Anadolu Agency: News in English, 01-09-12

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ANADOLU AGENCY

NEWS

12 AUGUST 2001 Wednesday

CONTENTS

[01] TURKEY-PRESS SCAN

[02] DEPUTY PREMIER AND MHP LEADER BAHCELI SAYS TRAGEDY OF AMERICAN PEOPLE HAS SHOWN ONCE AGAIN THE NEED TO FIGHT WITH TERRORISM

[03] CENTRAL BANK TAKES MEASURES TO MINIMIZE POSSIBLE NEGATIVE EFFECTS OF TERRORIST ATTACKS ON TURKISH MARKETS

[04] DEPUTY CHAIRMAN OF CONSTITUTIONAL COURT KILIC SAYS REPORT ON AK PARTY CAN BE COMPLETED BY OCTOBER 15

[05] JAPANESE COMMANDER NAKATANI'S VISIT TO TURKEY CANCELLED

[06] TRANSPORTATION MINISTER VURAL SAYS IT WILL BE BENEFICIAL TO ACCELERATE THY PRIVATIZATION

[07] INCIRLIK AIR BASE ON ALERT

[08] STOCK EXCHANGE INVESTORS' ASSOCIATION CLAIMS CLOSURE OF IMKB WILL PREVENT EXTREME DECREASE

[09] GAP REGION'S EXPORTS TO EU COUNTRIES INCREASE BY 26.8 PERCENT

[10] RELATIVES OF 150 TURKISH PEOPLE LIVING IN U.S APPLY TO FOREIGN MINISTRY

[11] NATIONAL DEFENSE MINISTER CAKMAKOGLU SAYS TURKEY SHARES GRIEF OF AMERICAN PEOPLE

[12] UEFA POSTPONES ALL THIS WEEK'S EUROPEAN CLUB COMPETITION MATCHES

[13] PRESIDENT SEZER SAYS INTERNATIONAL COOPERATION SHOULD BE INCREASED TO STRUGGLE AGAINST TERRORISM

[14] CRISIS DESK SET UP AT FOREIGN AFFAIRS MINISTRY

[15] BALKAN COUNTRIES AGRICULTURE MINISTERS MEETING TO TAKE PLACE IN SEPTEMBER 15-16 IN ISTANBUL

[16] YALCINTAS JOINS AK PARTY

[17] PRIME MINISTER ECEVIT SAYS GOVERNMENT'S WORKS TO OVERCOME ECONOMIC CRISIS WILL NOT DISRUPT

[18] VERDICT ABOUT FEHRIYE ERDAL TO BE ANNOUNCED TOMORROW

[19] ISTANBUL TO HOST CADILLAC GOLF CLASSIC EUROPEAN FINAL 2001

[20] ANKARA EXPRESSES ITS CONCERNS ABOUT POSSIBILITY OF INVOLVEMENT OF A NEIGHBORING COUNTRY IN TERRORIST ATTACKS IN UNITED STATES

[21] REACTIONS TO TERRORIST ATTACKS IN UNITED STATES

[01] TURKEY-PRESS SCAN

HURRIYET (LIBERAL)

DERVIS: ''IT WILL HAVE INDIRECT EFFECTS ON TURKEY''
State Minister Kemal Dervis said that the terrorist attacks in the U.S. would not have a direct effect on Turkey. However, Dervis noted, the effects of these terrorist attacks on international markets would be followed carefully. Following his meeting with the economy bureaucrats, Dervis held a press conference. Dervis said, ''as a result of an intense coordination that was immediately provided among the economic units, the economy management has assessed the reflections of developments in international markets in the Turkish economy following the terrorist attacks. Although those terrorist attacks do not have any direct effect on the Turkish economy, possible effects of those attacks on international markets will be followed closely.'' Dervis stated that the Turkish economy management offered condolences to the U.S. administration and nation.

