Anadolu Agency: News in English, 01-06-10

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ANADOLU AGENCY

NEWS

10 JUNE 2001 Sunday

-TURKEY-PRESS SCAN

These are some of the major headlines and their brief stories in Turkey's press on June 10, 2001. The Anadolu Agency does not verify these stories and does not vouch for their accuracy.

HURRIYET (LIBERAL)

Prime Minister Bulent Ecevit said, ''there are hopeful developments in the economy. A decrease has begun in the inflation rate which is more rapid than the expected.'' Holding a press conference at the Prime Ministry Office, Prime Minister Ecevit said, ''The atmosphere of security provided during the 57th government's term in office, has made an important contrubition to improvement of tourism. Now, our prior target is to increase production. Therefore, we have to provide the necessary source. The problem is not only the source. At the same time, we should activate bureaucracy. As it was pointed out at the Higher Planning Board's statement, there are psychological obstacles in front of bureaucracy. Bureaucrats and public workers should rely on that they would not get into trouble because of the deals they signed legally.''

GOVERNMENT BILL ON TOBACCO MARKET SUBMITTED TO PARLIAMENT

The government bill on reconstruction of tobacco, tobacco products and alcoholic drinks market was submitted to the Parliament Speaker's Office.

The bill foresees restructuring of the Directorate General of Tobacco and Alcoholic Drinks Monopoly (TEKEL). In accordance with the bill, TEKEL's Public Economic Enterprise status will be changed into State Economic Enterprise status, paving the way for its privatization.

CONSTITUTIONAL COURT TO START DEBATING CLOSURE CASE AGAINST FP

The Constitutional Court will start debating the closure case against the Virtue Party (FP) on Tuesday. The case is expected to be finalized in seven or ten days. The lawsuit was filed on May 7, 1999, by Vural Savas, the retired Chief Prosecutor of the Supreme Court of Appeals, with the pretext that the FP was the continuation of the outlawed Welfare Party (RP) and it became the focus of anti-secular activities.

MILLIYET (LIBERAL)

It was claimed that the alien seen by villagers in Esme township of western province of Usak, was just a balloon. According to Unidentified Flying Objects (UFO) researches, the object in Usak was a balloon carried by the winds. Meanwhile, a group of village guards in southeastern province of Adiyaman claimed that they saw a big tray-like flying shining object and followed this object with night vision goggles. Village guards claimed that they had spotted the extraterrestrial object from 1.5-2 kilometers away and later it had disappeared 45 minutes after it had landed and taken off for several times.

GUINEA PIGS OF ECONOMIC CRISIS

People who have been desperate due to economic crisis, started to participate in medical researches as guinea pigs in return for 175-200 U.S. dollars. These researches are being carried out in Istanbul, Ankara and Izmir. They aim at measuring effects of Turkish-made medicines. Doctors need a group of healthy human cavies to test these medicines. Nearly a thousand people applied to the hospitals to become guinea pigs last year.

SABAH (LIBERAL)

Energy and Natural Resources Minister Zeki Cakan has launched investigation against three bureaucrats who had resigned from their post in order not to sign a document allowing import of solvent, one of the raw materials of painting industry.

AGAGULOGLU OF TURKEY WINS SILVER MEDAL

Agasi Agaguloglu of Turkey competing in men's 54 kg category, won silver medal at the 11th World Amateur Boxing Championships in Belfast, Northern Ireland. Agaguloglu was defeated by Guller Ortiz Rigondeaux of Cuba in final match, and won silver medal. Meanwhile, Ramazan Paliani of Turkey competing in men's 57 kg category will vie for gold medal on Sunday against Galip Caferiov of Kazakhstan.

CUMHURIYET (LEFT)

A note was written down on the international arbitration bill, which says that ''it should be passed from the parliament by the end of June''. The sentence which was written after this note says that ''technical works on the bill are under way'' and this proved that ministers signed the bill without seeing it.

ECEVIT CALLED TO RESIGN

The Women Platform comprising 50 members went to southeastern province of Batman to observe problems of women living in Southeast. Sema Piskinsut invited Prime Minister Bulent Ecevit and other partners of the coalition government to resign as they did not keep their words although they have been in power for more than two years.

RADIKAL (LEFT)

The Second Traditional Lorry Drivers' Race of Silopi Municipality was held yesterday. Ten winners of the race were presented with the permission to bring fuel oil from Iraq.

