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Anadolu Agency: News in English, 01-12-17Anadolu Agency: News in English Directory - Previous Article - Next ArticleFrom: The Anadolu Agency Home Page at <http://www.anadoluajansi.com.tr/>Anadolu AgencyANADOLU AGENCY NEWS 17 December 2001 Tuesday CONTENTS
[01] TURKEY-PRESS SCANThese are some of the major headlines and their brief stories in Turkey's press on December 17, 2001. The Anadolu Agency does not verify these stories and does not vouch for their accuracy.HURRIYET (LIBERAL)52-YEAR DENIALGreek author Menis Kamandareas' best-seller book titled ''Twofold Greek'' claimed that Turkish soccer players spoiled up their hotel rooms in Athens to show their anger against Greek people following the match Turkey won 2- 1. CEM'S VISIT TO AFGHANISTAN STARTS ECEVIT: ''LAEKEN SUMMIT WAS SCENE OF IMPORTANT DEVELOPMENTS'' MILLIYET (LIBERAL)DERVIS TO ATTEND MONACO WORLD SUMMITState Minister Kemal Dervis for Economy will attend opening session of the Monaco World Summit that will be organized by Crans Montana Forum in Monte Carlo between December 19-21. Dervis will deliver a speech on ''Turkey: Key Actor in Mediterranean and Asia'' on December 20. Eczacibasi Holding Director Bulent Eczacibasi, Dogus Holding Director Ferit Sahenk, Central Bank Deputy Governor Aydin Esen and Foreign Affairs Ministry Deputy Undersecretary Mithat Balkan will also represent Turkey in the summit meeting that is expected to focus on stagnation in world economy in the wake of the terrorist attacks in the United States on September 11, 2001. CEM IN KABUL SABAH (LIBERAL)TEARFUL LETTERKaradede Guler and his family became victims of human smugglers. They were hidden in a truck. His wife and his two son died due to lack of ventilation in front of his eyes. They were laid to rest in Turkey. Guler sent a letter to be read out during the funeral of his beloved ones. He said, ''where are you going without me? We would buy a bicycle for three-year-old Berkan, and a computer for nine-year-old Imam. We started that journey not to fall apart, but to live together in joy. Rest in peace. I will be with you soon.'' ORAL SAYS BUDGET DEFICIT IS 25 QUADRILLION 553 TRILLION LIRAS TURKEY'S UMBERTO ECO CUMHURIYET (LEFT)''NUMBER OF BANKS MAY DECREASE''Is Bankasi Managing Director Ersin Ozince said that Turkish people had not lost their confidence in banking sector despite developments. When asked whether or not there might be decrease in number of banks in Turkey in 2002, Ozince said, ''this is possible. However, decrease in number of banks means nothing. This is like a natural selection. Those who failed to keep in step with the system always gave up the system. However, we should absolutely offer banking services needed by the economy.'' SINGLE FRAME TO HIGH SCHOOLS 5 BILLION LIRAS WASTED EACH MONTH RADIKAL (LEFT)QUAKE SURVIVORS CELEBRATE THEIR FIFTH RELIGIOUS HOLIDAY IN HUTSTwo years have passed since the quake disaster that devastated Turkey's northwestern part on August 17, 1999. The government pledge to construct permanent dwellings for quake survivors. However, quake survivors celebrated their fifth religious holiday again in their prefabricated huts. They called on the government to find immediate solution to their accommodation and unemployment problems. FIRE BREAKS OUT IN PREFABRICATED HUTS TURKIYE (RIGHT)JUST LOOK AT THE WEALTH!There is a total of 2.1 trillion U.S. dollars under territories of Turkey which begs to the IMF for 10 billion U.S. dollars. According to the statistics of the Energy and Natural Resources Ministry, total value of the potential underground minerals and raw materials is 2 trillion 180.22 billion U.S. dollars. This tremendous wealth is equal to 19-fold of Turkey's external debt of 111.9 billion U.S. dollars as of end-2001 and 34- fold of its 63.2 billion U.S. dollars of budget in 2001. TOBACCO AND ALCOHOL KILL 350 THOUSAND PEOPLE EACH YEAR SNOW DELAYS SOCCER MATCH DIPLOMATIC INITIATIVE TO AFGHANISTAN ZAMAN (CONSERVATIVE)CEM HOPEFUL ABOUT HIS VISIT TO AFGHANISTANForeign Minister Ismail Cem will spend the holy Ramadan feast with Afghans who lived in war for 23 years. Cem will please sister Afhgan nation by conveying Turkish nation's good wishes and compliments. Cem who will meet with new Afghan administrators and open our embassy in Kabul said that his aim was to have the two sister and friendly nations come together in the holy Ramadan feast, adding that he wished his visit would increase close relations between the two peoples. Cem noted that Afghanistan had an important place in Turkey's point of view toward the world and Central Asia. -FOREIGN MINISTER CEM IN PAKISTAN Cem and accompanying delegation and Pakistani delegation headed by Sattar discussed relations between Turkey and Pakistan, and the interim government formed in Afghanistan. Turkish and Pakistani delegations also exchanged views on international peace-keeping force planned to be deployed in Afghanistan. Ali