Anadolu Agency: News in English, 01-07-20

Anadolu Agency: News in English Directory - Previous Article - Next Article

From: The Anadolu Agency Home Page at <http://www.anadoluajansi.com.tr/>

ANADOLU AGENCY

NEWS

20 JULY 2001 Friday

CONTENTS

[01] TURKEY-PRESS SCAN

[02] ECEVIT SPEAKS AT TRT-2 PROGRAM ''WE HAVE TO EXPLAIN TO PEOPLE THAT WE'LL START GETTING THE RESULTS OF THIS ECONOMIC PROGRAM WITHIN A FEW MONTHS''

[03] PRIME MINISTER ECEVIT HOPES GOVERNMENT TO CONTINUE TO BE IN FULL OFFICE AS LONG AS HARMONY AMONG COALITION PARTNERS CONTINUES (2)

[04] PRIME MINISTER ECEVIT: (3) ''ALL INSTITUTIONS RELATED WITH ECONOMY SHOULD BE IN SOLIDARITY''

[05] KAHKONEN, IMF TURKEY DESK CHIEF, EXPECTED TO MEET TOSKAY AND KARAKOYUNLU

[06] 27TH ANNIVERSARY OF CYPRUS PEACE OPERATION -PRESIDENT SEZER: ''TURKEY WILL CONTINUE TO PROTECT LEGAL RIGHTS AND INTERESTS OF TURKISH CYPRIOT PEOPLE AND TO BE THE GUARANTEE OF PEACE AND TRANQUILITY ON THE ISLAND''

[07] TRNC CELEBRATES 27TH ANNIVERSARY OF CYPRUS PEACE OPERATION

[08] TOTAL OF 11,502 DWELLINGS TO BE HANDED OVER TO QUAKE SURVIVORS ON SECOND ANNIVERSARY OF DEVASTATING EARTHQUAKE

[09] AGRICULTURE MINISTER GOKALP SAYS TURKEY ATTRIBUTES UTMOST IMPORTANCE TO ITS RELATIONS WITH AZERBAIJAN

[10] TRNC PRESIDENT DENKTAS SAYS CYPRUS IS BIG ENOUGH TO SHELTER TWO STATES

[11] CAKAN, MINISTER OF ENERGY AND NATURAL RESOURCES: ''ELECTRICITY NETWORKS INTERCONNECTION AMONG TURKEY, SYRIA, JORDAN AND EGYPT TO BE OPENED TO OPERATION BY END 2001''

[12] KUTAN:''WE'RE STARTING OFF WITH THE MOST SINCERE FEELINGS TO SERVE OUR NATIONS''

[13] 27TH ANNIVERSARY OF CYPRUS PEACE OPERATION -PRIME MINISTER ECEVIT: ''TURKEY WILL CONTINUE TO STRONGLY SUPPORT THE TURKISH CYPRIOT NATION'S STRUGGLE TO PROTECT THEIR LEGAL RIGHTS AND INTERESTS AND TAKE THEIR DESERVED PLACE IN THE WORLD''

[14] MANY FOREIGN TV CHANNELS SHOOT DOCUMENTARIES IN CAPPADOCIA

[15] ANTI-GLOBALIZATION GROUP HOLDS PROTEST IN ISTANBUL

[01] TURKEY-PRESS SCAN

HURRIYET (LIBERAL)

ALARM FOR HOT WEATHER AGAIN
The Meteorology General Directorate said that the temperatures will increase in coming days. The Health Ministry said that extreme hot weather may cause deaths and warned people about what they should do in hot weather.

WARNING TO FOREIGN BANKS
Foreign banks, which are claimed to increase the U.S. dollar by speculative tarnsactions were warned. During his meeting with administrators of Citibank, Deutsche Bank, HSBC, ABN Amro Bank and Chase Manhattan Bank State Minister Kemal Dervis said, ''we are all on the same boat.''

MILLIYET (LIBERAL)

The ten percent will be valid till September when the reasoned verdict will be issued. Later, the rent will be determined by the owner of the house and the renter.

