP MEETING
ANKARA - Prime Minister Bulent Ecevit, who also acts as the leader of the Democratic Left Party (DSP), said on Wednesday that nobody has the right to show Turkey as a country where almost everyday a new crisis or disaster erupts, noting that, ''those are poor people trying to reflect the darkness in their souls to the community.''

Addressing the DSP group meeting, Ecevit said Turkey reached a stable and dynamic administration in the period of the 57th government, adding that Turkey's development in every sense and betterment of economy depended on the continuity of this stability and dynamism.

Ecevit said a program, which will overcome the economic problems, was underway, noting that obstacles in front of Turkey's membership to the European Union (EU) was overcome one by one.

Ecevit said all kinds of measures were taken to prevent eruption of terrorism again, noting that a comprehensive fight against corruption was underway. ''The problems which we meet, or which were brought in front of us can not derail Turkey,'' Ecevit noted.

-POLISH FOREIGN MINISTER MEETS WITH FOREIGN MINISTER CEM
ANKARA - Foreign Minister Ismail Cem met on Wednesday with Polish Foreign Minister Wladyslav Bartoszewski who is paying an official visit to Ankara.

Following their tete-a-tete meeting, Cem and Bartoszewski chaired the inter- delegationary meeting.

Addressing the inter-delegationary meeting, Cem said that there are historical ties between Turkey and Poland.

Cem noted that Bartoszewski had battled against the former Soviet Union for years for the freedom of his country and that he served nine years in prison during his struggle.

Poland was the country with which the Ottoman Empire set up its first diplomatic relation and with which it signed the first international document, Cem stated.

Reminding that Turkey and Poland are NATO allies and European Union (EU) candidate states, Cem said that Poland is ahead of Turkey in the full membership process.

Bartoszewski said that Turkey's EU candidacy is very important.

He had said in an important meeting held in Berlin that the new construction of Europe could only be completed by the participation of Turkey, Bartoszewki noted.

Bartoszewski stated that there can be some deficiencies in the EU membership process of Turkey but that it is possible to overcome these problems.

His country struggled against Germany for years but now, they are allies, Bartoszewski said, noting that they attribute importance to the views of the friendly countries but that they are not obliged to adopt the philosphy of these countries.

Bartoszewski added that they appreciate the political capability of Turkey in the Middle East peace process.

Polish Foreign Minister is expected to be received by President Ahmet Necdet Sezer and Premier Bulent Ecevit.

-PRIME MINISTER ECEVIT ADDRESSES DSP GROUP MEETING (2)
-ECEVIT SAYS A CONSENSUS WILL BE REACHED SOON REGARDING
CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENT
ANKARA - Bulent Ecevit, the leader of the Democratic Left Party (DSP) and Prime Minister said on Wednesday that everybody should consider natural showing sensitivity regarding an important regulation like constitutional amendment.

''I hope the issue will be discussed once again in a short period of time and a consensus will be reached,'' said Ecevit.

Speaking in the opening of his party group meeting, Ecevit said that the parliament generally accepted the idea of making difficult the closure of political parties, adding that there had been discussions on the method of realizing that.

Recounting that it was decided finally to close a party with the two thirds majority of votes in the Constitutoinal Court, Ecevit said that ''however the members of the Constitutional Court informed us and the public opinion about the difficulties that can be caused by such a regulation. After that it has been found appropriate to take up again the regulation. I hope the issue will be discussed once again and a consensus will be reached.''

Prime Minister Bulent Ecevit said regarding the adoption of the resolution on socalled Armenian genocide in France that ''this is a big injustice.''

Noting that the Turkish nation does not have any example of genocide or racial discrimination in its history, Ecevit said that it has always embraced the oppressed people and thus Turkey couldn't digest these accusations.

Ecevit stressed that as long as the resolution is in force in France, the deep relations between Turkey and France which stem from history will be damaged.

''Our Foreign Ministry and the other concerned institutions have determined the warning measures we will take in order to reflect the reaction of our people. We must take into consideration two facts here: Firstly we should refrain from initiatives which will damage us and which will weaken our economy. Secondly the measures that will be taken should not take target the French people. French nation is generally friendly and French people come the first in those tourists who come to our country. The measures should be directed at some irresponsible politicians, rather than the French people.''

