Anadolu Agency: News in English, 01-04-13

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ANADOLU AGENCY

NEWS

13 APRİL 2001 Friday

CONTENTS

[01] TURKEY-PRESS SCAN

[02] TURKISH CULTURE FESTIVAL TO BE HELD IN NEW YORK

[03] TOTAL DEPOSITS AT BANKS INCREASE TO 78 QUADRILLION TL

[04] PARLIAMENT SPEAKER IZGI:

[05] ECONOMIC PROGRAM TO BE ANNOUNCED ON SATURDAY

[06] TRNC PRESIDENT DENKTAS MEETS WITH HEALTH MINISTER DURMUS

[07] NUMBER OF PEOPLE WHO VISIT TURKEY IN FEBRUARY INCREASES BY 13.5 PERCENT

[08] BILKENT SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA TO PARTICIPATE IN

[09] JAPANESE DELEGATION TO VISIT TURKEY TO DISCUSS FINANCIAL SECTOR LOAN

[10] JONES,U.S. STATE DEPARTMENT'S SPECIAL ADVISOR FOR CASPIAN

[01] TURKEY-PRESS SCAN

HURRIYET (LIBERAL)

DERVIS WILL ANNOUNCE THE PROGRAM AND LEADERS WILL SUPPORT IT
The government decided to announce the economic program in two stages. State Minister Kemal Dervis will tomorrow announce the targets of the program. The program on the finances will be announced next week. Following the announcement of the economic program the leaders of the coalition will stage a press conference to demonstrate their support for the economic program. The leaders will announce that their groups in the parliament will exert the utmost effort to support the program.

MILLIYET (LIBERAL)

BAHCELI REJECTS CALLS FOR REVISION IN GOVERNMENT
State Minister and Deputy Prime Minister Devlet Bahceli, the leader of the Nationalist Movement Party (MHP), said, ''if the government lost people's confidence due to economic crisis, we should all quit. Responsibility of government is a whole. It is not correct to make revision in government by accusing several people.''

SABAH (LIBERAL)

ECONOMIC PROGRAM TO BE DISCLOSED TOMORROW
State Minister Kemal Dervis together with Finance Minister Sumer Oral and State Minister Tunca Toskay will disclose the new economic program to the public opinion on Saturday. Later, leaders of three political parties forming the coalition government will address the press members and say that they would fully support the program.

CUMHURIYET (LEFT)

LABOR PLATFORM REACTS DECISION OF GOVERNORS TO BAN DEMONSTRATIONS
The Labor Platform announced that it wouldn't abide by the decision of Ankara Governorship, which banned all kinds of demonstrations in Ankara for a month, and announced that they would stage demonstrations on April 14. Kaya Guvenc, the term spokeman of the platform, said consents, which were previously given for demonstrations in other 10 provinces, were all cancelled, and added they would stage the demonstrations despite the ban of the governors. ''The decisions taken are political and aims at hampering the activities of the Labor Platform,'' added Guvenc.

RADIKAL (LEFT)

GREEK FOREIGN MINISTER PAPANDREOU. ''TURKEY HAS BECOME OUR PARTNER''
The Greek government is pleased with the decision of the Turkish military to suspend three military tenders amounting up to 19.5 billion U.S. dollars within the framework savings measures. Greek Foreign Minister George Papandreou said this decision would contribute to the improvement in relations of both countries and added that this decision also carried importance for the Turkish people who currently have economic problems. Papandreou said he also met with State Minister Kemal Dervis during his official contacts in Turkey last week, adding that Dervis didn't request any loans from Greece during their meetings. I conveyed information about the Turkish economy to the European Union (EU) and requested from the EU to support Turkey, said Papandreou and added Turkey has become the partner of Greece since it is also the candidate of the EU.

TURKIYE (RIGHT)

INVESTIGATION LAUNCHED IN WEDNESDEY'S DEMONSTRATION
Representatives of almost of illegal organizations participated in Wednesday's rally of tradesmen. Nine of the detainees confessed that they were members of DSIP, the Revolutionary People's Liberation Party-Front (DHKP-C), TKML Conference Group, Turkey Communist Workers' Party (TKIP), Muslim Youth and terrorist organization PKK.

ERCEL IN TROUBLE
Prime Minister Bulent Ecevit permitted Sabih Kanadoglu, the Chief Prosecutor of Supreme Court, to launch an investigation into allegations about Gazi Ercel, the former Governor of Central Bank.

ZAMAN (CONSERVATIVE)

DOMESTIC DEFENSE INDUSTRY UNDERGOES DIFFICULT PERIOD
The domestic defense industry, which started to flourish in the previous years, is currently undergoing a very difficult period due to the economic crisis in the country. Officials said the number of the people working at the sector had reduced to 13 thousand from 21,600. Sources said the decision of the General Staff to limit the defense expenditures would be another burden for the defense industry.