GOOD NEWS TO TAYYIP: BAN LIFTED
Ways to politics were opened to Tayyip Erdogan with the decision of the Constitutional Court. Erdogan is very happy. Erdogan was welcomed in Uskudar with the slogans ''prime minister.'' When the Constitional Court said there was no political ban, the reformists were reunited with their leader.

SABAH (LIBERAL)

BAD NEWS TO RENTERS
The Constitutional Court found the law which limited the rental rise by 10 percent against the Constitution and annuled it. The decision was taken unanimously because economic program was changed and inflation target was increased due to the crisis. From now on, owner and renter will determine the rental rise.

CUMHURIYET (LEFT)

DEATH FASTS ENTERS TO 274TH DAY
The death fast protest, which is carried out against F type prisons, entered to the 274th day. It was reported that health conditions of many death fasting inmates detoriated in prisons and in hospitals.

Death fasts continue despite the presures coming from public and the warnings against Justice Ministry to set up dialogue with the inmates.

RADIKAL (LEFT)

ECEVIT: ''REASON OF CRISIS IS POLITICAL''
Prime Minister Bulent Ecevit, who attended the program broadcast in state- run TRT-2 channel, said that the reason of the economic crisis is political and complained that some ministers talk too much.

TURKIYE (RIGHT)

Dervis asked the respresentatives about the reasons of the disturbance in the foreign currency market, and warned that, ''we are sailing on the same ship, don't make speculations.''

GEN. ERUYGUR WARNS GREEK CYPRIOTS
Gen. Sener Eruygur, the Land Forces Chief of Staff, currently in Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) to attend July 20 Peace and Freedom Festival ceremonies, said, ''Greek Cypriot people will never return to the black days of the past.''

Gen. Eruygur said, Turkey will always support the Turkish Cypriot people in its rightful struggle to exist.

EU CIRCULAR FROM ECEVIT
Prime Minister Bulent Ecevit issued a circular including re-structuring to carry out financial cooperation between Turkey and the EU.

The circular, bearing the signature of Prime Minister Bulent Ecevit, said five new units, namely National Financial Support Coordinator, Financial Cooperation Committee, National Fund and National Authorization Official, Joint Follow-Up Committee, and Central Finance Tender Unit, were established.

The circular recalled that a new process had been started with the EU after Turkey's candidacy to the EU was approved in Helsinki Summit of the EU in December 10-11, 1999.

ZAMAN (CONSERVATIVE)

SAADET (HAPPINESS) PARTY TO BE SET UP TODAY
Twenty-eight days after the Virtue Party (FP) was closed down by the Constitutional Court, the traditional wing of the closed party is officially setting up their new party today. The party will be named ''Happiness.'' After the party is set up, leader and members of the general administrative board will be chosen.

[02] ECEVIT SPEAKS AT TRT-2 PROGRAM ''WE HAVE TO EXPLAIN TO PEOPLE THAT WE'LL START GETTING THE RESULTS OF THIS ECONOMIC PROGRAM WITHIN A FEW MONTHS''

Ecevit said it was ''interesting'' that the money markets were still anxious because he said, in fact, the things were going on the right track and the government fulfilled all its promises.

''We signed a high credit agreement with the IMF and the World Bank. Turkey was given about 18 billion U.S. dollar financial support. The government passed 327 laws in two years. Most of these laws are reformist laws. Parliament worked around the clock to pass these laws including those required by the IMF. During this time, despite the negative expectations, the inflation started falling quickly, first in May and then in June. Tax incomes started exceeding the targets. Non-interest budget incomes at the targetted level. Our export is increasing while import is decreasing. We are having a great tourism year since we defeated terrorism. We have big debts but we're paying both domestic and foreign debts in time. Briefly the indications are very positive,'' Ecevit said.

Commenting on the general pessimism atmosphere in the society, Ecevit said pessimist news reports and articles were a factor for this. He said the government made some radical changes and that certain powerful circles in the society were doing their best to prevent these changes. ''Some negative rumors are spreading at very critical times, there must be some intrigues behind them,'' Ecevit said.

Ecevit said, ''as everything was going on the right path, some rumours, which were not said before, are spread, some scenerios are brought in front of people.''

