Anadolu Agency: News in English, 01-08-29

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ANADOLU AGENCY

NEWS

29 AUGUST 2001 Wednesday

-TURKEY-PRESS SCAN

These are some of the major headlines and their brief stories in Turkey's press on August 29, 2001. The Anadolu Agency does not verify these stories and does not vouch for their accuracy.

HURRIYET (LIBERAL)

It was revealed that businessman Uzeyir Garih was a victim of a 26-year-old private, Yener Yermez. It was understood that Yermez who had been sentenced to 16 years in prison on charges of stabbing a man to death had been released from prison in accordance with the Conditional Release From Prison Law and started fulfilling his military service. Police found the place of Yermez from Garih's cell phone's IMEI number. The non-commissioned officer who was on duty at the main gate of the barracks where Yermez was staying said that he had found the cell phone during the body search on Yermez on Saturday. It was understood that Yermez had sold the cell phone to another soldier in the barracks. Police went to the military barracks at 01:00 a.m. on Tuesday together with officers and asked for Yermez. When the officer on duty asked the police whether or not Yermez was born in Nevsehir, police said that probably, he was. Yener Yermez who was born in Kayseri deserted when officers had called a private whose name is Yener Yermez born in Nevsehir. Police revealed that deserted Yermez had got on a passenger bus going from Istanbul to Bursa. Meanwhile, it was claimed that Yermez killed Garih as Garih had seen Yermez while he was making love with a woman in the graveyard. Meanwhile, trousers and shoes containing blood stains were found in the closet of Yermez in the military dormitory where he was staying. It was revealed that the blood on the trousers and shoes belonged to Garih. Meanwhile, a person informed gendarme that he had seen two people running down from the graveyard in panic.

IFC: WE HAVE CONFIDENCE IN TURKEY

While Turkey is seeking remedy to get rid of the difficult economic crisis, World Bank's IFC displayed its confidence in the Turkish economy by signing loan agreements with two Turkish companies yesterday. IFC signed a 13 million U.S. dollars agreement with Ipek Kagit and 10 million U.S. dollars loan agreement with Teba.

61 PEOPLE DETAINED WITHIN SCOPE OF OPERATION SWINDLE

A total of 61 people were detained within scope of the investigation launched by Ankara State Security Court (DGM) Prosecutor Cengiz Koksal after it was revealed that corruptions had been made in the auctions of the Public Works and Housing Ministry. There are contractors, Public Works and Housing Ministry Deputy Undersecretary, Construction Works Deputy Director General and high-level bureaucrats are among the detainees.

MILLIYET (LIBERAL)

Police launched operation throughout Turkey to capure the ''number one suspect'' 26-year-old Yener Yermez. The name of the private believed to have killed businessman Uzeyir Garih was ''Yener'' and he was fulfilling his military service at the Hasdal Barracks in Istanbul. The officer entered the dormitory and asked Yener Yermez whether or not there was any other Yener staying at the dormitory. Soldier Yermez said, ''yes'' and left the dormitory to bring the other Yener and disappeared.

GOOD JOB, MR. AYDIN

It was revealed that Koray Aydin set up a construction company after he was appointed as the Public Works and Housing Minister together with his father- in-law and brother-in-law. Aydin's share in the company is 25 percent.

VARYAG'S PASSAGE TO BE INSURED

New conditions were added to the ''fulfillment of technical conditions'' for the passage of the worn-out warship Varyag which China had purchased from Ukraine, from the Straits. According to the new conditions, the passage will be insured and China will meet the compensations if the Turkish government does not approve passage of such big vessels of other countries.

SABAH (LIBERAL)

Police launched operations to capture 26-year-old deserted soldier Yener Yermez who is the suspect of Uzeyir Garih murder. Here are the past crimes of Yermez: he stole car in 1993 in Kayseri, robbed a business place in 1995 in Kayseri and stabbed a person in 1995 in Kayseri. Yener Yermez was sentenced to 7.5 years in prison on charges of stabbing a person to death.

STEEL SHIELD FOR ECEVIT

Measures to protect Prime Minister Bulent Ecevit were increased after the threats of several terrorist organizations and protest actions in front of the Prime Ministry building. The steel shield which is used when the Prime Minister leaves Ankara started to be used also in the capital. The steel shield looks like a bag and is carried by one of the bodyguards of Ecevit. It opens and gets larger when the bodyguard pulls a button on the shield in case of an attack.

