Anadolu Agency: News in English, 01-04-07

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ANADOLU AGENCY

NEWS

07 APRİL 2001 Saturday

HURRIYET (LIBERAL)

Tradesmen protested Recai Kutan, the leader of the Virtue Party (FP) who attempted to use people's rightful reaction for his own political purposes. Kutan visited Covered Bazaar in Istanbul together with a group of members of the FP. Tradesmen protested members of the FP who chanted slogans calling on government to resign. Tradesmen said that they did not want any politician in the Covered Bazaar.

TURKEY AND GREECE TO BE CONNECTED TO EACH OTHER WITH A HIGHWAY

Positive atmosphere between Turkey and Greece have consolidated with Greek Foreign Minister George Papandreou's visit to Ankara. After their tete-a- tete meeting, Foreign Minister Cem and his Greek counterpart Papandreou staged a press conference to inform journalists on decisions taken at their meetings. According to these decisions, Greece will launch initiatives in the European Union (EU) to assist Turkey in overcoming current economic crisis. Papandreou said that another important project was to extend the motorway in Greece till Istanbul, adding that Istanbul and Western Greece would be connected to each other with a highway.

MILLIYET (LIBERAL)

World Bank Vice President Johannes Linn met with Prime Minister Bulent Ecevit. Addressing journalists following the meeting, Linn said, ''the new economic program being formulated under the leadership of State Minister Kemal Dervis, will help Turkey recover rapidly from the economic crisis. It needs strong political and social support in order to ensure effective implementations and adequate international assistance. Rapid implementation of the program in 2001 will set the stage for vigorous recovery of the Turkish economy in 2002, and create the conditions for growth and employment necessary to reduce hardship on the Turkish population.'' He added, ''during the economic downturn, it is critical that poor families, especially children and mothers, are provided financial support to help them mitigate the impact of the economic crisis. The World Bank will provide substantial assistance for such programs to be developed with the Social Solidarity Foundation.''

MOODY'S DOWNGRADES TURKEY'S RATING

The Moody's, a leading rating organization, has assigned a first-time rating of B3 to the Turkish lira-denominated debt of the Turkey. Moody's also downgraded Turkey's country ceiling for foreign currency bank deposits from B2 to B3. Accordingly, the agency has lowered the foreign currency bank deposit ratings of the sixteen Turkish commercial banks that it rates to B3 from B2. However, the country ceiling for foreign currency bonds and notes remains at B1. The outlook on the foreign currency country ceilings for both debt and deposits, on foreign and domestic currency government bond ratings, and on the deposit ratings of the commercial banks have all been changed to negative from stable. Moody's explained that these rating actions were taken to reflect its growing concerns about recent unsustainable trends in the public debt dynamics, based on the high interest rates and short maturities that have been accepted during the latest domestic debt auctions.

SABAH (LIBERAL)

Prime Minister Bulent Ecevit sent letters to leaders of member countries to the Group-7 (G-7). In his letters, Prime Minister Ecevit said, ''Turkey urgently needs a financial aid of 12 billion U.S. dollars. Turkey, an indispensable member of the modern world, needs assistance of friendly countries during its difficult days.'' The U.S., Germany, Britain, France, Italy, Japan and Canada are member countries to the G-7.

TRADESMEN HOLD DEMONSTRATIONS TO PROTEST GOVERNMENT

Tens of thousands of tradesmen took streets throughout Turkey to protest the government's handling of the country's economic crisis. They chanted slogans calling on government to resign. A group of tradesmen closed Istanbul's main highway to the traffic.

CUMHURIYET (LEFT)

Prime Minister Bulent Ecevit said that those who were calling on the government to resign because of current economic crisis, should put forward an alternative. Ecevit said, ''there is not any possiblity of forming another government.''

