Anadolu Agency: News in English, 01-09-26

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ANADOLU AGENCY

NEWS

26 SEPTEMBER 2001Thursday

CONTENTS

[01] TURKEY-PRESS SCAN

[02] NINTH ARTICLE OF CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENT PACKAGE ADOPTED

[03] PISKINSUT RESIGNS FROM DSP AND BOZKURT JOINS DYP

[04] TENTH ARTICLE OF CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENT PACKAGE ADOPTED

[05] TURKEY-CUBA JEC MEETING

[06] ELEVENTH ARTICLE OF CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENT PACKAGE ADOPTED

[07] IFC'S TURKEY DIRECTOR SAYS THEIR POSITIVE OUTLOOK ON TURKEY CONTINUES

[08] SYMPOSIUM HELD ON POLITICAL, TECHNOLOGICAL AND STRATEGICAL DEVELOPMENTS IN WORLD AND THEIR IMPACTS ON TURKEY

[09] TWELFTH ARTICLE OF CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENT PACKAGE ADOPTED

[10] SYMPOSIUM HELD ON POLITICAL, TECHNOLOGICAL AND STRATEGICAL DEVELOPMENTS IN WORLD AND THEIR IMPACTS ON TURKEY (2)

[11] FIFTH INTERNATIONAL DEFENSE INDUSTRY, AVIATION AND MARITIME FAIR TO BE OPENED TOMORROW

[12] BANKING SECTOR RESTRUCTURING PROGRAM ACTION PLAN

[13] 13TH ARTICLE OF CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENT PACKAGE ADOPTED

[14] STATE MINISTER GUREL: ''WE WILL EXPEND EVERY KIND OF SUPPORT TO FIGHT AGAINST TERRORISM THAT WILL BE CARRIED OUT WITHIN THE FRAMEWORK OF MUTUAL TARGETS''

[01] TURKEY-PRESS SCAN

HURRIYET (LIBERAL)

-Inform about your plan.

-Be very careful about Iraq.

-We have full support to U.S. administration.

-Expend support to north alliance.

-Humanitarian aid is extremely important of Afghan people.

AKBANK OBTAINS SYNDICATED LOAN WORTH OF 350 MILLION U.S. DOLLARS
Akbank said it obtained syndicated loan worth of 350 million U.S. dollars. It said the deal had been signed on Friday. The loan was charged at Libor+80 points and would be used to finance exports.Zafer Kurtul, the Akbank General Director, said Akbank obtained the credit from the foreign markets to support Turkey's exportation. Kurtul said, ''despite very negative developments in the world economy in the recent days, due to the confidence of international finance institutions to our bank and the country, this credit could be obtained.''

MILLIYET (LIBERAL)

SITUATION IS UNCERTAIN IN TURKEY
Anne Krueger, the IMF Deputy Managing Director, said economic situation in Turkey was uncertain as interest rates are high. Kurueger said, the IMF did everything for Turkey, adding that, ''on the one side, Turkey's program causes concern, but on the other side it continues. Thus, we are face to face with uncertainty.''

SABAH (LIBERAL)

LAWSUIT FILED AGAINST YERMEZ
A lawsuit was filed against Yener Yermez, the leading suspect of killing of businessman Uzeyir Garih, after Deputy Chief Prosecutor Arif Hikmet Ozer in Eyup district of Istanbul initialed the indictment prepared by Prosecutor Hasan Yilmaz. The two-page indictment sought capital punishment or imprisonment term of at least 20 years to Yermez who confessed to killing Garih, the Chairman of the ALARKO Business Group. The file of the lawsuit was sent to the High Criminal Court. In his indictment, Yilmaz said Yermez killed Garih after the businessman caught him and his girlfriend Pinar Konuskan in an indecent situation at the cemetery, and chided the couple.

CUMHURIYET (LEFT)

EARTHQUAKE IN GAZIPASA: 5.1
An earthquake measuring 5.1 on the Richter scale occured offshores of Antalya's Gazipasa township on Tuesday. Bogazici University's Kandilli Observatory and Seismology Center detected the earthquake at 2.53 p.m. and it announced that the epicenter of the quake was in the sea. The earthquake was felt in Gazipasa and its environs.

