Anadolu Agency: News in English, 01-04-28

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ANADOLU AGENCY

NEWS

28 APRİL 2001 Saturday

HURRIYET (LIBERAL)

Energy and Natural Resources Minister Cumhur Ersumer resigned after the indictment about an investigation into allegations of corruption in energy tenders was revealed. He requested lifting of his political immunity. Ersumer harsly criticized the press, the experts and the prosecutor who prepared the indictment. Prime Minister Bulent Ecevit accepted resignation of Ersumer who told him that his conscience was clear. Ersumer's resignation prevented another crisis. Meanwhile, good news from State Minister Kemal Dervis relieved the economy.

IMPORTANT DECISION TAKEN AT MEETING OF COALITION PARTNERS

Leaders of three political parties forming the coalition government held a meeting yesterday. Prime Minister Bulent Ecevit, State Minister and Deputy Prime Minister Devlet Bahceli and State Minister and Deputy Prime Minister Mesut Yilmaz have agreed to make a revision in the cabinet. They have also reached a full consensus of opinion to reduce number of ministers.

IMF WARNS TURKEY AGAINST CORRUPTION

The U.S. administration warned Turkey that it would not give any more assistance if the new economic program fails. Meanwhile, Managing Director of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) Horst Kohler stressed that the new program aimed at separating economy from politics, and at struggle against corruption.

MILLIYET (LIBERAL)

State Minister and Deputy Prime Minister Mesut Yilmaz, the leader of the Motherland Party (ANAP), bargained for his former Energy and Natural Resources Minister Cumhur Ersumer. During the meeting of coalition partners, Yilmaz said, ''what was done to Ersumer is nothing but a political lynching. We do not object to Ersumer's resignation. But we should be careful to prevent our ministers from experiencing same things as Ersumer.'' Later, the coalition partners have reached a full consensus of opinion to reject interrogation motions against Ersumer. According to their decision, Ersumer will not be tried.

SECURITY FORCES SEIZE TWO MISSILES OF ILLEGAL TIKKO

Acting on testimonies of two terrorists who were captured in Istanbul three days ago, security forces launched an operation into a house belonged to the illegal Turkish Workers and Peasant Liberation Army (TIKKO) yesterday. They seized two guided missiles, a loading ramp, a rocket-launcher and hand grenades. Terrorists were planning to shoot police helicopters with the missiles on May 1.

CAGLAR HANDED OVER TO TURKISH SECURITY FORCES

Cavit Caglar, former state minister and businessman who was arrested in the U.S., was handed over to two officials from the Turkish Interpol at New York's JFK Airport. Caglar was brought to the airport by an armoured vehicle. He was handcuffed. Airplane carrying Caglar is expected to land at Istanbul's Ataturk Airport at about 10:30 a.m.

SABAH (LIBERAL)

Gurbuz Capan, the former Mayor of Esenyurt district of Istanbul who has been accused of corruption, was arrested by Istanbul State Security Court (DGM). Later, he was sent to Kartal Prison. Capan claimed that he was innocent.

IMF TO PROVIDE 10 BILLION U.S. DOLLARS OF SUPPLEMENTARY FINANCIAL AID

International Monetary Fund (IMF) Managing Director Horst Kohler said that the IMF was ready to extend a supplementary financial aid to Turkey worth of approximately 10 billion U.S dollars. Staging a press briefing at the opening of the spring term meetings of the IMF and World Bank, Kohler said that the studies on the details of the financial plan should be completed. Kohler added that the IMF extended full support to the economic program presented by the Turkish government.

CUMHURIYET (LEFT)

International Music Festival will start in Ankara today. The Borusan Philharmonic Orchestra conducted by Gurer Aykal, will play the Ninth Symphony of Beethoven. Despite current economic crisis, the festival will host Turkish and foreign musicians.

CAPAN DISMISSED

Gurbuz Capan, the former Mayor of Esenyurt district of Istanbul, was arrested by the Istanbul State Security Court (DGM). Capan returned to Turkey from Germany after allegations about corruption in public works in Esenyurt. The Interior Ministry removed him from office till the court announces its verdict about Capan.

RADIKAL (LEFT)

Sema Piskinsut, a deputy of the Democratic Left Party (DSP) from western Aydin province, ran her candidacy for DSP leadership. Staging a press conference, Piskinsut said that she was aware that the country is undergoing a troublesome period and that democracy was the way to overcome the problems.

Piskinsut expressed belief that using democratic rights will facilititate the solution of the problems. Piskinsut noted that they want to be hopeful for the future and a change. ''Turkey is a big country. It can overcome the current problems. The DSP undertakes important duties in overcoming these problems. To this end, the DSP has to be democratic, leftist party in real sense. I believe we can provide this,'' Piskinsut said.