MILLIYET (LIBERAL)

GENERAL STAFF PROPOSES TO SEND TEAM TO U.S.
General Staff proposed to send search and rescue team to the U.S. following the terrorist attack in the U.S. It is noted that thousands of people were killed under the debris as the both towers of the World Trade Centre collapsed. General Staff conveyed its proposition to send rescue team to American officials. No response was given to the proposal yet.

SABAH (LIBERAL)

U.S. CONSULATES IN MOURNING
Following the great terrorist attacks in the U.S. in which thousands of people died, flags were flied at half-mast in the U.S. Consulates in Turkey. All public and visa proceedings carried out regularly at U.S. Embassy in Ankara and U.S. Consulates in Istanbul and Adana stopped. The security measures for embassy personnel have been tightened. U.S. Press Attache said ''we thank to the Turkish government for the support it extended to u.s.''

RADIKAL (LEFT)

BAHCELI: ''NO PROBLEM''
Nationalist Movement Party (MHP) leader Devlet Bahceli said that some changes will be made in the constitutional amendment package due to sensitiveness and noted, ''there is not any problems related with constitutional amendments.'' Bahceli gave the signals that the conflict which occured in the constitutional amendment package due to freedom of thought will be solved by the formula of Europe. Bahceli will request that Article 17 of the European Convention on Human Rights be taken as a criteria to prevent the misuse of fundamental rights and liberties. Thus, all fundamental rights and liberties, including freedom of thought, will and can not be used in activities and attacks that aim to give harm.

TURKIYE (RIGHT)

INTEREST RATE OF 105-DAY BOND BECAME 84.91 PERCENT
The Treasury Undersecretariat sold 105-day bonds in an auction yesterday. The total bid was 783.7 trillion Turkish liras (TL) while Treasury sold 426.4 trillion Turkish liras (TL) nominal-valued bonds in the auction.

GOLD AND FOREIGN EXCHANGE CLIMB WHILE STOCK EXCHANGE FALLS
Blasts which occured in the U.S. one after the other had a negative impact on the Istanbul Stock Exchange (IMKB). IMKB lost 2.33 percent to 9295 points at the end of the day. Experts who said that demands for securities would stop in a period when bond interests and foreign exchange increased, requested that transactions be stopped in the stock exchange on Wednesday. One U.S. dollar which traded at 1 million 435 thousand Turkish liras (TL) at the Covered Bazaar at the beginning of Tuesday, increased to 1 million 465 thousand TL at the end of the day. German mark increased from 660 to 680 thousand against the TL. Price of 24-carate gold bullion increased 280 thousand TL to 12 million 850 thousand TL at the Covered Bazaar as the markets were closed.

ZAMAN (CONSERVATIVE)

BUSINESS PLACES OF TURKS BURN IN NEW YORK
A gross market belonging to Turks which was under the 110-storey World Trade Centre building in New York burnt. Sources also say that there were Turks working in the financial sector in the towers. Personnel working at another Turkish market namely ''Amish Market'' said that the market had been evacuated shortly after the first explosion and there were not any casualties among the personnel. The market which was under the WTC towers belongs to two Turkish businessmen.

[02] DEPUTY PREMIER AND MHP LEADER BAHCELI SAYS TRAGEDY OF AMERICAN PEOPLE HAS SHOWN ONCE AGAIN THE NEED TO FIGHT WITH TERRORISM

Issuing a message upon the terrorist attacks in the U.S., Bahceli said that ''we strongly condemn the terrorist violence in the U.S. and we curse terrorism as a crime against humanity. The Turkish nation who had many times been exposed to terrorism and who paid a real high cost due to terrorism, feel the pain of American people and share their grief.''

Bahceli said that Turkey proposes declaration of September 11, 2001 as ''The Day to Commemorate Terrorism Victims and to Fight with Terrorism in the World.''

Bahceli stated that Turkey believes showing such a global solidarity and resolution against terrorism will lessen the pain of American people.

