Anadolu Agency: News in English, 01-05-12

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ANADOLU AGENCY

NEWS

12 MAY 2001 Saturday

-TURKEY-PRESS SCAN

These are some of the major headlines and their brief stories in Turkey's press on May 12, 2000. The Anadolu Agency does not verify these stories and does not vouch for their accuracy.

HURRIYET (LIBERAL)

The government was shaken the previous night. Deputy Prime Minister Devlet Bahceli left the leaders' summit by claiming thatState Minister Kemal Dervis made the International Monetary Fund (IMF) letter to be signed without showing them the letter. The incident occured as Dervis requested a change in the executive board of the Turk Telekom. When Bahceli asked, ''why does this change occur?'', Dervis said, ''this item was included in the letter of intent which was signed also by you.'' The discussion went on and on and in the end Bahceli left the meeting. Prime Minister Bulent Ecevit ran after Bahceli, persuaded him and brought him back to the meeting. The National Movement Party (MHP) Chairmanship Council had an extraordinary meeting to discuss whether or not to withdraw from the government. But, in the end the MHP decided not to withdraw.

RAIN AND SHOWERS ON SUNDAY AND MONDAY

Officials of the meteorology said that showers are expected throughout Turkey on Sunday and Monday. The rainy weather coming from the Central Mediterranean will be effective all around Turkey.

SIX-STAGE PLAN OF GOVERNMENT AGAINST CORRUPTION

The government took a step against the corruption which blocks Turkey's system. The steering committee which was set up will implement a six-stage plan which was tested in Hong Kong and Singapure. Here are the stages of the plan: The history of corruption will be examined, the fields will be determined, the results will be evaluated, the proposals will be presented to the government, the supervisors will be educated and trained, and the results will be made public.

MILLIYET (LIBERAL)

An article added to the Banking Law enabled the change in the members of the Banking Regulatory and Supervisory Board (BRSB). State Minister Kemal Dervis wants to set up a professional team composed of people who have worked in the banking sector at least for 12 years. The members of the board except the chairman who were appointed for six years, will be dismissed from the office.

LOSSES OF BANKS IN 2000 IS 2.7 QUADRILLION TL

The banking sector was negatively affected by the crisis. Due to the losses of the banks which were transferred to the Savings Deposit Insurance Fund (SDIF), the losses of the banking sector increased nine percent to 2.7 quadrillion Turkish liras (TL) in 2000 when compared to 1999. The total loss of the banking sector was 305.7 trillion TL in 1999.

SABAH (LIBERAL)

When the leaders' summit ended, State Minister Kemal Dervis told his last word to State Minister Husamettin Ozkan. Dervis said, ''it is over. Turkey cannot overcome a third crisis.'' In the morning, Prime Minister Bulent Ecevit visited Deputy Prime Minister Devlet Bahceli and then charged Ozkan to solve the crisis. Ozkan firstly met with Bahceli and then had a meeting with Dervis which lasted for two hours. Deputy Prime Minister Mesut Yilmaz attended a part of the meeting. At 2.30 p.m., a formula for a compromise was found. When the draft was passed in its new shape, everybody was relieved and the crisis was overcome.

YIGIT AND HIS BROTHERS RELEASED

Korkmaz Yigit, who was accused of emptying the coffers of Bank Express, attended a hearing in the Istanbul State Security Court (DGM). Yigit, who rejected his testimony taken by security forces, said, ''we did not empty the banks' coffers.'' Asking if it was possible for him to swindle the bank, 98 percent of the shares of which belonged to him, Yigit said that the initiatives he had launched to re-pay his debts were in vain. The DGM decided to release Yigit and his two brothers.

CUMHURIYET (LEFT)

Turkey conveyed its view that persuasion of especially Russia and China are very important to prevent occurence of new regional and global conflicts due to the missile system. An official of the Foreign Ministry said that the concerns of Russia and China about the missile system. Turkey's main concern is that Anatolia may turn into a target of new nuclear attack if the project is put to implementation.

RADIKAL (LEFT)

Discussions in the government cause concerns for the reform bills. The Motherland Party (ANAP), reacts to the limitation of guarantee in energy investments. Telekom difficulty is at a stage that will shake the government. Banking Law was issued late on Friday with controvertial changes. The Parliament will work at the weekend.