SUMMIT MEETING OF TURKISH SPEAKING COUNTRIES ENDS

The Seventh Summit Meeting of Turkish Speaking Countries in Istanbul ended. Presidents of Turkey, Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan and Turkmenistan and Parliament Speaker of Uzbekistan were in attendance at the summit meeting. ''Istanbul Statement,'' was signed at the end of the summit meeting. The document noted that integration of Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgzstan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan, all of which celebrated 10th anniversary of their independence, with the world was provided with important political, economic, social, and legal reforms.

TURKIYE (RIGHT)

Energy and Natural Resources Minister Cumhur Ersumer who said that he had encountered wrong accusations and harsh criticisms of the opposition due to the indictment about investigation into energy corruptions resigned from his ministerial post. Staging a press conference after leaders' summit meeting, Ersumer said that baseless accusations had been put forward against him. Ersumer said, ''any accusation about the bribery at the Turkish Electricity Production and Transmission Corp (TEAS) was not put forward against me. I show understanding toward the enmity of civil servants I punished and removed from office. I won't hide myself behind the political immunity shield. I am now resigning but I will come back.'' Meanwhile, Prime Minister Bulent Ecevit said that Ersumer's resignation was accepted.

IMF DOPING

State Minister Kemal Dervis gave a piece of good news saying that the IMF would extend 14 billion U.S. dollars of supplementary loan to Turkey, and as a result of this good news, the stock exchange index increased sharply and reached 12,363 points while foreign exchange and interest rates reduced.

USD 10 BILLION BECOMES DEFINITE

IMF Managinf Director Horst Kohler said that they were ready to give nearly 10 billion U.S. dollars of supplementary loan to Turkey.

THY INCREASES FLIGHT FEES

Tukrish Airlines (THY) which gained the freedom to increase flight prices after the Civil Aviation Law was passed from the parliament, increased the domestic flights prices by 34 percent as of April 30.

FOREIGN TRADE ON TRACK

Total exports was 2 billion 375.4 million U.S. dollars and total imports was 3 billion 448.8 million U.S. dollars in February. When compared to figures in February of 2000, exports rose 5 percent while imports reduced 12.3 percent.

SISTER SUPPORT TO AZERBAIJAN

The final communique, ''Istanbul Statement'', which was released at the end of the Seventh Summit Meetings of Heads of State of Turkish Speaking Countries and read out by President Ahmet Necdet Sezer, stressed the importance of utilization of natural resources of sister countries. The statement said that heads of sister countries were in full consensus of opinion that the OSCE and U.N. decisions should be abided in the dispute between Azerbaijan and Armenia.

TUSIAD INSISTS ON REVISION

Association of Turkish Industrialists and Businessmen (TUSIAD) Chairman Tuncay Ozilhan said that change in the government would create loss of source. He said, ''we want revision in the government and we want them to relieve us. We don't want the collapse of the government.''

ZAMAN (CONSERVATIVE)

At the summit meeting of leaders of the political parties forming the coalition government, Mesut Yilmaz of the Motherland Party (ANAP) said, ''Energy and Natural Resources Minister Cumhur Ersumer is innocent. We should change his post with a revision.'' When Devlet Bahceli of the Nationalist Movement Party (MHP) said, ''no, this is not possible. I can't explain this to my parliamentary group,'' Yilmaz submitted Ersumer's resignation to Prime Minister Bulent Ecevit, and Ecevit said, ''this is the most appropriate thing.'' Later, Yilmaz persuaded Ecevit and Bahceli in return for Ersumer's resignation. These three leaders reached an agreement in principle to form a cabinet comprising 24 ministers following the Democratic Left Party's (DSP) Congress and arrival of State Minister Kemal Dervis from the U.S.

SUPPLEMENTARY LOAN TO BE GIVEN TO BANKS

Turkey prepared a 30-page letter of intent for its 18th stand-by deal with the IMF. This letter of intent focuses on the methods to meet duty losses of public banks and banks which were transferred to the Fund and reduce domestic borrowing. It stresses that spending priority of the 14 billion U.S. dollars of external support would be given to the banking system.

LEADERS AGREE TO CONTINUE COOPERATION

Leaders expressed their will to continue cooperation in the final statement of the Seventh Summit Meeting of Heads of States of Turkish Speaking Countries. President Saparmurad Turkmenbasi of Turkmenistan once again criticized Cumhur Ersumer who preferred the Blue Stream project instead of Turkmen natural gas.

-STATE MINISTER DERVIS MEETS BRITISH SECRETARY FOR TREASURY BROWN

WASHINGTON D.C. - State Minister Kemal Dervis for Economy met early on Saturday British Secretary for Treasury Gordon Brown.