''Telekom crisis experienced and left behind. Transportation Minister Enis Oksuz resigned following the incidents. Things seemed to calm down after this resignation,'' Ecevit said.

He said, ''there are many things we should do in the coming months. Agriculture section has been ignored for a long time. We want to focus on development of agriculture sector and to make it reach a healthy order this summer. There are many demands to village cities. Many efforts were exerted in education since 1997.''

Ecevit said the government was succeeded in many things, yet noted that, ''for some reason or other, non-confidence continues. There is democracy in Turkey and three-party coalition government. Everything can be discussed easily when there is democracy and three-party coalition. We can reach a compromise following the discussions.''

When asked, ''there is a confidence problem. What will the coalition government do to bring back the confidence to the markets and the citizens, '' Ecevit said, ''we should reflect the public what we had done and what we will do. We are obliged to convey to the public that we will reach healthiness due to economic means. I would like to confess. As the Prime Minister, I have a complaint. Whatever is spoken in the government, it is reflected to the outside. In fact, the ministers could be able to discuss everything in detail.''

Ecevit said those discussions are a process of searching, and noted that, ''as the members of the Council of Ministers, we should be very carefeul in our statements.''

Responding to a question on rumours about revision in the cabinet, Ecevit said, ''the government should deal with changing order rather than making a revision. We want to do something more than a revision. I cannot intimidate steps that aim at calming public opinion at a certain stage. When a minister has to leave, he leaves. This government was formed by a certain amount of ministers. Some ministers had to resign just because an economic crisis occured although they do not have to. I cannot intimidate this. Ministers and prime ministers make revision when necessary.''

When the reporter said, ''you are trying to carry out structural changes in politics and economy. We mention an arrangement in the government as a part of this change'', Ecevit said, ''problems can't be solved that way. The public can be satisfied temporarily. It may be needed. We, the coalition leaders, did not debate it. But it can be debated.''

Ecevit added, ''I do not think it is my right to say anything because we have not debated it. At least when we reach a new election stage, we should give a decision about it. But, we are not at that stage. Before the Council of Ministers is formed. It is very hard after it is formed.''

Asked if they think of decreasing number of ministers, Ecevit said, ''these reforms are fulfilled by the structure of the Council of Ministres. This may be. But, we should give a decision about the number of the Council of Ministers before the elections.''

Asked if there is a difference between economic and political views of Istanbul capital and Ankara bureaucracy, Ecevit said that he is a deputy from Istanbul but he has lived in Ankara for his whole life.

Ecevit noted that he does not want to make a preference between Istanbul and Ankara but Istanbul is a more intensive country in trade and business life than Ankara.

They think of accelerating Istanbul's transition into market economy, Ecevit said.

Ecevit said, ''but, circles which have some interests in the deteriorated order of Turkey are mainly living in Istanbul. But, these people do not constitute whole of Istanbul. On the other hand, Ankara is a city of bureaucracy. In Ankara, the point of view of the state is more valid. Economic and commercial issues cannot be reflected on politics more than a limit by the bureaucracy. There is an important difference between Istanbul and Ankara to this end. It is beneficial to keep this difference on a balance.''

When asked if a rise in salaries of lecturers is planned, Ecevit said that they discuss enabling state and foundation universities to find and use their incomes and sources freely.

Responding to a question if there is a pressure on Turkey about Cyprus question due to Turkey's current economic situation, Ecevit said, ''I also felt the same uneasiness about Cyprus question. We need financial support. But, can this be exploited by political intensions and can this lead to some pressure? People can feel this uneasiness but I have not seen such a tension so far. This is pleasing.''

Ecevit added, ''at a stage when we need foreign assistance, the European Union (EU) and the U.S. know the foreign issues about which we are sensitive. When we reached the stage of EU candidacy, there were serious discussions between the EU representatives and us. They saw how sensitive we were about some foreign issues and national matters. And, even, they flew to Ankara by a private plane at midnight and said words which meant that they would not make us uneasy about these issues. People always feel concerned about this. But, we have not faced such a pressure so far maybe because our determination and Turkey's importance is known. There was not a single sign.''

Turkey's importance increased after the political geography of the region changed, Ecevit said.

