Anadolu Agency: News in English, 01-04-09

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ANADOLU AGENCY

NEWS

09 APRİL 2001 Monday

CONTENTS

[01] TURKEY-PRESS SCAN

[02] STATE MINISTER DERVIS (1): ''NOBODY WILL PERMIT

[03] STATE MINISTER DERVIS SAYS PROGRAM IS BEING DEVELOPED RAPIDLY (2)

[04] TESK CHAIRMAN GUNDAY (1):

[05] PARLIAMENT SPEAKER IZGI SAYS TURKEY'S PROBLEMS WILL BE OVERCOME

[06] TURKISH DEMOCRACY FOUNDATION SENDS THANK-YOU E-MAILS

[07] U.S. HUMANITARIAN AID TEAM IN TURKEY

[08] CONTACTS OF FOREIGN TRADE DELEGATION

[09] STATE MINISTER GUREL SAYS HIS CONTACTS IN U.S. WERE BENEFICIAL

[01] TURKEY-PRESS SCAN

HURRIYET (LIBERAL)

COTTARELLI SAYS KAHKONEN WILL BE SUCCESSFUL IN TURKEY
Carlo Cottarelli, the International Monetary Fund's (IMF) Turkey Desk Chief, said State Minister Kemal Dervis is successful and efficient. Cottarelli defined Uha Kahkonen, the new IMF Turkey Desk Chief, as a successful new chief. Cottarelli expressed belief that Kahkonen will help Turkey and be successful in Turkey.

MILLIYET (LIBERAL)

TREASURY TO ARRANGE SIX-MONTH BOND AUCTION ON TUESDAY
The Treasury Undersecretariat will arrange a six-month bond auction on Tuesday. The bonds will be issued on April 11 while the repayment of bonds will be realized on October 10, 2001. The Treasury foresees a minimum 500 trillion Turkish Liras (TL) of net borrowing at the auction on Tuesday.

SABAH (LIBERAL)

ALSO KARAYALCIN WILL RESIGN
The important personalities in the Republican People's Party (CHP) continue to resign from their membership. Murat Karayalcin, the former CHP leader, will announce his resignation from the CHP on Wednesday. Three thousand CHP members in Kartal branch in Istanbul resigned from the party.

CUMHURIYET (LEFT)

MILD EARTHQUAKE JOLTS YOZGAT
A mild earthquake measuring 3.8 on the Richter scale jolted Cekerek township of central province of Yozgat. There were not any immediate reports of casualties or damages in the earthquake.

12 MEMBERS OF INTERNATIONAL GANG CAPTURED
Security forces captured a total of 12 people sending illicit drugs to European countries in suitcases by airway. In an operation launched in cooperation between Istanbul and Antalya security departments, a drug trafficking gang was revealed. Security forces exchanged information with security departments in the Netherlands, Belgium, Britain and Germany about activities of the gang. On March 8, 2001, Hans Albert Kaiser of German origin, was captured at Antalya Airport with 18 kg of heroin hidden in his luggage. Security forces launched a series of operations in Avcilar, Sirinevler and Beylikduzu districts of Istanbul, and captured 12 members of the gang. In the operations, security forces confiscated 28.2 kg of heroin, two handguns and five automobiles.

RADIKAL (LEFT)

TURKIYE (RIGHT)

MINOR EARTHQUAKE IN YOZGAT
An earthquake measuring 3.8 on the Richter scale shook Cekerek township of central Yozgat province at 6.19 p.m. on Sunday.

LAST RETOUCH ON ECONOMIC PROGRAM
The economic program which will be submitted to the Council of Ministers today will be announced by State Minister Kemal Dervis on Wednesday. While the people rush into streets due to the rises in prices of many goods and due to the economic crisis, the economic program has become the only hope of Turkey.