The meeting lasted for almost one hour.

Dervis who did not make a statement on his contacts in Washington D.C. will stage a press conference at the Turkish Embassy in Washington D.C. the same day.

-AIRPLANE CARRYING CAGLAR LANDS AT ISTANBUL'S ATATURK AIRPORT

ISTANBUL - Cavit Caglar, former state minister and businessman who was deported from the U.S., was brought to Turkey on Saturday by a special team.

Airplane carrying Caglar landed at Istanbul's Ataturk Airport at 10:04 a.m.

Caglar was arrested in his absentia within scope of investigations into

Etibank and Egebank.

-IMF BOARD TO APPROVE TURKEY'S NEW PROGRAM IN SECOND WEEK OF MAY

WASHINGTON D.C. - The International Monetary Fund (IMF) Board would take up and approve Turkey's new economic program in the second week of May, sources said on Saturday.

Speaking to the A.A correspondent, IMF sources said that Turkey's new program and letter of intent would be discussed at an IMF Board meeting between May 9 and 13.

Sources said that the program and financial package would be absolutely approved by the IMF Board and that the prior agreement on the program would be reached in the shortest time frame for the start of approval process.

Shortly after the approval of the new program in the second week of May, the first tranche of the 14.3 billion U.S. dollars of loan which was foreseen to be given to Turkey this year, will be extended.

-STATE MINISTER AND DEPUTY PRIME MINISTER YILMAZ:

-''EU'S ASSESSMENT ABOUT CYPRUS ISSUE TILL 2002 CAN

AFFECT TURKEY-EU RELATIONS''

ANKARA - State Minister and Deputy Prime Minister Mesut Yilmaz said on Friday, ''the European Union (EU) should make an assessment about Cyprus issue till 2002. This assassment will of course affect Turkey-EU relations. The same situation is also in question for the EU.''

In response to a motion submitted to the parliament by Veysel Candan, a deputy of the Virtue Party (FP) from Konya, Yilmaz said, ''the Greek Cypriot side and Turkey are in the same position in regard to the EU full membership. Although Turkey has not started full membership negotiations with the EU yet, the Greek Cypriot side is about to finalize the negotiations. Therefore, the Greek Cypriot side is in a more advanced position in the EU candidacy process than Turkey. On numerous occasions, Turkey told its interlocutors that the Greek Cypriot side's membership to the EU was contrary to the agreement signed in 1960. Turkey stressed that the Greek Cypriot side's membership to the EU would not make any contribution to peace and stability both in Cyprus and in the region. We will continue to expend efforts to this end.''

Yilmaz stressed, ''Turkey urged the EU about possible consequences of wrong steps taken on the issue of Cyprus.''

Noting that they did not consider the National Program a frame in which Turkey's attitude about Cyprus issue was discussed, Yilmaz said, ''earlier, we explained our views about the Cyprus issue to the whole world. In the Accession Partnership Accord, the EU said that it expected Turkey to support United Nations Secretary General Kofi Annan's good will mission. We responded to the EU's expectation in our National Program within this framework.''

Yilmaz added that cooperation between Turkey and the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus would continue in coming periods.

-FORMER STATE MINISTER CAGLAR BROUGHT TO ISTANBUL DGM

ISTANBUL - Cavit Caglar, former state minister and businessman who was deported from the U.S., was brought to Istanbul State Security Court (DGM) on Saturday under tight security measures.

Ercan Cengiz, the Prosecutor of Istanbul DGM who has been carrying out investigations into Etibank and Egebank, will interrogate Caglar.

Caglar is expected to be transferred to the DGM on duty to change two separate warrants of arrest in his absentia into warrants of arrest in his presence.

-HUCKABEE, GOVERNOR OF ARKANSAS, DECLARES APRIL 23

AS TURKISH CULTURE AND CHILDREN FESTIVAL DAY

WASHINGTON D.C. - Mike Huckabee, the Governor of Arkansas state of the U.S., declared April 23 as Turkish Culture and Children Festival Day.

Underlining importance of April 23 bestowed to children by Mustafa Kemal Ataturk, the Founder of modern and secular Republic of Turkey, Huckabee declared April 23 as the Turkish Culture and Children Festival Day in Arkansas.

Releasing a statement, Huckabee described Ataturk as a farsighted statesmen who was aware of importance of looking to the future instead of the past.

Stressing that Turkey was the only secular country in Islamic World, Mike Huckabee said that Turkey had made important contributions to foreign policy as a significant ally of the U.S.

Huckabee eulogized contributions of American citizens of Turkish origin living in Arkansas, to developments in the fields of education, culture and economy.

Meanwhile, Huckabee became the first U.S. governor referring to Turkish people who lost their lives at the end of the World War I.

