Anadolu Agency: News in English, 01-05-24

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ANADOLU AGENCY

NEWS

24 MAY 2001 Thursday

CONTENTS

[01] TURKEY-PRESS SCAN

[02] STATE MINISTER DERVIS: ''I FEEL UNEASY OVER PROMOTION OF THE PROGRAM AS THE IMF PROGRAM''

[03] DOGTAS FURNITURE FACTORY TO SET UP COMPANY IN BULGARIA

[04] EXPORTATION WORTH OF 55.8 MILLION U.S. DOLLARS IS MADE FROM GAP REGION IN FOUR MONTHS

[05] JUSTICE MINISTRY DETERMINES PRINCIPLES FOR PRISONERS TO BENEFIT FROM JOINT LIVING AREAS, TRAINING CENTERS AND WORKING ATELIERS IN F-TYPE PRISONS

[06] FOUR MINOR QUAKES SHAKE MARMARA BALIKESIR PROVINCE

[07] TURKEY AND CZECH REPUBLIC SIGN AGREEMENT REGARDING PLANT PROTECTION

[08] ''GLASS OF THE SULTANS'' EXHIBITION IN NEW YORK

[09] JORDANIAN FOREIGN MINISTER AL-KHATIB'S CONTACTS START IN ANKARA

[10] PRESIDENT SEZER RECEIVES JORDANIAN FOREIGN MINSTER AL-KHATIB

[11] PREMIER ECEVIT SAYS HE WILL TAKE CARE OF INCIDENT REGARDING BOTAS DOCUMENTS

[12] TREASURY TO ASSESS INVESTMENT BANK LAZARD'S REPORT ON SWAP

[13] DSP PARLIAMENTARY GROUP MEETING -STATE MINISTER GUREL: ''THE COUNCIL OF MINISTERS IS WORKING WITHIN A FULL HARMONY''

[14] DSP GROUP MEETING HELD -PREMIER ECEVIT SAYS COALITION GOVERNMENT DEALS WITH REAL ISSUES RATHER THAN GETTING INVOLVED IN USELESS POLEMICS

[15] PRIME MINISTER ECEVIT: ''WE WANT THE BANKING AND FINANCE SECTORS TO MAKE MORE CONTRIBUTION TO REAL SECTOR''

[16] GOVERNMENT CRISIS IN TRNC -UBP PARTY ASSEMBLY SAYS COALITION CAN'T GO ON LIKE THAT

[01] TURKEY-PRESS SCAN

HURRIYET (LIBERAL)

''IDIOTIC'' CRISIS
Erik Jurgens, the Dutch parliamentarian, described the statements of Justice Minister Hikmet Sami Turk as ''idiotic'' during the Istanbul meeting of the Council of Europe Parliamentary Assembly (COEPA).

The argument started when Jurgens said, defending regional discrimination, which is not considered as treachery in other countries, is regarded as crime in Turkey.

In response, Justice Minister Turk said, ''death fasts are directed from your country by e-mails. Is is free to split up the Netherlands into two or three?''

At the end of the meeting, the journalists asked Jurgens what he thought about the claim that some hunger strikes in Turkey were directed from the Netherlands, Jurgens said Justice Minister Turk used a statement saying that information and orders were conveyed to terrorists from the Netherlands, adding that he did not accept them as terrorists. Jurgens said that was an idiotic accusation. Jurgens said it was later understood that messages coming by e-mails were mentioned. He said that meant personal communication freedom.

MILLIYET (LIBERAL)

GENERAL STAFF EXAMINES CASA ACCIDENTS AND PROJECTS ONE BY ONE
A delegation, which will be set up under the leadership of a high ranking officer, will examine the stages regarded with the CASA planes. Works related with the accidents and sea naval patrol plane project will be taken within the scope of the investigation. Thus, under these conditions, plan of the Naval Forces to bring nine CASA naval patrolling planes will be suspended.

SABAH (LIBERAL)

In his contacts, Dervis stressed that, ''this is our last chance,'' and put forward 18 months, nearly 500 days, to reach inflation target.

Dervis said, ''Turkey should solve high inflation problem till the end of the year 2002. Otherwise, we will enter a new and more serious crisis. We can not bear such a crisis.''

CONSTITUTION TO CHANGE
Parliamentary sub-commission, which worked on the constitutional changes that were foreseen to take place in the constitution, shed green light to ''Kurdish broadcast.''

''The official language is Turkish,'' is added to the text, and the article, ''language banned by law,'' was removed.

Nejat Arseven, the Chairman of the Interparties Compromise Commission, said Turkey needed those changes, noting that a final shape would be given to the draft by the end of June.