ZAMAN (CONSERVATIVE)

-TURKISH-IRAQI FRIENDSHIP ASSOCIATION HOLDS RECEPTION
ANKARA, April 9 (A.A) - The Turkish-Iraqi Friendship Association held on Sunday a friendship reception in Ankara to further improve the relations between the two countries.

Acting Parliament Speaker Kamer Genc, Iraqi Ambassador Farouq Yahya al Hicazi and association chairman Mehmet Emin Deger attended the reception.

Deger said that the problems, including the Gulf Crisis and the economic crisis in Turkey, overshadowed this night.

Turkey had billions of U.S. dollars loss due to the Gulf crisis and the embargo imposed on Iraq following this crisis, Deger noted.

Deger said, ''our Western friends who mention human rights do not approach to the Middle East and Iraq. Can turning a blind eye to the Iraqi nation's living without medicine and food coincide with human rights?''

[02] STATE MINISTER DERVIS (1): ''NOBODY WILL PERMIT

When reporters reminded him the news stories that the IMF leaked out the secrets of Turkey to Athens, Dervis said, ''nobody will permit the IMF to intervene in Turkey's internal affairs. But, we have to respond to questions of the IMF on economy and budget. But, this program is Turkey's program. The IMF can have rightful questions about the general balances.''

[03] STATE MINISTER DERVIS SAYS PROGRAM IS BEING DEVELOPED RAPIDLY (2)

Parliament Speaker Omer Izgi received Dervis. Noting that this week will be very intensive, Dervis said in the meeting, ''as we have said before, this program has to reflect the conditions of Turkey and include the views of Turkish people. To this end, the deliberations continue. Turkey is strong. We will overcome these problems. But, everybody has to fulfil his responsibilities. Turkey has to re-start growth process as soon as possible. The main target is the betterment in growth and distribution of income,'' Dervis said.

When asked if he still thinks 15 laws can be adopted in 15 days, Dervis said that most of the draft laws are ready and that these laws have not recently been brought to the agenda.

Dervis noted that he thinks most of these legal arrangements will be adopted by the parliament in the following days.

''The slogan '15 laws in 15 days' seems good. But, it can take 12, 14, 16 or 18 days to pass these laws. What is important is to make the legal arrangements rapidly and to strengthen Turkey's economy,'' Dervis said.

Asked if he will meet with the leaders of the opposition parties, Dervis said, ''certainly.''

Dervis did not respond to questions on when the economic program will be announced.

When a reporter reminded him the news stories that the International Monetary Fund (IMF) leaked out the secrets of Turkey to Athens, Dervis said, ''nobody will permit the IMF to intervene in Turkey's internal affairs. But, we have to respond to questions of the IMF on economy and budget. But, this program is Turkey's program. The IMF can have rightful questions about the general balances. The details concern Turkey. I think that the attitude of the other countries is like this.''

Upon other questions, Dervis said, ''it was a very beneficial meeting. We will continue to meet each other. We will extend support to each other.''

[04] TESK CHAIRMAN GUNDAY (1):

Gunday told a press conference that the increase of credit interests and the insurance premiums and Social Security Agency for the Self-Employed (BAG-KUR) premiums make the conditions more severe.

The tradesmen and the artisans can no more endure these difficulties and can no more make self-sacrifice, Gunday said.

Gunday noted that the reactions showed in the streets are rightful reactions.

Underlining that it should not be forgotten that there are wicked-minded provocateurs who misuse the reactions of the tradesmen, Gunday said, ''we are conscious that we should not be a tool for their tricks. We still think that streets are not the only solution. We call on all the tradesmen and artisans to be more patient and behave with common sense. But, nobody should expect our patience to be eternal.''

-TESK CHAIRMAN GUNDAY (2):
-''TURKEY WILL NO MORE BE THE FORMER TURKEY WHEN WE GO OUT
TO STREETS TO PIONEER TRADESMEN AND ARTISANS''
ANKARA, April 9 (A.A) - Dervis Gunday, the chairman of the Confederation of Turkish Tradesmen and Artisans (TESK), said on Monday that Turkey will no more be the former Turkey when they go out to streets to pioneer the tradesmen and artisans.