FAIR IN PAKISTAN POSTPONED
''1st Turkish Export Products Fair,'' which is planned to take place in Karachi city of Pakistan between November 3-6, was postponed to February 2002. Ladin Fuarcilik issued a statement and said the fair was postponed due to the uncertainty about the tension in the region which started with the terrorist attacks in the United States on September 11.

RADIKAL (LEFT)

FENERBAHCE DEFEATED
Fenerbahce was beaten 0-1 by France's Olympique Lyon in a Champions League first stage group F match played late on Tuesday at Sukru Saracoglu Stadium in Istanbul. The goal was scored at 89th minute.

REINFORCEMENT TO INCIRLIK
Dispatch of 3,600 soldiers who are expected to come from Avion base in Italy to Incirlik base started while many beds and foodstuffs were transported to the Incirlik.

TURKIYE (RIGHT)

REPROACH OF PARLIAMENTARIANS
Turkish parliamentarians said on Tuesday that European countries left Turkey alone in fight against terrorism. The parliamentarians were speaking at the session of Council of Europe Parliamentarians Assembly (COEPA). Atilla Mutman, the Democratic Left Party (DSP) Izmir Parliamentarian who spoke at the session about fight against terrorism held in COEPA, recalled that terrorist PKK organization claimed 35,000 lives in Turkey, adding that, ''countries of Council of Europe left us alone in fight against terrorism. They did not expend us support in real sense. Moreover, some countries opened their doors to terrorists.''

ZAMAN (CONSERVATIVE)

TURKEY IN LIST OF SUSPICIOUS
Following the terrorist attacks in the United States, the U.S. administration is on alert also against possible threats to come via sea. Security investigation will be imposed also on the crew in addition to their ship while the Turkish citizens will be the side which will mostly suffer from this implementation. This implementation will consider sailors of 31 underdeveloped countries including Turkey ''suspicious''.

LADIN'S PLANES COME FOR 13 TIMES
The Turkish intelligence is deeply investigating whether of not Osama bin Laden has ''connection'' with Turkey. It was revealed that planes belonged to Ladin's family had entered Turkey for 13 times between 1996 and 2000.

[02] NINTH ARTICLE OF CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENT PACKAGE ADOPTED

A total of 429 parliamentarians casted their votes in the ninth vote.

While 397 parliamentarians voted in favor of adoption of the ninth article, 28 parliamentarians casted their votes against it. Meanwhile, 1 parliamentarians abstained.

The ninth article of the package envisages amendment to Article 26 of the Constitution about freedom of expression and dissemination of thought.

The expression saying, ''no language prohibited by law shall be used in the expression and dissemination of thought'' was taken out of the article by enabling use of any launguage in expression and dissemination of thought.

But use of this right can be restricted with the aem of protecting national security, public order, public security, fundamental principles of the Republic, and indivisible integrity of the state with its territory and nation.

Parliamentary General Assembly will reconvene at 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday to continue to debate other articles of the package.

[03] PISKINSUT RESIGNS FROM DSP AND BOZKURT JOINS DYP

Meanwhile, Mahmut Bozkurt, an independent deputy from Adiyaman province, joined the True Path Party (DYP).

Following resignation of Piskinsut, number of DSP deputies decreased to 131 while number of DYP deputies increased to 80 after Bozkurt joined the DYP.

Current distribution of seats at the parliament is as follows:

Democratic Left Party (DSP).................: 131

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

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

True Path Party (DYP).......................: 80

Justice and Development Party (AK Party)....: 82

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

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

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

TOTAL.......................................: 550

[04] TENTH ARTICLE OF CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENT PACKAGE ADOPTED

A total of 421 parliamentarians casted their votes in the tenth vote.

While 391 parliamentarians voted in favor of adoption of the tenth article, 25 parliamentarians casted their votes against it. Meanwhile, 2 parliamentarians abstained.

The tenth article of the package envisages amendment to Article 28 of the Constitution about freedom of the press.

The expression saying, ''publication shall not be made in any language prohibited by law'' was taken out of the Article 28 of the Constitution.