CUMHURIYET (LEFT)

Asaf Kozluduru, Mahmut Ayvaz and Ibrahim Ayvaz lost their lives in the explosion. Reason of the explosion could not be determined yet.

A full investigation into the explosion is under way.

HUMAN RIGHTS VIOLATIONS DECREASED
State Minister Rustu Kazim Yucelen in charge of human rights said there was a decrease in violations of first generation human rights in Turkey.

Yucelen said that human rights violations in Turkey will be less than the violations of the world average at the end of 2001.

Giving information about the issues that were taken up at the 86th meeting of the Human Rights Coordinator Supreme Board, Yucelen said death fasts and hunger strikes were evaluated. Yucelen wished the protests to end soon.

RADIKAL (LEFT)

The 1.5 billion U.S. dollars of second tranche of loan will be released if Turkey fulfils required conditions.

SIGNATURE FOR A CLEAN ENVIRONMENT
Environment Miniser Fevzi Aytekin signed the Stockholm Agreement against Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs) on behalf of Turkey.

The agreement which has been signed by 50 countries will take effect in 90 days. Its goal is to ban the usage of POPs as raw material and to safely eliminate the chemical wastes. According to the agreement, the countries which signed the agreement will form an inventory of the raw and waste products they presently have and prepare and action plan.

TURKIYE (RIGHT)

MESSAGE FROM KUWAITI EMIR
Suud Nasir Al-Sabah, who conveyed the message of Kuwaiti Emir to President Ahmet Necdet Sezer, pointed out that they did not want the Iraqi people to suffer, yet noted that attitude of the Iraqi administration has not changed since 1990.

RUSSIA ASPIRES BAKU-CEYHAN
Russia told Turkey that it was ready to participate in construction of Baku- Tbilisi-Ceyhan oil pipeline, and noted that a political condition would not be put forward for this.

ZAMAN (CONSERVATIVE)

Emergency Rule Regional Governor's office issued a statement and said security forces met a group of terrorists during the operations carried out in rural regions of Bingol. The statement said 15 terrorists were killed during the clashes.

The statement recalled that five terrorists had been killed in an operation which had been launched in the same region three days ago.

BANKING WARNING FROM THE WORLD BANK
The World Bank said measures, which have been taken regarded with the banking sector for Turkey to get rid of the economic difficulty, were of key importance.

Nicholas Stern, the Chief Economist of the Bank, said privatization of the public banks in Turkey would play a determining role for the success of the Economic Program.

He said betterment of banking sector in Turkey was one of the most important issues they focused on because weaknesses in banking sector formed one of the reasons of the existing crisis.

[02] STATE MINISTER DERVIS: ''I FEEL UNEASY OVER PROMOTION OF THE PROGRAM AS THE IMF PROGRAM''

Dervis responded to the questions of reporters before leaving for Ankara from Adana.

Speaking about the economic program, Dervis said, ''this is the program of Turkey and the government. When some of our friends reflect it as the IMF program or the program IMF wanted, then this is wrong. This is a program which we formed by ourselves, and which will be for the benefit of Turkey. It is a program that will be implemented to strengthen Turkey's economy.

Dervis later left for Ankara.

[03] DOGTAS FURNITURE FACTORY TO SET UP COMPANY IN BULGARIA

Davut Dogan, the Executive Board Chairman of Dogtas, said they would set up a company under the name of Dogtas-Bulgaria in Bulgaria which is one of the 12 country they made exportation.

Pointing out that their products were admired in Bulgaria, Dogan said, ''reduction of customs with Bulgaria with one percent rate facilitated our works. We have decided to set up a joint venture with our agent in Bulgaria. The 80 percent share will belong to Dogtas.''

[04] EXPORTATION WORTH OF 55.8 MILLION U.S. DOLLARS IS MADE FROM GAP REGION IN FOUR MONTHS

In the same period of last year, the region exported 48.744 million U.S. dollars of threat.

Most of the thread were exported to Kazakhstan, Azerbaijan, Uzbekistan, Israel, Algeria, Romania, U.S., Saudi Arabia, Italy, Iraq, Belgium, Greece, France, Germany, Britain, Spain and Russia.

[05] JUSTICE MINISTRY DETERMINES PRINCIPLES FOR PRISONERS TO BENEFIT FROM JOINT LIVING AREAS, TRAINING CENTERS AND WORKING ATELIERS IN F-TYPE PRISONS

Justice Minister Hikmet Sami Turk sent a circular to the F type prison directorates regarding implementations after the amendment to Article 16 of the Anti-Terrorism Law.

Turk said principles were determined for the prisoners in F type prisons to participate in sports, gaining vocation, training, and other social and cultural activities within the framework of training programs.