CUMHURIYET (LEFT)

CIA Vice-President McLaughlin said that Iran's Shahab-III missiles would be ready to use soon. He said that Shahab-III missiles had a 1,300-kilometer range and could hit Israel, Turkey and Saudi Arabia. Noting that also Iraq secretly continued missile works, McLaughlin said Al-Hussein missiles which had a 650-kilometer range could hit Turkey, Israel and Saudi Arabia.

''CONFIDENCE IN TL'' NOT CARRIED OUT

Although the first signature to the ''Confidence in Turkish Lira Campaign'' came from Prime Minister Bulent Ecevit, the state implements transactions over U.S. dollar in fixing prices for electricity, natural gas and fuel oil. Treasury borrows money through bonds denominated in U.S. dollar and Customs takes fee in U.S. dollar for the exits from Turkey. It was determined that the number of companies supporting the capmpaign had reached 350 while there were not any public organizations or institutions among them.

RADIKAL (LEFT)

The State Institute of Statistics (DIE) announced that industrial output fell 11.2 percent in the second quarter of 2001 compared to the same period a year ago as the effects of a deep financial crisis in February lingered. Manufacturing sector output fell 12.5 percent, metals sector 3.5 percent while utilities sector output dropped 2.2 percent. While output of state companies fell 1.8 percent, private sector output fell 14.2 percent compared to the same period of 2000. Total industrial output in the first six months of the year fell 6.3 percent. Manufacturing output of state institutions rose 0.5 percent, but private sector manufacturing output fell 8.8 percent.

DERVIS TO GO TO WASHINGTON

State Minister Kemal Dervis will represent Turkey in the fall term meetings of IMF-World Bank in Washington D.C. at the end of September. Dervis is expected to hold meetings with IMF and World Bank administrators and finance and economy ministers of many countries during the meetings which will be held between 29-30 September. Dervis's visit will take place at the same time with the meeting of IMF which will review Turkey's economy for the tenth time. IMF is expected to release the fourth tranche of the loan worth of 3 billion dollars at the end of September or in the beginning of October.

TURKIYE (RIGHT)

The first ceremony for businessman Uzeyir Garih was held at the Taskisla Campus of the Istanbul Technical University from which he was graduated. Garih was laid to rest at the Jewish Graveyard in Arnavutkoy, Istanbul after a religious ceremony at the Neve Shalom Synagogue.

CYPRUS SUMMIT IN SALZBURG

President Rauf Denktas of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) who had met with EU Commissioner Guenter Verheugen for Enlargement on Monday met with U.N. Secretary General Kofi Annan on Tuesday to seek a ''common ground''. At the meeting between Denktas and Annan, the necessary ground for resumption of talks on finding solution to Cyprus issue is targeted to be prepared. After his meeting with Verheugen, Denktas said that they had discussed EU-Cyprus relations. The meeting also brought the possibility of creation of a regular dialogue between the TRNC and EU. Verheugen said that EU's aim was to accept a united Cyprus to EU. Denktas said that the meeting was positive and that Verheugen and he would hold another meeting if it was necessary. Denktas said, ''it was pleasing that we held such a detailed and long meeting with the EU representative for the first time.''

ZAMAN (CONSERVATIVE)

Adoption of the 37-article constitutional change before the announcement of EU progress report is getting difficult each day. The coalition partners who need the support of the opposition for the change could not reach a compromise even among themselves yet.

EVERYBODY THINKS IT IS EARTHQUAKE

Flames reached 50 meters after an explosion in a LPG station in Kocasinan nieghborhood in Bahcelievler, Istanbul yesterday. Residents who took out to streets in panic said that they thought it was an earthquake.

ISRAEL TO HOLD AUCTION FOR TRANSPORTATION OF WATER

Israel who suspended bargainings on the Manavgat Water will hold an auction on September 13 for transportation of water. Israel will either continue or end the Manavgat Water Project according to the bids.

-BRSA REGISTERS OSMANLI-KORFEZ MERGER

ANKARA - The Banking Regulation and Supervision Agency (BRSA) decided to officially register the Osmanli Bankasi A.S. and Birlesik Turk Korfez Bankasi A.S. executive boards' decision to merge.

The BRSA's decision to register the merger under the ''Regulations for Banks' Transfers and Mergers'' was published in the Official Gazette on Wednesday.