Ecevit added, ''to this end, here, the crisis are mainly political. Turkey's importance and efficiency in the Central Asia, Middle East, Caucasus, Black Sea and Balkans have increased very much.''

[03] PRIME MINISTER ECEVIT HOPES GOVERNMENT TO CONTINUE TO BE IN FULL OFFICE AS LONG AS HARMONY AMONG COALITION PARTNERS CONTINUES (2)

Speaking in a program broadcast in state-run TRT-2 channel, Ecevit said that some rows or disagreements may occur in the parliament and that these should be considered as normal.

Ecevit said, ''the Nationalist Movement Party (MHP) perceives the importance of the implementation of the economic program as much as the - Democratic Left Party (DSP) and the Motherland Party (ANAP). But, this party has some structural differences. Some issues may be discussed in that party in a different way. We should not regard these as strange.''

When reporter said, ''how do you explain the position of State Minister Kemal Dervis? The signs that some discussions may occur when the parliament re-opens are being given today. You made a call to DSP at first,'' Ecevit said, ''Dervis has undertaken a very important duty and he is at a charge which has to be carried out every minute and every hour. To this end, I think it will not be correct to engage his time by politics and party matters.''

Ecevit continued, ''this may bring forward some other discussions. He is working intensively. I do not think he has the time to think all these. Some rows or discussions may occur in the government. But, we have to consider these as normal. But, I definitely believe that MHP perceives the importance of the implementation of the economic program as much as DSP and ANAP.''
''But, this party has some structural differences. Some issues may be discussed in that party in a different way. We should not regard these as strange. What is important is that we have reached a compromise in the end of all the discussions. No problems will occur if we prevent the statements at the Council of Ministers from being leaked out,'' Ecevit added.

Asked what kind of a measure he will take, Ecevit said, ''taking measures is not easy.''

When asked if Turkey needs to take steps more rapidly due to economic crisis, Ecevit said, ''we determine that speed. So, we do not have a problem.''

Ecevit noted that some comprehensive constitutional amendments will be made this year.

''The pressure coming from the society for these is not less than the pressure coming from the EU or the IMF on the issues concerning them. Maybe it is more. This is pleasing,'' Ecevit said.

Ecevit stated that performance of the parliament is not seen elsewhere in the world and said, ''deputies worked till midnight and sometimes till the morning. These works could not be done if there was not belief and intention in the program.''

Asked if Political Parties Law will be amended in the new legislative year, Ecevit said, ''I think we should not deal with so much details in these laws. Every party may have some peculiar features. There is no doubt that some changes are needed. But, we give priority to the constitutional amendment. It is very good and important that ruling and opposition parties reached a compromise on amendment to 37 articles of the Constitution. To this end, we should firstly debate this. Also, there is the Civil Code. We should debate these rapidly.''

Responding to a question if a new election process may begin before the completion of election law, Ecevit said, ''that may be made without any delays. I only talk about priorities.''

Upon a question regarding election, Ecevit said, ''it cannot be held easily although it is wanted. With what party can you make it?''

Asked when he expects an election, Ecevit said, ''we are a government which has many aims. We are carrying out legal works which may be considered as reforms. And, there are many others that we should do. For example, I want to accelerate project of village-cities before my political life ends. Because, I think that this initiative will change and modernize Turkey in all aspects. The agricultural sector should be developed as well. If you do not develop agricultural sector and help villagers get developed, we cannot prevent problems of big cities from becoming more severe. So, there are things we should do. I would like to continue our initiatives till our term in office expires if the government continues to act in harmony.''

When asked about his evaluations about continuation of harmony, Ecevit said, ''I have not felt any concerns so far. Everything was discussed but we reached a compromise and harmony in the end. As long as this process continues, I wish the government to continue to be in full office.'

Asked about his view about the new formations, Ecevit said, ''our party wants the closure of political parties to be more difficult. Other parties think the same. We thought that many parties should not have closed. But, it happened and we did not have the time to change the constitution. We brought a constitutional amendment into the agenda last year but we could not provide sufficient votes at the parliament. A new proposal cannot be made although a year has passed. Incidents occur very rapidly. We will see the differences between those who are called traditionalists and reformists in coming weeks and months. I cannot say any other thing for the time being.''