Huckabee said that millions of citizens of the Ottoman Empire from different religious beliefs and ethnic backgrounds lost their lives at the end of the World War I because of intercommunal violence, migration, illness and starvation.

Huckabee declared April 24, 2001 as Memorial Day to Commemorate Tragedies of Turks and Armenians.

-PRIME MINISTER ECEVIT: ''REVISION IN THE CABINET IS OUT OF QUESTION''

ANKARA - Prime Minister Bulent Ecevit said on Saturday that any revision in the Council of Ministers was out of question.

Ecevit responded to questions of journalists following his visit to the Democratic Left Party (DSP) Headquarters prior to Sunday's DSP Congress.

When asked whether or not preparations and works on the congress had been finalized, Ecevit said, ''they are continuing. Everything goes well. There is not any problem.''

When asked whether or not a decision to send Energy and Natural Resources Minister Cumhur Ersumer to the High Tribunal had been taken, Ecevit said, ''we did not take any decision. I explained yesterday all of the decisions we took.''

When asked whether or not there would be a revision in the cabinet fifteen days later, Ecevit said, ''such a thing is out of question.''

-PREPARATIONS FOR ALMATY-ISTANBUL RAILWAY TRIAL JOURNEY REACH FINAL STAGE

ALMATY - Preparations for the trial journey through the Almaty-Istanbul railway which aims to revive the historical Silk Road were about to be finalized, sources said on Saturday.

Delegations from the Turkish, Azerbaijani, Iranian, Pakistani and Central Asian countries' railways discussed the operation of East-West and North- South railway routes in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan.

Delegations agreed to bring the railway transportation fees in the Central Asian and Caucasian countries to the same level.

At the meeting, it was announced that preparations for the trial journey through the Almaty-Tehran-Istanbul railway were about to be finalized.

Meanwhile, sources said that China and India were closely interested in the North-South route which would connect Russia to Pakistan via Kazakhstan and in the East-West route which would connect Almaty to Istanbul via Iran.

-ERDOGAN END HER DEATH FAST

MANISA - Zeynep Erdogan who has been fasting to death for 120 days after she was transferred from Canakkale Prison to Manisa Prison within scope of last year's intervention into prisons, ended her action on Saturday.

Erdogan was taken to the State Hospital in western province of Manisa a short while ago after her health condition became critical.

A total of four prisoners have been still fasting to death at the State Hospital in Manisa.

-INTERROGATION OF CAGLAR STARTS AT ISTANBUL DGM

ISTANBUL - Interrogation of Cavit Caglar, former state minister and businessman who was deported from the U.S., started at Istanbul State Security Court (DGM) on Saturday.

Ercan Cengiz, the Prosecutor of Istanbul DGM who has been carrying out investigations into Etibank and Egebank, is interrogating Caglar.

Meanwhile, a group of relatives of Caglar came to Istanbul DGM.

Tight security measures have been taken in and around the DGM building.

-A GROUP OF PEOPLE HOLD A DEMONSTRATION IN FRONT OF ISTANBUL DGM

TO PROTEST BUSINESSMEN WHO EMPTIED COFFERS OF BANKS

ISTANBUL - A group of people held a demonstration in front of Istanbul State Security Court (DGM) building on Saturday to protest businessmen who emptied coffers of banks.

After Cavit Caglar, former state minister and businessman, was brought to Istanbul DGM, a group of people gathered in front of the court building.

They chanted slogans against businessmen who emptied coffers of banks.

Security forces intervened in the group and detained three of them.

-DEATH FASTING PRISONER TUMRAN LOSES HER LIFE

ANKARA - Fatma Hulya Tumran, a death fasting prisoner staying at the Sincan F-Type Prison in Ankara lost her life on Saturday.

The body of Tumran who died at the Numune Hospital in Ankara was taken to the Kecioren Forensic Medicine.

-JUSTICE MINISTER TURK STAGES A PRESS CONFERENCE:

-''DEATH-FASTERS DO NOT HAVE ANY RIGHTFUL REASON''

LEFKOSA - Justice Minister Hikmet Sami Turk said on Saturday, ''those who have been fasting to death at prisons do not have any rightful reason. They have been continuing their action as the influence of some illegal organizations on prisons ended.''

Staging a press conference prior to his departure from Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC), Turk said, ''the illegal organization encouraging prisoners to fast to death, has some certain motives. Some of these organizations aim at closure of F type prisons which were built in accordance with the United Nations' minimum standards for prisons and the Council of Europe's rules for prisons. But they will not be content with closure of F type prisons. They also want annulment of Anti-Terrorism Law and dissolution of State Security Courts (DGMs). They have chosen an inhuman method to reach their targets. These organizations do not hesitate choosing some of their members as victims and sending them to death for their own purposes. We have done everything necessary to put an end to these actions, and will continue to do our utmost.''