-FOOTBALL FEDERATION BOARD CONVENES TO
DECIDE ON SOCCER MATCHES TV BROADCAST RIGHTS
ISTANBUL - The Football Federation Executive Board convened on Wednesday in Istanbul.

Speaking to journalists prior to the meeting, Bayram Yagci, a Board member, said that the live broadcast rights would be given absolutely for 3.5 years, and that they did not plan to make any change in the tender period.

Noting that they could make some changes in the payment plan at the meeting, Yagci said that they would get the opinion of the commission formed by the Soccer Clubs' Union about the payment plan.

Following the Football Federation Executive Board's meeting, the board members will meet with the Soccer Clubs Commission members.

The Football Federation earlier this month cancelled its deal with broadcaster Teleon to show league matches through a coded signal to subscribers, saying the company had failed to meet its agreed commitments.

No first division matches have been played since the winter break started on December 24.

Galatasaray tops the table with 39 points from 18 matches, followed by Fenerbahce with 39 points and Besiktas with 37 points. The championship was due to kick-off again on Friday.

The federation postponed a fresh tender for broadcast rights last week, saying no bidder had met conditions that included a 465 million U.S. dollars of starting price for rights to 3.5 years of broadcasts.

-STATE MINISTER AND DEPUTY PREMIER BAHCELI SAYS
STRUGGLE AGAINST CORRUPTION HAS TO BE ATTRIBUTED IMPORTANCE
AND TAKEN SERIOUSLY
ANKARA - State Minister and Deputy Premier Devlet Bahceli said on Wednesday that struggle against corruption has to be attributed importance, taken seriously and all sections of the society should contribute to this struggle.

Bahceli said that Turkey, which can't cope with corruption can't also be successful in its economic struggle, adding that ''the problems stem from the political and administration style which permits and sometimes cooperate with corruption rather than preventing it.''

Attending a ceremony held at Ankara Trade Chamber for its members who paid the highest tax amount and who brought the highest amount of foreign exchange to the country, Bahceli said that the government is resolved in its fight with corruption.

''The struggle of the coalition government composed of three parties should be appreciated,'' said Bahceli, adding that corruption process paralyzes both economic and democratic development and it broughts together the discussion of legitimacy.

''Struggle with corruption is necesary as it will both increase the respectibility and influence of the state and politics and as it will make more healthy the economic development,'' he said.

Bahceli noted that the task of the country and nation is not easy, adding that ''there are many impediments that have to be overcome and the political mentality has to be changed.''

-CANCELLATION OF TENDER FOR SATELLITE PROJECT
-NATIONAL DEFENSE MINISTRY:
-''TENDER BID FOR THE PROJECT WAS 249 MILLION U.S. DOLLARS''
ANKARA - The National Defense Ministry stated on Wednesday that tender bid for the spy satellite project which was cancelled after the French parliament's approval of draft resolution on so-called genocide on Armenians last week, was 249 million U.S. dollars.

Releasing a statement, the Ministry said, ''National Defense Minister Sabahattin Cakmakoglu informed the MPs yesterday on cancellation of tender contract with France's Alcatel Space Firm in response to unfair allegations against Turkey. Although Cakmakoglu said that tender bid for the project was 249 million U.S. dollars, some press organs mistakenly announced this amount

as 149 million U.S. dollars.''

-FOREIGN MINISTRY CONTINUES ITS INITIATIVES
AGAINST GENOCIDE CLAIMS
ANKARA - Foreign Ministry said on Wednesday that it continues its initiatives and studies regarding the possibility of bringing similar resolutions on socalled genocide on Armenians in other countries following the adoption of the resolution in France.

When journalists asked Foreign Ministry Deputy Spokesman Huseyin Dirioz about possible effects of such intiatives on the relations between Turkey and EU in a weekly press briefing, Dirioz said that the relations with the EU continue in a powerful way.

When asked about the details of the action plan against France, Dirioz said that it is wrong to make an earlier announcement about the action plan.

Dirioz stressed that the concerned officials are informed first before taking the steps in this issue.

Upon a question about the statements of Azerbaijani President Haydar Aliyev before leaving for France on Tuesday, Dirioz said that it is not his mission to interprete these words.

''Azerbaijan is a friend of Turkey and we don't have any doubt that it will do its best against claims of socalled genocide on Armenians,'' he said.