-ITALIAN PAINTERS TO OPEN EXHIBITION AT EFES MUSEUM

SELCUK - Italian painters will open a joint exhibition at the Efes Museum in Selcuk township of Izmir.

Sources said on Wednesday that 100 works of 41 Italian painters including 13 women painters would be exhibited at the Efes Musuem.

The exhibition which was organized by Efes Museum Director Selahattin Erdemgil and Modern Italiam Painters' Association Chairman Gian Carlo Cenava will be opened on September 1.

-TURKEY RAISES 680 MILLION U.S. DOLLARS THROUGH EXPORTS OF HAZELNUTS

TRABZON - Turkey has obtained more than 680 million U.S. dollars of income from exports of hazelnuts almost in one year.

Black Sea Hazelnut Exporters' Association said on Wednesday that the region had exported 203,670 tons of hazelnuts since September 1, 2000 in return for 680 million 699 thousand U.S. dollars.

In the same period last year, the region had exported 199,143 tons of hazelnuts, gaining a foreign exchange income worth of 691 million 699 thousand U.S. dollars.

Most of the hazelnuts were exported to European countries, it said.

-A TOTAL OF 110 HECTARES OF FOREST BURNT THROUGHOUT TURKEY

ANKARA - A total of 110 hectares of forest were burnt in fires which broke out in ten separate places throughout Turkey on Tuesday.

A statement of the Forestry Ministry said on Wednesday that the fire which broke out in a forested area in Karacaoren village near southern province of Antalya was taken under control completely after it had destroyed 80 hectares of land.

The statement noted that fire which burnt 20 hectares of land near Hisarardi village of western Yatagan township has been brought under control.

Meanwhile, eight forest fires in Adapazari, Amasya, Ankara, Denizli, Elazig and Kastamonu have been taken under control.

-PRESIDENT SEZER RELEASES A MESSAGE TO MARK AUGUST 30 VICTORY DAY

ANKARA - President Ahmet Necdet Sezer said on Wednesday, ''August 30 Victory was a very important turning point changing course of the history, and affecting Turkish nation's future. In order to reach the level of modern civilization, we should adopt culture of democracy as a way of life, and remove all deficiencies in state of law, human rights and democratication.''

President Sezer released a message to mark August 30 Victory Day.

In his message, President Sezer stressed, ''independence and freedom are the most important principles guiding a nation throughout its history and creating a developing country in which universal values of the modern world are adopted. The War of Independence is a unique epic symbolizing Turkish nation's passion for independence and freedom.''

''When enemies wanted to occupy Turkey in accordance with Mudros Armistice and Sevr Treaty following the World War I, Turkish nation started the War of Independence under the leadership of Mustafa Kemal Ataturk in order to save territories of its country. This national liberation movement resulted in victory,'' he stressed.

Sezer said, ''August 30 Victory, which heralded the result of the War of Independence that was won by our nation and army under the management of Great Leader Ataturk despite all the difficult conditions, is a victory which pleases us and which we are proud of. August 30 Victory is an important milestone which changed the course of our history and affected the future of our nation. The foundation of independent, democratic and secular Turkish Republic and important reforms that were made after the War of Independence had been won constitute the principles and determined steps of our nation which put forward its choice for a modern life. The Republic is a very important acquisition which was gained in the end of a unique war that was declared to re-gain national independence of a newly-established state.''

Drawing the attention that everybody undertakes responsibilities to protect and preserve the indivisible integrity of the Turkish Republic and nation and the reforms and principles of Ataturk, Sezer said, ''to reach the modern civilization level foreseen by the Greeat Leader, we should adopt democracy as our life style and to eliminate deficiencies in fields of legal state, human rights and democratization rapidly.''

Sezer added, ''our accomplishments will pave the way for bright futures and good possibilities for our citizens.''

-SYRIAN PRIME MINISTER RECEIVES STATE MINISTER TOSKAY

DAMASCUS - Syrian Prime Minister Muhammad Mustafa Miru received on Wednesday State Minister Tunca Toskay.

Following the meeting, Toskay told reporters that the meeting was very beneficial and noted that he saw that Syria wanted to get closer to Turkey.

Toskay stated that he informed Miru about the problems that Turkish companies faced in Syria and that he particularly touched on the problems like high tax rates imposed on Turkish vehicles passing transit the country and problems that the Turkish companies faced in tenders.

Toskay quoted Miro as saying that the problems that Turkish companies faced in tenders will be solved by an amendment to tender law.