Vural Okten, the Turkish Ambassador to Pakistan, also partook in the dinner. Later, Cem left Islamabad for Afghanistan. He is scheduled to hold a series of contacts in Afghan capital Kabul. Cem will hold talks with Prime Minister Khamid Karzai of Afghan interim government, Defense Minister Muhammed Fehim and Interior Minister Yunus Kanuni. Cem and accompanying delegation will attend inauguration of the Turkish Embassy in Kabul. After wrapping up his contacts in Kabul, Cem is expected to return to Islamabad later on Monday. He will leave Pakistan for Turkey on Tuesday. General Staff Operation and Planning Department Chairman Vice-General Bekir Kalyoncu, Foreign Ministry Afghanistan Coordinator Aydemir Erman and Turkish Ambassador to Afghanistan Mufit Ozdes are accompanying Cem during his visit. -PRIME MINISTER ECEVIT SPEAKS TO TRT (1) Ecevit said that inclusion of fight against terrorism in the European Union's (EU) agenda was a serious step. Noting that there might be very important developments in the Middle East if the Israeli-Palestinian dispute was not solved, Ecevit said, ''if the administration, headquarters and the place where the leader stays are destroyed with heavy weapons, this is not related with peace, this is war.'' Prime Minister Ecevit attended a program broadcast live on the Turkish Radio and Television (TRT) and answered questions of journalist Baki Ozilhan. Celebrating the Turkish people's and Islam world's Ramadan feast, Ecevit said that the meaning of Islam was ''peace'', adding, ''terrorism and Islam can never co-exist. Turkey's successful fight against terrorism is a very important contribution of our people to humanity and Islam.'' Noting that Turkey had proved that Islam could and should get along well with secularism, modernism and democracy, Ecevit said, ''I hope that the Turkish nation's Islam understanding has started to receive support of whole Islam world. Meanwhile, defeat of Taliban which tortured Afghan people for nearly five years is actually victory of Islam.'' When asked whether or not positive results had been taken at the Laeken Summit in Brussels, Ecevit said, ''we can say that we got what we had expected. First of all, we approached the start of opening of accession negotiations. Earlier, the EU believed that it would be early to open accession negotiations but a step has been taken on this path. This is one of the important results we got at the meeting in Brussels. A new institution is foreseen in the EU under the name of convention. This convention will be a very important organization where officials will be responsible of developing opinions about the EU's future.'' Noting that some EU countries did not want to include Turkey in this platform, Ecevit said, ''however, we insisted on saying that 'as we have undertaken a mission on the EU path as a candidate country, then we should participate in this important platform'. This demand was clearly expressed at the meeting in Brussels. Our difference also regarding this matter was seen without any discrimination. Meanwhile, the EU had not attributed sufficient importance to fight against terrorism. Besides, there had been implementations and deficiencies bothering us. As a result of our and NATO's impositions after attacks on September 11, fight against terrorism was included in the EU's agenda. This is a serious step.'' Responding a question which said, ''Belgium's foreign minister and term president had said, 'we made definition of terrorism but we did not prepare list of terrorist organizations. Attitudes of organizations should be taken into consideration to prepare a list'. Do you think this statement is a factor weakening fight against terrorism?'' Ecevit said, ''it can weaken. However, it depends on the will and intention, of course. However, it is an important development. Our trump cards have become stronger. Almost all of the organizations which carry out acts of terrorism and violence especially in Turkey have taken shelter in some west European countries. They are planning terrorist acts in these countries and sending terrorists to Turkey from these countries. Plans were prepared in western Europe. Matter of terrorism in western Europe is a serious matter for Turkey. Now, positive steps have started to be taken. Although they were not sufficient, it was a positive development.'' When asked whether or not the attitude against supporters of Metin Kaplan in Germany was one of those positive steps, Ecevit said, ''the step taken by Germany against supporters of Kaplan is really a positive and noteworthy step. I congratulate Germany.'' Responding another question, Prime Minister Ecevit said, ''we have an understanding of Islam that does not contradict with secularism and democracy. Some circles having corcerns about contradictions among societies have begun to consider our understanding and philosophy an important development. It has been revealed that Islam and secularism on basis of Turkey