[03] CENTRAL BANK TAKES MEASURES TO MINIMIZE POSSIBLE NEGATIVE EFFECTS OF TERRORIST ATTACKS ON TURKISH MARKETS

A statement of the Central Bank said on Wednesday that measures have been taken to minimize the possible effects of the tension that occured in international financial markets following the terrorist attacks in the U.S. on Turkish markets.

The measures are listed as follows:

-TL Monetary Market: To provide the necessary liquidity in the event of extra TL liquidity need in the markets, the Bank will provide funding to the banks from the interbank monetary market till 4.30 p.m., when the markets close, with overnight maturity. The bank will make funding with overnight maturity in Istanbul Security and Repo Market. The interest rate in all funding transactions will be 62 percent. These implementations will continue till the negative effects of the terrorist attacks on the markets are eliminated.

-Foreign exchange market: Following terrorist attacks, transactions in international forex markets have been fairly narrowed due to expectations that some difficulties may occur in transfers from foreign exchange accounts. We do not expect any problems in forex transactions today, however, we think that the transactions will be limited. To this end, forex and effective markets in our market are open but, the auction to sell 20 million U.S. dollars scheduled for today will not be opened. However, if we observe a speculative movement aiming at benefiting from limited transactions in forex markets, our bank will intervene directly in the foreign exchange market to prevent fluctuations.

-Payment systems: The electronic fund transfer and electronic securities transfer systems are open and auction payments can be made.

[04] DEPUTY CHAIRMAN OF CONSTITUTIONAL COURT KILIC SAYS REPORT ON AK PARTY CAN BE COMPLETED BY OCTOBER 15

When asked if the rapporteur finished writing the report about AK Party, Kılıc said that ''I hope the report will finish by October 15.''

The Court delegation convened the same day to discuss various applications to it.

[05] JAPANESE COMMANDER NAKATANI'S VISIT TO TURKEY CANCELLED

The visit was cancelled due to developments that have occured following the terrorist attacks in the U.S.

Nakatani had been scheduled to visit Turkey between September 13-16 as the official guest of Land Forces Commander General Hilmi Ozkok.

General Nakatani was to hold several contacts in Ankara between September 13-14 and in Istanbul between September 15-16.

[06] TRANSPORTATION MINISTER VURAL SAYS IT WILL BE BENEFICIAL TO ACCELERATE THY PRIVATIZATION

Vural told A.A correspondent that airports in Sinop, Tokat, Sivas, Zonguldak, Isparta and Usak are still inactive and said that a letter has been sent to the State Airports Administration (DHMI) to close these airports to traffic.

This is a measure related with the financial problems of DHMI, Vural said and went on saying, ''there are not any flights to these airports at the moment. We have formed a working group to find out how these airports can start to be operated and how flights can be made from these airports. Efforts of the working group are under way.''

Vural continued, ''privatization of airports in Turkey is possible, however, there is not such issue on the agenda of the country. To this end, there is not any policy regarding privatization of airports in Turkey. It is not important to construct airports. But, development of a civil aviation sector which will make flights is important. If we can ensure such an improvement, these inactive airports can start operation.''

Efforts are under way to make International Sabiha Gokcen and Corlu airports more functional, Vural said.

Vural stated that an adviser has been charged to this end and some results may be gained at the end of his initiatives.

THY should make internal flights to make International Sabiha Gokcen Airport more functional, Vural noted, and added, ''THY has reduced its fleet in this economic crisis and started to operate more economically. Moreover, it can increase international flights from this airport. I believe this airport will be revived in one or two years.''

Referring to the privatization of Turkish Airlines (THY), Vural said that ''THY is in the scope of privatization for ten years, but it could not be privatized to date. It is not correct for institutions to remain in such a list for a long time. The institutions which are planned to be privatized have to be reconstructed in a short time and then privatized. It will be beneficial if the privatization process of THY is speeded up and if the amount of its shares which will be offered to public will increase.''

