Anadolu Agency: News in English, 01-11-02

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ANADOLU AGENCY

NEWS

02 November 2001

Saturday

-TURKEY-PRESS SCAN

These are some of the major headlines and their brief stories in Turkey's press on November 2, 2001. The Anadolu Agency does not verify these stories and does not vouch for their accuracy.

HURRIYET (LIBERAL)

Prime Minister Bulent Ecevit who explained the decision of the government to send troop to Afghanistan, said that ''it is Turkey's natural duty to participate in the front lines along with our friend and ally, the United States.'' Ecevit said that Turkey does not want war, but one can't refrain from war if it is inevitable. Ecevit said that it would be a suicide for Turkey, which is an important country for the world if it withdraws from the struggle, adding that ''If Turkey does not fulfil this mission and -God forbid- if Turkey needs the implementation of Article 5 of NATO treaty in the future, it can have difficulty in finding foreign support.'' Ecevit stressed that the special forces unit of around 90 members who will be charged within the scope of Operation ''Enduring Freedom'' will be sent to the region as soon as possible.

TURKISH SOLDIERS GIVEN MISSION TO ACT IN FRONT LINE

The government which had earlier limited the mission of the Turkish government with ''training, intelligence and protection of peace,'' radically changed its policy yesterday and broadened the description of ''mission'' for ''absolutely necessary conditions.'' ''Clash'' has also been included into the scope of mission. The government statement issued yesterday stressed the aim of the Turkish troops as helping in the missions of ''reconnaissance, fighting with terrorists, guiding the North Alliance forces, military support to the humanitarian aid operation, protecting innocent people and evacuating certain areas from civilian people when necessary.'' A military source said that ''the special forces unit will head to the region as soon as possible in line with the decision taken by the political administration. The statement issued by the government seems as if the limits of the mission has been drawn in a broader way. This has been done in order not to restrict the special forces unit in their acts in case of emergency in the future. But the main target of the Turkish special forces unit is to train the Northern Alliance in Afghanstan.''

MILLIYET (LIBERAL)

The Chinese giant ship Varyag passed from Istanbul Strait yesterday and set sail for Marmara Sea. The passage of the ship which does not have a rudder and whose length is 306 meters lasted for five hours. Varyag which waited in the Black Sea for three years and which sailed with tugboats for 19 months, started its passage at 9.00 a.m. yesterday due to favourable wheather. The traffic in the Strait was stopped during its passage. Varyag which completed its passage from Istanbul Strait at 15.00 local time, is expected to pass from Canakkale Strait today.

NEW CIVIL CODE'S PART ON FAMILY LAW ADOPTED

The parliament passed the part of the new Turkish Civil Code which is about the family law. The part, which is based on equality of the sexes, is consisted of 1,030 articles. The most important change introduced by the new Civil Code is that the man will no longer be the ''head of the household,'' but both man and woman will have equal rights in the management of the household. The couple will choose the house they will live in together. Under the current law, the woman is supposed to live in the house chosen by her husband. A woman who marries a man could keep her maiden name. The judge will allow a woman use her husband's last name after the divorce if the woman proves that this is for her good and this does not harm the husband in any way. Under the new law, both men and women have to be a minimum of 17 years old to marry each other. The wife and the husband will have equal share of the assets obtained during the marriage. The partners can choose among ''separation of assets'', ''separation of shared assets'' and ''partnership of assets'' in case a marriage ends because of divorce, death or other reasons.

SABAH (LIBERAL)

Turkey decided to task a special force unit of 87 members to the ongoing operation in Afghanistan upon the wish of the U.S. While opening to signature the decision to send the force to Afghanistan, Ecevit asked the cabinet members if there are persons among them who oppose the decision. All the ministers approved the decision without any reservation and Prime Minister Ecevit left the cabinet meeting to visit President Ahmet Necdet Sezer. After getting Sezer's approval, Ecevit announced the decision to the public opinion. Meanwhile, Taliban reacted to the decision and the Taliban's representative in Pakistan said that ''the soldiers who come here even if they are Muslims, are our enemy.''