DIALOGUE FOR DEATH FASTS

A total of 70 deputies from German Parliament sent a letter to the parliament. In their letter, German deputies called on the parliament to play a more active role in putting an end to death fasts which has claimed 23 lives so far. Defending that isolation in F-type prisons made efforts to end death fasts more difficult, German deputies stressed that it was necessary to restart dialogue process.

TURKIYE (RIGHT)

Dynamic Turkey which is very excited, is now destined to a clumsy structure which can't mind its own business. Turkey is suffering from designation of Ankara with all authorities and responsibilities. It is now clearly observed that Turkey's problems can't be solved by a single center. Everybody, particularly the politicians are complaining about the clumsy bureaucratic structure. Like many politicians, Cengiz Altinkaya from the Motherland Party (ANAP) said that the problem would be solved by the Local Administrations Law. ''As a result of this law, people and Ankara will be relieved and Ankara will start fulfilling its essential duties but this has never happened.''

MIRAS' RESIGNATION PUZZLE

Union of Chambers and Commodity Exchanges of Turkey (TOBB) Chairman Fuat Miras who was claimed to have resigned after a dispute with chairmen of chambers in Izmir said, ''I can resign. I will make a statement a few days later. Now, there are many people waiting for an opportunity. I am trying to determine these opportunists.''

ZAMAN (CONSERVATIVE)

Fire broke out in Elmali Tent-City in northwestern province of Duzce in which suvivors of 1999's devastating quake disaster have been accommodated. A total of 30 tents and makeshift huts were burnt down to ashes in the fire. There were not any immediate reports of casualties in the fire.

TAEKWONDO SHAMPIONSHIPS START IN EDIRNE

The Fifth Balkan Taekwondo Championships started at the Mimar Sinan Sports Hall in northwestern province of Edirne. A total of 62 sportsmen and 49 sportswomen from Turkey, Greece, Yugoslavia, Bulgaria, Albania, Macedonia, Romania and Bosnia-Herzegovina are attending the championships.

CONTENTS

[01] DUTCH AGRICULTURE MINISTER BRINKHORST ARRIVES IN TURKEY

[02] ROMANIAN TOURISM MINISTER DAN ARRIVES IN TURKEY

[03] SPORTS - TAEKWONDO -TURKISH SPORTSMEN WIN SIX GOLD MEDALS IN FIFTH BALKAN TAEKWONDO CHAMPIONSHIPS

[04] FIRE BREAKS OUT IN PREFABRICATED HUTS IN DUZCE

[05] MINIMUM WAGE TO INCREASE BY 5 MILLION LIRAS ON JULY 1

[06] A.A PRESENTED WITH ''BEST NATIONAL NEWS AGENCY AWARD'' BY MARMARA UNIVERSITY FACULTY OF COMMUNICATIONS

[07] SPORTS - ATHLETICS -AY OF TURKEY RANKED FIRST IN WOMEN'S 10-KM WALKING IN INTERNATIONAL ATHLETICS RACES IN ROMANIA

[08] ALTARGEREL, MONGOLIAN AMBASSADOR TO TURKEY, IN ZONGULDAK

[09] CULTURE MINISTER TALAY: ''WHILE WE ARE PROTECTING ALL HISTORICAL HERITAGE INCLUDING GREEK AND BYZANTINE, EUROPEANS ARE UTTERLY DESTROYING THE OTTOMAN HERITAGE''

[10] TREASURY TO SELL 6-MONTH BONDS ON TUESDAY

[11] IRANIAN COMMERCE MINISTER DUE IN TURKEY

[12] ONE BILLION U.S. DOLLARS OF GOODS EXPORTED TO ITALY IN JANUARY-MAY PERIOD OF 2001

[13] CUKUROVA STATE SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA DUE TO SYRIA

[14] CULTURE MINISTER TALAY COMES TOGETHER WITH WORLDWIDE FAMOUS ACTOR CHRISTOPHER LAMBERT AND FRENCH DIRECTOR MARTINEZ

[15] COMU DEPUTY RECTOR DEMIRCAN: ''THE DANGER WHICH HAS ALWAYS EXISTED IN THE STRAITS WILL INCREASE MORE WITH TRANSPORT OF RADIACTIVE SUBSTANCES''

