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Anadolu Agency: News in English, 01-09-21Anadolu Agency: News in English Directory - Previous Article - Next ArticleFrom: The Anadolu Agency Home Page at <http://www.anadoluajansi.com.tr/>Anadolu AgencyANADOLU AGENCY NEWS 21 AUGUST 2001 Friday CONTENTS
[01] TURKEY-PRESS SCANThese are some of the major headlines and their brief stories in Turkey's press on September 21. The Anadolu Agency does not verify these stories and does not vouch for their accuracy.HURRIYET (LIBERAL)CEM DUE TO MIDDLE EASTForeign Minister Ismail Cem will go to Middle East on a one-day working visit. Cem is scheduled to meet with Israeli Foreign Minister Shimon Peres, and with Palestinian President Yasser Arafat. HSBC BANK PURCHASES DEMIRBANK Banking Regulation and Supervision Agency (BRSA) Chairman Engin Akcakoca and HSBC Group Executive Board Chairman Keith Whitson signed the contract. According to the contract, all necessary proceedings for transfer of Demirbank to the HSBC Bank will be finalized till October 31, 2001. The HSBC Bank will pay 350 million U.S. dollars to the BRSA for transfer of the Demirbank. IMF'S REPRESENTATIVE BREKK SAYS TALKS WILL CONTINUE SDIF EXTENDS BIDDING DEADLINE FOR THREE BANKS MILLIYET (LIBERAL)CRYPTO SHOCKS ANKARAThe Foreign Affairs Ministry received a crypto from Turkish Consulate General in Cologne, Germany, two days after the terrorist attacks on twin towers of the World Trade Center in New York and on the Pentagon building in Washington D.C. The crypto said that a terrorist organization whose name could not be unveiled, was planning to hit mausoleum of Mustafa Kemal Ataturk, the Founder of modern and secular Republic of Turkey, with a similar attack. Directorate General of Security, General Staff, National Intelligence Organization and Provincial Directorate of Security in Ankara were informed on the developments. Security measures have been tightened in Ankara. LETTER CRISIS GOVERNMENT'S MEASURE AGAINST SHARP INCREASE IN PRICE OF U.S. DOLLAR DOMESTIC BORROWING STOCK EXCEEDS 100 QUADRILLION TL SABAH (LIBERAL)EUROPE TO SEND TERRORIST BACKEurope was a safe place for members of terrorist organization PKK and Revolutionary People's Liberation Party-Front (DHKP-C). But following last week's terrorist attacks in the United States, Europe has totally changed its opinion about terrorism. All terrorists including Fehriye Erdal, a member of the DHKP-C and one of the suspects of killing of businessman Ozdemir Sabanci in 1996, and Dursun Karatas, the leader of the DHKP-C, are expected to be extradited to Turkey in coming days. DID OSAMA BIN LADEN COME TO TURKEY? CUMHURIYET (LEFT)LADEN ENTERS AND EXITS FOR TWO TIMESIt was revealed that Osama bin Laden had come to Turkey for two times and he had paid one of his visits with a private airplane carrying ''his name''. It drew attention that he had paid his first visit during the coalition government period of Welfare Party (RP)-True Path Party (DYP) led by Necmettin Erbakan. It was also revealed that the State Airports Enterprise (DHMI) document which should be prepared after arrival of each private plane in Turkey was not sent to Ankara but kept in the file of ''confidential documents'' in Istanbul. ANKARA'S CENTRAL ASIA FEAR RADIKAL (LEFT)ANKARA DETERMINEDA summit meeting was held at Cankaya Presidential Palace under the chairmanship of President Ahmet Necdet Sezer. All alternatives following last week's terrorist attacks in the United States were taken up. Turkey's messages became clear. DEATH TOLL INCREASES TO 36 IN DEATH FASTS TURKIYE (RIGHT)CAPITAL PUNISHMENT TO TERROR CRIMESIn accordance with the constitutional amendment bill which was approved by the Parliamentary Constitution Commission despite the against votes of two True Path Party (DYP) deputies, death penalty can't be given except the ''state of war, hot clash and terror'', and evidences which are found in a way that is against the law will not be considered evidence. MEETING AT PALACE HE COMES TO TURKEY FOR TWO TIMES MILITARY BUILD-UP IN PERSIAN DON'T GO TO PAKISTAN ZAMAN (RIGHT)TURKEY: LAND OPERATION IS RISKYThe Foreign Ministry thinks under the light of information it received that a land operation in Afghanistan would drag the U.S. into an impasse. The Foreign Ministry believes that the U.S. should limit the military operation with air strikes. Ankara believes that an operation in Afghanistan should be carried out in cooperation with the Afghan opposition forces which are struggling for power in the north of Afghanistan. Besides, Ankara thinks that a civil war could erupt