BE QUICK!

The paper calls the government to decrease the Value Added Tax (VAT) rates as soon as possible. The government which stated that the VAT rates would be decreased, does not take a step in this issue. The government earlier noted that the decrease of the tax would start on November 1. IMF warned the government not to hurry, thus the government acts very slowly on the issue. However, the market has been negatively affected from the development. Koc Holding administartor Cengiz Solakoglu said that ''no automobile is sold for one week.''

CUMHURIYET (LEFT)

Foreign Minister Ismail Cem said that the Turkish soldiers might be forced to respond and fight back in the course of the things. But mainly the role of the Turkish special forces unit will be one of helping humanitarian aid to Afghanistan, and training. Speaking to American tv channel CNN yesterday, Cem noted that Turkey does not think that the ongoing war is only the fight of the U.S. ''This is also the fight of Turkey,'' Cem stressed. Foreign Minister Ismail Cem said that Turkey's decision to send troops to Afghanistan was a significant message to everyone that ''it is not a war against Islam''. Cem said that the decision on sending troops to Afghanistan had a symbolic meaning. Noting that terrorism does not have a religion and geography, Cem said that the Turkish government's decision is a significant message to everyone that it is not a war against Islam.

RADIKAL (LEFT)

All the groups in the parliament criticizes State Minister Kemal Dervis who said that deputies called him on the phone asking permission and facility from him to found companies. The parliament members are angry with Dervis. The members of the coalition parties reacted most harshly to Dervis. Democratic Left Party (DSP) deputy Ali Ilıksoy asked Dervis to give the names of deputies who called him on the phone. Interier Minister Rustu Kazım Yucelen said that Dervis has been warned, adding that the government shares the sensitivity of the parliement on the issue.

TURKIYE (RIGHT)

Parliamentary Constitution Commission adopted yesterday the motion foreseeing amendment in Article 86 of the Constitution about the allowances and salaries of deputies. The motion is expected to be discussed by Parliamentary General Assembly next week. Thus, the problem seems to be solved without holding a referendum.

SPECIAL FORCES UNIT ON THE WAY TO AFGHANISTAN

A special forces unit of around 90 members composed of officers and noncommissioned officers will head to Afghanistan as soon as possible. The government statement said on the issue that the unit will help in training of Northern Alliance, in bringing prosperity to Afghan people and in bringing stability to the country.

ZAMAN (CONSERVATIVE)

Prime Minister Bulent Ecevit said that terrorism does not have Ramadan or holiday. ''We will certainly launch efforts not to give any suffering to Afghan people during Ramadan,'' Ecevit said. He added that it is not easy to guess the conditions which wait for the Turkish soldiers there, adding that ''I hope they won't face a situation like the one in Vietnam.''

CONTENTS

[01] U.S. IS GRATEFUL FOR TURKEY'S SUPPORT

[02] CHIEF PROSECUTOR KANADOGLU OBJECTS SUSURLUK VERDICT

[03] TURKEY TO HAVE MANY DIPLOMATIC CONTACTS NEXT WEEK

[04] PRESIDENT SEZER SAYS THERE IS NOT ANY RISK FOR TURKISH SOLDIERS

[05] CEM SAYS CYPRUS QUESTION IS UNFORTUNATELY NOT DEVELOPING WELL (1)

[06] CEM SAYS OPERATION IS NOT AGAINST ANY COUNTRY AND ITS NATION

[07] WEEKLY PRESS BRIEFING HELD AT CANKAYA PRESIDENTIAL PALACE

[08] WEEKLY PRESS BRIEFING HELD AT CANKAYA PRESIDENTIAL PALACE (2)

