Anadolu Agency: News in English, 01-06-28

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ANADOLU AGENCY

NEWS

28 JUNE 2001 Thursday

CONTENTS

[01] TURKEY-PRESS SCAN

[02] INDIAN INTERIOR MINISTER ADVANI MEETS WITH INTERIOR MINISTER YUCELEN

[03] YILDIRIM JOINS MHP

[04] BRITISH AMERICAN TOBACCO SIGNS PARTNERSHIP AGREEMENT WITH DUZEY PAZARLAMA AND SUNEL TUTUNCULUK

[05] PRIME MINISTER ECEVIT SAYS THERE ARE PEOPLE WHO TRY TO TOPPLE GOVERNMENT (1)

[06] KAREN FOGG:''PASSAGE OF LARGE TANKERS FROM THE TURKISH STRAITS IS CAUSING BIG PROBLEMS''

[07] ENVIRONMENT MINISTER AYTEKIN:''NO ENVIRONMENTALIST COULD ACCEPT TRANSPORTATION OF HAZARDOUS PRODUCTS FROM TURKISH STRAITS''

[08] BAT TARGETS INVESTMENT OF 200 MILLION U.S. DOLLARS IN NEXT TEN YEARS

[09] PRIME MINISTER ECEVIT: ''REVENUES TO BE OBTAINED FROM DOMESTIC SOURCES WILL BE SPENT ON INITIATIVES THAT WILL SOLVE PROBLEMS OF PUBLIC PERSONNEL, FARMERS AND UNEMPLOYMENT''

[10] TAM DIRECTOR SEN:''NUMBER OF TURKISH ENTREPRENEURS WILL BE DOUBLED IN 2015''

[11] 30 PERCENT OF DARDANEL'S SHARES SOLD TO JAPANESE TOHTO SUISAN COMPANY

[12] OYMEN, TURKEY'S PERMANENT REPRESENTATIVE TO NATO: -''WE ARE AN IMPORTANT ELEMENT OF EU SECURITY. TURKEY SHOULD BE GRANTED EQUAL RIGHTS IN EUROPEAN SECURITY''

[13] EU COMMISSIONER VERHEUGEN SAYS HE IS OPTIMISTIC ABOUT CYPRUS QUESTION

[14] COUNCIL OF STATE DELAYS EXECUTION OF DECISION OF BRSB ABOUT TURKBANK

[15] CONFLICT OVER TURK TELEKOM RESOLVED

[16] GERMAN INVESTMENT BANK FTW PROVIDES 167 MILLION EUROS OF CREDIT TO ENERJISA'S THREE AUTOPRODUCER POWER PLANTS

[01] TURKEY-PRESS SCAN

HURRIYET (LIBERAL)

A TURKISH MIRACLE IN SILICONE VALLEY
Vestel Company produced the fist television of the world which provides delayed watching of programs by making digital recording. The television was designed in Vestel's research center in Silicone Valley of the U.S. The price of the television which was produced in western province of Manisa has not been announced yet.

TURKEY RANKED 54TH IN CORRUPTION
The Transparency International released its report about corruption in the world in 2001. Turkey was ranked 54th among 91 countries. Bangladesh was ranked first in the list.

FOGG: ''YOUR TENDER LAW DOES NOT CONFORM WITH EU''
Karen Fogg, the Representative of the European Union (EU) Commission in Turkey, said that Turkey's Tender Law did not conform with the EU. Speaking at a panel discussion on ''State Tender Law During EU Adjustment Process'' , Fogg said that the EU expected Turkey to complete its new State Tender Law in the possible shortest time. She stressed that EU had three general principles in state tenders, including transparency, impartiality and non- discrimination.

MILLIYET (LIBERAL)

F-16 CRASHES
A F-16 type military plane crashed near Akinci Base in Ankara due to a failure in its engine. Pilot of the plane survived the accident without any injuries.

EXPORTS INCREASE BY 13.9 PERCENT
State Minister Tunca Toskay said that Turkey's exports increased by 13.9 percent between January 1 and June 21, 2001 compared to the same period last year. Toskay noted that exports from the automotive sector increased by 52 percent to 1.9 billion U.S. dollars.