Turk said the prisoners, who will benefit from the joint living areas, training centers and working atelliers will be elected by a commission according to their actions and their field of interest and capabilities.

Turk said this commission, which will be headed by prison first director, will be comprised of a doctor, psychologist, a social service expert, teacher and guardian.

Justice Minister Turk also sent the same principles to prison directorates and office of chief prosecutors.

[06] FOUR MINOR QUAKES SHAKE MARMARA BALIKESIR PROVINCE

Bogazici University Kandilli Observatory and Seismology Institute said the first quake, with a preliminary magnitude of 3.9, was recorded at 06:18 local time. The second quake, which is 3.5 on the Richter scale, occurred at 07:55, the third, with a preliminary magnitude of 3.9, was recorded at 09:25, and the fourth quake, measuring 3.9 on the Richter scale, occurred at 10:16 local time.

[07] TURKEY AND CZECH REPUBLIC SIGN AGREEMENT REGARDING PLANT PROTECTION

Under the agreement which was published in today's official gazette, the sides will prevent dangerous plant diseases into their countries and its spreading. Also, an effective fight will be made with the dangerous organisms.

The agreement, which was initialed on April 20, 2001, covers a five-year time period.

[08] ''GLASS OF THE SULTANS'' EXHIBITION IN NEW YORK

The exhibition will run until September 3. The exhibition will move to the Metropolitan Museum, where it will be on display from October 2001 to January 2002.

More than 150 valuable glass objects are included in the exhibition which was prepared on the occasion of the 50th anniversary of the foundation of Corning Museum of Glass.

Between the seventh and 14th centuries, Islamic glassmakers accomplished some extraordinary things. They discovered the technique of staining glass, produced some of the world’s finest cut glass, perfected the art of enameling and gilding on glass, and revived or rediscovered a number of other techniques.

Experts at Metropolitan Museum of Art and Corning Museum of Glass said that there were 1,000 year-old objects and each of them was unique.

The exhibition contains a turquoise-blue bowl from the Treasury of San Marco that appears to have been a gift from the Turkoman chieftain Uzun Hasan in 1472.

Experts stressed that Islamic glass objects started to be brought to Europe firstly in the 9th century and they were given to very important persons as gifts especially by merchants and diplomats.

[09] JORDANIAN FOREIGN MINISTER AL-KHATIB'S CONTACTS START IN ANKARA

Speaking after the interdelegationary meetings, Cem said that there are very close relations between the two countries, adding that they are in close contact with Jordan about the issues which concern the two countries.

Cem said that the economic, cultural and political relations between the two countries develop continuously, adding that they will exchange views about the Middle East Peace Process and the recent developments in the region in the meetings today. Cem said that they will also take up the bilateral relations.

Jordanian Foreign Minister Abdel Elah Al-Khatib said in his part that he is very pleased to be in Turkey, adding that there is an on-going exchange of views and cooperation between the two countries.

Noting that there are very close relations between Turkey and Jordan, the guest minister said that there is also a very good dialogue between the administrators of the two countries.

Referring to the visit of President Ahmet Necdet Sezer to Jordan last year, Khatib said that the visit had been very successful.

Khatib noted that they will take up the Middle East Peace Process and the difficult conditions in which Palestinians live, in the meeting.

Deputy Undersecretary of the Foreign Ministry Ugur Ziyal also participated in the interdelegationary meetings which were later closed to the press.

[10] PRESIDENT SEZER RECEIVES JORDANIAN FOREIGN MINSTER AL-KHATIB

Foreign Minister Ismail Cem also attended the meeting.

The meeting was close to the press.

[11] PREMIER ECEVIT SAYS HE WILL TAKE CARE OF INCIDENT REGARDING BOTAS DOCUMENTS

When journalists asked Ecevit if the issue of decreasing the number of ministers came to the agenda in the leaders summit, Ecevit said that ''no, we didn't discuss this issue.''

[12] TREASURY TO ASSESS INVESTMENT BANK LAZARD'S REPORT ON SWAP

Sources said on Thursday that after assessing the report of international investment bank Lazard which was expected to prepare this report on behalf of the Turkish Banks Union, Treasury would have another foreign bank prepare a report on Swap if it saw necessary.

Meanwhile, Treasury officials are expected to meet with market builder banks on Friday. Treasury auctions and Swap will be discussed at this meeting.

Current foreign currency will be valid for the bonds denominated in foreign exchange which would be exchanged with the bonds denominated in TL.

Treasury will wait for the offer of the banksing sector in order to gþve the start for works on Swap which would be nearly 3-4 billion U.S. dollars.