[05] TURKEY-CUBA JEC MEETING

Speaking at the Turkey-Cuba Joint Economic Commission (JEC) Fourth Term meeting in Ankara, Yilmaz said that bilateral commercial and economic relations between Turkey and Cuba had recently gained momentum and they were the two countries which had strategic importance in their regions.

Noting that it was impossible for a country to limit its trade only with a single country or region under conditions of the new world economic system, Yilmaz said, ''although Turkey and Cuba are far away from each other, I believe that commercial and economic relations between Turkey and Cuba can be further improved and new fields of cooperation can be created in a period where competition is determined on global basis.''

Yilmaz said that as a result of its membership to the World Trade Organization and Customs Union deal with the European Union, Turkey was in favor of more liberalized international trade and more appropriate foreign investment atmosphere, and it contributed to development of such an atmosphere.

Recalling that Turkey had transited into free market economy since 1980's, Yilmaz said that Turkey had adopted model based on exports and that it had opened its economy to the world within this framework.

Recalling that necessary legal changes including privatization, social security and structural reforms had been made in many fields, Yilmaz said that works were under way to finalize the other changes.

Stressing that Turkey recorded a 5-6 percent real growth with an annual 60- 65 inflation rate between 1983 and 1997, Yilmaz noted, ''when Customs Union was put into practice, the EU's foreign trade policies have been adopted. The Customs Union increased Turkish industry's competitive power.''

Recalling that Turkey prepared its national economic program in April of 2001, Yilmaz said, ''Turkish economy is expected to shrink by 3-4 percent by the end of the year. We target to record positive growth as of 2002. We also aim at decreasing inflation rate from 52 percent to 20 percent.''

Referring to Turkey's relations with the EU, Yilmaz said, ''Turkey's National Program includes short and medium term commitments. Within this framework, we have also determined responsibilities of public institutions in adjustment process.''

Referring to commercial and economic relations between Turkey and Cuba, Yilmaz recalled that Turkey and Cuba signed economic and industrial cooperation agreement in Ankara in 1996, and mutual encouragement and protection of of investments in Havana in 1997.

Pointing out that the drafts were exchanged aiming to sign prevention of double taxation between the two countries, Yilmaz said consultations regarded with the issue would take place following the works.

Yilmaz said, ''I believe that reaching a result in the agreement in question would contribute to the strengthening of relations.''

Stressing that trade volume between the two countries which was 1.9 million U.S. dollars in 1999 reduced to 1.4 million U.S. dollars last year, Yilmaz said Turkey exported goods like motorcycle, textile and ready wear products and candies. He said Turkey imported polyester thread and tobacco.

Yilmaz said when strategic importance of the two countries was considered, it was clear that bilateral trade and joint investments could be further improved. Yilmaz said, ''in this respect, Turkey evaluates Cuba as a door opening to Central America and the Caribbeans.''

Pointing out that contacts were underway between the two countries for some time within the framework of a project regarding renewal and betterment of Cuban Naval Trade Fleet, Yilmaz said, ''those contacts will yield positive results soon. A formula will be found according to the necessities of the two countries, and the ships, constructed in Turkish shipyards, will be a means for the creation of a new cooperation field.''

Yilmaz said successful operation of TEKA cigar Production and Trade Corp will add momentum to the initiatives of joint venture, and will bring new cooperation facilities.

Pointing out the importance of private sector in improvement of bilateral trade and economic relations, Yilmaz said reciprocal visits of the businessmen of the two countries would be beneficial.

[06] ELEVENTH ARTICLE OF CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENT PACKAGE ADOPTED

A total of 461 parliamentarians casted their votes in the eleventh vote.

While 442 parliamentarians voted in favor of adoption of the eleventh article, 14 parliamentarians casted their votes against it. Meanwhile, 2 parliamentarians abstained.

The eleventh article of the package envisages amendment to second paragraph of Article 31 of the Constitution about right to use mass media other than the press which are owned by public corporations in conformity with the European Convention of Human Rights.

According to the amendment, legal arrangements about use of mass media other than the press which are owned by public legal bodies, can be possible only in the case of protection of national security, public order, general moral and public health.