[09] 20 MILLION TURKISH LIRA BANKNOTES IN CIRCULATION ON NOVEMBER 5

[10] WEEKLY PRESS BRIEFING HELD AT CANKAYA PRESIDENTIAL PALACE (3)

[11] FOREIGN TRADE UNDERSECRETARY TUZMEN SAYS THEY TARGET TO INCREASE EXPORTS TO IRAQ UP TO 2 BILLION U.S. DOLLARS

[12] IFC GIVES USD 3 BILLION SUPPORT TO PRIVATE SECTOR

[13] CEM SAYS TURKISH SOLDIERS ARE WELL-PREPARED

[14] COEPA RAPPORTEUR MARTY HOLDS A SERIES OF CONTACTS IN TRNC

[15] TREASURY TO REPAY USD 75.7 MILLION IN EXTERNAL DEBT NEXT WEEK

[16] VARYAG PASSES THROUGH CANAKKALE STRAIT

[01] U.S. IS GRATEFUL FOR TURKEY'S SUPPORT

Speaking in the weekly briefing held for foreign journalists, Reeker said that the U.S. is grateful for the support Turkey extended to the efforts of coalition against terrorism including military support.

Reeker said that questions about the character of the support proposed by Turkey have to be asked to the Turkish government as the U.S. pursues a policy which does not reveal the character of the support proposed to be extended by countries in the fight with terrorism.

Reeker said that all the world countries came together following the terrorist attacks in the U.S. on September 11, pointing out to the decisions adopted against terorism by U.N. Security Council, U.N. General Assembly and NATO's invoking Article 5 of NATO Treaty.

''We thank Turkey for its strong support and close cooperation with the U.S.,'' Reeker said.

[02] CHIEF PROSECUTOR KANADOGLU OBJECTS SUSURLUK VERDICT

The Supreme Court of Appeals Penalty Council will give its decision on the issue.

Kanadoglu said in his application that Susurluk case has become the symbol of Turkey's longing for ''clean society.'' Kanadoglu said that the Turkish people expect the judiciary to clarify the case and the punish the criminals as soon as possible. Kanadoglu defended the view that the cases' being left hanging in the air will wear out the judiciary. Kanadoglu sent his petition to Supreme Court of Aapeals Penalty Council.

Kanadoglu asked for annulment of the verdict given by Eighth Department and the file to be sent to the same Department urging it to examine the case file in its merits.

If the Supreme Court of Appeals Penalty Council accepts the request of Kanadoglu, Susurluk case will be sent to Eight Chamber which will examine the case in respect of merits. If Eight Chamber approves the imprisonment given by Istanbul State Security Court (DGM) No. 6 for the suspects, the verdict will become final. But in this case the suspects can ask for correction of the verdict. This request has to be accepted by Supreme Court of Appeals Chief Prosector's Office.

If the Supreme Court of Appeals Penalty Council rejects the application of Kanadoglu, the file will be sent to Istanbul DGM No. 6 and the trial of the suspects will continue.

[03] TURKEY TO HAVE MANY DIPLOMATIC CONTACTS NEXT WEEK

Turkey will host two important guests from the U.S. in the beginning of the week. One of them is Alvaro De Soto, U.N. Secretary General Kofi Annan's Special Representative to Cyprus and the other one is Retired General Brent Scowcroft, the national security adviser of former U.S. President George Bush and Turkish-American Council (ATC) administrator.

De Soto who will come to Istanbul on Saturday, will proceed to Ankara on November 4. Soto will start his contacts on November 5, Monday and meet with officials in Ankara within the scope of Annan's good will mission. De Soto is expected to meet with Foreign Minister Ismail Cem and Foreign Ministry Undersecretary Ugur Ziyal.

De Soto who will inform Turkey about his contacts with TRNC President Rauf Denktas and Greek Cypriot leader Glafcos Clerides, will return to Istanbul the same day. De Soto who will proceed to Athens from Istanbul, will later go to London.