SABAH (LIBERAL)

COEPA TO TAKE UP TURKEY REPORT
The Council of Europe Parliamentary Assembly (COEPA) will put to vote a report defending that monitoring process for Turkey should continue. Monitoring process is implemented for new member countries to the COEPA. The COEPA decided two years ago to implement the monitoring process for Turkey. The decision created harsh reaction in Turkey. The report prepared by Hungarian socialist parliamentarian Andreas Barsony and German Christian Democrat parliamentarian Benn Zierer, says that progress recorded by Turkey in human rights was not adequate.

CUMHURIYET (LEFT)

TURKEY OFFICIALLY RECOGNIZES NORTH KOREA
Turkey stated that it officially recognized North Korea. Releasing a statement, the Foreign Ministry said, ''Turkey believes that rapprochement process between South Korea and North Korea would make an important contribution to peace and stability both in the region and in the world.

PARLIAMENT RESPONDS TO ALLEGATIONS ON SO-CALLED ARMENIAN GENOCIDE
The book named ''Armenians In The Late Ottoman Empire'' which was prepared by the parliament to refute Armenians' allegations against the Republic of Turkey and the Turkish nation under the light of historical facts, was promoted to public opinion. Speaking at the ceremony, Parliament Speaker Omer Izgi said, ''the book which was prepared in cooperation with the parliament, responds to many questions about allegations of so-called Armenian genocide. It is the result of fastidious works carried out by scientists in some state archives. Circles aiming at drawing a political conclusion from campaigns of lies and slanders, are dreaming. No one can reject scientific data in this book. The book reveals that Turks have never committed a genocide against Armenian community.''

RADIKAL (LEFT)

CEM REACTS TO GREEK CYPRIOT SIDE'S CANDIDACY TO EU
Speaking at the Turkey-European Union (EU) Joint Parliamentary Commission (JPC), Foreign Minister Ismail Cem said, ''it is wrong to think that Turkey and Turkish Cypriots would remain silent in case of the Greek Cypriot side's full membership to the EU. Both Turkey and Turkish Cypriots will react harshly, and relations will be jeopardized. Such a development will cause damage not only to Turkey, but to everyone. The EU's attitude diverted Greek Cypriots to gain time by refusing to reach a compromise.''

TURKIYE (RIGHT)

''WE CAN SEND TROOPS TO MACEDONIA''
National Defense Minister Sabahattin Cakmakoglu said that the Southeast European Multinational Peacekeeping Forces (SEEBRIG) was ready for mission. Cakmakoglu, who is in Plovdiv, Bulgaria, to watch Seven Stars-2001 exercise, said, ''SEEBRIG was set up by seven countries. Its mission is to maintain the current peace. There is not any article in the agreement on SEEBRIG regarding maintenance of peace by force. But, SEEBRIG is ready for mission.'' Referring to developments in Macedonia, Cakmakoglu said that Macedonia should solve this problem by itself through peaceful methods. Cakmakoglu noted that Macedonian authorities should remove different implementations among people living in the country and that Turkey is ready to help Macedonia. He adde that tension in Macedonia tended to escalate and that Turkey could make military contribution to international formations as it did before in case developments reach serious dimensions.

ZAMAN (CONSERVATIVE)

[02] INDIAN INTERIOR MINISTER ADVANI MEETS WITH INTERIOR MINISTER YUCELEN

An official welcoming ceremony was held for Indian Interior Minister Lal Krishna Advani who is currently in Turkey as the guest of Yucelen.

Following the ceremony, Yucelen and Advani held a meeting.

Speaking at the meeting, Yucelen said that Advani was scheduled to pay a visit to Turkey in January, and added that the visit was postponed due to earthquake disaster in India.

Describing Advani as an influencial personality in Indian political life, Yucelen said, ''I believe that high-level visits between the two countries would make an important contribution to further improvement of economic and social relations. Prime Minister Bulent Ecevit paid an official visit to India last year. National Defense Minister Sabahattin Cakmakoglu visited India this year.''

