Anadolu Agency: News in English, 01-09-22

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ANADOLU AGENCY

NEWS

22 SEPTEMBER 2001 Saturday

HURRIYET (LIBERAL)

Turkey will open its air space and airports to the U.S. planes for a possible intervention in Afghanistan. The United States of America made an application through the Foreign Ministry yesterday and requested that Turkey open its air space to American planes and permit the use of its airports. This request was debated at the security meeting held in Ankara and at the end of the meeting, it was decided that this permit would be given immediately. Prime Minister Bulent Ecevit will write a letter to U.S. President George Bush to inform him about Turkey's decision. On the other hand, Ecevit objected to the participation of Turkish soldiers in a possible operation: ''Turkey cannot send soldiers to Afghanistan, but, it can provide military training for opposition groups in Afghanistan. An operation against Afghanistan can last for a long time.''

SURVEY WHICH MAKES TURKEY ASHAMED

A survey carried out by the World Bank in 26 countries showed how much bribery was common in Turkey. Bribe is common in votes of legislators and change in decrees. Also, bribe is effective in judiciary decisions. Turkish companies spend 2.5 percent of their annual income on bribery. Also customs, licence proceedings and public tenders are the other fields in which bribery is common.

MILLIYET (LIBERAL)

The U.S. had five demands from Turkey prior to a war and Prime Minister Bulent Ecevit gave a blank check to U.S. President Bush: Air spaces and bases are being opened. Dostum, who is an opposing person to Taliban, will be supported. Here are the five demands: ''All the bases in Turkey will be used. Air space of Turkey will be opened to the U.S. and ally forces. Turkish intelligence will inform the U.S. about developments immediately. Turkish Republics will be provided support to stand against Taliban. Dostum, who is an opposing person to Taliban, will be supported.''

BIZARRE LIE!

The Interior Ministry said that there were not any warnings, however, the Foreign Ministry mentioned a message. Turkey's Consulate General in Cologne sent this message to the Foreign Ministry following the terrorist attacks in the U.S.: ''An organization is preparing for staging a suicide attack by a plane on Anitkabir, the Mausoleum of Ataturk, the Founder of Turkish Republic.'' The Foreign Ministry conveyed this crypto dated September 12, 2001 to the Directorate General of Security. However, Interior Minister Rustu Kazim Yucelen claimed that they did not receive any note.

SABAH (LIBERAL)

Turkey will provide counter guerilla training to the forces of General Rasid Dostum, who is fighting against Taliban in Afghanistan. A team composed of 20 people from the Special Forces Commandership bound to the General Staff will go to Afghanistan to this end and will dispatch logistic support.

WAKE UP ANKARA! THE SITUATION IS VERY BAD

American companies started to cancel their textile orders from Turkey. A company which bought goods from Turkey worth of 300 million U.S. dollars decided to reduce its purchases to the least. Reservations of 100 thousand tourists from the U.S. were cancelled following the terrorist attacks in the U.S. This amount is equal to 20 percent of the total tourists coming from America in a year. The Istanbul Stock Exchange (IMKB) decreased by 23 percent since the terrorist attacks in the U.S. on September 11. the market value of the companies regisetered to the stock exchange recessed by 4 billion U.S. dollars.

CUMHURIYET (LEFT)

Foreign Minister Ismail Cem held contacts in Israel and Palestine to contribute to peace in the Middle East yesterday. Sources said that Cem suggested both sides that they should do what is necessary to return to the negotiation table. Cem stressed the message that different religions and cultures can live together in peace.

TURKISH-MONGOLIAN BUSINESS COUNCIL SET UP

An agreement foreseeing the foundation of Turkish-Mondolian Business Council was signed in Istanbul. The council will operate under the auspices of the Foreign Economic Relations Board (DEIK). Speaking at the first joint meeting of the Turkish-Mongolian Business Council, State Minister Abdulhaluk Mehmet Cay said that Turkish investments in Mongolia are below 1.5 million U.S. dollars.

RADIKAL (LEFT)

Prime Minister Bulent Ecevit was the guest of journalist Taha Akyol in a program broadcast in private CNN Turk channel yesterday. Touching on Taliban, Ecevit said, ''there is an outdated regime in Afghanistan'' and said that this regime should change.