Miro gave the message that the transit passage problem will be solved as the joint transportation commission will be authorized to deal with this matter, Toskay said.

Toskay added, ''we got the impression that Damascus wants to be closer and sincere to Ankara. We believe that economic relations will be promoted and trade volume will be increased under these conditions.''

State Minister Toskay, who later visited Syrian Minister of Oil and Mineral Resources Muhammad Maher bin-Husni Jamal, emphasized that projects which will promote bilateral relations should be implemented.

Toskay added that the contacts of private sectors of two countries will further improve the relations.

The Syrian minister said that relations will be promoted rapidly if there is good will and wish.

-UKRAINIAN AND YUGOSLAVIAN BUSINESSMEN VISIT IZTO

IZMIR - Officials at Donetsk Chamber of Commerce of Ukraine, Yugoslavian Chamber of Commerce and Industry and Vojvodina Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Yugoslavia visited on Wednesday Izmir Chamber of Commerce (IZTO).

IZTO Acting Chairman Bilhan Balci, who received Gennady Chizhikov, the Acting Chairman of Donetsk Chamber of Commerce, said that they want to improve economic, technical and humanitarian relations.

Balci noted that they signed a protocol of brotherhood with this chamber and that this protocol serves this aim.

Both chambers will increase cooperation and their partnerships by organizing fairs and several activities, Balci stated.

Balci pointed out that Donetsk city of Ukraine has economic potential and that shuttle trade and contracting services have an important place in economic relations with Ukraine.

''Trade volume between Turkey and Ukraine reached 1.2 billion U.S. dollars in 2000. Ukraine's place in our total exportation is only 0.089 percent. We will increase this number by this protocol of brotherhood,'' Balci added.

Chizhikov said that Donetsk is the most developed industry and trade center of Ukraine and announced that this city meets 20 percent of country's industrial production and 10 percent of agricultural production.

Donetsk city makes 20 percent of total exportation of Ukraine, Chizhikov noted.

Chizhikov stated that they want to further improve relations with Turkish businessmen and that Turkish products are wide-spread in Ukraine.

Shuttle trade, the figures of which are not calculated in the trade volume between Turkey and Ukraine, has reached important dimensions, Chizhikov pointed out.

Balci later received officials at Yugoslavian Chamber of Commerce and Industry and Vojvodina Chamber of Commerce.

Balci said that trade volume between Turkey and Yugoslavia is still low and that both countries should facilitate exportation to increase the volume.

Two countries can cooperate in textile, contracting and tourism sectors, Balci noted.

Balci stated that Turkey can increase maritime trade with Yugoslavia, adding that this cooperation will create new possibilities in tourism.

Nada Spasic, the Adviser of the Yugoslavian Chamber of Commerce and Industry, said that they want to hold bilateral contacts and promote relations with Turkish businessmen.

Spasic noted that Yugoslavia obtained 2.8 million U.S. dollars from its exports to Turkey in the first half of this year while its importation from Turkey was ten-fold of this figure.

They should increase their contacts and dialogue to balance and improve commercial relations, Spasic stated.

Spasic pointed out that Yugoslavia and Russia has signed a free trade agreement on joint investments.

Turkish businessmen can make production in Yugoslavia and export their products to Russia tax free under this agreement, Spasic noted and recommended Turkish businessmen to seize this opportunity.

-BURSA EXPORTS CHERRY AND FIG TO WORLD

BURSA - Alara Agricultural Products Company based in Gursu township of northwestern province of Bursa has been exporting cherry and fig to the world including the U.S., member countries to the European Union (EU) and Far Eastern countries.

Alara Executive Board Chairman Yavuz Taner stressed on Wednesday that if Turkey attributed necessary importance to agriculture, conditions of international competition would be constituted in Turkey.

''Turkey's exported 12 thousand tonnes of cherry, and obtained an income of 24 million U.S. dollars in 2000. In the first half of 2001, Turkey exported 29 thousand tonnes of cherry, and obtained an income of 56 million U.S. dollars. Bursa exported half of this amount,'' he said.

Taner added that they exported 15 million U.S. dollars of fig, cherry, grape, strawberry, chestnut, quince and pomegranate to the world every year.

-FORMER PRESIDENT DEMIREL DECORATED WITH GREATEST MEDAL OF KAZAKHSTAN

ALMATY - Former President Suleyman Demirel was decorated on Wednesday with the greatest medal of Kazakhstan.