[02] TURKISH CULTURE FESTIVAL TO BE HELD IN NEW YORK

The traditional Turkish Day March will be held on May 19.

The Turkish Day March will again be held at Madison Avenue this year and many Turkish people living in and around New York will attend the march. Various activities will be held at the Dag Hammarskjold Park following the march.

Turkish Children Festivities, which will be held within the framework of 23 April National Sovereignty and Child Festival, will be one of the most important activities, which is organized by the Federation of Turkish American Associations (TADF).

The calligraphy exhibition of Ilkiz Tabak; the theatre play regarding the life of Latife Hanim, wife of Mustafa Kemal Ataturk, the founder of modern Turkey; and the leadership conference, which is organized by the TADF and the Assembly of Turkish American Associations (ATAA), are among the activities which will be held within the framework of the festival.

Many other concerts, conferences, theather plays, and exhibitions will be held throughout the festival.

-SENATORS CALL ON U.S. PRESIDENT BUSH TO SUPPORT TURKEY
WASHINGTON D.C., April 12 (A.A) - A total of 11 senators from the U.S. Congress sent a letter to U.S. President George W. Bush, and called on him to support Turkey's efforts to reach an economic stability and to become a full member of the European Union (EU).

Senators including Gordon Smith, Mary Landrieu, Richard Lugar, Richard Shelby, John Chafee and Robert Byrd sent a letter to U.S. President Bush.

In their letter, they said, ''during this period of economic crisis in Turkey, we endorse the support and friendship you have personally expressed to Ankara. The United States has both moral and strategic interests in assisting Turkey's efforts to move decisively forward with its plan for political and economic modernization.''

The letter stressed, ''we applaud the G-7's endorsement of Turkey's recently announced plan for economic reform which, in our assessment, provides an appropriate plan on reducing inflation and establishing of sound fiscal and monetary policies. We urge you to continue the support your administration is providing Ankara's efforts to reestablish a cooperative relationship with the International Monetary Fund (IMF).''

''During your discussions with Turkish officials, we ask you and your administration to share our appreciation for the U.S.-Turkey partnership, our support to the Turkish government's efforts to stabilize its economy, and our erdorsement of Turkey's aspiration to become a full member of the EU,'' it said.

Recalling that the Turkish parliament had repeatedly extended the mandate for Operation Northern Watch, the letter said, ''the air forces of the United States and the United Kingdom operate out of Turkey's Incirlik Air Base to enforce the no-fly zone over Iraq. Turkish troops stand shoulder to shoulder with American forces keeping the peace in the Balkans and the Kosovo conflict. Turkey provided refuge to thousands of Kosovar Albanians fleeing the atrocities of the Milosevic regime. Turkey has been a crucial partner in the effort to assist the new states in the Caucasus and Central Asia consolidate and secure their independence, develop their economies and accelerate their democratic reforms.''

[03] TOTAL DEPOSITS AT BANKS INCREASE TO 78 QUADRILLION TL

The Central Bank data shows that the total deposit which was 75 quadrillion 230.7 trillion TL on March 23, increased to 78 quadrillion 600 trillion TL on March 30.

When the inter-banks deposits are not considered, the total deposit, which was 68 quadrillion 813.2 trillion TL on March 23, increased 2 quadrillion 704.8 trillion TL to 71 quadrillion 518 trillion TL on March 30.

The total TL deposit increased 883 trillion TL to 36 quadrillion 813.2 trillion TL on March 30. The total TL deposit was 35 quadrillion 930.2 trillion on March 23.

As of March 30, the total TL deposit was composed of 19 quadrillion 805.2 trillion TL deposits at public banks, 16 quadrillion 238.6 trillion TL of deposits at private deposit banks and 669.5 trillion TL of deposits at foreign banks.

The foreign exchange accounts at banks increased 1 quadrillion 821.8 trillion TL to 34 quadrillion 704.7 trillion TL on March 30.

-MIDDLE EAST EXPERT DJEREJIAN:
-''TURKEY CAN MAKE IMPORTANT CONTRIBUTIONS
TO MIDDLE EAST PEACE PROCESS''
WASHINGTON D.C., April 13 (A.A) - Edward Djerejian, the director of the James Baker Institute of the American Rice University and expert on Middle East said on Friday that Turkey could make very important regional contributions in the Middle East peace process.

Djerejian assessed the developments in the Middle East in a press conference held for the foreign journalists in the U.S.

Upon a question, Djerejian said Turkey had an important role in the peace process, especially in the Arab-Israel process.

Noting that he thought that the biggest contribution of Turkey would be to strengthen various elements of the regional peace, Djerejian said this could be done with the water issue which has a critical importance in the region, noting that Euphrates and Tigris rivers spring from Turkey.