TURKEY: LET US MAKE COMPROMISE

A delegation, led by Marc Grossman, the U.S. Under Secretary of State for Political Affairs, explained missile defense system to Ankara. Turkey recalled the criticisms of the NATO allies to the system, and pointed out that ''there should be compromise also with China and Russia.''

TURKIYE (RIGHT)

The U.S. President George Bush officially conveyed missile defense system project to Prime Minister Bulent Ecevit through Marc Grossman, the U.S. Under Secretary of State for Political Affairs. A special importance is given to Turkey in this project as it has a strategic position.

The U.S. administration also sent a delegation to Moscow. Russia, during the talks, disclosed that it was not convinced.

BE CAREFUL OF THE FLOOD

Heavy rain is expected throughout the whole country according to a warning made from the Meteorology Directorate General.

The heavy rain will continue throughout the country. Officials wanted the citizens to be careful because of the negative weather conditions.

ZAMAN (CONSERVATIVE)

Foreign Ministry said on Friday that the decision of the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) which ruled that Turkey was guilty in the suit filed by the Greek Cypriot side, lacks legal basis.

A Foreign Ministry statement said that the decision of the ECHR is against the realities on the island, lacks legal basis, it is unjust and it does not have the capability to be implemented by Turkey.

CONTENTS

[01] DEPOSIT INTEREST RATES OF BANKS

[02] DYP LEADER CINNER SPEAKS TO CNN -CILLER: ''DECISION OF ECHR IS WRONG, BIASED AND INCOMPLETE''

[03] PARLIAMENT ADOPTS AMENDMENT TO BANKING LAW

[04] SUN EXPRESS TARGETS ONE MILLION PASSENGERS

[05] GAP REGION EXPORTS 60.7 MILLION U.S. DOLLAR PRODUCTS TO EU COUNTRIES

[06] FOREIGN TRADE DELEGATION CANCELS VISIT TO SAUDI ARABIA

[07] GAP AIRPORT PROJECT SUSPENDED TO 2003 DUE TO SAVING MEASURES

[08] PRIME MINISTER ECEVIT: -''WE ARE EXPERIENCING A CRITICAL PERIOD''

[09] HEALTH MINISTER DURMUS TO ATTEND 54TH WORLD HEALTH ASSEMBLY IN GENEVA

[10] U.S. AUTHOR SWIMS THROUGH CANAKKALE STRAIT

[11] INTERNATIONAL SUCCESS OF THE YOUNG PAINTERS

[12] EBSO CHAIRMAN AKKAN SAYS THEY CAN OVERCOME QUOTAS OF EUROPE TOGETHER WITH BOSNIA-HERZEGOVINA

[13] STATUE OF HERACLES FOUND

[14] TORRENTIAL RAINS IN MUT -ICEL GOVERNOR ENGIN: -''WE HAVE LAUNCHED NECESSARY INITIATIVES TO MEET LOSSES''

[15] AKNEHIR MAYOR GULUM SAYS 101 DWELLINGS COVERED WITH MUD DUE TO FLOOD

[16] PANSU NATURAL SPRING WATER INSTALLATION TO EXPORT WATER TO UNITED ARAB EMIRATES AND THE U.S.

[17] SOUTH KOREAN-TURKISH INTERPARLIAMENTARY FRIENDSHIP GROUP DUE IN TURKEY

[18] RED CRESCENT SENDS SIX KITCHENS AND 100 TENTS TO HATAY

[19] AVLUCA OF TURKEY WINS BRONZE MEDAL IN WRESTLING CHAMPIONSHIP

[20] FINANCE MINISTER ORAL SAYS FORCE MAJEURE IN ANTAKYA WILL CONTINUE UNTIL JUNE 30

[21] RUSSIAN ARTISTS IN DEMRE

[22] TURSAB CHAIRMAN ULUSOY SAYS TARGET OF TOURISM IN 2010 IS 45 MILLION TOURISTS

[01] DEPOSIT INTEREST RATES OF BANKS

Interest rates (percent)

Name of Bank 1-Month 3-Month 6-Month 12-Month

--------------- ------ -------- ------ -------
Akbank 80 70 69 69

Bankekspres 82 81 65 65

Demirbank 82 82 35 35

Emlak Bankasi 80 78 65 65

Etibank 81 81 73 68

Finansbank 78 74 72 50

Garanti Bankasi 78 70 50 50

Halkbank 80 78 65 65

Is Bankasi 79 74 63 58

Korfezbank 73 63 D D

Osmanli Bankasi 75 75 60 50

Pamukbank 77 76 62 59

TEB 78 70 48 43
Tekstilbank 67 52 55 61

Toprakbank 88 83 75 72

Turkbank 80 60 50 50

Vakifbank (x) 77 74 72 57

Yapi Kredi Bankasi 79 64 64 59

Ziraat Bankasi (x) 80 78 78 65

D - Indicates a change according to the situation at the time of deposit.