Turk said, ''those who have been fasting to death at prisons do not have any rightful reason. They have been continuing their action as influence of some illegal organizations on prisons ended. Now, it is time to put an end to these actions. I am calling on them once again to end their actions.''

Noting that preparatory works were under way on draft laws aiming at improving conditions in prisons, Turk said, ''one of these drafts will allow prisoners to come together for educational, social, cultural and sportive activities. The draft envisaging amendment to Article 16 of the Anti-Terrorism Law was accepted by the Parliamentary Justice Commission. The draft will be debated by the parliament soon.''

Turk added, ''another draft permitting civilian supervision on prison conditions is on the agenda of the Parliamentary Justice Commission. Meanwhile, prisoners were allowed to hold telephone conversations with their relatives with a change in the regulations.''

-JUSTICE MINISTER TURK STAGES A PRESS CONFERENCE (2)

-''ISOLATION POLICY AGAINST TRNC SHOULD COME TO AN END''

LEFKOSA - Justice Minister Hikmet Sami Turk said on Saturday, ''the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) had been stuggling for its rightful case in the international platform. Turkey has always supported the TRNC's struggle.''

Staging a press conference prior to his departure from the TRNC, Turk said, ''the TRNC has been exposed to a blockade and isolation policy in the international platform. The TRNC did not deserve this. This isolation policy against the TRNC should come to an end.''

Recalling that both Turkey's and the Greek Cypriot side's European Union (EU) membership process has begun, Turk said, ''in accordance with the international laws, Cyprus can only become a member of organizations in which Turkey and Greece are also members. Cyprus should become a member of the EU without violating this international agreement. First of all, the Cyprus issue should be resolved. Turkey thinks that only a bizonal confederation based on equality of two sovereign states could bring peace to both Cyprus and the region. But all relevant sides should fulfil their responsibilities to reach a lasting peace. Wrong policies supporting and recognizing only the Greek Cypriot side made efforts to find a peaceful solution to Cyprus issue more difficult.''

''The TRNC has been exposed to unfair economic and political pressure. The isolation policy against the TRNC should come to an end. Both sides on the island should be given equal conditions for development. A new partnership should be formed under the umbrella of confederation,'' he stressed.

Responding to a question about lawsuits filed at the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) against Turkey, Turk said, ''nearly half of these lawsuits was filed by Greek Cypriots. In order to file a lawsuit at the ECHR, all legal remedies should be exhausted in that state. Also a state can only be responsible for actions in its sovereignty. These conditions are out of question in the lawsuits filed against Turkey by Greek Cypriots. We believe that the ECHR would realize this fact. Authorized organs of the Council of Europe should also realize this fact.''

Responding to a question about Loizidou case, Turk said, ''the ECHR took the decision with political reasons about application of Titina Loizidou, a Greek Cypriot citizen. The decision was totally wrong.''

Responding to another question, Turk said, ''as you know, Turkey has been accepted as a candidate to the EU at Helsinki Summit in 1999. Each country aiming at becoming a full member of the EU, has to adopt the EU acquisitions. Turkey has approved and put into practice its National Program a short while ago. Within framework of the National Program, Turkey should make new arrangements and adopt some laws. As the Justice Ministry, we have an important mission in this process. Constitutional amendments are among these changes. Turkey should adjust its judicial system with the EU's system. I do not think that we would have difficulties in doing this. The TRNC will become a member of the EU after Cyprus issue is resolved. Therefore, the TRNC should review its laws.''

Later, Turk and accompanying delegation left the TRNC for Turkey.

-21 MEMBERS OF TERRORIST ORGANIZATION PKK CAPTURED IN DIYARBAKIR

DIYARBAKIR - Security forces captured 21 members of the terrorist organization PKK in southeastern province of Diyarbakir.

Officials at the Provincial Directorate of Security in Diyarbakir told the A.A correspondent on Saturday, ''operations are under way in Diyarbakir against the terrorist organization PKK. In these operations, 21 people who have been setting up committees and expending efforts to spread organizational activities with the aim of founding a separate state by destroying Republic of Turkey, were detained.''

Security forces seized two computers, a photocopier and a number of banned documents in the operation.

The detainees will be transferred to Diyarbakir State Security Court (DGM) Chief Prosecutor's Office after their interrogation is concluded at Security Department.