The new second paragraph of Article 31 of the Constitution is as follows: ''except for reason of protection of national security, public order, general moral and public health, the law shall not impose restrictions preventing the public from receiving information or forming ideas and opinions through these media or preventing public opinion from being freely formed.''

[07] IFC'S TURKEY DIRECTOR SAYS THEIR POSITIVE OUTLOOK ON TURKEY CONTINUES

Speaking at the Fourth Annual Turkish Gas and Energy Conference in Istanbul, Lamba said that they continued investing in Turkey and played role in many sectors.

Recalling that 4.5 percent of IFC's general portfolio's had changed into investments in Turkey, Lamba said that this amount rose to 3 billion U.S. dollars together with syndicated loans.

Stressing that Istanbul became the center of the 16 countries in the region, Lamba said that they had strengthened their assests in Turkey in recent months as a result of the crisis.

Stressing that they sometimes gave even long-term loan reaching 15-year maturity, Lamba said, ''as IFC, we display our confidence in Turkey with our investments and we are trying to draw foreign capital into Turkey. We have made 140 million U.S. dollars of investments in Turkey in last three months.''

[08] SYMPOSIUM HELD ON POLITICAL, TECHNOLOGICAL AND STRATEGICAL DEVELOPMENTS IN WORLD AND THEIR IMPACTS ON TURKEY

A symposium was held at Ankara's Bilkent Hotel within framework of the International Defense Industry, Aviation and Maritime Fair (IDEF 2001) on the issue of ''Political, Technological and Strategical Developments in the World and their Impacts on Turkey.''

Speaking at the symposium, General Buyukanit referred to the developments following the World War II, and to the new order emerged at the end of the Cold War.

General Buyukanit said, ''as many countries have been experiencing the advantage of the decrease in their concerns about security following the Cold War, Turkey has been trying to draw attention of the world for the last 25 years to the fact that the humanity had faced with terrorism's serious threat. Unfortunately, Turkey could not receive adequade support even from its neighbors, friends and allies. Instead of supporting Turkey, these countries harbored the head of terrorist organization PKK, provided military training to terrorist organizations, and used sublime values such as human rights and supremacy of law to protect these enemies of the humanity.''

''All modern countries should realize the facts and take all necessary measures in cooperation with each other before giving more victims to the terrorism. I want to stress once again that we, as a country that has lived serious experiences about terrorism, are ready to share our experiences and to set up cooperation in the wake of the terrorist attacks in the United States on September 11, 2001,'' he said.

General Buyukanit said, ''the western world could not define terrorism in the international dimension yet, and could not adopt a common understanding about terrorism. Unfortunately, terrorism has gained an international dimension. Despite works of the United Nations, a full consensus of opinion could not be reached on definition of terrorism, and an agreement could not be signed in fight against terrorism. I hope that this agreement would be reached and put into force as soon as possible in the wake of the terrorist attacks in the United States.''

Stressing that crimes of terrorism and harboring terrorists could not be excused with statute of limitations, General Buyukanit said, ''organizations and countries that committed crimes against humanity should account for their actions before it is too late in this new period. Turkey and the Turkish Armed Forces are authorized and responsible for testifying before the history with their information, experiences and documents.''

Noting that many countries would take lessons from the terrorist attacks in the United States, General Buyukanit said, ''in fact, some countries needed to learn many things. Turkey tops the list of countries which do not need to learn terrorism. Because Turkey has been expending efforts to learn about terrorism and to inform other countries on the real face of terrorism. It is extremely meaningful that NATO decided to invoke Article 5 of its Charter in the wake of the terrorist attacks in the United States. It is also thought-provoking that Turkey had been trying to explain its allies this fact.''

''I want to explain some of my thoughts without blaiming anybody or any country. Terrorism is a crime against humanity. Harboring terrorism is also as crime against humanity as terrorism. Turkey has fought actively against terrorism for 16 years. It lost 30 thousand people in its fight. This terrorism was supported by many countries. I want to stress with a great sorrow that this support is still continuing. A gory terrorist organization has been ordering people to fast to death from abroad. Those desiring an anti-secular outdated regime, have been gathering in foreign countries. A group of terrorists living in a friendly country, could dare to plan a suicide attack on mausoleum of Mustafa Kemal Ataturk in 1998. What upset us the most is the fact that countries harboring terrorism, dared to teach Turkey human rights. These countries should first acquit themselves before the history,'' he emphasized.