''Security Cooperation Agreement signed between Turkey and India will make a valuable contribution not only to the issue of security, but to the bilateral economic and commercial relations. Current trade volume between Turkey and India is about 370 million U.S. dollars. This amount does not reflect the real potential of our countries,'' he added.

Meanwhile, Indian Interior Minister Advani said in his part that Turkey constituted a model for them.

Advani eulogized Mustafa Kemal Ataturk, the Founder of modern Republic of Turkey.

[03] YILDIRIM JOINS MHP

Yildirim resigned from the True Path Party (DYP) on April 26, 2001.

Number of MHP deputies increased to 127 after Yildirim joined the MHP while number of independent deputies decreased to 112.

The recent distribution of seats at the parliament is as follows:

Democratic Left Party (DSP)........: 132

Nationalist Movement Party (MHP)...: 127

Motherland Party (ANAP)............: 88

True Path Party (DYP)..............: 83

Independent........................: 112

Vacant.............................: 8

[04] BRITISH AMERICAN TOBACCO SIGNS PARTNERSHIP AGREEMENT WITH DUZEY PAZARLAMA AND SUNEL TUTUNCULUK

A statement of the BAT said that Sunel Tutunculuk, which is a company bound to Gurel Holding, and Duzey Pazarlama, which is a company of the Koc Holding, became partners of the BAT with minority shares.

The statement noted that the BAT has launched initiatives to make investments on a factory in Tire township of western Izmir province.

The BAT also signed an agreement with Duzey Pazarlama to set up a distribution network in Turkey.

[05] PRIME MINISTER ECEVIT SAYS THERE ARE PEOPLE WHO TRY TO TOPPLE GOVERNMENT (1)

Speaking at the group meeting of the Democratic Left Party (DSP), Ecevit said, ''these people are especially trying to sicken of the Nationalist Movement Party (MHP). I hope that MHP will not be deceived.''

Ecevit said that the government worked in harmony until the ''Telekom issue'' occupied the agenda of Turkey ''as an unnecessary problem.''

The continuation of this harmony has vital importance, Ecevit noted.

Ecevit added, ''the harmony among three coalition partners continue. A full compromise is reached at the summit meetings. But, there are people who try to shake this harmony and to topple the government. These people are especially trying to sicken of the MHP. I hope that MHP will not be deceived. Devlet Bahceli is paying the necessary attention on this issue. I thank him.''

[06] KAREN FOGG:''PASSAGE OF LARGE TANKERS FROM THE TURKISH STRAITS IS CAUSING BIG PROBLEMS''

Speaking at a meeting participated by foreign ministers of EU candidate countries at Polat Ronesans Hotel on Thursday, Fogg said the passage of the tankers is not a problem only for the inhabitants of Istanbul but also for the Turkish government.

Fogg indicated that Turkey's National Program was a big progress in Turkey's pre-accession process and it also included certain environmental policies which Turkey need to follow. She said the meeting was important to determine Turkey's environmental policies necessary for sustainable development.

Fogg also said that Turkey would soon become a member of the Regional Research Center which has been founded in Budapest which is working to minimize environmental problems.

Environment Ministry Deputy Undersecretary Melih Akalin said the meeting was the continuation of the first meeting which was held in Slovakia last year on May 4-5.

Turkey, Croatia, Letonia, Hungary, Malta, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Greek Cypriot administration, Bulgaria, Estonia, Lithuania, and Poland are represented at the meeting.

The Sixth Environment Action Plan which includes climate changes, biological and natural variety, sustainable usage of natural resources will be discussed at the meeting.

[07] ENVIRONMENT MINISTER AYTEKIN:''NO ENVIRONMENTALIST COULD ACCEPT TRANSPORTATION OF HAZARDOUS PRODUCTS FROM TURKISH STRAITS''

Speaking at the opening of European Union (EU) Candidate Countries Environment Ministers Second Unofficial Meeting on Thursday, Aytekin said environment which is an important element in international policies will play a determining role in relations between the nations in the coming years.

He indicated that Turkey placed great importance to bilateral, regional and international cooperation in the environmental matters and it had signed about 40 international agreements, 29 declarations and 15 bilateral relations regarding environment. He said Turkey also based its national environmental policies on the decisions taken at United Nations Environment Program and Sustainable Development Commission. He added that Turkey approved a National Environment Action Plan in 1998 and started its implementation.