-FOREIGN MINISTER CEM SPEAKS TO JOURNALISTS IN MOSCOW

-CEM THINKS RUSSIA'S PROBLEM REGARDING SWISSHOTEL SIEGE IS BEING OVERCOME

MOSCOW - Foreign Minister Ismail Cem who held a bilateral meeting with his Russian counterpart Igor Ivanov in Moscow where he came to attend the meeting of Black Sea Economic Cooperation (BSEC) Foreign Ministers said on Saturday that he thought Russia's annoyance due to Swisshotel siege was being overcome.

Speaking to Turkish journalists at the Residence of the Turkish Ambassador to Russia prior to his departure from Moscow, Cem said that this hotel siege seriously upset and worried the Russian side, adding that as a result of his contacts and statements, the Russian side started to overcome this distress.

Noting that Turkey was a country which suffered a lot from terrorism, it was impossible for Ankara to show tolerance toward terrorist attacks and this situation was realized by the Russian side, Cem said that the important thing was that the two countries should not be affected by such incidents and that they should solve these issues by taking them up seriously.

Stressing that both sides were aware that their concrete and sound relations couldn't be destroyed by such terrorist attacks, Cem said that he had conveyed his opinions to his Russian counterpart Ivanov about news and articles published in the Russian press, which were about issues like ''activities of Turkish spies in Russia'' which had started before the hotel siege and could be defined as anti-Turkey campaign.

Cem said that Turkey thought that some circles in the regional and surrounding countries, which did not want any further close relations between Turkey and Russia, might be the sources of such campaigns.

Sources said that the region covering Turkey, Russia and the Middle East was considered a geography where the interests naturally came forefront but the main problem was the prevention of such greatest cooperations as the one between Turkey and Russia with such press campaigns.

Cem told Turkish journalists that he thought that his yesterday's meeting with Ivanov strengthened settlement of this point of view in Turkey-Russia relations but the real consequences would be observed in the course of time.

Cem said that Turkey and Russia had the intention to make joint assessment to reflect their relations in a more broad geography.

Cem stated that although there was a general opinion that Turkey's policies toward Caspian and Middle Eastern regions ran counter to those of Russia, this issue would be directed toward a positive dimension during Ivanov's visit to Turkey in June.

Cem said that many problems and issues would be reviewed and reflection of cooperation between Turkey and Russia in a more broad geography would be discussed during Ivanov's visit to Turkey.

Stressing that Turkey and Russia were two biggest civilizations which had been competed against each other throughout the history and brought to this competition into armed clashes from time to time, Cem said that this competition would continue also in the future but it would be carried out within a ''friendly and peaceful'' atmosphere.

-SPORTS-SOCCER

-EUROPEAN U-16 CHAMPIONSHIP QUARTER FINALS

-TURKEY TO TAKE ON CROATIA

LONDON - Turkey reached the quarter-finals of the UEFA European Under-16 Championship when they beat Poland 2-1 to finish top of Group B.

In the last eight, they will meet Croatia at 20:30 hours Turkish local time on April 30.

Schedules for quarter-finals:

Sunday, April 29:

Spain v Italy

Britain v Germany

Monday, April 30:

Turkey v Croatia

France v Russia

If Turkey beats Croatia, they will meet with the winners of the Britain- Germany game in the semi-final on Thursday, May 3.

-EBSO DELEGATION IN EGYPT

CAIRO - A delegation from the Aegean Region Chamber of Industry (EBSO) paid a visit on Saturday to Halit Ebu Ismail, the Chairman of Egyptian Chambers of Commerce.

Responding to questions of journalists following the meeting, Atil Akkan, the Chairman of Executive Board of EBSO, said that they had started relations which would enable Turkish businessmen to invest in Egypt.

Noting that an Egyptian delegation was expected to come to Turkey by the end of the year, Akkan said, ''we requested Egyptian Airlines to start direct flights between Izmir and Cairo. In accordance with a convention among Arab countries, Turkish businessmen who will invest in Egypt, will be able to sell their goods to all Arab countries without customs.''

Akkan said that they would set up an ''Egypt Desk'' within structure of the EBSO.

Meanwhile, Ismail said in his part that the Egyptian Chambers of Commerce had been representing 3.5 million tradesmen and industrialists in Egypt.

Noting that trade volume between Turkey and Egypt was 590 million U.S. dollars in 2000, Ismail said, ''if Turkish businessmen invest in Egypt, they will be able to sell their products to neighboring countries without customs for the next ten years. We also provide free land to those who will invest in Egypt. We will do our utmost to improve commercial relations between Turkey and Egypt.''

The delegation is expected to return to Turkey on May 1.

-FINANCE MINISTER ORAL: ''THE CRISIS FROM WHICH THE TURKISH

ECONOMY IS NOW SUFFERING STEMS FROM PUBLIC FINANCE''

IZMIR - Finance Minister Sumer Oral said on Saturday that they were trying to bring Turkey to its target by overcoming the difficult conditions, adding that the current economic crisis stemmed from public finance.