[13] DSP PARLIAMENTARY GROUP MEETING -STATE MINISTER GUREL: ''THE COUNCIL OF MINISTERS IS WORKING WITHIN A FULL HARMONY''

When asked prior to the Democratic Left Party (DSP) Parliamentary Group meeting whether or not the government was supporting State Minister Kemal Dervis for Economy, Gurel said, ''each of ministers is a members of the Council of Ministers and they undertook joint responsibility. The Council of Ministers is working within full harmony as it is stated by the Prime Minister.''

Meanwhile, responding to a question which said, ''State Minister Dervis is giving messages that he couldn't get the expected support to the program. Dou you think there is not a harmony for the program at the moment?'' State Minister Recep Onal said, ''I have not heard him saying such a thing. The program should be promoted very well, of course. Each Turkish citizen should be informed on the program.''

When asked whether or not there was difference of opinion at among the government members, Onal said, ''I have not observed such a thing.''

Meanwhile, when asked whether or not he agreed with State Minister Dervis who said that there was not a harmony in the government for the program, DSP deputy leader Zeki Sezer said, ''I have not heard such a message. This program is backed by the government and coalition parties. It is a program formed by the 57th government. It is out of question for us not to extend support to this program.''

[14] DSP GROUP MEETING HELD -PREMIER ECEVIT SAYS COALITION GOVERNMENT DEALS WITH REAL ISSUES RATHER THAN GETTING INVOLVED IN USELESS POLEMICS

Addressing the opening of the DSP group meeting, Ecevit said that the government deals with real problems, concrete economic and social problems.

Noting that the government forms realistic and correct solutions to current problems and also the medium and long term problems, Ecevit said that ''the government recorded progress and reached success in overcoming the economic crisis and in improving foreign economic relations. If the support we provided from the IMF and World Bank is evaluated well, this will play a role in meeting our urgent needs and improving the economy.''

Ecevit said that the laws that will bring solutions to the economic and social problems are prepared and put into practice one by one, adding that certain impediments in banking and financial sector and bureaucracy could not be overcome yet.

Ecevit said that overcoming these impediments is the number one condition of reviving the real sector, adding that ''we will determine its method ourselves.''

Noting that they will provide the necessary opportunities to producers, initiators and industrialists, Ecevit said that they won't stay indifferent to the closure of factories and national capital's escape to neighbouring countries.

Ecevit said that the collective bargainings had been successful, adding that ''the Confederation of the Turkish Labour Unions (Turk-Is) protected both the workers and the state. Turk-Is and the government gave hand in hand to reach this compromise''

Ecevit said that they also work hard to solve the problems of villagers and farmers in spite of the limited sources and the heavy debt burden.

Ecevit said that ''we will pay the cereals money without any delay and we also started to pay the debts of the beet producers starting from today.''

Ecevit added that the villagers in East and Southeast Turkey which earn their living from animal husbandry are in difficult situation, adding that this problem will be solved in the coming days.

Ecevit added that the 57th government is the long-lasting, most successful and the most harmonious government of the country. Ecevit noted that the government tries to meet the expectations of villagers, workers, entrepreneurs and the whole Turkey.

[15] PRIME MINISTER ECEVIT: ''WE WANT THE BANKING AND FINANCE SECTORS TO MAKE MORE CONTRIBUTION TO REAL SECTOR''

Following the Democratic Left Party (DSP) Parliamentary Group meeting, Ecevit answered journalists' questions about his statement during the meeting which said, ''banking sector's, finance sector's and bureaucracy's some obstacles have not been overcome yet.''

Noting that this situation was a structural problem, Ecevit said that the discord between banks and the real sector could not be removed.

Stating that each of the banks was not responsible for this problem, Ecevit said, ''this is a matter of system. We are seeking a solution to this problem. We want the banking and finance sectors to make more contribution to the real sector.''

When asked whether they would take legal or administrative measure, Ecevit said, ''it can be either legal or administrative measure, depending on the matter.''

Responding a question about the coalition government crisis in the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC), Ecevit said that he was just informed on the issue and he would follow the developments.

[16] GOVERNMENT CRISIS IN TRNC -UBP PARTY ASSEMBLY SAYS COALITION CAN'T GO ON LIKE THAT

Dervis Eroglu, the leader of UBP and Prime Minister said after the meeting that they discussed the future of the coalition government in the meeting. The Party Assembly gave full authority to him regarding the foundation of a new government, Eroglu said.

Eroglu noted that they won't leave the country without a government and they will work for formation of a new government.

Noting that there are government alternatives within the parliament, Eroglu said that a new government will be formed from these alternatives.

Eroglu said that he conveyed the decision of the Party Assembly to TKP leader and Deputy Premier Mustafa Akýncý on the phone.

UBP is expected to found a coalition government with Democrat Party.

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