PRESIDENT SEZER WORRIES ABOUT SITUATION

President Sezer expressed his concerns about demonstrations held by tradesmen throughout Turkey to protest government's handling of the country's economic crisis. President Sezer met with Acting Parliament Speaker Murat Sokmenoglu. Speaking at the meeting, President Sezer said, ''the Council of Ministers does not need to convene under chairmanship of the President and not to declare state of emergency in some regions of the country or in the whole country.''

RADIKAL (LEFT)

Fuat Miras, the Chairman of Union of Chambers and Commodity Exchanges of Turkey (TOBB), called on chairmen of all chambers and commodity exchanges to a urgent meeting in Ankara on April 10. Miras said, ''the government did not take into consideration our reports and warnings. We displayed all kinds of patience against the economic crisis.'' At the meeting, chairmen of chambers and commodity exchanges are expected to call on government to resign.

TRANSPLANTATIONS STOPPED

The Ege University has stopped transplantations due to lack of medicine. Drug companies cannot provide the imported medicines because of floating in the foreign exchange rates. The Ege University stated that it would not carry out any transplantation till lack of medicine was removed.

FOGG: ''WE WELCOMED NATIONAL PROGRAMME''

Karen Fogg, the EU Commission's Representative to Turkey said that they welcomed the national programme for adoption of acquis (NPAA) prepared by Turkey for EU membership. Speaking at a panel discussion on ''Accession Partnership Accord and National Program'', Fogg said that the efforts of Turkey for EU membership should be supported by all sections of the society.

TURKIYE (RIGHT)

Anadolu Agency (A.A) celebrated its 81st anniversary. A.A personnel headed by Mehmet Guler, the A.A General Director and President of Executive Board, visited the mausoleum of Mustafa Kemal Ataturk. Guler laid a wreath composed of red and white carnations writing Anadolu Agency, on the mausoleum of Ataturk. Guler signed the special book of the mausoleum saying, ''there are only two things in the world: to win and not to lose! We always remember these words of yours and fulfil your instruction; 'Anadolu Agency will make Turkey's voice be heard in the world' in every opportunity without making any concessions. For what reason the correct reporting was important when you established Anadolu Agency 81 years ago, it is important for us now for the similar reason.''

ERIS CAPTURED

Yasar Eris a member of the illegal Turkish Workers and Peasant Liberation Army (TKP/ML-TIKKO), was captured in Istanbul. Eris was involved in many bomb attacks. He planted the bomb in the military canteen at the Air Forces Commandership in Corlu. Interrogation of Erdis is under way.

ZAMAN (CONSERVATIVE)

Security forces seized 19 kg of explosives in a house belonged to a member of the terrorist organization PKK in Buyukcekmece district of Istanbul. Acting on a tip-off, security forces raided the house, and seized 19 kg of explosives. One person was taken into custody in the operation. During his interrogation, the detainee confessed that the explosives came to Turkey from abroad, and he would send them to so-called military officials of the organization.

-CULTURE MINISTRY PREPARES CD ROM TO PUT FORWARD HISTORICAL

FACTS ABOUT ALLEGATIONS ON SO-CALLED GENOCIDE ON ARMENIANS

ANKARA - The Culture Ministry has prepared CD Rom titled ''Armenian Issue- Allegations and Facts'' in order to put forward historical facts about allegations on so-called genocide on Armenians.

Releasing a statement, the Culture Ministry said on Saturday that the CD Rom was prepared in Turkish, English, French and German languages.

The statement said that the CD Rom aimed at informing the world public opinion on historical facts about the issue.

Meanwhile, Culture Minister Istemihan Talay will introduce the CD Rom on April 18, 2001.

-WORLD HEALTH DAY

-PRIME MINISTER ECEVIT:

-''OUR GOVERNMENT IS EXTREMELY SENSITIVE IN DECREASING REFLECTIONS

OF ECONOMIC PROBLEMS TO HEALTH SERVICES TO THE MINIMUM LEVEL''

ANKARA - Prime Minister Bulent Ecevit said on Saturday, ''our government is extremely sensitive on the issue of decreasing reflections of economic problems to health services to the minimum level.''