[02] DYP LEADER CINNER SPEAKS TO CNN -CILLER: ''DECISION OF ECHR IS WRONG, BIASED AND INCOMPLETE''

Ciller, currently in the U.S., attended ''O&A'' program of Riz Khan in CNN television.

When asked about her views about the decision of the ECHR regarded with Turkey, Ciller said, ''there is really human rights violations on Cyprus. However, absolutely this is the massacre of babies, mothers, people and Turkish Cypriots in Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC). The scenes of the babies who were massacred are still in the memories of people.''

Responding another question, Ciller said democracy should be developed for everybody in Turkey, noting that this is the homework of Turkey together with the human rights issue. She said this was necessary not only for Turkey, but also for the Greek Cypriot side as well as the other countries.

Responding a question about the economic situation, Ciller said depending on Turkey was important, noting that Turkey managed to enter the Customs Union and to live in atmosphere of competition.

Ciller also said she thought there was a need to hold elections, adding that there should be economic reforms together with political reforms and change in election laws.

When asked about her views about the laws which the government was thinking to issue together with the economic reforms, Ciller said those were supported by the international community, noting that although they were in opposition, they would act together with the government for the approval of the laws in the parliament.

[03] PARLIAMENT ADOPTS AMENDMENT TO BANKING LAW

Under the law, the term in office of the members of the Banking Regulatory and Supervisory Board (BRSB) except the chairman ends.

The Council of Ministers will appoint the new members in 15 days.

The provision of the law regarding the allocation of the public credits will be implemented for the credits of the banks transferred to the Savings Deposit Insurance Fund (SDIF).

Lawsuits will not be filed related with the credits and debts of the banks transferred to SDIF. The concerned commission will give a decision about this issue.

In accordance with the law, the sources and assets of the banks which were transferred to the SDIF will be considered as the receivables of the Fund.

The Fund will will be authorized to put measures on the rights and receivables, to take them under protection, and to take over the losses of the bank, the value of which cannot be estimated by the Fund, by taking into consideration the reports to be prepared by the concerned commissions.

Lawsuits will not be filed to estimate the values of the assets.

The debts which result from the public domestic borrowing bonds which were issued by the Treasury Undersecretary as a loan for the Fund can be liquiditated by the decision of the Council of Ministers.

-PARTICIPATION OBLIGATION FOR PARTNER-
The banks can partake in any partnership other than the financial institutions by only 15 percent of their assets. The total amount of these partnerships will not be more than 60 percent of the assets of the bank.

If the shares of a bank which are partially or totally transferred to the Fund are handed over to third persons, the case which was filed against the former partners, administrators and supervisors of the bank will continue by considering the new share-holders as a legal successor. The amounts which are decided in the end of the case will belong to the Fund.

-QUALITIES NECESSARY FOR FOUNDERS-
Those who are sentenced to punishments on charges of opposing to the provisions regarding the judicial punishments in the Banking Law cannot found banks.

The bank partners who lose the qualities searched for being a founder and who become partners without the permission of the BRSB cannot benefit from the partnershiph rights except the dividend.

The members of the executive branches of the banks and the chairmen, members of the board of directors of the branches of foreign banks in Turkey will take oath in the local court of commerce after they are appointed.

Those who behave opposite will not be charged as a personnel who has the signature authority. The banks will lift the signature authorities of the personnel who do not take oath.

-PRIVATE FINANCE ORGANIZATIONS-
A union of private finance institutions will be set up and a guarantee fund of the union will be formed. The private finance institutions will provide the source of the guarantee fund.

The private finance institutions will become a member of this union in one month after they get permission to operate. The expenditures of the union will be met by the private finance institutions.

A liquidation board will be set up by this union for the private finance institutions, the operation of which is stopped. As of the decision to end the operation permit of an institution is issued in the Official Gazette, every kind of attachment and bankruptcy procedures, including the precautionary measure regarding the instituton will be stopped.