in Pakistan if Pakistan was used as the base and headquarters of operation. WASHINGTON HAS NOT MADE A REQUEST YET -IMF MANAGING DIRECTOR KOEHLER SAYS IT IS EARLY Speaking to a group of Western reporters, Koehler defined the press news about Turkey's request for new money from the IMF as ''early news'', and that assessment would be made after the IMF delegation arrived from Turkey. Koehler who was seen likely toward possibility of extension of supplementary source to Turkey said that Turkey was implementing a very serious and determined program and that the Turkish government had recorded great progress especially in restructuring of banking sector and restoring financial discipline. ''However, high interest rates give the signal that the problem could not be solved yet. Encouraging developments occurred in second half of August and early September regarding decrease in interest rates. However, interest rates rose again following the terrorist attacks. This is an important matter,'' he said. Koehler said he thought that some news articles about State Minister Kemal Dervis' request for money from IMF were too early, and that they would evaluate the situation when the IMF delegation arrived from Turkey. He said that they had clear and powerful interest in Turkey's recording progress and saving itself from this difficult condition. Horst Koehler said that IMF should make its evaluation under the light of latest developments and that they would wait for the IMF delegation's report. -CENTRAL BANK SELLS 20 MILLION DOLLARS The average bid in the auction which the Central Bank held within framework of forex auctions program became 1 million 526 thousand 750 Turkish liras (TL). Maximum bid was 1 million 528 thousand TL and the minumum bid was 1 million 525 thousand TL. -DISIAD SAYS U.S.' STATEMENTS AND ATTITUDE HAVE AFFECTED SOUTHEAST Releasing a statement, Akbas said that Turkey would suffer psychological and economic damage and loss in case of a war. Recalling that Turkey became the country which had suffered the most economic loss due to Gulf War, Akbas said, ''due to the Gulf War, Turkey's loss is 35-40 billion U.S. dollars, and this loss has not been compensated yet. Extraordinary situations or state of war in our region affect Turkey negatively. The statements and attitude of the United States which have been broadcast and published by media in last 3-4 days regarding Afghanistan, have negatively affected Southeastern Anatolia. The transfer of diesel fuel from Iraq through the Habur Border Gate has been suspended. A U.S. operation in Afghanistan will create serious negativities in field of economy in our region.'' ''No one wins a war. We recommend everybody to be very careful while taking a decision. Words and expressions of war create uneasiness among Turkish citizens in southeast,'' he said. -CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENTS BILL TO BE DEBATED AT The bill will be debated at the Parliamentary General Assembly for two times. Acceptance of the bill is possible with the secret votes of the three- fifths (330) of the 550-seat parliament. In accordance with the Constitution and Parliament Regulations, second debate should start 48 hours after the end of the first debate. An article which can't get necessary vote in first and second debates will be rejected. The President can send the laws regarding constitutional amendments back to the parliament for discussion again. If the parliament approves the law which was sent back by the President with two-thirds majority of votes exactly in the same way, the President can bring the law to referendum. The law regarding the constitutional amendment which is approved by less than two-thirds majority (367) of votes will be published in the Official Gazette to bring it to referendum if the President did not send it back to parliament. -FOREIGN MINISTRY SOURCES DENY NEWS STORIES CLAIMING Noting that the Foreign Ministry took all tip-offs seriously, the same sources said that it was a routine proceedings to inform relevant units on developments. Sources said, ''an anonymous person called the Turkish Consulate General in Cologne on the phone, and claimed that a suicide attack would be staged on mausoleum of Ataturk. Having regard to sensitive atmosphere following the terrorist attacks in the United States on September 11, the General Staff, the Interior Ministry, the Directorate General of Security, the Provincial Directorate of Security in Ankara and the Mausoleum Commandership were informed on developments.'' ''There was not any clear information about identities of possible