Pointing to the environmental risks threatening the Turkish straits, Aytekin said that physical, oceonographic and morphologic characteristics of the Istanbul Strait are causing problems when the ships sail through this strait. ''A number of sea accidents caused environmental pollution at significant levels in recent years,'' he continued. ''Under these circumstances, no environmentalist could accept the transportation of hazardous products through the Turkish straits which threatens human health and environment. I'm hoping that this meeting would help to take the necessary measures under the light of scientific data.''

[08] BAT TARGETS INVESTMENT OF 200 MILLION U.S. DOLLARS IN NEXT TEN YEARS

BAT said that signing a partnership agreement with Duzey Marketing and Sunel Tobacco was an important step for the company's investments in Turkey.

BAT General Director Paul Helderman said the company ''believed in Turkey's future.''

Famous tobacco group BAT which markets international brands such as Lucky Strike, Benson & Hedges, Kent, Dunhill, Rothmans and Pall Mall is employing 90,000 people.

[09] PRIME MINISTER ECEVIT: ''REVENUES TO BE OBTAINED FROM DOMESTIC SOURCES WILL BE SPENT ON INITIATIVES THAT WILL SOLVE PROBLEMS OF PUBLIC PERSONNEL, FARMERS AND UNEMPLOYMENT''

Speaking at the group meeting of the Democratic Left Party (DSP), Ecevit said that another legislation term is to end and that the three coalition parties have worked in harmony and determination for two years.

Ecevit noted that the coalition parties have worked day and night to implement structural reforms.

The ''efficient and rapid'' works of the government and parliament increased confidence of foreign countries in Turkey, Ecevit stated.

Ecevit continued, ''our foreign source problem has been solved in great sense. Now, it is time to deal with domestic sources. Amendments which will provide the functioning of domestic sources are on the agenda of the parliament. Revenues to be obtained by domestic sources will be spent on initiatives to solve problems of public personnel, farmers and unemployment.''

The compromise reached on constitutional amendment bill is very important, Ecevit said.

Ecevit pointed out that providing support to these amendments will increase Turkey's esteem.

These amendments should be evaluated in details not only by the parliament and political parties but also by public, non-governmental organizations and jurists, Ecevit said.

Ecevit said, ''to this end, other leaders and I thought it would be beneficial to postpone the constitutional amendment deliberations to September 17.''

Reminding his deputies that a provision which would make the political party closures more difficult was included in the bill, Ecevit said, ''I believe we will reach positive results this time and mark a development in democracy and human rights.''

[10] TAM DIRECTOR SEN:''NUMBER OF TURKISH ENTREPRENEURS WILL BE DOUBLED IN 2015''

Speaking at a press conference at Buyuk Ankara Hotel on Thursday, Sen released the result of a report titled the Economic Power of Turkish Entrepreneurs in Germany and EU Countries.

According to the report, the average age for Turkish entrepreneurs in Germany was 37 and they spend an average of 22 years in this country. Some 35 percent of these entrepreneurs prefer to switch to German citizenship. Between the years 1985 and 2000, their number increased from 22 to 59 thousand. The turnover of Turkish businessmen in Germany reached 55.7 billion German Marks with a 10 percent increase from last year. The investments of Turkish businessmen also increased significantly and reached 13.6 billion German Marks.

Sen said that the number of Turkish entrepreneurs would be doubled in 2015 and there would be 160,000 Turkish businessmen in Europe of whom 120,000 are in Germany.

Responding to questions, Sen said little was done to bring the savings of Turks in Germany from German banks to Turkey.

[11] 30 PERCENT OF DARDANEL'S SHARES SOLD TO JAPANESE TOHTO SUISAN COMPANY

Thirty percent of Dardanel's shares were sold to Tohoto Suisan company. The partnership company will produce tuna fish off shores of Alanya with an investment of 4.6 million U.S. dollars. The Japanese company is planning to make an export worth of 11 million U.S. dollars to Japan in the first year and then increase this amount to 28 million U.S. dollars.