This board will be liquidated in accordance with the general provisions of the private finance institution. The provisions of the Law on Debt Collection and Bankruptcy will not be implemented in the liquidation procedures of these institutions.

-END TO MISSION OF BRSB MEMBERS-
Lawsuit will be filed against the SDIF regarding the losses of the persons due to the decisions, works and transactions of the BRSB and the Fund rather than filing a lawsuit against that person.

The banks and the private finance institutions will decrease the amount of their partnerships until December 31, 2009 in line with the period and rates fixed by the BRSB.

Under a motion submitted by the deputies of the political parties forming the coalition government was adopted, the term in office of the BRSB members except the chairman will be ended as the law takes effect. The Council of Ministers will appoint new members in 15 days after the law takes effect.

[04] SUN EXPRESS TARGETS ONE MILLION PASSENGERS

A promotion flight from Antalya to Frankfurt has been arranged for the journalists of Antalya due to the reciprocal flights of Sun Express between Antalya-Frankfurt on April 27.

Paul Schwaiger, the General Director of Sun Express and Cevdet Cavma, the deputy General Director staged a news conference.

Schwaiger said they were targeting to bring one million passengers from Germany to Turkey today. Schwaiger said they brought 249,541 passengers in the first three months of this year and made a profit of 42 million German marks.

Cavma in his part said the Sun Express, with six new generation Boeing 737 planes, has one of the youngest fleets of Europe.

[05] GAP REGION EXPORTS 60.7 MILLION U.S. DOLLAR PRODUCTS TO EU COUNTRIES

The agricultural and animal product exportation of the region to the EU countries increased 27 percent when compared with the same period last year. The region exported 47 million 763 thousand U.S. dollar agricultural and animal products to the EU countries in the first four months of 2000.

The GAP region exported 278 thousand U.S. dollar animal products, 752 thousand U.S. dollar grain-cereals, 5 million 529 thousand U.S. dollar dried fruit and 54 million 140 thousand U.S. dollar textile products between January and April 2001.

Italy was ranked the first among the EU countries to which the GAP region exported its products in the mentioned period with 20 million 855 thousand U.S. dollars.

Germany with 11 million 48 thousand U.S. dollars and Britain with 8 million 81 thousand U.S. dollars followed Italy.

Synthetic thread, cotton thread, knitted products, synthetic and cotton textile products, dried apricot, biscuits, cakes, chocolates, candies, and plastic bags were the main products exported to the EU countries.

[06] FOREIGN TRADE DELEGATION CANCELS VISIT TO SAUDI ARABIA

The visit was planned to be held to promote the bilateral trade opportunities between the two countries.

The visit aimed to re-activate the trade relations which started to recess since 1992.

The delegation was comprised of officials of the Foreign Trade Undersecretary and the businessmen represting more than 30 Turkish companies.

[07] GAP AIRPORT PROJECT SUSPENDED TO 2003 DUE TO SAVING MEASURES

Officials of the State Airports General Directorate (DHMI) said on Saturday that the airport which had been planned to be constructed within this year cannot be opened until 2003.

The officials noted that the foundation of the airport was laid by former president Suleyman Demirel and former prime minister Mesut Yilmaz on May 9, 1998.

A total of 18 trillion Turkish liras (TL) was spent on the airport last year which will cost almost 40 trillion Turkish liras (TL), the officials stated.

The officials said that only 2 trillion TL can be spent on the construction this year in accordance with this year's investment program.

The project was launched to market the goods to be produced in the GAP region.

This airport which will be the first international airport in Southeastern Anatolia Region will host 2 million passengers a year.

The airport which will possess the biggest cargo terminal of Turkey will have 10 thousand square metre terminal building, an apron with six plane capacity, 4 thousand square metre cargo building, and a pist of 4000x45 square metres where big planes can land and take off.

[08] PRIME MINISTER ECEVIT: -''WE ARE EXPERIENCING A CRITICAL PERIOD''

Responding to questions of reporters prior to his departure for Sakarya, Ecevit said that to this end, he thinks it is wrong to make discussions on the government.

Asked if the leaders of the political parties forming the coalition government knew about the letter of intent submitted to the International Monetary Fund (IMF), Ecevit said, ''I think it is wrong to make discussions on the government. We are experiencing a critical period. There is an opportunity to better our economy. I do not make such discussions to seize this opportunity.''