Demirel is currently in Almaty to attend an international conference on ''21st Century: Towards a World Purified from Nuclear Weapons'' organized within framework of celebrations to mark the 10th anniversary of Kazakhstan's acquiring its independence, as a honorary guest.

Demirel met with President Nursultan Nazarbayev of Kazakhstan.

At the end of the meeting, President Nazarbayev decorated Demirel with the Medal of Peace, the greatest medal of Kazakhstan, for his contribution to further improvement of friendly relations between Turkey and Kazakhstan.

Meanwhile, Demirel also held contacts with former Foreign Minister Hans Dietrich Genscher of Germany, and former Prime Minister Gudjral of India.

Demirel is expected to return to Turkey on Thursday after visiting the Suleyman Demirel University in Kazakhstan.

-PRIME MINISTER ECEVIT SAYS HE IS READY TO BRING TOGETHER ISRAELI AND PALESTINIAN SIDES

TEL AVIV - Prime Minister Bulent Ecevit expressed his regret over escalating tension between Israel and Palestine, and stressed, ''we are ready to bring the two sides together to open a fruitful dialogue. I don't want to mediate, but to provide conditions for negotiations.''

In an interview with Israeli Haaretz Newspaper, Prime Minister Ecevit said that Israeli demand for a total cease-fire before opening negotiations with the Palestinians is ineffective.

''We are saddened by the violence on both sides. We hope the two sides reach an agreement. We share the goals of achieving security and peace. But there are different ways to achieve those goals. Our position is that violence can only be reduced through negotiations. If an end to the violence is a precondition, then radical elements who want to prevent an agreement will continue their violence. We hope the two sides reach an agreement whether the violence continues or not,'' he stressed.

Ecevit recalled that he offered Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon to host Israeli-Palestinian talks in Turkey, promising to provide what he called optimal conditions for the success of the talks.

Noting that Sharon called him after his visit to Turkey, Ecevit said that Sharon accepted the Turkish invitation to host the talks, on condition the Palestinians first accept Israel's demand for an absolute end to violence.

''I think an historic opportunity to reach an agreement between the sides was missed. When the negotiations were underway, we were in almost daily contact with both sides. My impression is that the two sides don't trust each other, but they do trust Turkey. So, we're ready to bring the two sides together to open a fruitful dialogue. I don't want to mediate, but to provide conditions for negotiations,'' he noted.

When asked about possible influence of Israeli policy on Turkey's relations with the Arab world, Prime Minister Ecevit said, ''if Israeli actions in the holy places continue, and we are, after all, in a region where sensitivity to holy places is very high and we regard our relations with Israel, which have developed very rapidly in recent years, of utmost importance. Then, if the situation in Israel continues as it does today, it will create many difficulties for our relations with several countries in the region.''

He added, ''we are pleased with our economic and military relations with Israel which are not meant to threaten any state. We want to continue developing these relations. But, we hope Israel recognizes the problems that will be created for our relations if Israel continues to use excessive force. But we don't want to create the impression that we are going to limit our relationship, but rather to use the opportunity it creates to bring about dialogue.''

''More could be done to exploit the potential of the relationship. The potential has not been fully exploited,'' he said.

Referring to improving relations between Turkey and Syria, Ecevit said, ''it could help the Israeli-Syrian relationship. Israel does not have to worry that improved relations with Syria will have a negative impact on relations with Israel. We can maintain good relations with Israel and with Arab states at the same time. Turkey's relationship with Syria has nothing to do with the relationship with Israel. If Turkey's relations with Syria are good, it will serve Israeli interests.''

Ecevit added, ''Turkey and Israel share the same democratic values and I am sure that when the Palestinians establish their state it will also be a democratic state.''

-MEETING OF COUNCIL OF MINISTERS ENDS

ANKARA - A commission was formed to take more effective measures to solve problems in the quake-stricken region at the meeting of the Council of Ministers.

State Minister and Government Spokesman Yilmaz Karakoyunlu responded to questions of journalists following the meeting of the Council of Ministers.

He said that Labour and Social Security Minister Yasar Okuyan informed members of the Council of Ministers on his contacts with governors, mayors, head officials and non-governmental organizations in the quake-stricken region.

''Okuyan said that most of problems in the region had been resolved following the devastating quake disaster in 1999. He noted that there had been still unsolved problems in some villages and townships in the region, '' he told reporters.