[16] AN IMPORTANT RING OF CHAIN OF EVOLUTION FOUND IN ANATOLIA -FOSSIL OF A MALE HOMINOID UNEARTHED IN CANKIRI

[17] STATE MINISTER GAYDALI SAYS THEY NEED A NEW SEISMIC VESSEL

[18] STATE MINISTER AND DEPUTY PRIME MINISTER BAHCELI: -''OUR STRUGGLE AGAINST CORRUPTION WILL CONTINUE AT ANY COST''

[19] TRAFFIC E-MAIL GROUP STARTS FIGHT AGAINST TRAFFIC TERRORISM

[20] ISTANBUL MAYOR RETURNS FROM U.S.

[21] PEOPLE OF BOLU PROTEST BILL THAT EXCLUDES THEIR CITY

[22] PRESIDENT DENKTAS OF TRNC: -''WE DO NOT CLOSE OUR DOORS TO NEGOTIATIONS EXCEPT FOR UNITED NATIONS-SPONSORED PROXIMITY TALKS WHICH STARTED WRONGLY''

[23] ISRAELI AMBASSADOR TO TURKEY TO BE CHANGED

[01] DUTCH AGRICULTURE MINISTER BRINKHORST ARRIVES IN TURKEY

Brinkhorst was welcomed by Dutch Ambassador to Turkey Sjoerd Gosses and Dutch Consul General in Istanbul Robert G. Sturm at Istanbul's Ataturk Airport.

Brinkhorst will proceed to Ankara on Sunday.

[02] ROMANIAN TOURISM MINISTER DAN ARRIVES IN TURKEY

Dan was welcomed by Tourism Ministry Foreign Relations Department Chief Onur Gozet at Istanbul's Ataturk Airport.

Atei Agathon Dan would proceed to southern province of Antalya, sources said.

[03] SPORTS - TAEKWONDO -TURKISH SPORTSMEN WIN SIX GOLD MEDALS IN FIFTH BALKAN TAEKWONDO CHAMPIONSHIPS

A total of 62 sportsmen and 49 sportswomen from Turkey, Greece, Yugoslavia, Bulgaria, Albania, Macedonia, Romania and Bosnia-Herzegovina are attending the championships.

According to the first day results of the championships, medal-winners are as follows:

47 kg (Women):

Gold - Hayriye Gunes (Turkey)

Silver - Andreana Kovacs (Romania)

Bronze - Iliyana E. Eneva (Bulgaria) and Sabiha Guler (Turkey)

55 kg (Women):

Gold - Mehtap Turkmen (Turkey)

Silver - Serap Atalay (Turkey)

Bronze - Elena Sterea (Romania) and Ana Mijailovic (Yugoslavia)

63 kg (Women):

Gold - Marina Theodoridou (Greece)

Silver - Sibel Guler (Turkey)

Bronze - Meldina Pinvic (Bosnia-Herzegovina) and Funda Malaz (Turkey)

72 kg (Women)

Gold - Dubravka Jovanovic (Yugoslavia)

Silver - Cansel Ugurlu (Turkey)

Bronze - Efcharis Athanasiaou (Greece) and Arzu Er (Turkey)

54 kg (Men):

Gold - Baykal Olmez (Turkey)

Silver - Zikos Nikolaos (Greece)

Bronze - S. Ivanov Rachev (Bulgaria) and Marius Lazar (Romania)

62 kg (Men):

Gold - Ahmet Evcimen (Turkey)

Silver - Ioannis Mamekas (Greece)

Bronze - Ivica Malinovski (Macedonia) and Erol Baykan (Turkey)

72 kg (Men):

Gold - Erdogan Tabur (Turkey)

Silver - Ersoy Karuk (Turkey)

Bronze - Plamen V. Transki (Bulgaria) and Panagiotis Sofianos (Greece)

84 kg (Men):

Gold - Suat Acar (Turkey)

Silver - Vasilos Harakopoulos (Greece)

Bronze - Lucian Gaciu (Romania) and Dragan Jablan (Yugoslavia)

The championships will end on Sunday.

[04] FIRE BREAKS OUT IN PREFABRICATED HUTS IN DUZCE

A total of 30 huts and tents were burnt down to ashes in the fire.