Recounting that he started the office as the Transportation Minister one month ago, Vural said that he builds new visions on the policies carried out by former Transportation Minister Enis Oksuz.

When asked if he would change the personnel at the Ministry, Vural said that ''I will continue to develop new projects, those who catch up will come with me, and those who can't, will be left behind.''

[07] INCIRLIK AIR BASE ON ALERT

Two war planes and one personnel plane took off from the base in the morning and one cargo plane landed at the base. Officials said that the flights were earlier scheduled.

[08] STOCK EXCHANGE INVESTORS' ASSOCIATION CLAIMS CLOSURE OF IMKB WILL PREVENT EXTREME DECREASE

Bahcuvan told A.A correspondent that Istanbul Stock Exchange's (IMKB) decision to suspend transactions for one day is positive and said, ''it is beneficial to close the stock exchange before we see the reflections on foreign markets.''

''What is important is that the world finance center was hit and many good financial officials and employees of capital market died,'' Bahcuvan said.

Pointing out that one of the unique countries where the U.S. dollar has gained value is Turkey although the dollar has lost value in many developed countries, Bahcuvan noted that some high decreases could be marked due to reflections of the incidents on the markets if the stock exchange was open.

Bahcuvan stated that the stock exchange may be closed till Monday if there is still uncertainity tomorrow or something negative happens and said, ''but, as uncertainity ends, people will no longer be in panic.''

What is important to ease the panic and to minimize the dimension of the panic wave, Bahcuvan added.

[09] GAP REGION'S EXPORTS TO EU COUNTRIES INCREASE BY 26.8 PERCENT

The region obtained 93 million 888 thousand U.S. dollars from its exports to EU countries in the same period last year.

The region exported animal products worth of 690 thousand U.S. dollars, cereals worth of 1 million 484 thousand U.S. dollars, dried fruit worth of 11 million 52 thousand U.S. dollars, and textile products worth of 105 million 822 thousand U.S. dollars between January and August 2001.

Italy was ranked the first among the countries where the region exported its products while Germany and Britain followed Italy.

Synthetic thread, cotton thread, dried fruit, and cotton, knitted and synthetic textile products were the main export products.

-COMPANIES CALLED TO SUBMIT BIDS FOR TERRA-1 PROJECT
ANKARA - Prime Ministry Project Implementation Department invited on Wednesday Turkish and foreign companies to submit bids for the reconstruction of dwellings in the quake zone within the framework of the Project for Infrastructural and Urban Reconstruction of Turkey (TERRA-1).

A part of the credit provided from the European Investment Bank with the framework of the project will be used for the construction contract packages in reasonable repayments.

A total of 1,466 urban dwellings and related infrastructural works will be made within the scope of two contract packages in Adapazari and 1 in Kaynasli.

The tender documents can be obtained from Prime Ministry Project Implementation Department.

The bids can be submitted to the same department till 11.00 a.m. on October 15, 2001.

[10] RELATIVES OF 150 TURKISH PEOPLE LIVING IN U.S APPLY TO FOREIGN MINISTRY

Sources said that those who cannot reach their relatives living in New York and Washington D.C. following the terrorist attacks are calling the crisis desk at the Foreign Ministry.

The sources noted that relatives of almost 150 Turkish people have asked for information about Turkish citizens living in these two cities.

Turkey's representations in the U.S. are trying to contact these 150 Turkish people living in New York and Washington D.C. upon these applications.

The Foreign Ministry released a statement on Tuesday in which it said that the citizens who have relatives in the U.S. can call the ministry from the telephone number: 0 312 285 46 19.

[11] NATIONAL DEFENSE MINISTER CAKMAKOGLU SAYS TURKEY SHARES GRIEF OF AMERICAN PEOPLE

''I wish the attacks have been a warning to countries which had embraced terrorists who escaped from Turkey,'' said Cakmakoglu who met with Burkina Faso Defense Minister Kovame Lougue.