assailants in the tip-off. Therefore we did not consider the tip-off as persuasive and coherent,'' they added. -TRNC PARLIAMENT SPEAKER HASIPOGLU SAYS Before Parliament Speaker Omer Izgi addressed the TRNC Parliament, Hasipoglu said that their Parliament was experiencing an historic day as Izgi honored the TRNC parliament with his presence, and that he hoped this peaceful message would be understood by whole world. Stressing that terrorist attacks in the United States had proved that peace in the world was extremely sensitive, Hasipoglu said that those incidents once again proved rightfulness of Turkey which had expended efforts for long years for a joint fight against terrorism. Hasipoglu said he hoped developments following the terrorist attacks in the U.S. would positively reflect in Cyprus issue. Stressing that there was peace in Cyprus as a result of the Turkish Armed Forces' dissuasive force, Hasipoglu said that withdrawal of Turkish troops from the island would give rise to bloodshed in Cyprus. Calling on the world to give an end to unjust treatment of the Turkish Cypriots, Hasipoglu stressed that they would continue their rightful case with determination. Hasipoglu warned that steps which could destroy regional balances would negatively affect whole region. -MUTLU SAYS THEY WILL LAUNCH INITIATIVE AT Recalling that the Greek Cypriot side had been represented at the 14th Mediterranean Games and even the countries which did not have shore to Mediterranean had joined the games as guests, Mutlu said, ''despite these, we were seriously harmed by seeing that the TRNC couldn't participate in the games although it is an island state in the middle of the Mediterranean.'' Noting that they had prepared a recommendatory report after the games and presented it to the Mediterranean Games Executive Committee, Mutlu said that they wanted the TRNC to join such sports activities. -PRIME MINISTER ECEVIT SAYS THERE IS NOT ANY DIFFERENCE OF OPINION Speaking at a program on private television channel CNN Turk, Prime Minister Ecevit said, ''an operation against Afghanistan can last for a long time. If the United States launches a military operation in Afghanistan, Turkey cannot send soldiers to the region, but we can provide military training for opposition groups in Afghanistan.'' Noting that the United States had put forward its determination against terrorism, Prime Minister Ecevit said, ''there has been an atmosphere of indecision in recent days. The whole world has been waiting for the United States' attitude. United States President Bush clarified it during his speech at the Congress. His speech revealed that the United States targeted Osama bin Laden and his organization. The United States will concentrate its reaction on bin Laden.'' Prime Minister Ecevit added, ''there is not any difference of opinion on the issue of letter to be sent to United States President Gerge W. Bush. On the contrary, we are in a full harmony.'' -DIRECTORATE GENERAL OF SECURITY SAYS THERE IS NOT ANY Holding a press conference, Aslan said, ''an international conference on 'Opportunities and Limits of Fight Against Organized Crimes' would be organized in Izmir between September 21 and 29 in cooperation among the 9 Eylul University, Germany's Giessen Justus-Liebig University and the Directorate General of Security. Interior Minister Rustu Kazim Yucelen and Justice Minister Hikmet Sami Turk will attend the conference. Issues such as fight against organized crimes, prevention of money laundering, telephone tapping, corruption and protection of witnesses will be taken up at the conference.'' Recalling that Interpol general assembly would convene in Hungarian capital Budapest between September 24 and 28, Arslan said that a Turkish delegation headed by Security Director General Kemal Onal will be in attendance at the meeting. Aslan said that the meeting was expected to focus on last week's terrorist attacks in the United States. When recalled news stories claiming that a suicide attack would be staged on Mausoleum of Ataturk, Aslan said that they had not received such an information. Responding to another question, Aslan said, ''there is not any record about terrorist Osama bin Laden's entrance in Turkey in the past. Like in other 178 interpol countries, Osama bin Laden has been sought in Turkey.'' -MEETING BETWEEN CEM AND PERES STARTS Responding to questions of journalists prior to the meeting, Peres said that they would discuss the Middle East peace process and fight against international terrorism. Peres stressed that Cem was paying a visit to the region at a correct