General Buyukanit added, ''besides its struggle against terrorism, Turkey has important responsibilities for peace in the region and in the world. Turkey is an island of stability in the triangle of insatibility among the Balkans, Caucasus and Middle East. It has also been maintaining its efforts to spread stability with its traditional understanding of state, secular and democratic regime and powerful armed forces, and will continue to do so.''

[09] TWELFTH ARTICLE OF CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENT PACKAGE ADOPTED

A total of 462 parliamentarians casted their votes in the twelfth vote.

While 447 parliamentarians voted in favor of adoption of the twelfth article, 9 parliamentarians casted their votes against it. Meanwhile, a parliamentarian abstained.

The twelfth article of the package envisages amendment to Article 34 of the Constitution about freedom of association in conformity with the European Convention of Human Rights.

According to the amendment, everyone (real and legal persons) has the right to form associations, to become member of these associations or to cancel his/her membership without prior permission.

Freedom of association can be restricted only by law and with the reason of protection of national security, public order, general moral and public health, of prevention of crime, and of protection of others' freedom.

[10] SYMPOSIUM HELD ON POLITICAL, TECHNOLOGICAL AND STRATEGICAL DEVELOPMENTS IN WORLD AND THEIR IMPACTS ON TURKEY (2)

General Fulford delivered a speech on the issue of ''NATO, the European Security and Defense Identity (ESDI) and Turkey'' at a symposium held at Ankara's Bilkent Hotel within framework of the International Defense Industry, Aviation and Maritime Fair (IDEF 2001) on ''Political, Technological and Strategical Developments in the World and their Impacts on Turkey.''

General Fulford started his speech by congratulating Turkish nation's upcoming October 29 Republic Day.

Stressing that Turkey had an important role in protection of stability in Europe, the Middle East and Caucasus, General Fulford thanked Turkey for its support to the United States in its fight against terrorism.

Referring to Prime Minister Bulent Ecevit's statement about the United States and NATO, General Fulford said that Turkey was a country that would share its support and experiences in fight against terrorism.

Quoting Mustafa Kemal Ataturk as saying, ''in case of an outbreak of a war in any place in the world, all nations should bring the armed forces together to fight against it,'' General Fulford recalled that Turkey had fought against terrorism for long years, and that lost more than 30 thousand people in this fight.

Referring to the terrorist attacks in the United States on September 11, 2001, General Fulford stressed, ''we have to eradicate this international illness. In the course of time, our real friends will reveal themselves. We believe that Turkey would take place among our real friends.''

Referring to the ESDI and relations between Turkey and NATO, General Fulford underlined importance of inclusion of non-EU countries in the ESDI.

General Fulford said that Turkey was aware of importance of developing its military capabilities.

Eulogizing Turkey's influencial activities in the Balkans, General Fulford underlined importance of Turkey's interest in peace and stability, and added that Turkey clearly proved that it would undertake responsibility through NATO.

Stressing that NATO should take action within framework of Article 5 of its Charter, General Fulford said that countries which are not members of NATO, should also contribute to fight against terrorism.

Underlining importance of Turkey in security of Europe, General Fulford added that the world should put into pnactice Mustafa Kemal Ataturk's principle ''peace at home, peace in the world''.

Meanwhile, Robert Pearson, the U.S. Ambassador to Turkey, delivered a speech on the issue of ''Role of the United States in the New World Order and its Relations with Turkey''.

Pearson said that the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the World Bank would continue to support Turkey that has been implementing an economic investment program.

Underlining importance of cooperation in international security, Pearson said that the situation had changed since the terrorist attacks in the United States on September 11, 2001.

''Each country has its own political understanding. But when fight against terrorism is in question, political differences are not important at all. Any terrorist activity will not be tolerated. If a country is proved to have harbored terrorism, it will not be tolerated as well. It has to made a choice between being together with us or being together with terrorists. All sources should be used to eradicate the global network of terrorism. This will shape our future,'' he said.