Releasing a statement to mark the World Health Day, Prime Minister Ecevit stressed, ''developments in medical technology have been bringing forth new opportunities to protect health and to treat ilnesses. Turkey has always attributed great importance to follow these technological opportunities, and to distribute health services fairly.''

''Our government is extremely sensitive on the issue of decreasing reflections of current economic problems to health services to the minimum level,'' he added.

-FOREIGN TRADE DELEGATION'S VISITS TO UAE AND KUWAIT

DUBAI - Foreign Trade Undersecretary Kursad Tuzmen said on Saturday, ''we have seized a new advantage in exportation as a result of Turkish lira's losing value. We should benefit from this advantage.''

Tuzmen and accompanying delegation held an assessment meeting in Dubai.

Speaking at the meeting, Tuzmen said, ''Turkey's exports to the United Arab Emirates is about 300 million U.S. dollars while its exports from this country is about 40 billion U.S. dollars. Turkey's exports to Kuwait is about 70 million U.S. dollars while its imports from this country is about 150 million U.S. dollars.''

Describing the United Arab Emirates and Kuwait as important partners in regard to free zones in Turkey, Tuzmen said, ''these countries have obtained more income in the last 18 months due to increase in oil prices. We should benefit from this development in our export products.''

Noting that Turkey would take place in these markets with its products of high quality, Tuzmen added, ''what we are trying to do is to settle our products in these markets. Sectors such as automotive, spare parts, glass, foodstuff and ceramics are very important in our trade with these countries.''

-MEMBERS OF PARLIAMENTARY FOREIGN AFFAIRS COMMISSION IN U.S.

NEW YORK - Members of the Parliamentary Foreign Affairs Commission who are currently in Washington D.C. to hold contacts with members of the U.S. Congress and with senators, met with members of the U.S. Foreign Relations Congress on Friday.

The delegation formed by Kamran Inan, the Chairman of Parliamentary Foreign Affairs Commission and a deputy of the Motherland Party (ANAP); Tahir Kose from the Democratic Left Party (DSP); Oktay Vural from the Nationalist Movement Party (MHP); Mehmet Ali Irtemcelik from the ANAP; Abdullah Gul from the Virtue Party (FP); and Ayfer Yilmaz from the True Path Party (DYP); partook in a dinner hosted by the Turkish-American Business Forum following the meeting.

Speaking at the dinner, Gul said, ''the U.S. has given priority of Iraq issue and efforts to overthrow President Saddam Hussein of Iraq. We told U.S. officials that they should consult with Turkey during preparation of their policy towards Iraq. The U.S. is aware of Turkey's economic losses due to embargo imposed on Iraq by the United Nations. Therefore, the U.S. does not object to limited border trade between Turkey and Iraq.''

Inan said, ''we recalled that the U.S. assisted Mexico and Russia during similar crises. It provided these countries economic support of billions of U.S. dollars. We told U.S. officials that political support would not be enough, and asked them to provide urgent economic support to Turkey.''

Referring to domestic problems in Turkey, Inan said, ''economic and social structure should be scrutinized in Turkey. Necessary reforms should be made as soon as possible. In 1950, national income per capita in Turkey was higher than national income per capita in Japan and South Korea. Today, national income per capita increased up to 30 thousand U.S. dollars in Japan and to 12 thousand U.S. dollars in South Korea. National income per capita is still 3 thousand U.S. dollars in Turkey. The only reason of this is bad administration. We misunderstood democracy. We do not have the right to excuse ourselves.''

The delegation is expected to leave the U.S. for Turkey after meeting with representatives of Turkish community.

-IMF DELEGATION DUE TO TURKEY

WASHINGTON D.C. - International Monetary Fund (IMF) delegation headed by Carlo Cottarelli, the Chief of IMF Turkey Desk, is expected to arrive in Turkey on Saturday.