The U.S. delegation headed by Retired General Brent Scowcroft will hold contacts in Ankara next week.

The ATC delegation which will stay in Ankara for five days will meet with President Ahmet Necdet Sezer, Prime Minister Bulent Ecevit, State Minister and Deputy Premier Mesut Yılmaz, Foreign Minister Ismail Cem, State Minister Kemal Dervis and general staff officials.

The difficulties of the American firms in Turkey will mainly be taken up during ATC's delegation's visit. The delegation will submit a package of proposal to the government for solution of the difficulties in energy sector. Here are the companies which are in ATC delegation:

Motorola, Cargill, Shell, Yuksel Holding, United Defense, Global Securities, Sikorsky, CPS, Baker-Donelson, Lockheed Martin, Raytheon, Boeing, Textron, Nurol Holding, General Dynamics, ITKIB, General Electric, Arnold-Porter and Tobacco Technology, Kiska USA, TEB, TUSIAD-USA.

Iranian Foreign Minister Kamal Kharrazi will pay a two-day official visit to Ankara as the official guest of Foreign Minister Cem next week.

Kharrazi is also expected to meet with President Sezer and Premier Ecevit.

Bilateral relations, regional and international issues, 11 September process, the operation of Afghanistan in the U.S.; fight with terrorism, refugee flow problem, sitation of Taliban, developments in the Caucasus, Iraq and the Middle East will be taken up during Kharrazi's contacts in Ankara.

Security issues and the project of Iranian natural gas within the scope of cooperation in energy field will also come to the agenda in his contacts.

Meanwhile, the Turkish-Iranian Business Council is expected to be activated during the contacts of Iranian Trade, Industry and Mines Ali Naki Hamushi who will come to Ankara before Kharrazi.

Foreign Minister Ismail Cem will go to Athens for a one-day working visit in the middle of the week.

The meeting which will be a returning visit, will be the continuation of the contacts the Greek Foreign Minister George Papandreou had in Ankara in April.

[04] PRESIDENT SEZER SAYS THERE IS NOT ANY RISK FOR TURKISH SOLDIERS

President Sezer received Hamid Bourki, the Algerian Ambassador to Turkey.

Bourki submitted his credentials to President Sezer at the meeting.

Meanwhile, responding to questions of journalists following the meeting, President Sezer said that there would be not any risk for Turkish soldiers in Afghanistan.

[05] CEM SAYS CYPRUS QUESTION IS UNFORTUNATELY NOT DEVELOPING WELL (1)

Presenting the Foreign Ministry's budget at the Parliamentary Planning and Budget Commission, Cem gave information about Turkey's foreign policy and foreign affairs.

Noting that Cyprus question was important for Turkey's security and its position in the East Mediterranean, Cem said, ''the Cyprus question is unfortunately not progressing well. Turkey's interests are ignored in the issue of giving EU membership to the Greek Cypriot administration. Turkey is obliged to take a decision on such a membership formation. Either it will say 'so, that's it!' and nobody wants this, or it will be obliged to say 'I do not recognize this decision'.''

''In such a case, Turkey may be obliged to take a very definite decision. We should now that this definite decision will make Turkey pay a price, but we are obliged to take such a decision.''

[06] CEM SAYS OPERATION IS NOT AGAINST ANY COUNTRY AND ITS NATION

Presenting the Foreign Ministry's budget at the Parliamentary Planning and Budget Commission, Cem gave information about Turkey's foreign policy and foreign affairs.

Noting that sources of terrorism could exist in any country, Ismail Cem said fight should be carried out in the geography where terrorism existed.

Stressing that the decision of the United Nations on fight against terrorism constituted a turning point about this issue, Cem said, ''Turkey is a country which has fought against terrorism for years. We take part at forefront of the fight against terrorism, of course.''