time. Refraining from responding to questions about date of his meeting with Palestinian President Yasser Arafat, Peres said that there was not any difference of opinion between himself and Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon on the issue of his meeting with Arafat. Sources told the A.A correspondent that Israel was pleased with Arafat's efforts to maintain the cease-fire. However, Israel wants Arafat to expend more efforts to put an end to acts of violence. Meanwhile, Cem will propose the sides to do whatever necessary to resume peace negotiations. Cem will stress that peace to be settled in Middle East following last week's terrorist attacks in the United States would give the whole world the message that different religions and cultures could coexist. He will underline that peace in Middle East would constitute a model for cooperation among cultures and religions. Cem will reiterate that Turkey was ready to do its utmost to assist the sides to resume peace negotiations. Cem is scheduled to meet with Israeli Prime Minister Sharon later in the day. He will later proceed to Ramallah to meet with Palestinian President Arafat. -SEZER:''TURKEY WANTS PEACE TO PREVAIL IN ALL CAUCASIAN REGION'' Sezer delivered a speech on housing plan in historical cities at a conference at Kafkas University. The conference is held by the Historical Cities Association. ''We believe that the Caucasian region, which has fertile lands and dynamic people, will continue to be important strategically as it was in the part. We think that Caucasia should turn into a group of countries with a developed net of highways and railroads. In this regards, we are happy to see that our neighbors South Caucasian countries are in close cooepration with Western economic institutions,'' he said. ''It is a fact that maintaining regional cooperation in Caucasia contributes to the economic revival of Turkey's north east provinces,'' he added. Sezer stressed that sovereignty and territorial integrity of Georgia and Azerbaijan should be preserved during efforts to find a solution and that solution proposals which are not based on this would not be realistic. Sezer said it would be best for the Armenian people if Armenia withdraws from Azerbaijan and adopts a constructive attitude regarding the Karabag conflict. ''Turkey expects Armenia to strip itself from its prejudices and obsessions based on the past and have good relations with its neighbors,'' he said. Speaking about Turkey's EU preaccession process, Sezer said Turkey should preserve its culture, identity and national values during this process and the Historical Cities Association could have important contributions to this process. Sezer said cities with historical value could share their heritage with rest of the humanity and therefore help the development of mutual understanding and cooperation among nations. ''Our historical cities, with their identities, will not only hold light to Turkey's history but to the history of all humanity. The foundation of the Historical Cities Association is a big step for our country and it will fulfill important tasks to preserve the historical and natural texture of our historical cities. It will also be an important chain of the democratization process,'' Sezer said. -ECEVIT SAYS TURKEY CAN'T SEND TROOPS BUT TRAIN AFGHAN OPPOSITION GROUPS Speaking at a program on private television channel CNN Turk, Prime Minister Ecevit said, ''an operation against Afghanistan can last for a long time. If the United States launches a military operation in Afghanistan, Turkey cannot send soldiers to the region, but we can provide military training for opposition groups in Afghanistan.'' Noting that the United States had put forward its determination against terrorism, Prime Minister Ecevit said, ''there has been an atmosphere of indecision in recent days. The whole world has been waiting for the United States' attitude. United States President Bush clarified it during his speech at the Congress. His speech revealed that the United States targeted Osama bin Laden and his organization. The United States will concentrate its reaction on bin Laden.'' Responding to a question, Ecevit said, ''it will be wrongful to expand fronts and targets. The United States has done the right thing by concentrating on a single target.'' When asked whether or not he had information about date of the operation, Prime Minister Ecevit said, ''no. It is difficult to estimate a date. If the United States prefer classical military intervention, it can last for years. Therefore it is necessary to form new methods and