Nearly 200 survivors of the quake disasters which had devastated the region two years ago, had been accommodated in the prefabricated huts.

There were not any immediate reports of casualties.

Duzce Deputy Governor Sabit Kaya said people who lost their huts and tents in the fire, would be settled in new prefabricated huts.

[05] MINIMUM WAGE TO INCREASE BY 5 MILLION LIRAS ON JULY 1

In accordance with the decision of the Minimum Wage Fixing Commission, the gross minimum wage which is now 139 million 950 thousand TL will be increased to 146 million 947 thousand 500 TL on July 1.

According to calculations, the current net minimum wage meets only half of the monthly compulsory food expenditures of a four-member family.

According to a survey carried out by the Confederation of Turkish Labor Unions (Turk-Is), the total monthly compulsory food expenditures of a four- member family, which was 175 million 345 thousand TL on January 1, 2001 rose to 219 million 860 bin TL in the end of May.

[06] A.A PRESENTED WITH ''BEST NATIONAL NEWS AGENCY AWARD'' BY MARMARA UNIVERSITY FACULTY OF COMMUNICATIONS

A survey was carried out with participation of students and professors of the Marmara University Faculty of Communications.

According to the results of the survey, the A.A was chosen as the Best National News Agency.

Other award winners are as follows:

Best National News Agency: A.A

Best News Programs: Channel D

Best Morning News Bulletin: Goodmorning Turkey of Star TV

Best Evening News Bulletin: 24 Hours of NTV

Best Female Announcer: Defne Samyeli (Channel D)

Best Male Announcer: Ali Kirca (Star TV)

Best Documentary: Documentary (TV8)

Best Discussion Program: Ceviz Kabugu (ATV)

Best Culture-Art Program: Night and Day (NTV)

Best Economy Program: Ecodialogue (NTV)

Best Interview Program: Intellectual Approach (CNN Turk)

Best Sports Program: 91st Minute (Channel 7)

Best Music Channel: Number One TV

Best TV Channel for News Policy: CNN Turk

Best TV Channel for Cinema: CNBC-E

Best Newspaper: Hurriyet

Best Page for Culture-Art: Radikal

Best Newspaper for Interview: Hurriyet

Best Page for Sports: Milliyet

Best Columnist: Can Dundar

Best Culture-Art Magazine: Milliyet Sanat

Best Caricaturist: Salih Memecan

Best Film: Vizontele

Best Director: Yilmaz Erdogan and Omer Faruk Sorak

Best Female Performance: Demet Akbag

Best Male Performance: Yilmaz Erdogan

Best Film Music: Vizontele

Best Script-Writer: Yilmaz Erdogan

Best Radio Channel: Best FM

Best Radio Announcer: Ceyhun Yilmaz

Best Theatre Play: Beauty Queen of Leenane

Best Actress: Sumru Yavrucuk

Best Actor: Musfik Kenter

Best Publishing House: Can

Best Book: Kiraze of Solmaz Kamuran - Kizlarina Mektuplar of Emre Kongar

Best Advertisement: Young & Rubicam Agency

[07] SPORTS - ATHLETICS -AY OF TURKEY RANKED FIRST IN WOMEN'S 10-KM WALKING IN INTERNATIONAL ATHLETICS RACES IN ROMANIA

A total of 12 sportsmen and women are representing Turkey in the races.

Alina Olaru of Romania was ranked second and Ekaterina Suzanscheva of Moldova was ranked third in women's 10-km walking.

(UK-MS)

[08] ALTARGEREL, MONGOLIAN AMBASSADOR TO TURKEY, IN ZONGULDAK

Altargerel, and members of Mongolian Friendship Group visited Zonguldak Governor Ismet Metin, Mayor Ismail Esref and Omer Yenel, the Director General of Turkish Coal Authority (TTK).

[09] CULTURE MINISTER TALAY: ''WHILE WE ARE PROTECTING ALL HISTORICAL HERITAGE INCLUDING GREEK AND BYZANTINE, EUROPEANS ARE UTTERLY DESTROYING THE OTTOMAN HERITAGE''

''While we are protecting and repairing all historical and cultural heritage including Greek and Byzantine, European who consider themselves western and contemporaneous are showing how generous and noble they are by utterly destroying the Ottoman heritage,'' he said.