[07] WEEKLY PRESS BRIEFING HELD AT CANKAYA PRESIDENTIAL PALACE

Speaking at the weekly press briefing at the Cankaya Presidential Palace, Presidential Chief Adviser Tacan Ildem said that President Sezer would visit Tajikistan between November 7 and 8 and Georgia between November 8 and 9, 2001.

Ildem said that President Sezer's contacts with President Imamali Rahmanov of Tajikistan and with President Eduard Shevardnadze of Georgia would focus on bilateral relations, impacts of recent developments on Eurasia, and other regional issues.

Ildem told reporters that President Sezer had held a telephone conversation with President Shevardnadze, and exchanged views on latest developments in Georgia.

Meanwhile, responding to a question, Presidential Chief Adviser Metin Yalman said, ''President Sezer said that he thought number of deputies should be decreased to 300 within framework of efforts to narrow the state. President Sezer's words did not have any aspect to overshadow parliament's esteem.''

-CEM SAYS SOME PROBLEMS OCCUR IN RELATIONS WITH EU
ANKARA - Foreign Minister Ismail Cem said on Friday that Turkey's European Union (EU) membership was a long process and concrete developments had occurred in general.

''Some problems are occurring in relations and they will continue to occur in the future,'' Cem said.

Presenting the Foreign Ministry's budget at the Parliamentary Planning and Budget Commission, Cem gave information about Turkey's foreign policy and foreign affairs.

Stressing that constitutional amendments were important but those amendments had not been made for the EU, Cem said, ''these amendments are the struggles that most of us have carried out for years. We made constitutional amendments for Turkey and Turkish nation.''

''Constitutional amendments have enabled us to take a more demanding position toward the EU. We think that Turkey has reached the stage called screening,'' he said.

Stressing that Turkey had explained its thesis about the European Security and Defense Identity (ESDI) in every platform, Cem said, ''Turkey is not a country which wants to fight and look for trouble. Turkey is a country which seeks for compromise but it won't give in.''

[08] WEEKLY PRESS BRIEFING HELD AT CANKAYA PRESIDENTIAL PALACE (2)

Speaking at the weekly press briefing at the Cankaya Presidential Palace, Presidential Chief Adviser Tacan Ildem said that President Sezer would visit Tajikistan between November 7 and 8 and Georgia between November 8 and 9, 2001.

Ildem said that State Minister Abdulhaluk Cay would accompany President Sezer during his visits.

He said that President Sezer's contacts with President Imamali Rahmanov of Tajikistan and with President Eduard Shevardnadze of Georgia would focus on bilateral relations, impacts of recent developments on Eurasia, and other regional issues.

''President Sezer held a telephone conversation with President Shevardnadze earlier in the day, and exchanged views on latest developments in Georgia. As you know, President Shevardnadze dismissed his government on Thursday. President Sezer wanted to stress once again that Turkey attributed great importance to stability in Georgia. President Shevardnadze expressed his pleasure with President Sezer's phone call. He said that he would be pleased with hosting President Sezer in Georgia. He also stressed that President Sezer's visit would constitute an important opportunity to take up bilateral relations in detail and to assess significant developments in the region,'' he said.

When asked whether or not there were concerns about Turkish military troop's involvement in a hot clash, Ildem told reporters, ''the frame decreases risk of a hot clash to the minimum. Therefore, I think that such speculations were unneccessary for the time being.''

Quoting Prime Minister Bulent Ecevit as saying, ''in such a mission, the target is to decrease the risks to the minimum. We hope that conditions would not lead us to an undesired development,'' Ildem said, ''Prime Minister Ecevit indicated an opportunity. However, the frame decreases risk of a hot clash to the minimum.''

When asked whether or not the military troop to be sent to Afghanistan would be restricted with 90 people, Ildem told reporters, ''yesterday's decision envisages dispatch of a 90-member troop. I cannot make a statement about the future. All I can say at this point is that this was Turkey's contribution.''