Ecevit continued, ''it is not correct for me to intervene in internal affairs of other parties. But, I can say one thing as an expectation and wish: It should have been understood that politics cannot be made by religious exploitation in this country. If parties which are set up to replace the Virtue Party or to be the successor of it and to contribute to Turkey, they should assume an attitude by which they will not use religion as a tool for politics.''

''Some statements have started to come to the agenda recently. This has started to inspire hopes. I hope it is not deceptive. It seems that there will be new formations. We should wait to see the results of these,'' Ecevit added.

Asked if the developing countries are ready for this much liberalization, Ecevit said that the positions of the countries which has reached a certain development stage in market economy and the under-developed countries are different.

Ecevit added, ''there is an interesting example of this in Turkey. Ankara, Istanbul, Izmir and Adana sincerely adopts privatization. But, nobody wants privatization in Southeast and East. Everybody wants state instutitions, including employers. Because, that region is not ready to be opened to market economy. When it is ready, I am sure that everybody will run at the first stage. This is an interesting difference.''

Responding to another question, Ecevit said that they will welcome foreigners if they make productive investments and that they are trying to enable to banking sector to make sufficient contributions to production.

Ecevit stated that economic institutions are mainly autonomous and that these should be in close coordination.

They are in continuous contact with the banking sector, Ecevit noted.

Ecevit said, ''when we try to save some banks from being emptied, we sometimes end the business life. Today, many factories have been closed because the banks cannot make the necessary contributions to these institutions. They cannot make it although they want to.''

They are making a comprehensive and ambitious change in the order, Ecevit pointed out.

Ecevit said that there will be people who try to prevent this and that gaining money from money has been wide-spread in Turkey.

''There are circles which gain big amounts of money without producing and contributing to economy. These efforts were permitted in recent years. We have to insist on a change in this order because Turkey has to be qualified to the first league. Turkey has such an important strategic and vital position that it cannot continue its existence outside the first league. Some developed countries have already considered Turkey as this. A group named 20s was set up. Turkey was included in this group in a period in which it faced its most problematic days in economy. Despite this, our accession to the EU is wanted. Shortly, we have to break the resistance. How can we do it? We can achieve it by implementing our targets and changes in a quick and determined way.''

Asked where we were heading, Ecevit said, ''I think we are heading the first league.''

When asked when the process may be overcome by suffering, Ecevit said, ''I do not know when it can be overcome but we have to overcome it in the possible shortest time.''

(To be continued)

[04] PRIME MINISTER ECEVIT: (3) ''ALL INSTITUTIONS RELATED WITH ECONOMY SHOULD BE IN SOLIDARITY''

Ecevit responded to the questions of reporters after attending a program in TRT 2.

Asked what kind of measures they were thinking to take to restore confidence, Ecevit said many things were done regarded with economy. ''Turkey will reach healthiness if there is some more patience. I have no doubt about it.''

Ecevit said most of the institutions regarded with economy were autonomous or half autonomous, noting that a coordination should be set up between them.

Responding to a question if there was sufficient cooperation among the economy units, Ecevit said, ''all the institutions related with economy should be in a more functional cooperation and solidarity.''

When asked what would be the concrete measures to reduce the interests, Ecevit said, ''it is a very important issue. I wish the rate of interests would be reduced to a moderate level soon. They should be reduced.''

When recalled that the Constitutional Court Thursday rejected the request of Supreme Court Chief Justice Sabih Kanadoglu to issue a warning to the Rebirth Party (YDP) regarding the situation of former leader Hasan Celal Guzel, and that this was interpreted as the political ban on Recep Tayyip Erdogan lifted, Ecevit said, ''Turkey entered to a new process of seaching in political area. However, it is not yet clear how those changes would take place.''

[05] KAHKONEN, IMF TURKEY DESK CHIEF, EXPECTED TO MEET TOSKAY AND KARAKOYUNLU

Kahkonen, currently in Turkey for the 9th review within the framework of Stand-By, is expected to meet State Ministers Tunca Toskay and Yilmaz Karakoyunlu.