Djerejian recalled that Turkish government had previously proposed to set up of a peace pipeline which would pass through Syria, Israel, Lebanon, Jordan, and Palestine and which could be even extended to Saudi Arabia in the future, adding that Turkey could play an important role in the strengthening of peace in the region from this critical aspect.

-MEZARCI TRANSFERRED TO BANDIRMA PRISON
EDIRNE, April 13 (A.A) - Hasan Mezarci, the former deputy of the outlawed Welfare Party (RP) was transferred to prison in Bandirma township of northwestern province of Balikesir from Ipsala Prison in Edirne on Friday.

Mezarci returned to Turkey on Monday after living in Germany for three years.

He was arrested by the court due to crimes he committed before leaving for Germany.

-GENERAL STAFF CONDEMNS FP DEPUTY SOBACI'S BASELESS
ACCUSATIONS AGAINST TURKISH ARMED FORCES
ANKARA, April 13 (A.A) - The General Staff condemned harshly baseless accusations of Bekir Sobaci, a deputy of the Virtue Party (FP) from Tokat, against the Turkish Armed Forces.

Releasing a statement, the General Staff said on Friday, ''Bekir Sobaci, a deputy of the FP from Tokat, delivered a speect at the parliament on April 12. He attempted to compare the Turkish Armed Forces with armies of anti- democratic countries although it has nothing to do with the issue. He used unappropriate words. He overstepped the limits by insults like 'ignobles coming from bad stock'. The Turkish Armed Forces condemn harshly such vulgar and baseless accusations against itself. Great Turkish nation will assess attitudes of such people during a period in which Turkey needs more peace and stability.''

The General Staff stressed that necessary initiatives had been launched to start legal procedures about Sobaci.

-SYMPOSIUM ON ''TURKISH-ARMENIAN RELATIONS'' STARTS AT PARLIAMENT
-PRESIDENT SEZER SENDS A MESSAGE TO SYMPOSIUM
ANKARA, April 13 (A.A) - Symposium organized by the Union of Turkish Parliamentarians on ''Turkish-Armenian Relations Throughout History'' started at the parliament on Friday.

President Ahmet Necdet Sezer sent a message to the symposium.

In his message, President Sezer said, ''the symposium brings together leading scientists, experts and researchers during a period in which allegations on so-called genocide on Armenians were brought onto agenda in the international level as a result of extreme Armenian groups' activities of propoganda. I believe that the symposium would make an important contribution to efforts to enlight the Turkish and foreign public opinion about historical facts. Scientific meetings will give the best response to efforts of some circles having prejudices, to use the history for their owh political purposes by distorting Turkish-Armenian relations. I hope that the symposium in which Turkish-Armenian relations will be taken up in detail, would be successful.''

Politicians and scientists are in attendance at the symposium.

[04] PARLIAMENT SPEAKER IZGI:

Responding to questions of journalists, Izgi said, ''I could not examine the minutes yet. I will examine them today.''

[05] ECONOMIC PROGRAM TO BE ANNOUNCED ON SATURDAY

Treasury undersecretary Faik Oztrak and Central Bank governor Sureyya Serdengecti will also attend the meeting that will take place in treasury undersecretariat.

It was reported that general targets of the economic program will be revealed on Saturday, and section of the program, which is toward the finance, will be clarified afterwards.

Details of the economic program is expected to be determined following the meeting of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) Executive Directors meeting that is planned to take place in May.

Various figures were prepared proportional to the amount of foreign financial source.

According to general target, inflation of the 2001 is foreseen around 50 percent. It is estimated that the primary surplus will be above 5.5 percent of the Gross National Product.

Rate of growth is foreseen as 1 percent with the best probability and (-3) with the worst probability, according to the increase in importation and the foreign source that will come.

No deficit is expected in current proceedings as rate of importation decreases.

Meanwhile, it was reported that exportation is expected to be realized around 30 billion U.S. dollars, and importation is expected to be realized around 40 billion U.S. dollars. The difference is reported to be overcome with the 10 billion U.S. dollars that is expected to come from tourism.

[06] TRNC PRESIDENT DENKTAS MEETS WITH HEALTH MINISTER DURMUS

Denktas, who spoke to reporters before the meeting, pointed out that there is cooperation between Turkey and the TRNC in the field of health, noting that the health ministry expended support to TRNC in every issue.

Pointing out that hospitals in Turkey gave services to the Turkish Cypriot people, Denktas said the health ministry helped them to overcome the difficulties they met.

Denktas said investors in the TRNC could make trade only over Turkey, noting that, ''we want customs difficulties and bureaucratic obstacles to be lifted.''

Denktas said some agreements were signed in high level to overcome the obstacles, noting that some amendments should be made to several laws in implementation of them.

Meanwhile, health minister Durmus, when recalled that news reports appeared in Turkish media regarding illegal blood importation, pointed out that such an incident was out of question.