Responding to a question about President Sezer's opinion whether or not the military operation should continue in the holy month of Ramadan, Ildem said, ''having regard to the fact that most of Turkish people are Muslims, is a sensitive period for us. However, terrorism does not recognize holy values, religious festivals and the holy month of Ramadan. Therefore, it is not necessary to recess the military operation by bringing such values into the forefront.''

When asked whether or not Turkey sent weapons to the Northern Alliance in Afghanistan, Ildem noted, ''Turkey has set up dialogue with all ethnic groups in Afghanistan. Turkey wants a broad-base government to be formed in Afghanistan in which all ethnic groups will be represented. I cannot make a statement about arms support. Turkey is extremely sensitive on the issue of humanitarian aid.''

When asked, ''U.S. Secretary of State Colin Powell said that a moderate Taliban can take place in Afghan administration. What does Turkey think about it?'' Ildem told reporters, ''President Sezer put forward our opinion clearly. We should concentrate on formation of a structure in which all ethnic groups will be represented, instead of participation of Taliban in the administration. Taliban is not an ethnic group. It is a kind of administration. This administration contradicts with values of the Islam. We also think that new structure in Afghanistan should reflect social, ethnic and religious facts of Afghan people.''

[09] 20 MILLION TURKISH LIRA BANKNOTES IN CIRCULATION ON NOVEMBER 5

Ekzen held a press conference for circulation of 20 million TL banknotes and withdrawal of 100 thousand TL banknotes from circulation.

Ekzen said 20 million TL banknotes would be put into circulation as of November 5, 2001 and the aim of this was to overcome physical and technical problems caused by high inflation in distribution and use of banknotes.

Recalling that purchase power of TL had reduced due to economic developments and inflationist atmosphere in Turkey since 1980s, Ekzen said that a higher banknote had been issued almost once in every 17 months in last decade to meet banknote demand that occurred due to increasing emission and transaction volume.

Ekzen said that the emission volume of 10 million TL banknote which was currently the biggest banknote in circulation and had been put in circulation on November 5, 1999, had been almost 1.9 quadrillion TL at the end of 1999 but it reached 3.8 quadrillion TL at the end of 2000 and increased to 5.3 quadrillion TL as of September 17, 2001.

Stressing that changes in monetary amounts in Turkey were the consequences of inflation, Ekzen said that it could be seen that increase in emission volume was almost at the same level of inflation rate.

Aykut Ekzen said that there were now 20 million TL banknotes worth of 700 trillion TL ready for issuing at Central Bank branches.

Noting that a banknote's having 7 zeros was a saddening event, Ekzen said that the Central Bank had carried out sufficient work on omitting zeros from the banknotes and the draft law on this issue was on the agenda of the Council of Ministers.

Responding to a question, Ekzen said that minting of one 20 million TL banknote cost 3 cents.

[10] WEEKLY PRESS BRIEFING HELD AT CANKAYA PRESIDENTIAL PALACE (3)

Yalman responded to questions of journalists during the weekly press briefing at the Cankaya Presidential Palace.

When asked, ''some deputies said that President Sezer's statement about a decrease in number of deputies, harmed and offended deputies. What does President Sezer thinks?'' Yalman told reporters, ''responding to a question about efforts to narrow the state during the reception held at the Cankaya Presidential Palace on the occasion of the 78th anniversary of foundation of the Republic of Turkey, President Sezer put forward his opinion clearly. President Sezer's words did not have any aspect to overshadow parliament's esteem. On numerous occassions, such opinions were put forward. Moreover, only the parliament can decide to decrease number of deputies.''

[11] FOREIGN TRADE UNDERSECRETARY TUZMEN SAYS THEY TARGET TO INCREASE EXPORTS TO IRAQ UP TO 2 BILLION U.S. DOLLARS

Responding to questions of the A.A correspondent, Tuzmen who is currently in Iraqi capital Baghdad to attend inauguration of the 34th International Baghdad Fair, noted that an important increase was recorded in Turkey's exports to Iraq in the last two years.