Noting that Turkish government had clarified its position, Pearson said that the most important decision came from our Turkish ally.

Stressing that the United States had been extending full support to fight against terrorism and that Turkey would play an important role in this fight, Pearson said, ''Turkey is a secular state. It has carried out peaceful activities in the Middle East. Our enemy is not the Islam, but those who have been using Islam for their own purposes. We have been fighting against the brutal face of terrorism. This the fight of the world.''

Pearson said that U.S. President George W. Bush and President Ahmet Necdet Sezer would contacts with each other in coming days.

Referring to the constitutional amendment package, Pearson said that adoption of 37-article package was a process of reform.

He said that the United States would extend support to Turkey this process.

[11] FIFTH INTERNATIONAL DEFENSE INDUSTRY, AVIATION AND MARITIME FAIR TO BE OPENED TOMORROW

National Defense Minister Sabahattin Cakmakoglu will attend the inauguration of the fair.

A total of 253 firms from 32 countries will take part in the fair.

The fair will be organized by the CNR International Fair Corp in ccoperation with the National Defense Ministry.

The fair will remain open till September 30.

Tight security measures have been taken in Etimesgut for the fair.

[12] BANKING SECTOR RESTRUCTURING PROGRAM ACTION PLAN

Action Plan.

Releasing a statement, BRSA said Regulation on Measurement and Assessment of Capital Adequacy of Banks was published on February 10, 2001. This regulation lays down the principles and procedures related to calculation of capital adequacy standard ratio of banks both on a consolidated and unconsolidated basis with a view to ensure that they maintain an adequate amount of capital to cover losses which may result from existing and potential risks. Also, a series of meetings have been held with the risk management group of the Banks Association of Turkey. Further works on reporting format for market risks is about to be completed and will be sent to the banks as soon as it is finalized. Also a manual for procedures to approve risk measurement models is being prepared.

It said that Regulation on Measurement and assessment of Capital Adequacy of Banks was published on February 10, 2001. According to the regulation, market risks will be calculated on a consolidated basis starting on July 2002. During the transition period, necessary adaptations for the calculation of consolidated capital adequacy ratio will be made in parallel to the changes in the regulation on principles for consolidated financial tables.

BRSA said that all banks comply with minimum capital adequacy requirement and commitment letters have been required from banks with capital deficiency. These requirements are being strictly enforced.

Regarding the Foreign Exchange Exposure Limits, BRSA said working group will be set up to identify and classify the use of structured finance products by banks to cover FX exposures, and to formulate remedial regulatory action to minimize risks originating from the use of such instruments. The committee is to be established in October 2001 and findings and needs for regulations are expected to be determined by December 2001 and to undertake on-site examinations, in coordination with foreign supervisors where necessary, to verify compliance with consolidated FX open position limits between reporting dates. 13 branches and 1 participation in Bahrain-Manama, Luxemburg and Malta were audited on-site. Auditing of a bank's participation in Netherlands is continuing. Compliance with foreign exchange position regulations are audited during these inspections. Such inspections will continue in the future.

About the Loan Loss Provisioning and Connected Lending Limits, BRSA said banks that do not comply with the new connected exposure limits and the BRSA to agree on time-bound action plans, to review the Decree on Loan Loss Provisioning with a view to make amendments to facilitate corporate sector restructuring.

Regarding Repurchase Agreements (repos), BRSA said a committee will be set up to recommend measures to reduce the risks caused by excessive use of retail repos/short-term liabilities in the banking sector. The Committee finalized its work in July 2001 and proposals were submitted to the related State Minister. In this framework, withholding tax rate on repo transactions was increased.

About Risk Management, BRSA said the establishment process of internal control and risk management systems of banks will be monitored. Regulation on Banks' Internal Control and Risk Management Systems was issued on 8 February, 2001. The regulation aims at determining the principles and procedures of the internal supervision and risk management systems that the banks shall establish in order to monitor and control the risks that they are exposed to.