Gunday told a press conference that the power of the tradesmen and artisans should not be tested.

The country has caught fire and the fire is getting out of control, Gunday said.

Gunday noted that the current crisis in Turkey is more serious than some people think and say.

Emphasizing that hopes have started to fade away and some anti-democratic scenarios have started to be discussed, Dervis said, ''we are scared of this. But, can those who are responsible for this situation see this dark scene? Are they scared? Let me clearly say that we have concerns about this issue.''

Gunday stated that this is the first time that the tradesmen rush into streets in the history of Turkish Republic.

The tradesmen have been patient so far but they can no more be patient, Gunday said.

Gunday stressed that the chairmen of the federations evaluated the current situation and what could be done in a meeting they held yesterday.

They decided to call the government and the parliament to take action and to inform the people, Gunday said.

The real reason for the crisis is the ongoing wrong and populist economic policies for 40 years, Gunday noted.

Gunday said that those who were responsible for this situation is those who give priority to their own interests than the country's interests, particularly the political structure.

The political structure has been obstructed and this should be overcome, Gunday emphasized.

Gunday noted that the radical reforms and the economic program will not only help overcome the economic crisis but also open the doors of radical changes in the political structure.

Calling the government and the parliament to take action, Gunday said, ''the economic program which has been kept waiting for 45 days has to be announced as soon as possible.''

Gunday said that two important problems which should be immediately solved are corruption and poverty.

Corruption should be prevented and those who make corruption should be punished, Gunday noted.

Investigations launched into corruption should not be prevented, Gunday pointed out.

Gunday said that the new economic program can be accomplished by social compromise and that especially, the political will and the government should unconditionally reach a compromise among themselves.

Addressing the parliament, Gunday said, ''everybody should behave with common sense. People who chose the parliamentarians can also topple them. It should be know that Turkey will no longer be former Turkey when we go out to streets to pioneer the tradesmen and artisans.''

Responding to questions of reporters on why they were not in streets together with the tradesmen last week, Gunday said that there are 3,255 chambers and 82 tradesmen's unions within the scope of TESK and that each of them can make legal demonstrations.

Gunday noted that they want to solve the problems on the table and through justice.

But, if these problems are not taken into consideration, TESK will launch legal initiatives and convene millions of people in Ankara, Gunday said.

When a reporter reminded him that the protests of the tradesmen in Siteler district of Ankara, a district where furniture producers are located, Gunday said that this protest was staged by ''the provocation of a political party'' and said, ''as it was in the Covered Bazaar.''

Asked who were the provocateurs, Gunday said, ''of course, not the coalition parties. The parties in and out of the parliament. It will not be correct to show a target.''

Asked what he meant by saying Turkey will no longer be the former Turkey, Gunday said that there will be disorder in the country and that he said these words for common sense.

-WWF TURKEY REQUESTS CANCELLATION OF
MOBILE POWER STATION PROJECT IN BARTIN
ANKARA, April 9 (A.A) - The World Wildlife Fund (WWF) Turkey requested the cancellation of the mobile power plant project in northwestern Bartin province.

A statement of the WWF Turkey said on Monday that the field where the mobile power station is planned to be built is not a suitable place and called for the cancellation of the project.

The statement claimed that the mobile power station which is planned to be built in Bartin-Bogaz hamlet near the Kure Mountains National Park will lead to biological losses in Turkey in the long term.

The Kure Mountains were declared as one of the forests that should be taken under protection immediately by the WWF, the statement said.

The statement noted that the Kure Mountains was given a protected area status and declared as a national park.

The mobile power station will harm biological values, pollute air, water, land, sea and coasts and destroy the forests, the statement said.