Cakmakoglu said that Turkey pursues an opening policy about various countries in Africa and added that Burkina Faso is one of these countries.

The guest minister Lougue said in his part that Turkey has strong traditions in military field like in other fields.

Lougue said that there are many lessons to be taken from a leader like Ataturk, adding that ''there are lessons to be taken from a leader like Ataturk. ''After the tragic incident in the U.S., the importance of security has once again been seen, this is why we want to improve cooperation with Turkey in the military field.''

Responding to questions of journalists who told that Ecevit said yesterday that Turkey was on alert, Cakmakoglu said that ''Turkey always keeps 'alarm' on its agenda.''

When asked if new developments would take place in the Middle East after the attacks on the U.S., Cakmakoglu said that ''we condemn the attack in the name of humanity. Such an incident should not take place. We share the grief of the American people. Lessons have to be drawn from such incidents. Turkey is a country which suffered much from terrorism and 35,000 persons died in acts of terrorism in Turkey. Certain European countries could not understand Turkey. We started great efforts with European countries in cooperation with bilateral security, drug smuggling and terrorism. We could not reach successful results in that cooperationt. All countries have to make cooperation in fight with terrorism. The humanity and all countries have to wake up and take up the issue with its all aspects. The fight with terrorism can't only be carried out verbally, but by countries' respecting the basic sensitivities in each others' internal affairs.

When asked if the cabinet could propose aid to the U.S., Cakmakoglu said that ''yes, it can be discussed in the cabinet.''

When asked if the Turkish Armed Forces would take a position related to the attacks on U.S., Cakmakoglu said that ''Turkish Armed Forces is not an armed force which takes measures after such kind of attacks which take place within one day. Turkey's geographical structure and history always show the sign of Turkey's sensitivity towards such kind of terrorist acts. This is not a new situation.''

When asked if Turkey contacted with the U.S. Defense Secretariat and other concerned units after the attack on the U.S., Cakmakoglu said that ''we didn't talk verbally, but we conveyed our message of condolences to the U.S. officials.''

[12] UEFA POSTPONES ALL THIS WEEK'S EUROPEAN CLUB COMPETITION MATCHES

Releasing a statement, UEFA said, ''UEFA has announced that all UEFA club competition matches scheduled to be played this week are to be postponed as a mark of respect for the victims of yesterday's terrorist attacks in the United States.''

[13] PRESIDENT SEZER SAYS INTERNATIONAL COOPERATION SHOULD BE INCREASED TO STRUGGLE AGAINST TERRORISM

''International cooperation should be increased to struggle against terrorism by all means. I think that yesterday's attacks changed Western countries' approach to terrorism,'' he said.

President Sezer received Thein Aung, the Ambassador of Myanmar to Egypt who has also been accredited to Turkey.

Aung presented his credentials to President Sezer.

Responding to questions of journalists prior to the meeting, President Sezer harshly condemned yesterday's attacks in the United States.

''Whole Turkish nation and I share the pain and grief of American people. We will stand by them during these difficult days,'' he stressed.

Denouncing terrorism as a crime against humanity, President Sezer noted, ''on numerous occasions, Turkey stressed that international cooperation should be increased to struggle against terrorism. Yesterday's terrorist attacts in the United States were a sign of straightness of Turkey's thought. We wish such an incident had not been occurred. But, international cooperation should be increased to struggle against terrorism by all means. I think that yesterday's attacks changed Western countries' approach to terrorism.''

When asked whether or not a meeting would be held with relevant units to assess regional security, President Sezer said, ''it it too early to say something. Those who are responsible from these hateful attacks are still not known.''

[14] CRISIS DESK SET UP AT FOREIGN AFFAIRS MINISTRY

Releasing a statement, the Foreign Affairs Ministry said that people could call telephone numbers 0312 285 46 19 and 0312 285 46 17 to receive information about their relatives.

A total of 150 people applied to the ministry so far.

All of them got good news from their relatives living in the United States.