''At the meeting, Public Works and Housing Minister Koray Aydin said that all necessary measures were taken to provide temporary and permanent dwellings to quake survivors,'' he noted.

Karakoyunlu said, ''Finance Minister Sumer Oral said that 2.8 quadrillion Turkish lira (TL) was collected in the wake of the quake disaster. 2.3 quadrillion TL was spent in the quake-stricken region while remaining 500 trillion TL was allocated to expenditures in the region. Upon proposal of Okuyan, a commission was formed to take more effective measures. Aydin will lead the commission formed by State Minister Faruk Bal, State Minister Kemal Dervis for Economy, National Education Minister Metin Bostancioglu, Finance Minister Sumer Oral, Health Minister Osman Durmus and Labour and Social Security Minister Yasar Okuyan.''

''Energy and Natural Resources Minister Zeki Cakan briefed the Council of Ministers on problems of energy sector,'' he said.

Karakoyunlu continued, ''the schedule for new investments was set and privatization initiatives were debated. Information about the current situation of 29 build-operate-transfer projects was given. The transfer of operation right, the transfer of management rights of distribution plants of power stations, and privatization systematic within the framework of newly-adopted Energy Law were explained.''

Following the briefing, Ecevit gave the instruction that necessary measures should be taken to solve the problems of energy sector as soon as possible, Karakoyunlu said.

Karakoyunlu went on saying, ''the prime minister instructed the concerned authorities to prepare a bill regarding the legal measures to be taken to solve the problems faced in build-operate-transfer rights and privatization and bring the bill into the agenda of the Council of Ministers. He instructed that all the necessary measures to solve the problems of the energy sectors should be taken as soon as possible.''

Karakoyunlu later responded to questions of reporters.

When a reporter asked, ''a contract on 29 build-operate-transfer models in energy sector has to be signed till the end of October. Is there a problem regarding this matter? During the contacts between the Energy and Natural Resources Ministry and the State Ministry in charge of the Treasury, it was stated that there was not sufficient source for the Treasury guarantee and it was noted that the projects should be ranked according to their priorities. Was this issue debated at the Council of Ministers meeting'', Karakoyunlu said, ''this matter was taken up as a detail under the main title regarding the privatization in energy sector which I had mentioned before.''

Karakoyunlu added, ''this matter was estimated according to the difficulties that may be faced. It was stated that the problem can be solved by a guarantee mechanism other than the Treasury guarantee. This matter was discussed and was concluded by a legal arrangement which I mentioned before.''

Asked what the duty of the commission set up regarding the quake zone will be, Karakoyunlu noted that this commission will convene to determine its duties and initiatives.

When asked if Turkey will face energy shortage in winter, Karakoyunlu said, ''it was noted that Turkey does not have a energy shortage for the time being but investments should be made in the sector. It was stated that energy cuts will not be made under current conditions and that officials do not face any problems in making necessary investments. It was also pointed out that contacts to find the finance for the investments have been developing in the positive course.''

Asked if Public Works and Housing Minister Koray Aydin gave information about the ongoing operations in the tenders, Karakoyunlu said , ''this matter was not brought to the agenda.''

Asked if Interior Minister Rustu Kazim Yucelen informed the ministers about the assassination of businessman Uzeyir Garih, Karakoyunlu said, ''the interior minister did not express his views about any of the issues during the meeting.

When asked if a schedule was set for the energy investments, Karakoyunlu said, ''the planned energy investments, where these investments will be made, the amount of finance needed for the investments, and all the needs were explained during the meeting. You can receive further information about this matter from the Energy and Natural Resources Ministry.''

Responding to a question about the nuclear power plants, Karakoyunlu said, ''Ecevit touched on the nuclear power plants in his closing speech. The Energy and Natural Resources Minister did not touch on this issue. The prime minister said that nuclear energy was not excluded from the agenda but was only postponed for some time. He said that this matter was closely followed and all the positive developments like the changing technology, the raw materials to be used, and the finance are taken into consideration. He noted that Turkey only postponed the construction of these power plants for some time.''

Asked about the regulations regarding electricity, Karakoyunlu said, ''there is an important amount of electricity leakage. A great deal of this leakage results from some regulations in the Housing Law. The prime minister instructed that a draft law should be prepared to take the necessary measures for the solution of all the problems regarding this issue. The concerned authorities have launched their initiatives regarding this matter.''

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