new strategies. There are opposition groups in northern Afghanistan. These groups have their own commanders and soldiers. There has not been any unity among them so far. According to my point of view, it will be more appropriate to expect military land operation from Afghans by providing a unity among these opposition groups. Meanwhile, intelligence should be attributed great importance. We can make valuable contributions to this end.'' ''Our intelligence units have been following all developments in Afghanistan especially in northern region. At the same time, we have close relations with some of those opposition groups for a long time, especially with the group headed by General Dostum. We can provide military training for them. Turkey cannot send tropps to the region, but provide military training,'' he said. When asked whether or not he had conveyed his opinions to U.S. officials, Ecevit said, ''we were to make a statement yesterday but we were informed that President Bush would make a long statement, and we postponed it. Now, we will make an evaluation. We have not determined the issue in detail yet because we have to know what the U.S. administration will do at this point. Now, it has been clarified.'' When asked whether or not there was difference of opinion among highest level state officials about the letter that would be sent to the U.S., Ecevit said, ''we talked about such an intention. However, we said that it would be more appropriate to wait for Bush's statement and Islamic clerics' attitude. However, some journalists found this very strange. Furthermore, a newspaper defined this as 'letter scandal'. However, we should be very careful about this matter as we are in a very sensitive period. We have been keeping our intense contacts also with the U.S. administration. As I have said that it is now clarified.'' ''A difference of opinion at the highest state level about the letter is out of question. On the contrary, we have a full harmony. As I have said that we can easily propose our contribution when the U.S.'s plan becomes clear and what kind of a method it will use against terrorism becomes clear, '' he said. When asked whether or not a letter would be sent to the U.S. and what kind of a contribution Turkey would make after latest developments, Ecevit said, ''first of all, we have to know what the U.S. is planning to do. What can we do within this farmework? We have a compromise with the U.S. in fight against terrorism. The U.S. administration has supported our position against terrorism in a very sound and concrete way. If it became clear how the U.S. will fight against terrorism, we should inform our American friends on the kind of our contribution.'' When asked whether or not Turkey had carried out intelligence activity in Northern Afghanistan, Ecevit said, ''we have been continuing our comprehensive intelligence activities not only in Northern Afghanistan but also in whole Afghanistan. We can get information about everything. We are extending moral and financial support to General Rasheed Dostum and his units.'' When asked whether or not the U.S. could get a political result by supporting the opposition groups in north of Afghanistan, Ecevit said ''at the moment, opposition does not have a power but they can be granted such a power. The U.S. has great responsibility for this. Afghanistan can't be left alone to suffer such an outworn regime. Afghanistan's strategic importance is interesting. Ataturk attributed importance to Afghanistan in the period when our Republic was founded. He sent prominent bureaucrats and commanders to Afghanistan.'' When asked how those terrorist attacks would affect Turkey's and world economy, Ecevit said, ''a result should be achieved before it takes too long. Because, there has been a recession in world economy. If it takes long, it will negatively affect both developed countries and developing countries like Turkey. Consequently, a process of revival should start in the economy. Also, the U.S. does have responsibility.'' -IRAQI PERSON DIES AS HE WAS TRYING TO ENTER TURKEY ILLEGALLY Gendarmerie teams patrolling in rural area Asagi Turgali and Egribelen village in Ozalp, warned a group of Iraqi people who were trying to enter Turkey illegally, to stop immediately. Teams opened fire in the air to warn those who did not obey to warnings. An Iraqi people was shot dead, while 36 others were captured. They were taken into custody for violating Turkish borders and passport law. They will be deported once the legal proceedings are completed.
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