Talay attended a ceremony which was held on the occasion of the start of works on repair of Greek-Orthodox Church in Zafer neighborhood in Burdur province in Aegean region.

Talay said that the Turkish nation was expending efforts to protect and transfer all historical and cultural heritage in Anatolia to next generations.

''We are here to give the start for works on repair of a church where Greeks who migrated to Greece in 1924 were worshipping. While we are protecting and repairing all historical and cultural heritage including Greek and Byzantine, European who consider themselves western and contemporaneous are showing how generous and noble they are by utterly destroying the Ottoman heritage. We will spend almost 1 trillion Turkish liras on repair of this church,'' he said.

Later, Talay proceeded to southern province of Antalya to attend opening ceremony of the Eighth Aspendos International Opera and Ballet Festival.

[10] TREASURY TO SELL 6-MONTH BONDS ON TUESDAY

Treasury foresees to raise minimum 100 trillion Turkis liras (TL) in this 6- month (175-day) bond auction.

It said that the value date of these bonds in June 13 and maturity is December 5, 2001.

Treasury said that the bonds which would be sold in this auction would be the re-issuance of Treasury bonds which had been sold on April 18, 2001.

Despite these mimimum borrowing amounts, Treasury can sell bonds up to maximum 80 percent of the net total bid to the auctions and single price system will be valid for these auctions.

It said that Treasury may also recourse to public offerings or TAP issuances during this period. When the Public offer and TAP issuances are decided, necessary information will be publicly announced prior to the issues.

Treasury won't make domestic borrowing repayment in the first half of June.

Treasury's total domestic debt repayments in June will be 9 quadrillion 316 trillion 527.9 billion TL.

[11] IRANIAN COMMERCE MINISTER DUE IN TURKEY

Releasing a statement, the Foreign Trade Undersecretariat said on Sunday that the delegation would come to Turkey upon an invitation of State Minister Tunca Toskay.

During Iranian delegation's visit to Turkey, commercial relations between the two countries will be taken up in detail.

The sides will exchange views about measures to be taken to further improve commercial relations.

Within framework of his contacts in Ankara, Shariat-Madari is scheduled to meet with State Minister Toskay, Transportation and Communication Minister Oksuz, Industry and Trade Minister Ahmet Kenan Tanrikulu, and Energy and Natural Resources Minister Zeki Cakan.

The delegation will proceed to central province of Konya on June 13 to visit some industrial facilities.

After wrapping up their visit to Konya, the delegation will proceed to Istanbul on June 14.

The delegation will visit Istanbul's Ataturk Airport Free Zone on June 14.

Meanwhile, Iranian businessmen will hold bilateral talks with Turkish businessmen on Thursday.

Iranian delegation is expected to depart from Turkey on Friday.

[12] ONE BILLION U.S. DOLLARS OF GOODS EXPORTED TO ITALY IN JANUARY-MAY PERIOD OF 2001

Exports to Germany increased 208.5 million U.S. dollars and exports to France increased 125 million U.S. dollars.

Officials at the Exporters' Unions said on Sunday exports to Spain increased 82.1 million U.S. dollars to 376 million U.S. dollars, exports to Britain rose 64.4 million U.S. dollars to 842 million U.S. dollars, exports to the People's Republic of China climbed 58.8 million U.S. dollars to 75 million U.S. dollars, and exports to Iran increased 48.4 million U.S. dollars to 152 million U.S. dollars.

Meanwhile, exports to the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) decreased 29.8 million U.S. dollars to 81 million U.S. dollars in the same period.

Exports to Turkmenistan fell 26.8 million U.S. dollars to 32 million U.S. dollars, exports to Libya reduced 25.9 million U.S. dollars to 24 million U.S. dollars.

Exports to Malta decreased 18.6 million U.S. dollars to 18 million U.S. dollars, exports to Tunisia fell 15.9 million U.S. dollars to 69 million U.S. dollars, and exports to Japan reduced 15.4 million U.S. dollars to 46 million U.S. dollars.

[13] CUKUROVA STATE SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA DUE TO SYRIA

The Cukurova State Symphony Orchestra of the Culture Ministry will give a concert at the Azem Palace in Damascus on June 16.

The orchestra conducted by Emin Guven Yaslicam, will play works of Ulvi Cemal Erkin, Dvorak and Mozart.