Conny Lotze, the Spokesperson of IMF, said that the official contacts between IMF delegation and Turkish government would start in Ankara on Sunday.

Meanwhile, Cottarelli will hand over his mandate to Uha Kahkonen, an expert of Finnish origin, in mid-May.

Kahkonen who has been serving as Chief of IMF's Bulgaria Desk, will also take place in the delegation.

IMF sources decribed appointment of Kahkonen as a routine change, and said that it was not connected with economic developments in Turkey.

IMF delegation is expected to finalize its contacts in Ankara in ten days, and to return to Washington D.C.

Later, high-level officials of the IMF will assess Turkey's new economic program and its letter of intent.

IMF Executive Board is expected to approve Turkey's new economic program and its letter of intent in May.

Meanwhile, State Minister Kemal Dervis will come to Washington D.C. at the end of April to attend spring term meetings of IMF and World Bank and to hold bilateral contacts.

-PARLIAMENTARY DELEGATION'S CONTACTS IN U.S.

NEW YORK - Members of the Parliamentary Foreign Affairs Commission proceeded to New York from Washington D.C. after wrapping up their contacts with members of the U.S. Congress and with senators.

The delegation formed by Kamran Inan, the Chairman of Parliamentary Foreign Affairs Commission and a deputy of the Motherland Party (ANAP); Tahir Kose from the Democratic Left Party (DSP); Oktay Vural from the Nationalist Movement Party (MHP); Mehmet Ali Irtemcelik from the ANAP; Abdullah Gul from the Virtue Party (FP); and Ayfer Yilmaz from the True Path Party (DYP); also met with representatives of Turkish community living in the U.S.

Speaking at the meeting, Inan said, ''the 21st century will be the century of Turks. Population in Europe is growing old. Only 30 percent of population in Europe will be able to work in 2010. Young and dynamic people account for 70 percent of Turkey's population. Europe will need Turkey ten years later.''

Recalling that Turkey has been experiencing a serious economic crisis, Inan said, ''devastating quake disasters in 1999, terrorist activities of PKK, delays in privatization, weakness of banking system and structural weakness were influencial in current crisis. But we will overcome this crisis.''

Yilmaz said, ''there are two national programs in Turkey: the National Program for Adoption of Acquis (NPAA) and the National Economic Program. We, as the members of opposition parties, will support all laws which will provide transparency, overcome crisis and increase production.''

Referring to relations with the European Union (EU), Irtemcelik said, ''the EU has not put pressure on Turkey. What is important for Turkey is not to become a full member of the EU, but to reach the EU standards. The EU has some prejudices, and it has been treating Turkey unfairly. At the same time, we have some mistakes.''

Meanwhile, Inan expressed Turkey's concerns about formation of European Security and Defense Identity (ESDI) by the EU within structure of NATO.

He stressed that U.S. Secretary of Defense Donald Rumsfeld supported Turkey on the issue.

Referring to dangers of transportation of Caspian oil via the Straits in Turkey, Inan said, ''International Maritime Organization considered Turkey rightful, but we should launch initiatives in the international platform to explain Turkey's rightfulness.''

The delegation is expected to leave the U.S. for Turkey later in the day.

-NUMBER OF MACEDONIANS WHO ENTER TURKEY IN

LAST 28 DAYS INCREASES TO 9,539

EDIRNE - The number of Macedonians who have entered Turkey from the Kapikule Border Gate in northwestern province of Edirne in last 28 days due to the clashes between the Macedonian security forces and Albanian militants in Kosovo-Macedonia border region increased up to 9,539.

Officials at the Kapikule Border Gate told A.A correspondent on Saturday that while 205 Macedonians entered Turkey yesterday, 6,787 Macedonians had returned to their countries since March 16.