In relation to founding diplomatic relations with Armenia, Dirioz said that ''it is not on our agenda, the existing conditions don't allow that.''

When asked about the expectation of Turkey from France, Dirioz said that Foreign Minister Ismail Cem had earlier issued a statement about this issue, adding that ''the French government's doing its best is considered necessary.''

Dirioz said regarding the reaction shown towards France that Cem issued statements saying that ''a mistake won't be made and the reactions won't be directed at friendly French people.''

-TURKEY EXPRESSES CONCERN ABOUT INDIA'S MISSILE TESTS
ANKARA - Turkey expressed concerns about India's testing Agni II medium- range ballistic missile last week.

Addressing weekly press conference, Huseyin Dirioz, the Deputy Spokesman of Foreign Ministry, said on Wednesday that Turkey signed all international agreements and arrangements aiming at preventing proliferation of weapons of mass destruction.

Stressing that Turkey had been following a sensitive policy on the issue of prevention of proliferation of weapons of mass destruction, Dirioz expressed Turkey's concerns over India's testing nuclear-capable Agni II ballistic missile with a range of 2,000 km.

''We wish that India's missile test would not escalate tension in the region and would not encourage race of armament,'' he added.

-TURKEY WELCOMES SWEDISH FOREIGN MINISTER'S STATEMENT ABOUT CYPRUS
ANKARA - The Foreign Ministry welcomed European Union (EU) Term President Sweden's Foreign Minister Anna Lindh's yesterday's statement about Cyprus saying that the EU should not intervene in solution of Cyprus issue.

Responding to a question during his weekly press conference, Foreign Ministry Deputy Spokesman Huseyin Dirioz said that Lindh's statement was ''in line with Turkey's position'', and that Lindh's statement should be welcomed if it was true.

Lindh who addressed the Committee on Foreign Affairs, Human Rights, Common Security and Defense Policy of the European Parliament (AFET) and responded to questions of parliamentarians about the Cyprus issue, said that the EU would make a mistake if it shows reaction.

Noting that the talks on Cyprus issue continue within the framework of the United Nations and withdrawal of President Rauf Denktas of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) from the negotiation table was temporary, Lindh said, ''we should bring proposal. We should follow the developments and expect Turkey to keep its promises.''

Responding to a question about news which said that Foreign Ministry Undersecretary Faruk Logoglu had ''carried out secret diplomacy'' with U.N. Secretary General Kofi Annan's Special Representative to Cyprus, Dirioz said, ''everything that is necessary for our national Cyprus cause is done. If the important thing in the news is secret diplomacy, it should better remain secret.''

When asked when Kurdistan Democratic Party leader Massoud Barzani would come to Turkey and what Turkey had done within the framework of the Ankara process, Dirioz said, ''Barzani comes to Turkey from time to time. He and we exchange our opinions. A date has not been fixed for his visit to Turkey in the coming period yet. Actually, we have always supported the Ankara process.''

-FOOTBALL FEDERATION POSTPONES SECOND AND THIRD DIVISION SOCCER MATCHES
ISTANBUL - Football Federation Acting Chairman Ata Aksu said on Wednesday that the second and third division soccer matches were postponed after the first division soccer matches had been delayed indefinitely as no bidder had met tender conditions.

Following the Football Federation Executive Board meeting, Aksu said that they decided to halt also the second and third soccer division season till setting of a date to re-start first division soccer matches.

-DEPUTY PRIME MINISTER YILMAZ DUE IN DAVOS
ANKARA - Mesut Yilmaz, the Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of State and leader of the Motherland Party (ANAP) will leave for Davos town of Switzerland on Thursday to attend the World Economic Forum (WEF) meetings between January 25 and 30.

The main theme of this year's meeting which will be held with the participation of statesmen, businessmen and scientists from several

countries, will be ''Bridging the Divides: Creating a Roadmap for the Global Future''.

Deputy Prime Minister Yilmaz is scheduled to partake in a luncheon in which Turkish economy will be taken up.

He will also attend a meeting which is expected to focus on impacts of the European Union's (EU) enlargement process.

Yilmaz will hold bilateral contacts with Guenter Verheugen, the EU Commissioner for enlargement; Deputy Prime Minister Pham Gia Khiem of Vietnam; Foreign Minister Annan Lindh of Sweden; Foreign Minister George Papandreou of Greece; and Economy Minister Pascal Couchepin of Switzerland.