EU SURPRIZED BY 'CAPITAL PUNISHMENT REFORM'

The articles on the capital punishment and closure of political parties which are foreseen by the constitutional amendment package to be debated at the Parliamentary General Assembly on Monday will lead to discussions. The European Union (EU) considers this last proposal as 'capital punishment would be taken under constitutional guarantee.''

TURKIYE (RIGHT)

Turkish Airlines (THY) will close its Istanbul-Miami-Istanbul line. THY sent a statement to Istanbul Stock Exchange (IMKB) that this line which would be closed by 2002 summer schedule will be closed by October 1, 2001 due to the crisis caused after the terrorist attacts in the U.S. The statement said that the stock exchange will be informed about extra measures to be taken by the company.

PLANES GALORE IN INCIRLIK

As the plans of Incirlik Air Base in southern Adana province was found in the houses of three suspects who were captured following the terrorist attacks in the U.S., maximum security measures were taken at Turkish- American 10th Tanker Base Commandership. Four planes, two sophisticated detection aircrafts, six tankers, ad one cargo plane took off from the base in the morning while 22 planes took off from the base at noon on Friday. Two planes landed at the base. Activitiy at Incirlik Air Base is continuing.

ZAMAN (RIGHT)

Horst Koehler, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) Managing Director, said that it was early to talk about extension of supplementary source from IMF to Turkey but they would evaluate Turkey's situation. 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.

CONTENTS

[01] FOREIGN MINISTER CEM MEETS WITH PALESTINIAN PRESIDENT ARAFAT

[02] WHITE HOUSE SPOKESPERSON FLEISCHER SAYS BUSH THANKS TURKEY FOR ITS SUPPORT

[03] PRIME MINISTER ECEVIT STRESSES IMPORTANCE OF STRATEGIC PARTNERSHIP

[04] GERMAN AMBASSADOR EXPRESSES HOPE THAT TURKEY WILL OVERCOME CRISIS

[05] LABOUR MINISTER OKUYAN SAYS QUALITY OF WORKING LIFE HAS GAINED IMPORTANCE

[06] ONE PERSON PULLED FROM RUBBLE OF PENSION IN ISTANBUL DIES

[07] TOURISM MINISTER TASAR LEAVES FOR GERMANY

[08] TURKEY TO JOIN FVW CONGRESS 2001 AS PARTNER COUNTRY

[09] MUGLA GOVERNOR SAYS 1.5 MILLION TOURISTS COME TO MUGLA SINCE BEGINNING OF YEAR

[10] DELEGATION HEADED BY DERVIS PLANS TO GO TO U.S. ON SEPTEMBER 29

[11] THY'S PROFIT IN FIRST HALF OF YEAR AMOUNTS TO 2.9 TRILLION TL

[12] INTERIOR MINISTER YUCELEN SAYS TURKEY WILL CONTINUE FIGHT AGAINST INTEREST

[01] FOREIGN MINISTER CEM MEETS WITH PALESTINIAN PRESIDENT ARAFAT

Following the meeting, Cem and Arafat held a joint press conference.

Cem started his words as saying, ''Palestinians have a special place in our hearts'' and noted that his contacts with Arafat and Peres encouraged him.

Foreign Minister Cem said that the objective of his visit was to encourage Peres and Arafat to search whether or not there were new possiblities to walk ahead.

Cem said, ''however, they have encouraged me. Now, there is an opportunity to walk ahead.''

Noting that there were some circles which did not want this process to be started, Cem said that they should walk ahead in the process without being affected by these circles and without pushing forward so many preconditions.

Cem said that there was a new conscience in the world and that the game had new rules, adding, ''I hope that I am making a right evaluation. I think there is a better atmosphere to understand each other in a better way and to fulfil the requirements of the day. I hope that we can altogether create a new Middle East which is purified from all problems and clashes.''

During his contacts with Peres and Arafat, he proposed to set up a joint working group between Palestinians and Israelis to lay a groundwork for the implementation of the Mitchell Report, Cem said.

Responding to a question that Israeli tanks were continuously violating the ceasefire, Cem said, ''we should look at the situation in a dialectical way. We should look at the matter with the point of view that if we start to change this, the other things will also start to change rather than we should not change this because this has happened.''