Ecevit later left for Sakarya to attend the ceremony to hand over the permanent dwellings in the quake-hit province.

[09] HEALTH MINISTER DURMUS TO ATTEND 54TH WORLD HEALTH ASSEMBLY IN GENEVA

Health Minister Durmus will make a speech regarded with ''Psychology,'' in the assembly that will take place in Geneva in May 14 and 20.

Durmus is scheduled to meet with Dr. Gro Harlem Brundtland, the World Health Organization (WHO) General Director and Dr. Marc Danzon, the European Regional Director.

Durmus will also hold bilateral contacts with some other health ministers who will attend the meeting to dtermine some techological cooperation facilities and to further improve existing relations.

Durmus will host a dinner in honor of health ministers of the Turkish Republics.

The health minister is expected to return to Turkey on May 16.

[10] U.S. AUTHOR SWIMS THROUGH CANAKKALE STRAIT

Oakes, who writes articles in U.S. and English magazines and who is known for his sportive character, started to swim from Eceabat Port on the European side of the Canakkale Strait to Canakkale Yacht Marina on the Anatolian side of the strait.

One way of the Canakkale Strait was closed to traffic during Oakes passage through the strait for security reasons. The vessels which were passing from the strait were warned by transceivers.

Oakes swam almost three miles in 2 hours and 15 minutes.

He said that he was inspired by the story of Leander, who swam through the strait to see beautiful goddess Hera every night.

Oakes noted that he is pleased to make his dream come true.

He will have a tour in Turkey and write his memories in the magazines, Oakes added.

[11] INTERNATIONAL SUCCESS OF THE YOUNG PAINTERS

A total of 7,787 children from 26 Asian countries attended ''Asian Children Art Competition,'' which was staged for the second time this year by the Hyogo State.

Painting of Asli Soydemir, 14, named ''My Eyes and Birds,'' became one of the five paintings which became successful.

Murat Unser (9), Ecem Akozgur (11), Can Ozsadak (14), and Melek Kopuk (12) are among the 25 children whose paintings would be exhibited.

Toshitami Kaihara, the Governor of Hyogo State, wrote a letter to Yaman Baskut, Turkey's Ambassador in Tokyo, and informed him about the success of Turkish children in the competition.

Kaihara said the Turkish children won most of the awards in the competition, and noted that this should be appreciated.

[12] EBSO CHAIRMAN AKKAN SAYS THEY CAN OVERCOME QUOTAS OF EUROPE TOGETHER WITH BOSNIA-HERZEGOVINA

Akkan told a press conference that the business world should be interested in the contacts with the delegation from Bosnia-Herzegovina which will come to Izmir on Monday.

They invited a delegation from Bosnia-Herzegovina to Izmir for a comprehensive promotion within the framework of efforts to increase exportation to overcome the economic crisis, Akkan said.

Akkan noted that the delegation will be comprised of the chairmen and high- ranking officials of the chamber of economy, municipal administrators, officials of the general directorate for privatization.

''There are not any quotas imposed on Bosnia-Herzegovina which is within the scope of Customs Union. The Turkish industrialists who cannot export to EU countries due to the quotas can benefit from the possibilities in this country,'' Akkan said.

Kemal Baysak, a member of the EBSO assembly whose family was from Bosnia- Herzegovina, said that he has worked a volunteer to further improve relations with this country.

Baysak noted that Bosnia-Herzegovina achieved to remove the traces of the war very quickly and became one of the most successful countries in privatization.

[13] STATUE OF HERACLES FOUND

The statue belonged to the year 200 B.C and was 3 metres in length and 3 tons in weight.

Kocaeli Governor Kemal Onal told A.A correspondent on Saturday that the officials of the Kocaeli Museum found the statue in Uctepeler hamlet.

Onal said that this statue is important to prove the historical evidence of Izmit.

The head, arm and leg of the statue which are missing will be found, Onal noted.

Avni Dilbaz, the curator of the museum, said that this statue is the most important historical artifact found in Izmit so far.

Dilbaz added that the statue is made of high quality marble.

The statue was taken under protection.

[14] TORRENTIAL RAINS IN MUT -ICEL GOVERNOR ENGIN: -''WE HAVE LAUNCHED NECESSARY INITIATIVES TO MEET LOSSES''

Engin said that damage assesments works are underway.

The first estimations indicate that 70 dwellings and workplaces were inundated by flood in the township, Engin noted.