The Syrian National Symphony Orchestra gave a concert in southern province of Adana on November 2, 2000.

[14] CULTURE MINISTER TALAY COMES TOGETHER WITH WORLDWIDE FAMOUS ACTOR CHRISTOPHER LAMBERT AND FRENCH DIRECTOR MARTINEZ

Talay attended a cocktail party at Antalya's Sheraton Hotel held on the occasion of beginning of the Eighth International Aspendos Opera and Ballet Festival.

During the cocktail party, Talay came together with worldwide famous actor Christopher Lambert and French director Filipe Martinez.

Talay said, ''cinema regulations should be changed in Turkey. We have been carrying out works to this end. We call on directors and producers to put forward their proposals. We will submit their proposals to the parliament. Meanwhile, we will offer every kind of facility to foreign producers who want to shoot their films in Turkey.''

Worldwide famous film producers Hannibal Productions and Philip Martinez are planning to shhot some scenes of ''Absolon'', ''The Piano Player'' and ''A Woman in Love'' movies in Antalya. and Lambert will play the leading role in ''Absolon''.

The Eighth International Aspendos Opera and Ballet Festival started with ''Aida'' of Giuseppe Verdi.

The International Aspendos Opera and Ballet Festival will host three foreign companies including the Greek National Ballet Company, this year.

The program of the Eighth International Aspendos Opera and Ballet Festival is as follows:

June 15 : Ankara State Opera and Ballet - Shrew Girl of Kurt Heinz Stolze and Domenico Scarlatti

June 17: Izmir State Opera and Ballet - Hurrem Sultan of Nuvit Kodalli

June 20: Greek National Opera - Zorbas of Mikis Thedorakis

June 26: Istanbul State Opera and Ballet - Rigoletto of G. Verdi

June 29: Kazakh State Academic Opera and Ballet Company - Carmen of Operası George Bizet

July 3: Antalya State Opera and Ballet - La Traviata of G. Verdi

July 7: Belorussian National Academic Ballet Company - Spartacus of Aram Ilich Khachiaturian.

[15] COMU DEPUTY RECTOR DEMIRCAN: ''THE DANGER WHICH HAS ALWAYS EXISTED IN THE STRAITS WILL INCREASE MORE WITH TRANSPORT OF RADIACTIVE SUBSTANCES''

Releasing a statement, Demircan said that approval of bill on storage of nuclear waste that would come from the West in Russia by the Russian parliament closely interested Turkey, particularly the Turkish Straits.

''The danger which has always existed in the Straits will increase more with transport of radioactive substances. The danger will be minimized if necessary measures against such a transport are taken. However, nuclear subtances and their gamma rays are hazardous for living creatures,'' he said.

Stressing that radioactive substances had a high rate of kinetic energy, Demircan said, ''in case of a possible accident or ship wreckage in the Straits, licing creatures around the Straits are endangered. The people living around the Straits should be very sensitive toward this matter.''

[16] AN IMPORTANT RING OF CHAIN OF EVOLUTION FOUND IN ANATOLIA -FOSSIL OF A MALE HOMINOID UNEARTHED IN CANKIRI

The fossil which was aged between 7 and 8 million years, is expected to complete the missing ring between 4.4-million-year-old fossil found in Ethiopia and 9.9-million-year-old fossil unearthed in Anatolia.

Assistant Professor Ayla Sevim from Ankara University Department of Anthropology gave information about the fossil of male hominoid during the 23rd International Excavation, Research and Archeometry Symposium.

She said that the fossil belonged to a male hominoid having the size of a gorilla.

Sevim said that dental structure of the fossil was similar to the other hominoids.

Underlining importance of the fossil in anthropological researches, Sevim said, ''this fossil will constitute the ring between hominoids and monkeys without tail.''

Recalling that a 4.4-million-year-old fossil was found in Ethiopia and a 9.9-million-year-old fossil was unearthed in Anatolia, Sevim underlined importance of fossils to understand direction of the chain of evolution.

''We estimated the age of fossil as 7 to 8 million years. There is a gap of nearly 2 million years between this fossil and the 9.9-million-year-old fossil unearthed in Anatolia. This reveals that the fossil could be one of the missing rings in the chain of evolution. There may be a ring among hominoids in Asia, Africa and Anatolia. After completing scientific and technical researches, we will determine the exact age of the fossil.''