''We will reach our target of 1 billion U.S. dollars in our exports to Iraq at the end of this year. Our firms are displaying their products of high quality at the International Baghdad Fair. During my contacts with Iraqi officials, I received positive reactions about quality of Turkish goods,'' he said.

Tuzmen noted, ''Turkey's exports to Iraq increased by nearly 110 percent in 2001 compared to figures of the last year. We target to increase Turkey's exports to Iraq up to 2 billion U.S. dollars in 2002. Our businessmen will achieve great success in the sectors such as automotive, construction, infrastructure, durable goods, machinery, generator and foodstuff.''

Recalling that share of Turkey's exports to neighboring countries rose from 5 percent to 11 percent in the total exports in the last two years, Tuzmen said that they targeted to iuncrease this share to 17 percent in 2002.

[12] IFC GIVES USD 3 BILLION SUPPORT TO PRIVATE SECTOR

According to IFC statistics, as of end-June 2001, Turkey came fourth among the 138 countries to which IFC extended support.

IFC has given 3 billion 9 million 352 U.S. dollars of loan to 106 Turkish companies.

IFC gave 10 million U.S. dollars loan to Teba and 35 million U.S. dollars loan to Sisecam a few months ago.

The Turkish companies to which IFC extended loan are as follows:

''Adana Cimento, Alternatifbank, Arcelik-LG Klima, Arcelik, Assan Demir ve Sac Sanayi, Aytac Dis Ticaret, Banvit, Borcelik, Cayeli Bakir Isletmeleri, CBS Boya, CBS Holding, CBS Printas, Cerrahogullari, Demir Finansal Kiralama, Demirbank, Edirne Giyim Sanayii, Eldor Elektronik, Elginkan Holding, Entek Elektrik Uretimi Otoproduktor Grubu, Finans Finansal Kiralama, Finansbank, Gumussuyu, Ipekkagit, Isiklar Ambalaj, Istanbul Bilgi Universitesi, Kepez Elektrik, Kiris Otelcilik, Kocbank, Koy-Tur Holding, Kula Mensucat, Korfezbank, Medya Holding, Modern Karton, Osmanli Bankasi, Oyakbank, Pasabahce Eskisehir Cam, Pinar Entegre Et, Pinar Sut, Sakosa, Silkar Turizm, Soktas, Trakya Cam, Turk Demir Dokum, Turk Ekonomi Bankasi, Turkiye Garanti Bankasi, Turkiye Sise ve Cam Fabrikalari, Unye Cimento, Uzel Makina, Viking Kagit, Yalova Elyaf, Yeditepe Otelcilik.''

The top five countries to which IFC has extended loans, the number of companies in those countries which got IFC loans and IFC loans and syndicated loans are as follows:

CUMULATIVE LOANS

(USD 1.000)

IFC SYNDICATED

TOTAL

------ --------

[13] CEM SAYS TURKISH SOLDIERS ARE WELL-PREPARED

In an interview with the New York Times, Foreign Minister Ismail Cem said they foreseen a framework to keep risk at the minimum. He added that Turkish soldiers were well-prepared.

Meanwhile, Felicity Party (SP) Deputy Group Chairman Omer Vehbi Hatipoglu defended, ''Turkey had more than its military power to offer. A more effective weapon was our Muslim identity to explain U.S. policies to the Muslim world. But now we have become a pact member and lost our mediating status.''

The New York Times quoted Prime Minister Bulent Ecevit as saying, ''the action was not intended to harm Islam. Those who portray this campaign as an action against Islam are contradicting the high values of Islam, which is a religion of peace.''

The daily said, ''Prime Minister Ecevit and other senior officials left open the possibility of adding troops in future. They also said Turkey would be willing to participate in a peacekeeping force later.''