[15] BALKAN COUNTRIES AGRICULTURE MINISTERS MEETING TO TAKE PLACE IN SEPTEMBER 15-16 IN ISTANBUL

Agriculture and Rural Affairs Minister Husnu Yusuf Gokalp stressed the importance of the meeting while issuing a statement. He said, ''the meeting will contribute development of cooperation and agricultural improvement between the Balkan countries as well as installation of peace and friendship in the Balkans.''

Pointing out that Turkey has an important potential among the Balkan countries due to agricultural technics, technological implementations, and experienced human power, Gokalp said Turkey's views, policies, and projects in the field of agriculture were appreciated during last year's meeting in Greece.''

Gokalp said, ''Turkey undertakes an active role in this cooperation. Turkey believes in the requirement of cooperation in agriculture. Improvement of agricultural cooperation among the Balkan countries will also make an important contribution to the development of peace and friendship.''

Turkey, Greece, Bulgaria, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Serbian Republic in Bosnia, Romania, Croatia, Albania, Macedonia, and Yugoslavia will attend the meeting which will last for two days.

[16] YALCINTAS JOINS AK PARTY

After Yalcintas joined the AK Party, number of independent deputies decreased to 18 while number of AK Party deputies increased to 52.

Recent distribution of seats at the parliament is as follows:

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

Nationalist Movement Party (MHP)......:126

Motherland Party (ANAP)...............: 86

True Path Party (DYP).................: 79

Justice and Development Party (AKP)...: 52

Felicity Party (SP)...................: 48

Independent...........................: 18

Vacant................................: 9

[17] PRIME MINISTER ECEVIT SAYS GOVERNMENT'S WORKS TO OVERCOME ECONOMIC CRISIS WILL NOT DISRUPT

Holding a press conference at the Prime Ministry Office, Prime Minister Ecevit denounced yesterday's terrorists attacks in the United States as the most serious and horrifying terrorist action oin the history of the humanity.''

''This terrorist action did not target only the most powerful state of the world, but it targeted the whole humanity and world peace. We share the pain and grief of American people in our hearths. We will stand by American people in their struggle against terrorism. We are ready to sent civil defense units to the United States if it is required. We have faced with a shocking incident. This incident will continue to shake the world in coming days. It is obvious that staging a terrorist attack became too easy in anywhere in the world while defense became extremely difficult. Therefore, it is necassary to form new methods and strategies against terrorism,'' he said.

Prime Minister Ecevit told reporters, ''the United States have always understood our struggle against terrorism. However, some of our allies have not shown the same understanding so far. I hope that they would change their attitudes from now on.''

Underlining importance of solidarity of whole humanity against terrorism, Prime Minister Ecevit said, ''Turkey has an extremely sensitive position. Therefore, we should follow the developments with calmness and determination. We should not engulf in panic. Especially, the media should be more responsible to this end. They should not take into consideration baseless allegations and scenarios.

Underlining importance of intelligence in struggle against terrorism, Prime Minister Ecevit said that Turkish intelligence units were in a desired stage.

Noting that the world had faced with a serious economic situation, Prime Minister Ecevit told reporters, ''the world economy has already been living through a recession. In the wake of yesterday's terrorist attacks in the United States, this recession will become more obvious. But the United States has a sound economy. I believe that the United States would easily overcome this economic shock.''

Referring to its possible impacts on Turkish economy, Prime Minister Ecevit said, ''yesterday's terrorists attacks on the World Trade Center complex in New York and the Pentagon in Washington D.C. will not disrupt our government's works to overcome economic crisis. This morning's news revealed that there is no need to be worried. IMF's loans to Turkey will not be affected. We have been taking all necessary measures, and will continue to do so.''

Later, Prime Minister Ecevit responded to questions of journalists.

Question: Will you take a decision to recess stock exchange for a few days?

Ecevit: Relevant institutions assessed the situation. All necessary proceedings will be carried out in a short period of time. There is no need to be worried.