Sevim added that the fossil was a significant material to unveil the evolutionary connection between African hominoids and Asian hominoids.

[17] STATE MINISTER GAYDALI SAYS THEY NEED A NEW SEISMIC VESSEL

Speaking to the A.A correspondent, Gaydali said that there was a need for a new vessel equipped with hi-tech devices in Turkey which was surrounded by seas.

Recalling that the project was postponed due to the government's economic program, Gaydali said that works on an international tender for purchase a new seismic vessel would start after they got rid of the economic crisis.

According to MTA Directorate General's estimation, the new seismic vessel will cost almost 25 million U.S. dollars including the hi-tech devices.

Purchase of a new seismic vessel which carries out 3-D researches in the sea came onto the agenda with instruction of Prime Minister Bulent Ecevit following 1999's devastating earthquake in Marmara region.

The purchase of the vessel will be financed from funds.

[18] STATE MINISTER AND DEPUTY PRIME MINISTER BAHCELI: -''OUR STRUGGLE AGAINST CORRUPTION WILL CONTINUE AT ANY COST''

Speaking at the MHP's Sixth Extended Regional Consultation Meeting in central province of Kayseri, Bahceli described unfair distribution of income and unemployment as the most serious problems in Turkey.

Referring to Cyprus question, Bahceli said, ''there are foreign circles aiming at resolving the Cyprus question with a fait accompli, and there are some internal factors trying to ease these circles' aim intentionally or unintentionally. One of the biggest unfortunate developments in recent months is that almost all important foreign policy matters are equated with the European Union (EU) membership.''

''A lasting peace and stability can be settled in Cyprus only by reaching a fair and dignified agreement. The EU's using Greek Cypriot side's membership process as a weapon will not serve solution of the Cyprus question. Turkey will not remain as a mere spectator against policies and approaches that can make Turkish Cypriots return to the painful and dark period before 1974,'' he stressed.

Recalling that the EU had formed a security and defense identity to reinforce its political power and international influence, Bahceli said, ''it was understood that the EU does not have a clear, friendly and fair approach towards Turkey. A prejudiced and double-standard policy has been followed against Turkey. Efforts to introduce Turkey's attitude as an initiative to prevent foundation of the European army, is a serious unfairness. I call on all EU officials to be more careful and realistic. It will be unfair and wrongful to expect Turkey to support a defense and security policy in which it does not participate actively. The most important thing is to put into practice a realistic defense identity without damaging NATO's existence and functions.''

State Minister Ramazan Mirzaoglu, State Minister Suayip Usenmez, National Defense Minister Sabahattin Cakmakoglu, Agriculture and Rural Affairs Minister Husnu Yusuf Gokalp, Industry and Trade Minister Ahmet Kenan Tanrikulu, Transportation Minister Enis Oksuz, Health Minister Osman Durmus and a number of members of the MHP were in attendance at the meeting.

[19] TRAFFIC E-MAIL GROUP STARTS FIGHT AGAINST TRAFFIC TERRORISM

The group formed by scientists, doctors, engineers, journalists, lawyers and even deputies aims to increase communication between people of different professions in a free environment and bring a solution to Turkey's traffic problem.

Group Chairman Dr. Hamit Hanci from Ege University said on Sunday that the group members are being informed about social and legal developments immediately and they learn how to show their reaction in traffic related matters.

''Everyone has a different occupation in our group and everyone focuses on a different angle of the traffic problem. Anyone could join our group. We are not speaking in a single sided manner like other non-governmental organizations and we're giving our messages directly to people,'' he explained.

Hanci pointed out that some 10,000 people lose their lives in 15,000 accidents every year in Turkey and called on everyone to join the Traffic E- Mail Group.

''Don't wait until you lose one of your loved ones to join us,'' he said.

Those who are interested should e-mail their names, the name of the school they graduated from and their professions to ''hamithanci@yahoo.com'' to be accepted to the group.

[20] ISTANBUL MAYOR RETURNS FROM U.S.

Holding a press conference at Istanbul's Ataturk Airport after his arrival, Gurtuna said, ''I went to the U.S. to attend the United Nations General Assembly's special session on 'Istanbul+5'. The three-day special session organized by the Nairobi-based U.N. Center for Human Settlement, was held to evaluate the progress on an action plan on housing approved at the Habitat-II Meeting which was held in Istanbul in 1996. I delivered a speech at the meeting on local administrations. In my speech, I stressed that concept of local administration should be institutionally represented in the United Nations. Institutional relation should be started between the Local Administrations' Association and the United Nations.''