''Western diplomats described the commitment as a major step in efforts to portray the war in Afghanistan as a fight against terrorism, not a war on Islam. It has proved a challenge to convince people in general, and Muslims in particular, that the war is not against the Afghan people or Islam itself, particularly in the face of rising civilian casualties and the prospect of a long and messy conflict,'' it said.

The New York Times quoted a Western diplomat as saying, ''it is not an easy decision for any country to send combat troops into a situation like this, so this was a very important and welcome step.''

The article written by Douglas Frantz stressed that Turkey would be the first Muslim nation to join the American-led attacks on the Taliban and Osama bin Laden.

It said that Turkish soldiers would be sent to northern Afghanistan primarily to help train anti- Taliban fighters and support aid operations, and added that they might also engage in combat.

Special forces troops from the United States, Britain, Canada and Australia will join Turkish soldiers in Afghanistan.

[14] COEPA RAPPORTEUR MARTY HOLDS A SERIES OF CONTACTS IN TRNC

Marty met separately with Parliament Speaker Vehbi Zeki Serter, Prime Minister Dervis Eroglu, State Minister for Economy and Deputy Prime Minister Salih Cosar, Foreign Affairs and Defense Minister Tahsin Ertugruloglu.

During his contacts, Marty was informed on that Turkish Cypriots were exposed to human rights violations between 1963 and 1974, and that embargoes had still been imposed on the TRNC.

Speaking at the meeting, Parliament Speaker Vehbi Zeki Serter said that Marty came to the island to inquire living standards of Greek Cypriots and Maronites in the TRNC.

He stressed that Greek Cypriots and Maronites living in the TRNC had the same rights with Turkish Cypriots.

Serter gave detailed information about human rights violations experienced by Turkish Cypriots between 1963 and 1974.

Meanwhile, Prime Minister Dervis Eroglu said that Turkish Cypriots had been struggling for their human rights on the island for years.

Eroglu noted, ''Turkish Cypriots founded their own state by resisting to gain their right to live in humanly conditions. Now, they are living on their free territories, under the roof of the independent TRNC state by expending efforts to benefit from the human rights despite all embargoes.''

Marty did not make any statement about his contacts.

[15] TREASURY TO REPAY USD 75.7 MILLION IN EXTERNAL DEBT NEXT WEEK

Total external debt repayments since the beginning of the year has reached 7 billion 622.5 million U.S. dollars.

Treasury will repay 35.2 million U.S. dollars on November 6; 17.3 million U.S. dollars on November 7; 1.8 million U.S. dollars on November 8, and 21.4 million U.S. dollars on November 9.

Treasury repaid 72 million U.S. dollars in foreign debt in first two days on November.

Treasury repaid 503.9 million U.S. dollars of external debt in January; 804.9 million U.S. dollars in February; 631.2 million U.S. dollars in March; 1 billion 168.6 million U.S. dollars in April; 634.8 million U.S. dollars in May; 1 billion 778 million U.S. dollars in June; 450 million U.S. dollars in July; 381 million U.S. dollars in August; 623.3 million U.S. dollars in September, and 574.1 million U.S. dollars in October this year.

[16] VARYAG PASSES THROUGH CANAKKALE STRAIT

Varyag which is 306.5 meters in length, 60 meters in height and 71 meters in width, entered the Canakkale Strait from the Sea of Marmara at about 10:30 a.m.

It passed Nara Cape, one of the most risky regions in the Canakkale Strait which requires a 90-degree turn, without any problem.

Speed of Varyag was increased to 5.8 nautical miles per hour after it completed its passage from Gelibolu. During its passage from Nara Cape, Varyag's speed was decreased to 4 nautical miles per hour.

Later, Varyag passed the narrowest place in the Canakkale Strait between Cimenlik Castle and Kilitbahir Castle.

Varyag is expected to complete its passage through the Canakkale Strait at about 06:00 p.m.

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