Question: Will Turkey allow the United States to use Incirlik Air Base in case of a requirement from the United States?

Ecevit: I do not see any connection between the terrorist attacks in the United States and the Incirlik Air Base.

Question: Did the Unites States ask Turkey for political and military support?

Ecevit: No. The United States do not need military support. We will always support the United States in its struggle against terrorism.

Question: Did you hold contacts with world leaders?

Ecevit: No. But our contacts with American officials have been continuing.

Question: Does Turkish intelligence have an information about possible responsibles of these attacks?

Ecevit: There are various flows of information. The National Intelligence Agency (MIT) assess them.

Question: Will Turkey follow any policy about foreign exchange?

Ecevit: There is not any serious situation. There are increases and decreases. In fact, foreign exchanges have not been affected in general.

Question: Have security measures around American embassies, consulates and companies tightened?

Ecevit: Of course. We have taken all necessary measures.

Question: Are you concerned about the shrinkage in the world economy in regard to expectations for supplementary financial aid?

Ecevit: IMF and World Bank have already sent financial aid to us. Any supplementary financial aid was not brought onto agenda.

Question: Oil prices increased in the whole world. Will oil prices increase in Turkey?

Ecevit: We determine oil prices according to the oil prices in the world.

Question: Can Islamic terrorism emerge in the wake of the terrorist attacks in the United States?

Ecevit: I cannot make any estimation at this point. But I want to stress that it was totaly unfair to connect terrorism with the Islam world. There are terrorists who are adherents of any faith.

Question: The crisis desk which has been set up with your directives, held its smecond meeting earlier in the day. We learnt that the crisis desk conveyed a recommendatory decision.

Ecevit: Everything regarded with the terrorist attacks were taken up in detail during the meeting of Council of Ministers. Relevant units of the state are continuing their works.

[18] VERDICT ABOUT FEHRIYE ERDAL TO BE ANNOUNCED TOMORROW

Council of State Court formed by the Higher Judges Board, will announce its decision whether or not trial of Erdal in Belgium on charges of crimes she has committed in Turkey was appropriate to the Belgian laws.

Jan Fermon and Paul Bekaert, the lawyers of Erdal who held a meeting at the international press center in Brussels under the name of ''Freedom for Fehriye Committee'', said that Erdal had been living in Belgium, and had been under house arrest due to her request for asylum.

Noting that the court would send the dossier to Bruges after taking a decision about Erdal, the lawyers said that they would apply to the Supreme Court of Appeals in case of a decision against Erdal.

If the court decides to try Erdal in Belgium on charges of crimes she has committed in Turkey, lawyers of the Sabanci family can apply to the court for arrest of Erdal.

After Belgium rejected to extradite Erdal to Turkey, the Sabanci family filed a lawsuit for trial of Erdal in Belgium.

Their lawyer Fernand Schmitz defends that the trial of Erdal in Belgium was possible within scope of the European Convention for Struggle Against Terrorism.

[19] ISTANBUL TO HOST CADILLAC GOLF CLASSIC EUROPEAN FINAL 2001

General Motors which produces Cadillac cars is organizing the championship which started in Madrid, Spain in April of 2001 and later continued in Belgium, Luxembourg, Germany, Netherlands, Italy, Scotland, Switzerland and France.

Only golf players who drive Cadillac cars can attend the championship of which the final will take place at Classis Golf&Country Club in Istanbul.

[20] ANKARA EXPRESSES ITS CONCERNS ABOUT POSSIBILITY OF INVOLVEMENT OF A NEIGHBORING COUNTRY IN TERRORIST ATTACKS IN UNITED STATES

Diplomatic sources told the A.A correspondent on Wednesday that having regard to the possibility of involvement of a neighboring country in the attacks, Turkey had been trying to clarify its attitude in such a situation.

Noting that the United States could want to use Incirlik Air Base in southern province of Adana to launch a counter attack to punish the responsibles, the same sources said that United States administration would inform Ankara in that case.