Further work on additional regulations is continuing and will be finalized by the year-end.

Regarding Publication of The Regulation of Accounting Practices, BRSA said related regulation will be issued in January 2002 and will be put into effect in consecutive periods. It said full introduction of International Accounting Standards (IAS) for banks will be completed and revision of the licensing regime for auditors of banks and other financial institutions and revision of the establishment and operation principles for independent auditing firms will be made. A draft revision has been prepared, and is expected to be finalized by November 2001.

It said banks will be encouraged to give importance to internal and external supervision and ensuring examinations on internal control and risk management systems and lending portfolio and market risks during independent auditing.

Regarding Financial Conglomerates, BRSA said the legal basis for formation of financial conglomerates will be created and corporate and tax legislation will be amended to facilitate the transformation of financial- industrial groups into separate financial and corporate conglomerates, and necessary amendments will be made and financial activities will be separated from industrial activities.

It said that effective consolidated regulation and supervision of financial activities of conglomerates will be created.

About Supervisory Activities of BRSA, it said that close monitoring of the off-shore banks established by Turkish Banks or their dominant share holders will be made. Draft Memorandum of Understandings (MoUs) has been sent to Netherlands, Malta, Luxemburg, Bahrain, Albania, Romania, Switzerland and Ireland. A MoU agreement was signed between BRSA and the Central Bank of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus on September 17, 2001. Auditing of offshore branches will start in October 2001.

Regarding on-site supervision of branches in foreign countries, BRSA said that 13 branches and 1 participation in Bahrain-Manama, Luxemburg and Malta were audited on-site. Auditing of a bank's participation in Netherlands is under progress.

It said that projects and training activities will be undertaken in order to struggle with money laundering and fraud.

BRSA said tax legislation will be reviewed with a view to eliminate any biases in favor or against certain types of financial sector activity and prudential regulations for banks and non-bank financial institutions will be aemnded if necessary in order to introduce consolidated regulatory infrastructure, and preparations and necessary infrastructure will be completed.

It said that coordinated review of the improvements required in the legal framework for bankruptcy will be made, and collateral foreclosure, and enactment of the changes required to allow accelerated/more efficient non- performing loan (NPL) resolution will be carried out, and preparation of a plan to set up a moveable goods register will be made.

Principles and procedures in storing files in the form of microfilms and/or electro-magnetic environment will be prepared.

It said that it aimed to establish a sound banking sector.

Recalling that Demirbank was sold to HSCB on September 20, 2001, it said that bidding process of Etibank and Iktisat Bank will be finalized between October 1-15; Koc Group's bidding deadline for Etibank was extended to October 1, 2001; Uni Credito Italiano SPA's bidding deadline for Iktisat Bank was extended to October 15, 2001 while the bidding process of Sitebank will be finalized until October 17 and Nova Bank S.A.'s bidding deadline was extended to October 17, 2001.

It said that sales and other resolution process of Tarisbank, Bayindirbank, Kentbank and EGS Bank will start as soon as transfer balance sheets are prepared.

BRSA said that Savings Deposit and Insurance Fund (SDIF) Collection Department will adopt procedures for packaging and selling bad assets and to initiate third party sale of such packages on a pilot basis and for accelerated in house foreclosure of bad assets using new special powers granted to it in the amendment to the banking law, and initiate such foreclosures on a pilot basis.

It said that iy will initiate binding legal time constraints for resolution of bad assets, complete transfer of all problem loan files above TL 75 billion to the Collection Department of SDIF, and to reach a negotiated settlement with the loan defaulters, or to initiate legal action for all problem files, and resolution of problem loans concerning exposure below 75 billion Turkish liras (TL).

It recalled that the transfer of 2.300 files above 75 billion TL has been completed. Approximately 2.000 files below 75 billion TL have been transferred to the Collection Department of SDIF.

It said implementation of capital restoration plans will start by the capital deficient banks. The observance of the performance criteria will be strictly enforced. 5 banks that were not able to commit to a credible recapitalization plan were taken over by SDIF. 2 investment banks have been closed for the same reasons.

BRSA said legal arrangements that support bank mergers and acquisitions have already been realized. Projects on removal of bureaucratic obstacles on foreign bank entry are at the completion stage.