Noting that he had held bilateral talks with mayors from other countries who were in attendance at the meeting, Gurtuna said that his contacts had focused on supplying source for projects in Istanbul.''

Responding to a question about construction of subway between Yenibosna district of Istanbul and the Ataturk Airport, Gurtuna told reporters, ''the construction is expected to be finalized in a year. Its foundation was laid in February of 2000. We held a tender for electromechanical part of the subway last month.''

[21] PEOPLE OF BOLU PROTEST BILL THAT EXCLUDES THEIR CITY

A total of 48 people had died in Bolu in the November 12 quake.

Bolu Mayor Yuksel Ceylan told the A.A correspondent on Sunday that the

taxpayers in Bolu were not included in the bill foreseeing cancellation of tax debts of quake survivors.

He explained that 48 people died in the city, 6,334 residences and 9 work places suffered moderate damage while 2,461 residences and 217 work

places suffered heavy damage on November 12, 1999.

''Tradesmen and industrialists in Bolu had great losses after the disaster and faced big economic troubles,'' he asserted.

The governor indicated that the Bolu General Assembly members took action to show their reaction after they found out that the bill excluded

Bolu.

He said that they hung black ribbons and posters on D-100 and E-5 highways and in the streets of the city.

They are also seeking the support of drivers by giving them black ribbons to put on their cars when they stop at red light.

He indicated that the assembly members will come to Ankara with the representatives of a number of chambers and visit the prime minister,

deputy prime ministers and the finance minister.

They will ask the government officials to include Bolu in the bill.

Ceylan said they would continue their black protest if they don't obtain any result from their visit to the capital.

[22] PRESIDENT DENKTAS OF TRNC: -''WE DO NOT CLOSE OUR DOORS TO NEGOTIATIONS EXCEPT FOR UNITED NATIONS-SPONSORED PROXIMITY TALKS WHICH STARTED WRONGLY''

In an interview to Greek To Vima Newspaper, President Denktas noted, ''we are ready to discuss all kinds of proposals that will not allow Greek Cypriots to become dominant over Turkish Cypriots. We want a formula to protect ourselves in the international platform. We are ready to discuss any proposal that will protect Turkish Cypriots' identity and existence of two separate states.''

''The United Nations-sponsored proximity talks started with wrong conditions. We do not close our doors to negotiations except for the proximity talks,'' he said.

President Denktas said, ''the sides should divide the island into two equal region for unification of Cyprus as a whole. If an agreement is reached on the issue, the Turkish Cypriot side is ready to discuss issues such as determination of the borders and exchange of properties. But our proposal was rejected by the Greek Cypriot side. Our confederation proposal will not be valid forever.''

Responding to a question about the Greek Cypriot side's application to the European Union (EU) full membership, President Denktas said, ''if Cyprus becomes a member of the EU before solution of problems, then the TRNC will not have any other chance except for annexation to Turkey. In that case, we will become a member of the EU when Turkey enters the EU. If you believe that Europeans would fight for Greek Cypriots' domination over Turkish Cypriots, you are making a serious mistake.''

When asked of the European Court of Human Rights' (ECHR) decision, President Denktas said, ''we do not have to abide by this decision. Because the EU does not recognize the TRNC. So, we do not need to recognize them.''

''It is not possible to reach a solution in Cyprus without approval of Turkey and the TRNC. Greek Cypriots are aware of this fact,'' he said.

Responding to a question whether or not there could be a possibility of war between Turkey and Greece due to Cyprus, President Denktas said, ''some circles in the Greek Cypriot side have been still dreaming to make Cyprus a Greek island. I do not beileve that Clerides, an experienced and well- educated personality, would support such an action. Greek Cypriots may drag Turkey and Greece into a war due to Cyprus by believing that 'someone' could help them.''

[23] ISRAELI AMBASSADOR TO TURKEY TO BE CHANGED

Sultan who was born in Egypt, served as Israeli Ambassador to Egypt and Canada previously.

Sultan is expected to leave for Turkey by the end of this month.

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