Meanwhile, diplomats who are specialized on the issue of Afghanistan, denounce this country as the base of international terrorism.

Noting that Saudi dissident Osama bin Laden was a potential suspect, the same sources noted that Afghanistan had the atmosphere in which many other terrorist group could stage their attacks easily.

Pointing out that international intelligence organizations could not keep Afghanistan under control, sources said, ''international terrorism has changed its characteristics. Terrorist groups can stage actions without being under rule of a country.''

Meanwhile, the United States is not expected to use Incirlik Air Base in a possible attack to Afghanistan.

[21] REACTIONS TO TERRORIST ATTACKS IN UNITED STATES

Mayor Saffet Bulut of Bahcelievler district of Istanbul said that September 11 should be declared as a day of cursing terrorism.

Bulut sent a message to the U.S. Consulate General in Istanbul, and offered his condolences.

Turkish Coal Authority Director General Omer Yenel said, ''we are keeping ready our search and rescue team to send to the United States. We are profoundly sorry about people who lost their lives in these hateful attacks.

Izmir Chamber of Commerce Executive Board Chairman Ekrem Demirtas released a statement in which he harshly condemned terrorists attacks targeted innocent people.

Denouncing the attacks as a crime against humanity, Demirtas said, ''these terrorists attacts disrupted world economy. If this process turns into a war, the whole world can face new economic shocks. I hope that terrorist attacks would not lead to a global chaos.''

Gaziantep Chamber of Commerce Chairman Mehmet Aslan sent messages to Robert Pearson, the U.S. Ambassador to Turkey, and to Greta Holtz, the U.S. Consul General in Adana.

In his messages, Arslan expressed his profound sorrow and offered his condolences.

The Freedom and Solidarity Party (ODP) leader Ufuk Uras denounced the attacks as inhuman and unreasonable.

Releasing a written statement, Uras said said that globalized capital and policies of violence gave rise to such terrorist attacks.

Ankara Bar Chairman Sadik Erdogan stressed that terrorist attacks could not be accepted whatever its motive is.

Meanwhile, retired General Cevik Bir said, ''these attacks should have been staged following a long preparatory process based on high technology. Following yesterday's attacks in the United States, a new era has begun. Polarization re-emerged in the world. Turkey should take its place in the free world in this polarization process. Countries of the free world should cooperate with each other against increasing threat of terrorism.''

''As for Turkey, these attacks revealed Turkey's strategical and geopolitical importance once again. Although it was alone in its struggle against terrorism, Turkey has succeeded in its struggle. According to my point of view, the European Security and Defense Policy has come to an beginning from today. NATO will come to the forefront once again. Europe will correct its mistake, and Turkey's difficulty in integration with Europe will end,'' he said.

Turkish Economic and Social Etudes Foundation Director Ozdem Sanberk said, ''most of the countries taking place in the United States list of terrorist countries, are neighbors of Turkey. The United States should make a careful assessment. Otherwise, Turkey can suffer from serious difficulties in case of a possible retaliation.''

Retired Ambassador Kamuran Gurun said, even the biggest states of the world are weak and defenseless against terrorists. We have to eradicate terrorism alltogether. Some countries which have not faced any terrorist attack in their country, turned a blind eye to this threat. But each country can face with such attacts. Europe should also take lessons from these incidents. Many countries condemned the attacks, but how many of them were sincere in their reaction. September 11 should become a turning point in struggle against international terrorism.''

The Turkish Industrialists' and Businessmen's Association (TUSIAD) released a statement to condemn the attacks in the United States.

In the statement, the TUSIAD said, ''yesterday's attack unveiled terrorism's international dimension once again. All countries should cooperate with each other to struggle against international terrorism.''

Turkish Democracy Foundation Chairman Bulent Akarcali also sent a message to Robert Pearson, the U.S. Ambassador to Turkey, and offered his condolences.

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