SDIF banks represent 16 percent of total assets and 15 percent of total deposits of the system. Thus, resolution of SDIF banks, will increase funds avaible to private banks and lower their borrowings from abroad to meet funding needs.

It said that Human Resources Policy (job description. determination of norm position, national and international training programs and principle and procedures of rotation) will be developed, the management process will be improved, a problem bank unit within the BRSA's enforcement department will be set up and a pre failure corrective action manual for the new unit, which defines mandatory pre failure intervention triggers will be adopted, adding that works on the issue still go on.

BRSA said that the common data-base will be revised and efficient supervisory techniques will be improved, and that it has already prepared a list of supervision tools to be improved.

It said that procedures manuals will be developed for all major existing BRSA units. Guidelines concerning BRSA's duties and functions have been under review by taking into account international practice and developments in the area of banking techniques and regulations.

It said full implementation of BRSA's strategic plan will continue while a strategic plan that will strengthen the institutional capacity of SDIF will be prepared and approved with clearly assigned implementation responsibilities that put in place a more effective organizational structure .

BRSA said it will set performance targets for the bank resolution and asset management functions of the SDIF Banks and envisage the hiring of additional qualified staff to handle the high volume of non performing loans and other problem assets to be transferred to the Collections Department for collection /workout.

It said it will build a centralized and high quality management information system that will allow SDIF senior management and the SDIF Board to monitor progress being made towards reaching agreed resolution and asset management/collection targets and strengthen the administrative and fiscal autonomy of SDIF.

[13] 13TH ARTICLE OF CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENT PACKAGE ADOPTED

A total of 446 parliamentarians casted their votes in the 13th vote.

While 447 parliamentarians voted in favor of adoption of the 13th article, 15 parliamentarians casted their votes against it. Meanwhile, 3 parliamentarians abstained.

The 13th article of the package envisages amendment to Article 34 of the Constitution about right to hold meetings and demonstration marches in conformity with the European Convention of Human Rights.

According to the amendment, everyone has the right to hold unarmed and peaceful meetings and and demonstration marches without prior permission.

Right to hold meetings and demonstration marches can be restricted only by law and with the reason of protection of national security, public order, general moral and public health, of prevention of crime, and of protection of others' freedom.

[14] STATE MINISTER GUREL: ''WE WILL EXPEND EVERY KIND OF SUPPORT TO FIGHT AGAINST TERRORISM THAT WILL BE CARRIED OUT WITHIN THE FRAMEWORK OF MUTUAL TARGETS''

Gurel, who visited Democratic Left Party (DSP) Izmir Provincial Chairmanship, pointed out that the threat of terrorism began to cover the whole world.

Pointing out that they were sorry for the killing of innocent people in the U.S., Gurel said, ''we lost many lives in terrorism, and we felt our sorrows in our hearts. I hope the European Union (EU) countries, which with unconvincing reasons did not respond affirmatively to our calls for solidarity and cooperation in fight against terrorism, will understand now.''

Gurel said the methods, which will be assessed against terrorism, should be right, adding that, ''the target of terrorism is to remove solidarity among people and international cooperation. The target of terrorism is to devastate unity. If states like the U.S., having the will to fight against terrorism, take wrong steps and lift international solidarity, they would create a polarized world and serve the targets of terrorism. Countries, which are getting prepared to take steps in fight against terrorism, should take very careful steps.''

When a journalist recalled the losses brought by the Gulf War to Turkey, and asked about the kind of support Turkey would expend to the U.S. this time, Gurel said, ''healthiness of our region and the country is what we should protect. Turkey had two way losses during Gulf War crisis. One is the our international relations and trade which directly suffered loss from the war, and that is approximately 45 billion U.S. dollars. The second one, which is may be the worse, terrorist actions in Southeastern Anatolia Region increased making use of lack of authority in Northern Iraq. We continued this fight by making every kind of sacrifices. Also, there is 145 billion U.S. dollars which we spent in fight against terrorism. Total of them reached 200 billion U.S. dollars. We made sacrifices from our labor and natural resources.''

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