The statement said, ''although the filter systems are very developed, the hazardous gases of the power station will be released to the atmosphere and the acid rains caused by this will destroy our forests. Our water can no more be drunk and air can no more be inhaled. The fuel which will be brought to the power station by vessels will pollute the sea during the discharge and kill the fish and lead to annihilation of the living creatures.''

The Kure Mountains are accepted as the best example of special cavernous forests (forests which has geological structure) in the north of Anatolia.

Diverse habitats, rich wildlife and beautiful landscapes characterize the area.

The Kure Mountains includes four main ecosystems: a large ''natural forest'', a ''degraded forest'', a ''traditional subsistence agricultural ecosystem'' and a ''river ecosystem''. Moreover, micro-ecosystems such as; the ''canyons'' and ''forest meadows'' are present in the area. The central part is delimited by a range of cliffs (and canyons) which include pristine or semi-pristine natural forests of oriental beech and fir, as dominant species. There are stretches of forests that extend down very near to the sea, mainly of chestnut and associated species. Lower areas near the coast also host relict Mediterranean elements and maquis. Other forest types worth mentioning: pure (or mixed) forests of black pine and mixed broadleave forests containing hornbeam, oak, maple, ash, lime, elm, hazelnut species and common box.

Brown bear, roe deer, red deer, wolf, fox, and wild boar used to be widespread in the Kure Mountains but these species have been subject to intensive hunting.

[05] PARLIAMENT SPEAKER IZGI SAYS TURKEY'S PROBLEMS WILL BE OVERCOME

Meeting with State Minister Kemal Dervis, Izgi said that they will discuss the ways to overcome the problems as soon as possible.

Izgi noted that Turkey have rich sources and that to this end, the crisis can be overcome soon.

The plans and programs targeting at overcoming the problems should be prepared in the possible shortest time and the program should be put into implementation as soon as possible, Izgi stated.

Izgi said that they consider Dervis' being a minister as an opportunity and that they will debate how Dervis' proposals will be taken up at the parliament.

Responding to questions of reporters on news stories that the number of consultants will be decreased, Izgi said that they should make some self- sacrifice to overcome the current economic crisis.

Izgi noted that he cannot mention any number but they will try to charge the consultants who are needed in the office.

They will try to send other consultants to some other bureaucratic departments, Izgi said.

Upon a question on the sale of houses belonging to the parliament, Izgi said that he had earlier made a statement on this issue.

Izgi added, ''if we reach a consensus on the sale of houses belonging to the public institutions, firstly, the houses belonging to the parliament will be sold.''

[06] TURKISH DEMOCRACY FOUNDATION SENDS THANK-YOU E-MAILS

Describing the decision of the parliament as a good example of an impartial policy, Akarcali said, ''I would like to say that we are ready to discuss Armenian allegations in every scientific atmosphere, and also ready to extend aid to every person and institution who will come to Turkey for similar issues.''

Turkish Democracy Foundation also prepared a card entitled, ''It is the duty of the Historian to Write History, not the Parliaments.'' The cards were sent to the head of states and parliament members of France, Germany, Britain, Switzerland, Sweeden, and Italy.

Also, a text written in British, was added to the cards, which had been prepared by 69 U.S. scientists and submitted to the U.S. House of Representatives in 1985. The text stresses that Armenian allegations were baseless.

In the card it was recalled that Turkey was a part of the Ottoman Empire, which had a multi-religious structure. It was stressed that it would be wrong to consider Turkey and the Ottoman Empire as similar. It was also pointed out that during the World War I, many losses were recorded in Moslem and Christian population because of contagious diseases, massacres in Anatolia and environs, and because of famine.

Akarcali said, ''we believe that the U.S. congress should promote opening of concerned history archieves, and should not make accusations before historical incidents were clarified. Some accusations like in no:192 decision of the U.S. House of Representatives, will lead unjust decisions about Turkey. ''

''Such a decision which is based on suspicious assumptions historically, will only damage an honest historical research, and will shake the reliability of the U.S. legislation process,'' Akarcali said.