Cem added that there should not be any preconditions to hold a meeting.

Arafat expressed pleasure with the efforts of Turkey to contribute to peace and said that he told Cem that they were determined about peace and to continue ceasefire.

Palestinian President Arafat expressed hope that Turkey would continue its support.

When a reporter reminded him the news mentioned in Israeli radio that a meeting between himself and Israeli Foreign Minister Shimon Peres could take place in Turkey, Arafat said that he hoped to meet with Peres in coming days but firstly, a meeting should be held.

Arafat noted that the coming meetings could be held in Turkey and stressed that Cem's visit revealed Turkey's role in the process.

Later, Cem returned to Turkey.

[02] WHITE HOUSE SPOKESPERSON FLEISCHER SAYS BUSH THANKS TURKEY FOR ITS SUPPORT

White House Spokesperson Ari Fleischer, who made a statement on behalf of Bush, stressed that Turkey had suffered much from terrorism and noted that Ankara and Washington were in solidarity and would take joint action against terrorism.

Reminding the phone call between Bush and President Ahmet Necdet Sezer, Fleischer said that Bush and Sezer stressed that two countries were in solidarity against those who aided and abetted terrorism and terrorists.

Fleischer said that Bush thanked Turkey, which was a NATO-ally Muslim country and which had suffered much from terrorism, for its support, adding that both presidents agreed that Turkey and the U.S. would take joint action in the long-term fight against terrorism.

[03] PRIME MINISTER ECEVIT STRESSES IMPORTANCE OF STRATEGIC PARTNERSHIP

Ecevit met with Foreign Ministry Undersecretary Ugur Ziyal early on Saturday.

Following the meeting, the letter that has been sent to Bush was made public.

A statement of the Prime Ministry said that in his letter, Ecevit noted that the government had accepted the use of Turkish air space and airports by U.S. cargo planes when necessary.

The letter stressed the importance of strategic partnership between Turkey and the U.S. and noted that this parthership had been beneficial for both countries so far.

The statement said, ''the prime minister also reminded that our country has fought against foreign-linked international terrorist attacks for years and that Turkish people has suffered much from terrorist attacks. The prime minister once more stated that Turkish people are in solidarity with the American people related with the latest terrorist attacks in the U.S. and that Turkey has extended full support to international cooperation in combatting terrorism.''

''The prime minister also said that the government accepted the U.S. demand for the use of Turkish air space and airports by U.S. cargo planes when necessary. Meanwhile, the prime minister stated that it will be beneficial to have a cooperation and exchange of intelligence between Turkey and the U.S. related with the developments in the north of Afghanistan. In fact, Turkey will increase its equipment, training and other assistance to the opposition groups in Afghanistan,'' the statement also said.

The statement added, ''the prime minister noted that the government will continue its contributions to ease the ongoing pains and griefs of Afghan people and stressed the importance of humanitarian aid to Afghan people by the international community.''

[04] GERMAN AMBASSADOR EXPRESSES HOPE THAT TURKEY WILL OVERCOME CRISIS

Speaking at a panel discussion regarding Turkish-German economic cooperation held in southern Adana province by Mediterranean Turkish-German Businessmen's Association, Schmidt said that Turkey had taken very significant measures following the crisis.

Schmidt noted that Germany was the biggest trade partner of Turkey and that the year 2000 was a good year for both countries in respect of commercial relations.

Germany exported goods worth of 16.3 billion German marks from Turkey while its imports to Turkey amounted to 12.7 billion German marks last year, Schmidt said.

Schmidt pointed out that German companies had made significant investments in Turkey.

They knew that Turkey needs direct foreign investments, Schmidt stated and noted that Turkey had started to take positive steps and necessary measures regarding this matter.

Schmidt said that the government had made statements that foreign investors would be encouraged.

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) and World Bank had extended the necessary support to Turkey to overcome its economic crisis, Schmidt said.

Schmidt stated that Turkey had taken important measures following February's economic crisis and the government had taken serious steps and made reforms.

They should believe and have confidence in these steps, Schmidt said and expressed hope that Turkey would overcome the crisis.