Durmus said they were not moderate toward entrance of British origin products to Turkey after the eruption of mad cow disease in Britain.

Durmus said, ''every product, which gets approval from the TRNC laboratories and permission from the health ministry, may enter to Turkey easily.''

[07] NUMBER OF PEOPLE WHO VISIT TURKEY IN FEBRUARY INCREASES BY 13.5 PERCENT

The number of the people who visited Turkey in February last year was 345 thousand 486.

A total of 761 thousand 678 people came to Turkey in the first two months of the year and the number of people visiting Turkey increased by 10.6 percent in 2001 when compared to the same months of previous year. This number was 688 thousand 401 last year.

Officials said 69.8 percent of the visitors who came to Turkey in February preferred airlines, while 27.8 percent of them came to Turkey by motorway. 1.9 percent of the visitors used maritime, and 0.5 percent of visitors preffered railways.

When the number of visitors who came to Turkey between January and February is considered, 67.8 of the visitors came to Turkey by airlines while 29.1 of them preferred motorway. The percentage of the visitors who came to Turkey by maritime is 2.6 and the percentage of visitors who came to Turkey by railways is 0.5 in the same period.

Visitors from OECD countries (Europe) constituted 42.5 percent of the visitors, visitors from the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) constituted the 18 percent of the visitors who came to Turkey between January-February.

Visitors from other European countries constituted 16.4 percent, and visitors from Asia constituted 14.2 percent of the visitors during the same period.

The percentage of the visitors from other OECD countries is 5.8, while the percentage of visitors from Africa is 2.5.

The percentage of visitors from America continent is 0.5 among the visitors who came to Turkey in January-February period.

[08] BILKENT SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA TO PARTICIPATE IN

The festival committee said after they listened to many orchestra records, they preferred Bilkent Symhony Orchestra because of its high artistic quality and unique identity.

Bilkent Symphony Orchestra will also give a special concert on April 17. Pieces from Rachmaninoff, Gershwin and Berstein will be played in the concert. Bilkent Chamber Orchestra will also give a concert on April 14 in Brussels.

Erol Erdinc, the dean of the Bilkent University Music and Performing Arts Faculty, said their concert in Portugal in December 2000 was praised by many people and added they were very honored of being invited to such an important festival.

[09] JAPANESE DELEGATION TO VISIT TURKEY TO DISCUSS FINANCIAL SECTOR LOAN

It was stated that the JBIC officials will provide financial support following their contacts in Turkey and their contacts with the World Bank.

Officials told A.A. correspondent that JBIC will commit to grant a co- finance loan of at least 750 million U.S. dollars to Turkey in line with the Financial Sector Adjustment Loan (FSAL), which is planned to be given by the World Bank to Turkey.

Officials said the FSAL 1 and FSAL 2, which is included in Country Assistance Strategies (CAS) loan worth of five billion U.S. dollars, included a loan of 1.5 billion U.S. dollars, and added that 375 million U.S. dollars of FSAL 1 had been used.

Officials added that Japan will probably increase the amount of the loan for the fiancial sector to 1.5 billion U.S. dollars by considering the attitude of the World Bank.

It was stated that the World Bank could provide facilities in use of loan worth of five billion U.S. dollars, which will be given to Turkey in three years time within the framework of CAS, and may free high amount of this loan in four-five months time.

G-7 countries are also expected to give financial contribution to the economic program, following its approval at the Executive Board meeting of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) in May.

Loans amounting up to six or eight billion U.S. dollars could be obtained from the G-7 countries either directly from the countries or via the banks, officials added.

Amount of loans which will be obtained from the European Union (EU) Investment Bank could also increase, said officials and added that the bank could grant a project loan worth of 450 million U.S. dollars to Turkey this year.

The IMF is also expected to free the loan of 6.25 billion U.S. dollars earlier than planned.

[10] JONES,U.S. STATE DEPARTMENT'S SPECIAL ADVISOR FOR CASPIAN

Ambassador Jones answered the questions of the journalists from Almaty, Tbilisi, Baku and Ankara at the U.S. Embassy in Ankara through tele- conference system.

Jones said nothing had changed in the policies of the U.S. regarding the BTC project, following Bush's taking over the U.S. presidency.

Upon the questions of journalists, Jones said the Turkish straits were open to the passage of the commercial vessels under the Montreux Treaty and added Turkey wouldn't be able to prevent the vessels to pass through the straits.

However, added Jones, the nature could prevent the passage of the vessels.

Jones noted the U.S. administration supported the BTC project, which will transfer the Caspian oil to the western markets, due to the environmental impacts and as the number of the tankers which will pass through the straits is very limited.

Noting that they didn't think that the economic crisis in Turkey would negatively affect the BTC project, Jones said Turkey would overcome the crisis soon with the measures taken by the government.

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