He is expected to leave for Davos on Thursday after attending the Council of Ministers meeting.

-PARLIAMENT SPEAKER IZGI RECEIVES POLISH
FOREIGN MINISTER BARTOSZEWSKI
ANKARA - Parliament Speaker Omer Izgi said on Wednesday, ''approval of resolution on so-called genocide on Armenians by French parliament coincided with the upcoming elections in France. It is a political game.''

Izgi received Polish Foreign Minister Wladyslaw Bartoszewski, who is currently in Turkey on an official visit.

Responding to questions of journalists during the meeting, Bartoszewski, who has a degree in history, said, ''if a problem having historical roots is brought onto agenda, we should leave it to historians. If historians are not allowed to discuss the most bitter and most difficult problems, we cannot record any progress. For instance, if historians had not taken up the issue, U.S. President Bill Clinton would have not paid a visit to Vietnam. Another example is that nearly six million people were massacred in Poland by Nazi Germany during the World War II. Today we have very good relations with Germany. There is another aspect of the issue. Use of historical problems for political games is extremely dangerous.''

Meanwhile, Izgi said, ''approval of draft resolution on so-called genocide on Armenians by the French parliament coincided with upcoming elections in France. It is a political game. French parliamentarians had acted with the fear of losing votes in the elections.''

Referring to relations between Turkey and Poland, Izgi recalled that Turkey was one of the countries supporting Poland's membership to the NATO.

Bartoszewski added that Poland considered Turkey as one of its most reliable and most experienced friends.

Following the meeting, Bartoszewski partook in a luncheon hosted in his honor by National Defense Minister Sabahattin Cakmakoglu.

Bartoszewski is expected to be received by President Ahmet Necdet Sezer and Prime Minister Bulent Ecevit later in the day.

-FOREIGN MINISTER CEM LEAVES FOR SWITZERLAND
ANKARA - Foreign Minister Ismail Cem left on Wednesday for Switzerland to pay an official visit upon his Swiss counterpart Joseph Deiss' invitation.

Cem's two-day visit will be the first official visit to Switzerland paid by a Turkish foreign minister in the last two decades.

Bilateral relations between Turkey and Switzerland and regional and international issues concerning the two sides will be taken up at interdelegationary meetings to be held during Cem's visit.

Meanwhile, Hungarian Foreign Minister Janos Martonyi left Ankara after wrapping up his contacts the same day.

-TURKEY WELCOMES ADMINISTRATION CHANGE IN PHILIPPINES
IN ACCORDANCE WITH A LEGAL PROCESS
ANKARA - Turkey welcomed the change of administration in the Philippines in accordance with a legal process.

Releasing a statement, the Foreign Ministry said on Wednesday, ''there have been friendly relations between Turkey and the Philippines. Turkey welcomed peaceful transfer of power to President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo in accordance with democratic principles and legal process.''

The statement noted that President Ahmet Necdet Sezer and Prime Minister Bulent Ecevit sent congratulary messages to President Arroyo.

Arroyo paid an official visit to Turkey between October 8 and 12, 2000 as the Vice President of the Philippines.

-BRITISH PARLIAMENTARY UNDERSECRETARY OF STATE FOR THE
ENVIRONMENT, TRANSPORTATION AND THE REGION SAYS BRITISH
GOVERNMENT LOOKED OVER EVIDENCES ABOUT INCIDENTS THAT TOOK PLACE
BETWEEN 1915-1916
ISTANBUL - Beverly Huhges, the British Parliamentary Undersecretary of State Department of Environment, Transportation and the Region, said on Wednesday that the British government has looked over the incidents that took place between 1915-1916.

''The British government decided that these incidents don't fit with the U.N.'s description of genocide. Incidents regarding Armenians won't be included to the commemoration day of genocide on Jews,'' Hughes said.

The guest undersecretary visited Ali Mufit Gurtuna, the mayor of Istanbul the same day.

Speaking after the 45 minutes meeting, Gurtuna told the press members that they took up issues of cooperation between the two countries.

Hughes said in her part that her government wants to further improve the relations between the two countries in commerce and other fields, adding she discussed issues like environment and transportation with Gurtuna.