[05] LABOUR MINISTER OKUYAN SAYS QUALITY OF WORKING LIFE HAS GAINED IMPORTANCE

The conference on ''Quality of Working Life'' held by Belgium, the Term President of the European Union (EU), ended the same day.

Okuyan, who represented Turkey in the conference, touched on effects of globalization and technological developments on business markets in the speeches he made during the conference.

Labour Minister Okuyan also touched on the transition of these markets from national to international dimension.

Okuyan said that besides a more employment target, quality of working life had also gained importance as a new concept.

During his meeting with his Belgium counterpart Laurette Onkelinx, Okuyan gave information about the reforms that Turkey had been making in the EU full membership process.

Okuyan, who evaluated the repercussions following terrorist attacks in the U.S., said that Turkey, the only Muslim country with a secular and democratic country, would fulfil its responsibilities in international cooperation against terrorism.

Labour and Social Security Minister Yasar Okuyan will return to Turkey on Saturday.

[06] ONE PERSON PULLED FROM RUBBLE OF PENSION IN ISTANBUL DIES

Sources told A.A correspondent that Iranian citizen Dudu Katarin, who was taken under medical treatment in Cerrahpasa Faculty of Medicine Hospital, died of blood poisoning.

Katarin's both legs were amputated to be pulled from the debris.

Meanwhile, Romanian citizen Mihail Molla's health condition is getting better every day. Molla's right leg was amputated.

Iranian citizen Ali Riza Narizi Tahrani's body was recovered from the debris and sent to Forensic Medicine Institution Morgue.

[07] TOURISM MINISTER TASAR LEAVES FOR GERMANY

Prior to his departure, Tasar told a press conference that the countries had started to consider terrorism as a prior issue when they were making their strategic plans.

Tasar said that Turkey had become a land of tranquality by rendering terrorism inefficient in a great sense.

The timing of his tour was of vital importance for increasing possibilities of tourism sector, Tasar noted.

Tasar said, ''in the light of recent drevelopments, we will herald the world that hesitations, concerns about visiting turkey are unnecessary. It is possible to consider our tour as a tour to introduce and promote Turkey, explain the realities in Turkey, and a dialogue and public relations in foreign world.''

Noting that the developments in the world affected many countries, Tasar said that Turkey felt this affect inevitably due to its geopolitic location.

Tasar pointed out that it was likely that tourism sector would face some negativeness due to recent developments and said, ''we are launching efforts to prevent Turkish tourism from being negatively affected.''

European tourists coonstructed 57 percent of the tourists visiting Turkey, Tasar said and noted that the share of American tourists was 5 percent, that of Japan was 1 percent and that of Russians was 6.5 percent.

The European countries had an important place in Turkish tourism, Tasar pointed out.

To this end, he would try to set a strategy regarding the new era with tour operators and tourism sector employees operating in not only Germany but also in whole Europe, Tasar said.

Tasar noted that he would later proceed to Japan and join World Tourism Council meeting.

He would search the ways to increase number of Japan people visiting Turkey, Tasar stated.

Tasar pointed out that the ways to overcome problems in both promotion and marketing would be searched.

He would join international tourism fair in Russia, the last stop of his tour, Tasar said.

Tasar noted that Turkish tourism companies would take part in the fair, adding that he would hold meetings with tour operators, travelling agencies and tourism sector employees.

Tourism Minister Tasar will return to Turkey on October 7.

[08] TURKEY TO JOIN FVW CONGRESS 2001 AS PARTNER COUNTRY

A statement of Tourism Ministry said on Saturday that Tourism Minister Mustafa Tasar would join the congress to be held in Wiesbaden, Germany, between September 25-27.

The statement noted that a ''workshop'' would be organized for almost a thousand representatives of travelling agencies who would make marketing works Turkey during the congress.

The last day of the congress was declared as ''Turkish Day.''

Almost 100 tourism sector employees from Turkey will have the opportunity to introduce and promote themselves in German market.

A panel discussion on expectations from Turkey as a successful destination of future will be held on the last day of the congress.