Engin stated that many dwellings and stables in Ortakoy, Kelce, Yesilyurt, Pamuklu, Narli, Catalharman, Kurtulus, Haciahmetli, Dere, Cukurbag, Barabanli, Hacinuhlu, Caltili and Bagcagiz villages were negatively affected by the rains.

A wide arable field and gardens were also affected by the torrential rains, Engin said.

Engin pointed out that they requested 60 billion Turkish liras (TL), adding that they are in contact with the Agriculture and Rural Affairs Ministry.

[15] AKNEHIR MAYOR GULUM SAYS 101 DWELLINGS COVERED WITH MUD DUE TO FLOOD

Gulum said that the sewage system was clogged and that when the waters are dragged, they saw that all the streets and dwellings were covered with mud.

They are trying to repair the sewage system and they need work machines to clean the streets, Gulum noted.

Gulum stated that the Asi River also overflowed its banks in 1998 due to torrential rains and that the region was inundated by flood then.

A three kilometre set to be built will protect them from possible floods, Gulum said.

Gulum noted that they need the support of public institutions, adding that it is not possible to make all these works by the possibilities of the municipality.

[16] PANSU NATURAL SPRING WATER INSTALLATION TO EXPORT WATER TO UNITED ARAB EMIRATES AND THE U.S.

Lutfi Yuksel, the Executive Board Chairman of Kayseri Sugar Factory, told A.A correspondent that they produced 374,400 bottles per day.

Yuksel said the water was accepted at the domestic and foreign markets as the quality and taste of the water was good.

He said, ''there is intensive demand from the domestic markets. We are trying to meet them. We market most of our production. Although we have opened this instalation last year, we have exported 10 percent of our production. We made exportation to Hong Kong, Germany and the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) last year. We are targeting to export 20 percent of our production this year.''

Yuksel said consultations with Israel, United Arab Emirates, and the U.S. continued, noting that they would be able to export water starting as of the second half of the year.

[17] SOUTH KOREAN-TURKISH INTERPARLIAMENTARY FRIENDSHIP GROUP DUE IN TURKEY

The delegation will visit Anitkabir, the Mausoleum of Ataturk, the Founder of Turkish Republic, on May 16.

The South Korean delegation will have a meeting with Birol Buyukozturk, the chairman of the Turkish-South Korean Interparliamentary Friendship Group.

After meeting with Kamran Inan, the chairman of the Parliamentary Foreign Affairs Commission, the delegation will visit Parliament Speaker Omer Izgi.

The South Korean-Turkish Interparliamentary Friendship Group will later have a meeting with State Minister Suayip Usenmez, who is the co-president of the Turkish-South Korean Joint Economic Commission (JEC).

The delegation will hold contacts in western Izmir province on May 17 and in Istanbul on May 18.

The South Korean delegation will depart from Turkey on May 20.

[18] RED CRESCENT SENDS SIX KITCHENS AND 100 TENTS TO HATAY

A statement of the Red Crescent General Directorate said that the total number of tents dispatched to the disaster region reached 200 and that of the blankets reached 1000.

Fifteen members of the Red Crescent arrived in Hatay, the statement noted.

The statement pointed out that the Red Crescent team will start to distribute food to the victims as of this evening and that the distribution of food in Samandagi hamlet also continues.

A total of 150 more tents will be sent to the area today, the statement said, adding that the Red Crescent Crisis Desk is following the developments in the region uninterruptedly.

[19] AVLUCA OF TURKEY WINS BRONZE MEDAL IN WRESTLING CHAMPIONSHIP

Avluca beat his Georgian rival Giorge Duntehvelashvili 4-0 and became the bronze medalist.

[20] FINANCE MINISTER ORAL SAYS FORCE MAJEURE IN ANTAKYA WILL CONTINUE UNTIL JUNE 30

Oral issued a statement in which he said that the transitory tax declaration which has to be paid until May 15 should be submitted until July 8 while the declaration about the deduction tax of April 2001 which has to be given until May 20 should be paid until July 13, and the value added tax of April 2001 which has to be given until May 25 should be paid until July 18.

The deduction tax declaration of May 2001 should be presented on July 20 and the value added tax declaration of May 2001 should be given on July 25, Oral noted.

Oral said that the tax debts of the tax payers who lost one third of their total assets due to the flood disaster can be cancelled in proportion to the damages they face.