Responding to a question about the Commemoration Day in Britain, Hughes said that only the genocide on Jews would be focused on. This is the position of the British government and it won't change, she said.

The guest minister later proceeded to Yalova together with British Consul General in Istanbul to make observations and visited the ''Quake Monument'' there.

Later she participated in a meeting held in Yalova Municipality. The guest undersecretary will exchange views with the officials regarding the credit of 50 million dollars that will be given by British State Quake Consortium to Yalova.

-PROMINENT JOURNALIST-WRITER UGUR MUMCU COMMEMORATED
ON THE EIGHT ANNIVERSARY OF HIS ASSASINATION
ISTANBUL/ANKARA - Prominent journalist-writer Ugur Mumcu who was assasinated eight years ago in a bomb-attack in front of his house, was commemorated on Wednesday.

A ceremony took place at the Cumhuriyet Newspaper's office out of respect to Mumcu.

Many people and journalists attended the ceremony by lighting candles and laying carnations.

Addressing the ceremony, Berin Nadi, the Concessionaire of the Cumhuriyet Newspaper, said, ''Kemalist people have been leaving us one after the other. But modern and secular Republic of Turkey will exist forever. I want those who assasinated Mumcu to be brought to justice as soon as possible.''

Orhan Erinc, the Acting Chairman of Turkish Journalists' Society (TGC), said, ''eight years have passed since assasination of Mumcu. We are still trying to maintain Ugur Mumcu's understanding of journalism. He had devoted his life to his job. We all want Mumcu's murderers to be brought to justice and to be punished. Any punishment will not ease our pain or remove our longing for Mumcu. But government officials should keep their promise to capture Mumcu's murderers.''

Suleyman Celebi, the Chairman of Confederation of Revolutionary Workers' Unions (DISK), said, ''Mumcu's works, articles and his struggle are still shedding light on us. Today, Turkey appraises in a better way the true significance and value of Mumcu. He struggled against fundamentalists and gangs throughout all his life. His only weapons were his pen and his respect to democracy and freedom.''

Another ceremony was held in front of Mumcu's house.

Addressing the ceremony, Guldal Mumcu, the wife of Mumcu, said, ''many intellectuals were massacred throughout the history of humanity. Ugur Mumcu asked in 1984, 'if a country needs heros, it means that everyone living in that country puts off their duties with excuses. Because each hero is the person doing what was not done by the others. Is it so difficult to make Turkey a country which does not need any hero?' You have been coming here every year at the time of the day when he was killed for eight years. You have proved that you have the conscience of democracy and that you do not need heros. You have been singing songs for eight years out of respect to him. Those who sing these songs are more stronger than those who make laws. I thank you all for not leaving us alone.''

-VISA CRISIS BETWEEN TURKEY AND BULGARIA
SOFIA - A visa crisis took place between Ankara and Sofia after the Bulgarian consulates in Turkey raised difficulties in giving one-year ''multi-entry visa'' to Turkish businessmen and rejected most of the visa applications of Turkish citizens who wanted to visit Bulgaria.

Releasing a statement on Wednesday, the Turkish Embassy in Sofia said that a diplomatic note had been sent to the Bulgarian Foreign Ministry on January 17 to clarify the issue. ''The Turkish consulates in Bulgaria will follow the same implementation to the applications of Bulgarian citizens to get one-year visa till the Bulgarian Foreign Ministry's response to the diplomatic note.''

Bulgarian Foreign Ministry Spokesman Radko Vlaykov said that the visa regime between Turkey and Bulgaria had been formed by the agreement signed on March 10, 1993.

''The Bulgarian respresentations in Turkey have been so far rapidly giving the multi-entry visa to the Turkish citizens without demanding all of the documents mentioned in the agreement. However, this liberal approach has started to be used by some people beyond the purposes. So the Bulgarian Foreign Ministry has decided to completely fulfil the rules of the 1993 agreement in order to create a balance between Turkey's and Bulgaria's visa policies,'' Vlaykov said.

Turkish businessmen who do business in Bulgaria have been suffering from serious problems as Bulgaria has raised bureaucratic obstacles in giving visa to Turkish citizens especially in the last two months.

Many Turkish businessmen who make trade with Bulgaria and operate companies in Bulgaria have been suffering from financial losses due to visa problem.

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