Speaking at a meeting held at the Motherland Party (ANAP) Headquarters in Konak township of Izmir, Oral said that those who had been governing Turkey had tried to grant public finance a sound structure for years.

Stressing that the balances in the economy couldn't be settled and the inflation rate could rise if the public finance couldn't be granted sound structure, Oral said, ''the world is globalizing and conditions should be adapted to this process. Turkey should form the economic balances of the 21st century as soon as possible. The government put a program into practice shortly after the general elections. It was a program which aimed to grant public finance a sound structure and reduce inflation. This program had been implemented since the beginning of 2000. It was implemented in all sectors except financial sector. Today's difficult conditions stemmed from financial sector and banking sector. The system clogged when capital flow stopped. A progress was recorded in public finance in 2000. The cloggage in the financial sector hardened the conditions. Later, a new program was prepared. The missing part of this program was external source and it came. The external source necessary for 2001 has almost been provided.''

Stressing that Turkey was a great country, Oral said, ''we should not be pessimistic. We should be very careful in spending the domestic and external sources and we should make savings in public expenditures. We will overcome the problems as a result of our solidarity. We are a great country. Our exports, employment, production and growth will rise again.''

-INTERROGATION OF CAGLAR ENDS

ISTANBUL - Cavit Caglar, former state minister and businessman who was deported from the U.S., was transferred to court on Saturday after his interrogation at Istanbul State Security Court (DGM) was finalized.

Ercan Cengiz, the Prosecutor of Istanbul DGM who has been carrying out investigations into Etibank and Egebank, interrogated Caglar.

Cengiz transferred Caglar to the DGM on duty to change two separate warrants of arrest in his absentia into warrants of arrest in his presence.

-STATE MINISTER AND DEPUTY PRIME MINISTER YILMAZ:

-''NEWS STORIES ABOUT YESTERDAY'S SUMMIT MEETING AMONG

COALITION PARTNERS ARE CEMPLETELY BASELESS''

YALOVA - State Minister and Deputy Prime Minister Mesut Yilmaz said on Saturday, ''I will assess developments about Cumhur Ersumer's resignation at a press conference at Motherland Party's (ANAP) Headquarters in Istanbul on Monday. We are in full consensus of opinion that Ersumer did not have any wrongdoing which will entail his resignation.''

Yilmaz responded to questions of journalists in Subasi hamlet in Altinova township of northwestern province of Yalova.

Responding to a question about news stories claiming that the Council of Ministers would be revised, Yilmaz said, ''nearly all of news stories about yesterday's summit meeting among coalition partners, are totally baseless. News stories claiming that the coalition partners have reached a compromise to make a revision in the cabinet, are imaginary. Press organs misunderstood their duty to inform the public opinion. They have been misleading the public opinion. Their attitude damages our democracy. I will stage a press conference at ANAP's headquarters in Istanbul on Monday, and assess developments about Ersumer's resignation.''

-ASSOCIATION OF EUROPEAN HISTORICAL TOWNS DEPUTY CHAIRPERSON CHIRITA:

''TURKEY IS A FASCINATING COUNTRY AS A RESULT OF ITS RICH CULTURE''

NEVSEHIR - Guests who attended the Association of European Historical Towns meeting which was hosted by the Nevsehir Governor's Office visited the Agzikarahan Caravansaray and Ihlara Valley in Aksaray.

Association's Deputy Chairperson Calin Chirita said that the Association which had been formed by the 12 EU members in 1999 carried out a work to include the countries which applied for EU membership, in the Association.

Chirita said that the Association was carrying out activities to save and protect the common cultural heritage especially in European countries.

''Although it has been ignored for long years, Turkey is a fascinating East European country with its rich culture. We aim to protect the cultural heritage in European countries within a framework of a law which will be prepared by the mayors. Turkey's membership to the association will be accepted at least before Romania,'' Chirita said.

-FOREIGN MINISTER CEM RETURNS TO TURKEY

ISTANBUL - Foreign Minister Ismail Cem who attended the Black Sea Economic Cooperation (BSEC) Foreign Ministers' Council Meeting in Moscow returned to Turkey on Saturday.

Cem who arrived in Istanbul's Ataturk Airport will later proceed to Ankara.

Cem took over BSEC Foreign Ministers' Council Term Presidency from his Russian counterpart Igor Ivanov at the end of the meeting.

-DSP REGULAR CONGRESS

-DSP LEADER AND PRIME MINISTER ECEVIT: ''ANY OBSTACLE IN FRONT OF

ANY DSP MEMBER'S CANDIDACY TO DSP LEADERSHIP IS OUT OF QUESTION''

ANKARA - Prime Minister and leader of the Democratic Left Party (DSP) said on Saturday that any obstacle in front of any DSP member's candidacy to DSP leadership was out of question.