Meanwhile, the delegation, which is separated into small groups, continue contacts in Treasury Undersecretariat.

The IMF Executive Board is expected to release 1.5 billion U.S. dollar loan at the end of July or at the beginning of August according to the impressions of the delegation.

[06] 27TH ANNIVERSARY OF CYPRUS PEACE OPERATION -PRESIDENT SEZER: ''TURKEY WILL CONTINUE TO PROTECT LEGAL RIGHTS AND INTERESTS OF TURKISH CYPRIOT PEOPLE AND TO BE THE GUARANTEE OF PEACE AND TRANQUILITY ON THE ISLAND''

Presidential Press Center issued a statement and said President Sezer sent a message to Rauf Denktas, the President of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) on the 27th anniversary of Cyprus Peace Operation.

In the message Sezer said he congratulated Peace and Freedom Festival of Denktas and the Turkish Cypriot people on the 27th anniversary of the Peace Operation which formed a turning point in freedom struggle of the Turkish Cypriot people.

Sezer said, ''with the Peace Operation, which Turkey realized basing on its historical and humanitarian rights and commitments, sufferings and the difficulties of Turkish people ended, and a tranquility and confidence atmosphere has been set up on the Island. Peace Operation is the symbol of independence and freedom for Turkish Cypriots. Turkey will continue to protect the legal rights and interests of Turkish Cypriot people and to be the guarantee of peace and tranquility. This is a national duty which we fulfil with pride.''

Sezer said, ''TRNC is an element of peace and stability in the region with its radical institutions and pluralist democratic structure. Turkish Cypriot people which reached today by making great concessions, knows that value of living under the roof of its own sovereign free state. Turning back to the dark days of the past would never be in question. A lasting compromise will base on adoption of realities on the Island and sovereign equality of Turkish Cypriot people.''

Sezer said, ''providing the security, healthiness and economic development of Turkish Cypriot people is the primary goal of Turkey.''

[07] TRNC CELEBRATES 27TH ANNIVERSARY OF CYPRUS PEACE OPERATION

A ceremony was held in Girne Karaoglanoglu Martyrdom, a martyrdom built at the spot where the operation started on July 20, 1974.

Later, ceremonies were held in Lefkosa Ataturk Monument, Martyrdom Memorial, and Dr. Fazil Kucuk Mausoleum.

State Minister Sukru Sina Gurel, Presidential General Secretary Kemal Nehrozoglu, and Parliament's General Secretary Vahit Erdem represented Turkey in the ceremonies.

TRNC President Rauf Denktas, who signed the Dr. Fazil Kucuk Mausoleum Special Book, emphasized that enemies can never walk in free territory of TRNC.

Meanwhile, Ahmet Zeki Bulunc, the TRNC Ambassador to Turkey, visited Anitkabir, the Mausoleum of Ataturk, the Founder of Turkish Republic, due to the 27th anniversary of Cyprus Peace Operation.

Bulunc laid a wreath to Ataturk's Mausoleum and observed a minute of silence.

Bulunc, who signed the Anitkabir Special Book, wrote, ''TRNC will undoubtedly reach success in its fight to reach level of modern civilizations in line with the targets you showed, and to make the world acknowledge TRNC state, independence, freedom and sovereignty.''

[08] TOTAL OF 11,502 DWELLINGS TO BE HANDED OVER TO QUAKE SURVIVORS ON SECOND ANNIVERSARY OF DEVASTATING EARTHQUAKE

Huseyin Canga, the Golcuk Regional Director of the Prime Ministry Project Implementation Department, told A.A correspondent on Friday that 3,568 permanent dwellings, three elementary schools and two health clinics have been constructed.

Canga noted that the quake-resistant dwellings will be handed over to quake survivors on the second anniversary of the devastating earthquake.

The infrastructural works are under way, Canga said.

Ahmet Ericdem, the Izmit Regional Director of the Prime Ministry Project Implementation Department, said that 95 percent of 2,820 dwellings in Gundogdu village, 980 in Korfez, 558 in Gebze, four elementary schools and three health clinics has been constructed while Adapazari Regional Director Necmi Soylemez said that 90 percent of 3,194 dwellings, four elementary schools and three health clinics in Adapazari and Duzce has been concluded.