Dardanel Group Chairman Niyazi Onen indicated that the company started exporting tuna fish to Israel, Lebanon, Saudi Arabia and Egypt and wanted to grow in alternative markets. Onen indicated that Dardanel was planning to produce new brands and targetted a turnover between 80 to 100 U.S. dollars.

[12] OYMEN, TURKEY'S PERMANENT REPRESENTATIVE TO NATO: -''WE ARE AN IMPORTANT ELEMENT OF EU SECURITY. TURKEY SHOULD BE GRANTED EQUAL RIGHTS IN EUROPEAN SECURITY''

A conference on ''Security and Cooperation in Europe in 21st Century'' was held in Istanbul by Ari Hareketi (Bee Movement), New Atlantic Initiative, Fredrich Naumann Foundation and Turkish-Swedish Cooperation Center.

Speaking at the session titled ''NATO-EU relations and future of European security and defense, Oymen said that Turkey should be granted equal rights in European security.

Ally countries has started to decrease their defense spendings as a more secure atmosphere has been built, Oymen noted.

Oymen stated that the NATO countries reduced their defense spendings which amounted to 100 billion U.S. dollars.

This is not in question for Turkey, Oymen said, because Turkey's strategical position does not permit this.

Oymen stressed that Turkey's inclusion in the security and defense mechanism is important.

The EU launched initiatives regarding security and defense identity a decade ago, Oymen said.

Oymen reminded the listeners that NATO and EU hadn't had a meeting since a few months ago and that the two organizations did not even have a single meeting during military interventions in Bosnia and Kosovo.

Such meetings have been intensified recently, Oymen said.

Oymen noted that NATO and EU military committees convened a week ago and that Turkey supports promotion of such relations.

Emphasizing that the claims that ''EU's access to NATO resources was prevented by Turkey'' are not correct, Oymen stated that Turkey always supports the promotion of cooperation between EU and NATO.

Oymen pointed out that Turkey is one of the strongest military forces of NATO and that Turkey is an important element of the EU security.

''Turkey is not the consumer in respect of security but the producer. Turkey should be granted equal rights in European security,'' Oymen said.

Oymen noted that what was proposed to Turkey about the European Security and Defense Identity (ESDI) was a seat at the table of advisers.

''This is not sufficient. Turkey has always been a loyal ally. IT has contributed to the European security. Nobody can say that blocking Turkey's inclusion in an EU manoeuvre is logical. Nobody can ask us to abandon our security,'' Oymen said.

Anders Oljelund, the Swiss Ambassodor responsible for NATO Affairs, Said that the European security has been debated comprehensively for last six years.

Oljelund noted that there are some processes that the EU attributes importance and listed these processes as enlargement, acquisition of crisis administration capacity, re-definition of transatlantic relations, and relations with Russia.

EU-NATO relations are affected by these processes, Oljelund emphasized.

Oljelund stated that EU is capable of staging small operations for the time being and that they do not aim to set up an EU army.

They do not want to avoid NATO's protection, Oljelund said.

Oljelund noted that crisis administration procedures have been formed in the EU and that the manoeuvre programs have been made.

EU's manoeuvres will not be staged on field but in the level of headquarter, Oljelund said.

Anthony Blinken, the U.S. expert in Strategic and International Researches, said that what is important for the ESDI is the ''share of burden.''

Blinken claimed that Europe refrains from contributing to NATO operations and said that the U.S. supports Europe's efforts to increase its defense capacity.

The aim of the European army is to reach the conflicted area on time, stay there for a long time and to ensure cooperation, Blinken said.

Blinken noted that Europe has to review its military forces.

Emphasizing that Turkey is rightful in its wish to take part in ESDI, Blinken said that the U.S. accepts Turkey's approach.

Turkey's inclusion in decision making mechanism is important, Blinken added.

Turkey's role in European defense and security, solution of disputes in the Balkans, and NATO's enlargement are being debated at the conference.

The conference will end on Friday.

[13] EU COMMISSIONER VERHEUGEN SAYS HE IS OPTIMISTIC ABOUT CYPRUS QUESTION

Verheugen told a press conference that after his contacts with Foreign Minister Ismail Cem, he is ''optimistic'' about solution of Cyprus question.