Akarcali said the cards in question will be sent to the U.S., Canada, Australia, the Netherlands, Austria, Belgium, Greece, Bulgaria, Romania, Russia, Iran, Egypt, Lebanon, and Saudi Arabia.

[07] U.S. HUMANITARIAN AID TEAM IN TURKEY

The U.S. Istanbul Chief Consulate issued a written statement and said the team, comprised of the U.S. soldiers and civilians, has members who are experts on search-rescue, fire, infrastructure, non-governmental organizations, public health, communication, sea accidents and dangerous items.

It was reported that visit of the humanitarian aid team to Turkey is the first stage of a long-term project foreseeing providing of disaster preparation training, and equipment. It was also reported that with the project, they aimed at helping Turkish officials to prevent loss of life and property while getting prepared to the disasters.

The statement also said EUCOM's emergency/disaster training and aid program was a part of the ''belief of the U.S. government in Turkey and to the benefit of Turkish people.''

The statement said aid of EUCOM to Turkey in 2000-2001 years include donation of installation, and equipment to regions in Istanbul, Kocaeli, Ankara, Gaziantep, Diyarbakir, Batman, Hakkari and Van.

[08] CONTACTS OF FOREIGN TRADE DELEGATION

Tuzmen visited Sheikh Hummaid Bin Ahmad Al Mualla, the UAE Planning Minister. Speaking at the meeting, Tuzmen said there were the effects of the Gulf War for Turkey's lateness to enter this market.

Tuzmen said, ''we are late but those are well-timed efforts,'' noting that they continued contacts with Iran, Iraq, Syria, UAE, and Kuwait to improve exportation.

''Businessmen should attribute further importance to cooperation. They expect the Turkish constructors to come to those countries. We should fill the gap. They attribute importance to Turkey,'' Tuzmen said.

Sheikh Hummaid Bin Ahmad Al Mualla, the UAE planning minister, said they were willing to improve relations with Turkey, noting that there was no problem in improving cooperation with Turkey. Stressing that cooperation committees should be set up under the leadership of foreign and state ministries, the minister said the businessmen who look for guarantee to their money, can use that money in Turkey. He said they should lift bureaucratic proceedings.

Al Mualla said Turkey was late in investments, yet noted that the rest would be important. He said the gap would be filled in close cooperation, noting that they expect the Turkish contructors in their country.

Mohammed Jossem Al Mezaki, the UAE economy and trade ministry undersecretary, pointed out that the existing potential was less, and that it should be increased.

[09] STATE MINISTER GUREL SAYS HIS CONTACTS IN U.S. WERE BENEFICIAL

Gurel, who held contacts in Florida state of the U.S., returned to Turkey.

State Minister Gurel told reporters at the Ataturk Airport that his contacts in Florida were intensified on three main issues.

Gurel said that Turkey and Florida have both the connections and the geographical situation to open doors in their region.

''Our starting contacts with Florida will enable improvement of commercial relations and opening to South America,'' Gurel said.

Gurel noted that a trade delegation from Florida will come to Turkey soon.

''The resolution on the so-called genocide on the Armenians is brought into agenda in not only federal level, but also in the level of states in the U.S. We told the decision-making organs in Florida, where this resolution is not currently on the agenda, that such resolution is an element which can damage the Turkish-U.S. relations. We told them that they should contact with us if such a resolution is brought to the agenda. I think we have gained positive results in this issue,'' Gurel said.

Gurel continued, ''we also held contacts with our citizens in Florida and the Turkish students having education in the American universities. We held meetings to enable these people to have a continuous communication with each other and to ensure these people who have become indispensable individuals in the society they are living, to work in line with Turkey's interests.''

Reminding the reporters that he gave a conference in South Florida University, Gurel said, ''our contacts in these fields were beneficial. We will continue to take the pulse of that place through our citizens living there.''

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