Meanwhile, efforts are under way to construct 506 additional permanent dwellings in Karamursel, 1250 in Hisareyn, 1000 in Adapazari's Camili township and 465 in Duzce's Kaynasli township.

The dwellings in Karamursel will be built by World Bank loan while those in Hisareyn and Kaynasli by European Investment Bank loan.

[09] AGRICULTURE MINISTER GOKALP SAYS TURKEY ATTRIBUTES UTMOST IMPORTANCE TO ITS RELATIONS WITH AZERBAIJAN

Gokalp, who visited Turkey-Azerbaijan seed production enterprise in Xacmaz region, agricultural cooperation has important place in relations between Turkey and Azerbaijan and that positive results of this cooperation have started to be gained.

Turkey supports its own farmers and villages by researches and production, Gokalp noted and said that they are trying to establish the same system in Azerbaijan.

Gokalp said, ''there will be people who cannot bear Turkish-Azerbajani relations. This will not obstruct us but promote our relations. We will promote our agricultural relations with Azerbaijan.''

Azerbaijani Agriculture Minister Irsad Aliyev said that they will continue to exert concerted efforts with the Turkish Cooperation and Development Agency (TIKA) to train farmers.

Aliyev added that they plan to open ten more similar enterprises in Azerbaijan.

[10] TRNC PRESIDENT DENKTAS SAYS CYPRUS IS BIG ENOUGH TO SHELTER TWO STATES

Speaking at the ceremony held upon July 20 Peace and Freedom Day, Denktas noted that they are making a struggle of existence in Cyprus however the Greek Cypriots are making plans to possess whole of Cyprus by getting armed day and night.

Denktas stated that they want peace and propose cooperation between two states.

Cyprus will not become a unitary state, Denktas said and pointed out that there will be two states in the island.

Denktas said that they want to be respected and that they want to have similar rights with the Greek Cypriots.

They exchanged people in the past, Denktas noted and said that they accepted the limitation of three freedoms.

Denktas stated that they do not want to force people to leave their lands again and asked the Greek Cypriots do the same.

Giving information about incidents which caused the July 20 Cyprus Peace Operation, Denktas said that Makarios had instructed to prepare mass graves for Turks and that the Turkish Cypriots were forced to stay in three percent of the island.

Denktas said that they resisted all these agonies by believing that their agonies would end as the motherland came.

They did not yield the violence, Denktas noted and said that they were dismissed from the common republic.

Denktas stated that then, they founded their own republic and they exerted efforts in vain in several meetings for eleven years to ensure peace.

However, the Greek Cypriots are still trying to possess whole of Cyprus, Denktas pointed out.

Denktas said that the Greek Cypriots are trying to achieve their target to possess whole of Cyprus by European Union (EU) membership.

''Here is our response to them: You are wrong. You cannot achieve this target by hostility between ourselves. The flags have been hoisted and they will never descend,'' Denktas said.

Denktas stressed that July 20 Cyprus Peace Operation was a real peace operation and that the operation saved the lives of many Greek Cypriots, including Greek Cypriot administration's leader Glafcos Clerides.

The operation also brought democracy to Greece, Denktas said.

Denktas pointed out that the Greek Cypriots want to return to Girne and said, ''you can have a tour to Girne but you cannot come and penetrate among us as we cannot return to Baphos.''

Reiterating his call for peace, Denktas said an agreement can be reached between two states by taking the peace which continues in the island for 27 years as a base.

[11] CAKAN, MINISTER OF ENERGY AND NATURAL RESOURCES: ''ELECTRICITY NETWORKS INTERCONNECTION AMONG TURKEY, SYRIA, JORDAN AND EGYPT TO BE OPENED TO OPERATION BY END 2001''

Cakan returned to Turkey after attending six-way Interconnection Project 8th Ministers Meeting in Beirut.

Speaking at Ankara's Esenboga Airport, Cakan said the Six-Way Country Interconnection Project was intiated in 1989 aiming at cooperation of Turkey, Syria, Jordan, Egypt, and Iraq in interconnection of electricitynetworks. He said Lebanon attended the project in 2000.