-STATE MINISTER BAL RETURNS TO TURKEY

ANKARA - State Minister Faruk Bal returned to Turkey on Saturday after wrapping up his contacts in the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC).

Bal did not make any statement to journalists after his arrival.

-TRADESMEN HOLD DEMONSTRATIONS THROUGHOUT TURKEY

ANKARA - Tradesmen held demonstrations throughout Turkey on Saturday to protest government's handling of the economic crisis.

Clash erupted between security forces and demonstrators during protests organized by Tradesmen and Craftsmen Chambers' Union (KESOB) in central province of Kayseri.

A group of people gathered in Cevreyolu junction, and attempted to march to Cumhuriyet Square at the city center.

Security forces did not allow the demonstrators, and tried to disperse them by using clubs.

In southern province of Osmaniye, a group of tradesmen closed the E-90 Highway to the trafic.

They chanted slogans against the government, and dispersed peacefully.

Similar demonstrations were held in central province of Eskisehir, northern province of Corum, northwestern province of Adapazari, and in southeastern province of Kahramanmaras.

There were not any reports of incidents during these demonstrations.

-G-7 COUNTRIES EXPECTED TO PROVIDE AN AID OF 6 BILLION U.S. DOLLARS

ANKARA - Member countries to the Group-7 (G-7) are expected to provide an aid of 6 billion U.S. dollars within framework of foreign support to Turkey's new economic program.

Together with International Monetary Fund's financial assistance of 6.25 billion U.S. dollars, the amount of foreign support will exceed 12 billion U.S. dollars.

Sources told the A.A correspondent on Saturday that seven industrialized countries (the U.S., Japan, Germany, France, Britain, Italy and Canada) would provide an aid of 6 billion U.S. dollars in order to assist Turkey in overcoming economic crisis.

IMF will give remaining 2.9 billion U.S. dollars of source of 4 billion U.S. dollars within framework of the Stand-by Agreement. IMF prepared an aid package of 7.5 billion U.S. dollars following the crisis in November of 2000. Turkey used 1.1 billion U.S. dollars of Stand-by source of 4 billion U.S. dollars till crisis in November.

Sources said that Germany had played an important role in G-7 countries' taking a decision to provide financial aid to Turkey.

Meanwhile, State Minister Kemal Dervis is expected to pay visits to Britain and Japan after finalizing the new economic program.

Earlier, Dervis came together with ambassadors of G-7 countries, and held contacts in the U.S., Germany and France.

-PARLIAMENT SPEAKER IZGI RETURNS TO TURKEY

ANKARA - Parliament Speaker Omer Izgi said on Saturday that demonstrations of tradesmen should be considered democratic reactions.

Parliament Speaker Izgi returned to Turkey after wrapping up his tour to Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan and Turkmenistan.

Izgi staged a press conference at Ankara's Esenboga Airport after his arrival, and responded to questions of journalists.

Noting that he had held very positive and productive contacts in Turkish Republics in Central Asia, Izgi stressed that his tour aimed at consolidating existing ties with these countries.

''We have taken the first step to collect interparliamentary relations under the frame of 'Union of Friendly and Sister Countries'. One of the most important strategical partnerships to determine Turkey's future, is Turkish Republics in Central Asia,'' he said.

Responding to a question about recent social developments in Turkey and demonstrations of tradesmen, Izgi said, ''we should consider demonstrations of tradesmen as democratic reactions.''

-JUSTICE MINISTER TURK:

-''STRUCTURAL CHANGES WILL BE MADE IN JURISDICTION''

KUTAHYA - Justice Minister Hikmet Sami Turk said on Saturday, ''structural changes will be made in jurisdiction. Appellate Courts will be formed to carry out judicial procedures rapidly.''

Speaking at a seminar on ''Forensic Medicine'' organized by the Justice Ministry at the Dumlupinar University in western province of Kutahya, Turk said, ''structural changes will be made in jurisdiction. Appellate Courts will be formed to carry out judicial procedures rapidly. This will relieve administrative jurisdiction. Following adoption of necessary change in the law, appellate courts will be formed in 15 provinces.''