Asked about his expectations about Cyprus question, Verheugen said that he talked with officials of the United Nations (U.N), the U.S. officials, Turkish and Greek ministers, and Greek Cypriots.

Verheugen noted that they follow the developments very carefully.

Verheugen said that full membership negotiations with the Greek Cypriot administration continue without any problems and that they will end next year.

EU's strategy is obvious, Verheugen noted, they support U.N.'s efforts for a solution.

Verheugen stated that they wish that a quick and peaceful solution will be found and that it will not be wise to make speculations by questions like what will happen if this does not happen and what they will do then.

They will see what will happen in 2002, Verheugen said.

Verheugen pointed out that the EU Council will give its decision by taking into consideration all the factors and that Cyprus question will be an important item of the agenda.

Verheugen reiterated his call for Turkish government and Turkish Cypriots and said that they should do their best to resume peace process.

He expressed his concerns after Turkish Cypriots hardened their attitude, Verheugen said.

Verheugen said that the accession of a united Cyprus in the EU is the best method for overcoming tension and guaranteeing lasting peace and that there is not a better way for the peaceful unification of Turkish Cypriots and Greek Cypriots.

Responding to a question about how he evaluates the statements of Cem at the Joint Parliamentary Commission (JPC) meeting, Verheugen said that he should say that he is optimistic following his contacts with Cem.

A solution on Cyprus question on time seems possible, Verheugen noted.

Verheugen said that any speculation may harden the works of the U.N. and EU which are in fact very difficult.

Touching on enlargement of the EU, Verheugen said that the EU can be enlarged even if the Nice Treaty is not ratified and that there is no other alternative.

Expressing his views about candidate states, Verheugen noted that they debated Turkey's candidacy in detail at the Turkey-EU Association Council meeting held in Luxembourg at the beginning of this week.

To this end, he will not repeat similar things, Verheugen said.

Verheugen stated that full membership negotiations of some of 12 candidate states will have been completed by the end of 2002 and claimed that ten candidate countries can take part in the first enlargement wave.

EU's doors are open to all candidates, Verheugen said.

Verheugen noted that everything depends on results of negotiations.

They do not give guarantee to any candidate country and none of the candidates are excluded, Verheugen said.

Verheugen added that there are not any candidate countries which have fulfilled full membership requirements.

[14] COUNCIL OF STATE DELAYS EXECUTION OF DECISION OF BRSB ABOUT TURKBANK

The execution of the decision will be delayed until the BRSB defends itself and a new decision is given.

The Council of State debated the lawsuit which was filed by the Turkbank Assistance Fund demanding annulment of the decision and delay of its execution.

The Council of State decided to delay the execution of the decision until the administration defends itself. After the defense is made, the Council of State will re-debate the case and give its decision.

The defendant has the right to reject to the decision of the Council of State. But, it is not possible to conclude the rejection procedures before July 1, 2001 when the decision of the BRSB will take effect. The Council of State Administrative Cases Department General Assembly will give a decision about a rejection made following this date.

Both the defendant and the plaintiff have the right to reject to the decision that the Council of State will give after it receives the defense of the BRSB.

[15] CONFLICT OVER TURK TELEKOM RESOLVED

Responding to questions of reporters, Yilmaz said that a statement would be released to the press regarding the issue.

[16] GERMAN INVESTMENT BANK FTW PROVIDES 167 MILLION EUROS OF CREDIT TO ENERJISA'S THREE AUTOPRODUCER POWER PLANTS

A credit agreement was signed in Istanbul on Thursday. Sabanci Holding Chairman Sakip Sabanci, Sabanci Holding Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Hazim Kantarci, Enerjisa Chairperson Guler Sabanci and KFW First Deputy Secretary Norbert Kloppenburg attended the signature ceremony at Sabanci Center.

Foreign guaranteurs of the 167 million Euro credit are NCM from the Netherlands, Hermes from Germany and Coface from France and the domestic guaranteurs are Akbank and Is Bank.

The three autoproducer power plants will start operation in 2002.

Kloppenburg said this was a significant amount of credit considering the economic crisis.

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