Cakan said, ''Turkey-Syria-Jordan-Egypt interconnection, which is the first stage of the project, will be opened to operation by the end of 2001, and exchange of energy among those countries will start.''

Cakan said recent situation in the project was reviewed at the meeting, and decisions were taken for the development of the project.

The Energy Minister pointed out that the 9th Ministers Meeting would take place in Ankara.

[12] KUTAN:''WE'RE STARTING OFF WITH THE MOST SINCERE FEELINGS TO SERVE OUR NATIONS''

''We are starting off with the most sincere feelings to serve our nation. This is the first step to our salvation. May God help us on our way,'' Kutan said at a press conference.

Kutan claimed that Turkey failed to offer good conditions and services to its people while all developed and developing countries are offering more democracy, human rights and prosperity to their citizens in the 21st century. He said his group founded a new party titled the Happiness Party to serve the nation. Kutan indicated the foundation application of the new party would be presented to the Interior Ministry at 3 p.m. on Friday

[13] 27TH ANNIVERSARY OF CYPRUS PEACE OPERATION -PRIME MINISTER ECEVIT: ''TURKEY WILL CONTINUE TO STRONGLY SUPPORT THE TURKISH CYPRIOT NATION'S STRUGGLE TO PROTECT THEIR LEGAL RIGHTS AND INTERESTS AND TAKE THEIR DESERVED PLACE IN THE WORLD''

''Turkey is determined to intensify its cooperation with the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus to have our Cypriot brothers and sisters live in peace and to increase their level of prosperity,'' he said.

Prime Minister Ecevit released a message on the occasion of the 27th anniversary of the Cyprus Peace Operation.

Ecevit said that Turkey had carried out the Cyprus Peace Operation in accordance with its rights, commitments and responsibilities stemming from international agreements.

Noting that July 20, 1974 was a day which should always be remembered not only by the Turkish Cypriots who are indispensable part of the Turkish nation but also by the whole humanity, Ecevit said that the Peace Operation which had been carried out by the Turkish Armed Forces 27 years ago ended a very serious tragedy, saved the Turkish Cypriots from the Greek Cypriot oppression and prevented annihilation of defenseless people in front of the whole world.

''The peace operation not only saved our Turkish Cypriot brothers and sisters but also brought peace to the region. When the clashes which currently occur in several regions in the world in a way which contradicts with human dignity are taken into consideration, the atmosphere of peace and tranquility which has been continuing for 27 years in the island is a proof for the success of the peace operation. Existence of the Turkish Armed Forces in the island is the guarantee for this atmosphere,'' he said.

Ecevit said that the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus which stemmed from the free will of the the Turkish Cypriots was protecting its power with its state structure settled on modern and secular basis and its faithfulness to human rights, democracy and values of supremacy of law.

''The Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus' existence, independence and freedom continue despite embargoes and policies of isolation,'' he added.

''I sincerely celebrate the TRNC's peace and freedom day and I commemorate those who lost their lives for sake of the Turkish Cypriots,'' he added.

[14] MANY FOREIGN TV CHANNELS SHOOT DOCUMENTARIES IN CAPPADOCIA

The tv channels coming from the United States, Japan, Australia, France, Germany, Austria, United Arab Emirates, Malasia, Italy and Canada came to Nevsehir to produce documentaries about Cappadocia which was included in UNESCO's world cultural heritage list.

Cappadocia Tourism Managements Association Secretary General Nazif Demir pointed out that the documentaries shot in the region was the best means of promotion since it would encourage more tourists to visit Cappadocia.

[15] ANTI-GLOBALIZATION GROUP HOLDS PROTEST IN ISTANBUL

The group which was formed by about 20 people introduced themselves as ''Anti-globalization, Social Ecologist Transformation Group'' chanted slogans saying ''G-8 countries are murderers of climate''.

The group which walked on Istiklal Avenue read out a press statement. The group members thres ice cubes on the ground to draw attention to global warming.

Some group members were taken into custody by the police.

Anadolu Agency: News in English Directory - Previous Article - Next Article