He added, ''all courts and relevant institutions will be connected to each other through a computer network within framework of a project which started in 2000. The project is envisaged to be finalized in 2004.''

-SPORTS - TAEKWONDO

-TURKEY WINS FOUR SILVER AND FOUR BRONZE MEDALS IN

EUROPEAN YOUTH'S TAEKWONDO CHAMPIONSHIP IN SPAIN

PAMPLONA - The 4th European Youth's Taekwondo Championship ended in Pamplona, Spain, on Saturday.

Turkish sportsmen and women won four silver and four bronze medals in the three-day championship.

A total of 523 sportsmen and women from 37 countries participated in the championship.

-STATE MINISTER AND DEPUTY PRIME MINISTER BAHCELI:

-''PRIOR TARGETS OF NEW ECONOMIC PROGRAM ARE TO MAKE ARRANGEMENTS ABOUT

FINANCE MARKETS, AND TO CREATE AN ATMOSPHERE OF SUSTAINABLE GROWTH AND

MACROECONOMIC STABILITY''

GEBZE - State Minister and Deputy Prime Minister Devlet Bahceli said on Saturday, ''prior targets of the new economic program are to make arrangements about finance markets with the aim of providing a more appropriate atmosphere to the real sector, and to create an atmosphere of sustainable growth and macroeconomic stability.''

Bahceli attended inauguration of the Alarko Carrier Production Facility of the Alarko Holding.

Speaking at the inauguration, Dervis described businessmen who did not refrain from making investments despite the current economic crisis, as farsighted entrepreneurs having common-sense.

Bahceli stressed, ''prior targets of the new economic program are to make arrangements about finance markets with the aim of providing a more appropriate atmosphere to the real sector, and to create an atmosphere of sustainable growth and macroeconomic stability.''

Industry and Trade Minister Ahmet Kenan Tanrikulu was also in attendance at the inauguration.

Meanwhile, clash erupted between journalists covering the inauguration, and members of the Nationalist Movement Party (MHP).

Bulent Yilmaz, a reporter from private Channel-D television, was injured in his head during the clash. He was rushed to hospital for medical treatment.

Meanwhile, businessman Fazli Gulec, who wanted to give a dossier to Bahceli, was detained by gendarmerie units.

Gulec was released after being interrogated.

-VURAL, TURKEY'S SECRETARY GENERAL FOR EU:

-''EU HAS ENTERED THE MOST IMPORTANT ENLARGEMENT PROCESS OF

ITS HISTORY. TURKEY SHOULD NOT BREAK OFF FROM THIS PROCESS''

ISTANBUL - Volkan Vural, Turkey's Secretary General for the European Union (EU), said on Saturday, ''the EU has entered the most important enlargement process of its history. Turkey should not break off from this process.''

Speaking at the 14th regular meeting of Press Council Members' Board, Vural said, ''there have been ups and downs in relations between Turkey and the EU. The EU considers Copenhagen criteria pre-conditions for beginning of full membership negotiations. Our National Program includes an important reform. Turkey's fulfilling of Copenhagen criteria, will accelerate its development. Therefore, the coming period is a critical period for Turkey. We cannot delay fulfilling the criteria. Otherwise, we can lose the EU perspective. The EU has entered the most important enlargement process of its history. Turkey should not break off from this process.''

Underlining importance of adjustment to the EU acquisitions, Vural said, ''If we can overcome current economic crisis, we can fulfil economic criteria. We may encounter some difficulties in the fields of environment, health and education. Therefore, we should make structural changes in these fields as soon as possible.''

Responding to a question about human rights violations, Vural stressed, ''there is not any legal deficiency in Turkey on the issue of human rights violations. The problems stem from implementations.''

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