These tax payers should apply to the tax offices to benefit from this right, Oral noted.

Oral stated that tax payers who cannot pay the default debts due to their financial condition can pay the debts in instalments if they apply to the tax offices.

Assistance was allocated from the Assistance Fund for the Municipalities to the municipalities in the disaster area, Oral added.

[21] RUSSIAN ARTISTS IN DEMRE

Sculptor Patozky Grigory from Moscow, sculptor Galitskaia Nina from Petersburg, mosaic artist Vilensky Arvin, painters Vladimir Lihachov and Nikolai Tsvetkov came to the township upon the invitation of Kale Municipality.

The artists will make statues, mosaics and paintings about Santa Claus, the region, peace and affection for two months.

The statues will be displayed opposite the Santa Claus Church and the mosaics and paintings in the Santa Claus Museum which is planned to be opened in the township.

Russian artists said that they came to the town of Santa Claus as the envoy of peace and friendship and that they are welcomed by the people of Demre.

Defining Turkey as the country of peace, affection and tranquility, the Russian artists said that they will express their impressions when they returned to their country through television channels and newspapers.

[22] TURSAB CHAIRMAN ULUSOY SAYS TARGET OF TOURISM IN 2010 IS 45 MILLION TOURISTS

At a meeting held at the TURSAB Antalya Regional Steering Board building for 12 Russian reporters invited to Turkey, Ulusoy said that the infrastructural works should be completed as soon as possible to reach this target.

Ulusoy noted that they need 300 thousand new beds to reach this target and they have to make 15 billion U.S. dollar investments.

PRIME MINISTER ECEVIT: ''SUCCESS OF THE STATE TO HEAL THE WOUNDS OF THE
QUAKE IS ABOVE EVERY APPRECIATION''
SAKARYA- Prime Minister Bulent Ecevit said on Saturday that the success of the state in healing the wounds of the quake was above every appreciation, noting that, ''I believe that we will be able to show a similar success in overcoming the problems of economy.''

Ecevit attended the key delivery ceremony of the lasting quake dwellings that were constructed in Karaman district in Sakarya.

Ecevit said, ''there was sorrow and suffering in Adapazari when I visited here after the massive earthquake. Now, there is hope and confidence in your eyes. All those are the indications what the Turkish people could do when they work in solidarity.''

Ecevit said the August 17 massive earthquake that occurred in Marmara 1999, the November 12 quake that occurred in Bolu and Duzce in 1999 are among the most sorrowful and serious natural disasters which Turkey had to experience thoughout its history.

The Prime Minister said 18, 243 people lost their lives and that more than 5,000 people were injured in those quakes, and that nearly 250,000 dwellings and business places were damaged, and noted that Turkish economy received a serious blow following the quake.

Ecevit said the people, the state, private institutions, armed forces, workers,and miners exerted great efforts and an extraordinary solidarity during the process of the quakes, adding that, ''governments of many foreign countries, their peoples, offical institutions made very valuable contributions to this solidarity. We are grateful to all of them.''

Pointing out that temporary sheltering needs of the quake survivors were met immediately and that more than 165,000 tents were provided to 162 tent sites, Ecevit said 44,107 prefabricated dwellings were constructed.

He said, ''now it is the time for the permanent dwellings. Construction of a total of 42, 587 permanent dwellings are underway. This number will reach 37, 672 in June. Also tender of nearly 5,000 dwellings also started.''

Ecevit said that Turkish people started to attribute vital importance to the quake-resistant houses following the two massive earthquakes which hit Turkey in 1999.

To this end, a Quake Insurance and Dwelling Control System was developed and a National Quake Council was set up, Ecevit noted.

Ecevit stated that the foreign finance for the settlement which is inaugurated today is an important example of the international solidarity.

''The European Development Bank, of which we are a member since 1956, provided 300 million Euro loan following the quake which hit the Marmara region. 280 million Euros of the loan was allocated for the construction of the dwellings and 20 million Euros for the hospitals which were damaged in the quake,'' Ecevit said.

Ecevit continued, ''the Public Works and Housing Ministry has already used 203 million Euro of this loan. The success of our nation and state in healing the wounds of the quake in a short time is worth appreciation. I believe that we will be able to show a similar success in overcoming the problems of economy.''

Prime Minister Ecevit later handed over the keys of some of the dwellings to the quake survivors.

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