[09] MUGLA GOVERNOR SAYS 1.5 MILLION TOURISTS COME TO MUGLA SINCE BEGINNING OF YEAR

Mugla Governor Yigenoglu said, ''the number of foreign tourists coming to our city between January and September 20, 2001 was 1 million 598 thousand. The total number of tourists coming to Mugla in 1998 was 1 million 578. That is, we reached the same figure in the first nine months of this year. I guess that the number of tourists visiting our city will reach 2 million by the end of this year. Our target is to host more than 2 million tourists.''

[10] DELEGATION HEADED BY DERVIS PLANS TO GO TO U.S. ON SEPTEMBER 29

Sources told A.A correspondent on Saturday that Dervis was expected to meet with Paul O'Neil, the U.S. Secretary of the Treasury, and high-level officials of IMF and World Bank during his visit to the U.S.

The IMF Executive Board plans to hold its meetings in the first week of October. Loan worth of 3 billion U.S. dollars would be released in case of approval of the IMF Executive Board.

Sources said that Dervis would proceed from the U.S. to London.

The sources noted that Dervis and Treasury Undersecretary Faik Oztrak would not join the Third Economy Summit to be held in southern Antalya province by the Center for Promotion of Touristic, Economic and Scientific Researches due to their intensive works related with the economic program and budget for 2002.

The sources stated that economy administration would be intensive this week due to the tenth review and the discussions of economic program and budget for 2002.

The economic program and budgetary works for 2002 had been completed in a great extent, the sources said and noted that the Higher Planning Board was expected to convene next week.

Meanwhile, Dervis is continuing his deliberations with economy bureaucrats at the Treasury Undersecretariat.

[11] THY'S PROFIT IN FIRST HALF OF YEAR AMOUNTS TO 2.9 TRILLION TL

THY sent a statement to Istanbul Stock Exchange (IMKB) on Saturday in which it said that THY, which had a loss worth of 5 trillion 8 billion 428 million TL in the same period last year, made a profit of 2 trillion 959 billion 737 million TL in the first half of this year.

[12] INTERIOR MINISTER YUCELEN SAYS TURKEY WILL CONTINUE FIGHT AGAINST INTEREST

Yucelen attended the international meeting on measures against organized crimes, possibilities and borders in a state of law held jointly by Dokuz Eylul University's Faculty of Law, Directorate General of Security, and German Giessen Justus-Liebig University.

Speaking at the meeting, Yucelen said that Turkey had fought against terrorism for 20 years and that 25 thousand people lost their lives due to terrorism.

Yucelen noted that Turkey had suffered much from terrorism and that to this end, international determination to fight against terrorism was of vital importance.

International fight against terrorism should be launched and this fight should become permanent by a unit that would be set up by the United Nations (U.N), Yucelen stated.

Yucelen said, ''if the U.N. launches efforts to this end, the criminals can be captured more easily and quickly. The most important distinctive element of organized crime is violence, corruption, continuity and variety. Organized crime gangs which benefit from reforms and developments in communication and technology today have an international structure. Their number, fields of activity and methods have changed so much.''

Efficient fight against organized crime gangs was obligatory for the maintenance of public order and authority of the state, Yucelen pointed out.

However, it was very difficult to continue fight against organized crimes through general penal law and its rules and the organization of the state, Yucelen said.

Yucelen noted that the 57th government had made significant reforms to combat organized crime gangs and it laid necessary technical, administrative and legal groundwork rapidly and with determination.

''Fight against organized crime gangs are being carried out successfully. Our fight will continue until corruption and interest crime gangs are excluded from Turkey's agenda,'' Yucelen said.

Yucelen continued, ''it is necessary and of vital importance to exchange information and experience and to make cooperation to fight against organized crime gangs. All the countries have to increase their capabilities in combatting the organized crime gangs. There should be no borders in fight against these crimes which do not have any borders. Turkey is attributing importance to keeping its international cooperation channels open when necessary as a requirement of its fight against crimes and criminals and it is exerting efforts to take an active role to ensure this cooperation.''

''It is very pleasing that many countries are side to a convention to combat against cross-border organized crimes which was developed under the umbrella of the United Nations and that a norm which will provide coordination among countries has been determined. These incidents are showing the determinaton against universal organized crime gangs. I hope that the issues to be debated at this meeting will make significant contributions to international cooperation and solidarity,'' Yucelen added.

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