Ecevit continued his works on preparations for tomorrow's DSP Regular Congress at the DSP Headquarters.

When asked whether or not there was an obstacle in the party regulations in front of candidacy of Sema Piskinsut, a DSP deputy from Aydin, to DSP leadership, Ecevit said, ''there are specific rules in the regulations of each political party, of course. What I mean to say that any obstacle in front of any DSP member's candidacy to DSP leadership is out of question.''

-RETIRED AMBASSADOR SIMSIR:

-''TURKISH NATION WAS EXONERATED LEGALLY IN 1921''

ANKARA - Retired Ambassador Bilal Simsir said on Saturday, ''assessment of allegations on so-called genocide on Armenians by only taking into consideration the year 1915, will mean being decieved by Armenians.''

Speaking at a panel discussion organized by the Turkish Democracy Foundation (TDF) on ''Armenian Allegations'', Simsir said, ''Turkish and Armenian peoples had lived together in peace for 800 years. After foreign countries' intervention in the Ottoman Empire increased, the Armenian issue was brought onto agenda. Armenians collaborated with Russia during the Ottoman-Russian Battle between 1877 and 1878. Armenian organizations killed a number of innocent people in the wake of the battle. 34 diplomats and their relatives lost their lives in attacks staged by Armenian terrorist organizations in 1970s. Assessment of allegations on so-called genocide on Armenians by only taking into consideration the year 1915, will mean being deceived by Armenians.''

Simsir said, ''Turks did not invent relocation of a group by a country during warfare. There are exaggerated figures about number of Armenians who were relocated. The Ottoman state did not destroy them.''

Recalling that British authorities exiled 144 people to Malta following occupation of Istanbul to try them on charges of massacre of Armenians, Simsir said, ''British Chief Prosecutor's Office studied all archives to collect evidences prior to the trial process. The trial process did not start due to lack of evidence. Turkish nation was exonerated legally in 1921. Turkey forgot Armenian issue after attacks on Turkish diplomats came to an end. Such issues should be taken up continuously and seriously.''

Omer Lutem, the Chairman of Armenian Studies Institute, said, ''the word of 'genocide' was defined in the United Nations convention dated 1948. The allegations on so-called genocide on Armenians have been exploiting the word of genocide. The Ottoman Empire decided to relocate Armenians after it failed to take them under its control. Relocation of Armenians living in Izmir, Edirne and Istanbul during the same period was out of question. If the Ottoman state had decided to commit genocide against Armenians, it would have not made such a discrimination.''

''After Armenian terrorist organizations' activities came to end in 1970s, Armenians have begun to launch initiatives for recognition of allegations on so-called genocide. Armenians spend 60-80 million U.S. dollars for propaganda activities every year. Our state do not spend one third of this amount for propaganda. Armenians have adopted a four-stage strategy. These stages are recognition of genocide, Turkey's recognition of genocide, compensation and territory claims. For the time being, Armenians are at the first stage. I do not think that Armenians would advance to the other stage. Because Turkey will not recognize an unexisting incident,'' he added.

-SPORTS-WEIGHTLIFTING

-EUROPEAN CHAMPIONSHIPS IN TRENCIN

-YILMAZ OF TURKEY RANKED FOURTH IN TOTAL IN MEN'S 75 KG

TRENCIN - Mehmet Yilmaz of Turkey was ranked fourth in total and clean and jerk and fifth in snatch in men's 75 kg category at the European Weightlifting Championships in Trencin, Slovakia on Saturday.

Yilmaz lifted 165 kg in snatch and 200 kg in clean and jerk while George Asanidze of Georgia won three gold medals in this category.

-INTERROGATION OF CAGLAR ENDS (2)

ISTANBUL - Ercan Cengiz, the Prosecutor of Istanbul State Security Court (DGM) who has been carrying out investigations into Etibank and Egebank, interrogated on Saturday Cavit Caglar, former state minister and businessman.

During the interrogation, Cengiz asked questions to Caglar on allegations about corruption in sale of the Etibank to Dinc Bilgin, and on bank loans given to seven firms.

Caglar told Cengiz that he did not take place in administration of the bank, and that he did not accept any charge.

Claiming that Interbank had already gone bankrupt when he purchased it, Caglar said that he decided to purchase Etibank which did not have such problems.

Meanwhile, it was reported that lawyers of Egebank decided not to make complaint after the loans given to Caglar's companies by Egebank had been repaid.

Cengiz requested annulment of warrants of arrest in Caglar's absentia.

Meanwhile, Caglar claimed that he had repaid all his debts to Egebank.

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