is important and necessary not only for the Islam world but also for the Western world.'' When asked, ''those trying to politicize the religion for their own benefits, caused many difficulties in Turkey. Undisciplined education brought forth militant education. Eight-year compulsory education put an end to this. Can you assess this?'' Prime Minister Ecevit noted, ''we have achieved great success in the compulsory education. Impact of anti-secular trends on the education has decreased rapidly without any government pressure. Religious education has been under responsibility of the National Education Ministry and the Directorate General of Religious Affairs. Turkey has taken extremely positive steps on the issue of education in the last few years.'' Referring to recent developments in Afghanistan, Prime Minister Ecevit said, ''the Northern Alliance's power of struggle has increased with contributions of the United States and Turkey. Rivalry among Northern Alliance forces has still been continuing, and I am deeply concerned about this rivalry. Northern Alliance forces should be warned against possible results of this rivalry.'' Recalling that Foreign Minister Ismail Cem had started his three-day tour to Afghanistan and Pakistan, Prime Minister Ecevit said, ''well-educated Turkish artists, scientists and soldiers were sent to Afghanistan during the presidency of Great Leader Mustafa Kemal Ataturk. If this process had continued, Afghanistan would have been a powerful state.'' Noting that Turkey had recently started to open hospitals and schools in Afghanistan, Prime Minister Ecevit said, ''I am sure that Turkey has a different place in the eyes of the Afghan people. We have done nothing to exploit Afghanistan. We want Afghanistan to become a country resisting against exploitation of others.'' When asked whether or not Turkey would send soldiers to Afghanistan, Prime Minister Ecevit said, ''actually, Taliban regime has collapsed. At this point, Afghanistan does not need military service. But they should pay careful attention to security. We can contribute to Afghanistan's security. In recent years, we contributed to many countries by training their armies. We do have a great experience. I think that our soldiers should undertake responsibilities in training of Afghan army, armed forces and police.'' Referring to recent developments in the Middle East, Prime Minister Ecevit said, ''destruction of headquarters and residence of a leader with heavy weapons means war. This war cannot be considered legal. Therefore, the United Nations, the United States and other countries should show the necessary interest in the region. If dispute between Israel and Palistine is not solved, extremely serious developments can happen in the whole region, and important problems can emerge in the Islam world. We have a special position in the region. Both Israel and Palestine have confidence in Turkey. We have a great responsibilitly, but we cannot fulfil it on our own.'' -PRIME MINISTER ECEVIT SPEAKS TO TRT (2) Prime Minister Ecevit attended a program broadcast live on the Turkish Radio and Television (TRT) and answered questions of journalist Baki Ozilhan. Responding a question which said, ''President Rauf Denktas of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) has recently started to express his concern by saying that he was worried that Cyprus would be a second Crete. Can you assess this matter?'' Ecevit said, ''Some media organs adopted an extremely negative attitude about source of TRNC President Rauf Denktas' concerns. They think that it was problem of a handful of Turkish Cypriots. Actually, this problem is regarded with Turkey's security. Looking at a map of East Mediterranean, one can easily see how northern part of Cyprus is vitally important in regard to Turkey's security. In the meantime, the Greek Cypriot side and Greece will become a de facto single state within scope of the EU. Apparently two states, but de facto only one state. In that case, we will be surrounded from the south.'' Prime Minister Ecevit noted, ''meanwhile, strategic importance of Eastern Mediterranean will increase with the Baku-Tbilisi-Ceyhan Oil Pipeline Agreement. Importance of Turkey's security and Turkey's responsibility for security of the world will also increase. In fact, we should take into considiration all these factors together with the Cyprus question.'' Noting that a Greek Cypriot or Greek state had not existed on Cyprus throughout the history, Prime Minister Ecevit said that Turkish and Ottoman states ruled the island for centuries. Underlining strategic importance of Cyprus for Turkey since the very beginning, Prime Minister Ecevit said, ''Greeks do not have the right to want a Cypriot state which belongs to them. A Cypriot state was planned to be founded for the first time in 1960. However, the Greek Cypriots destroyed this state.'' Noting that there had been de facto two separate states in Cyprus since 1974, Prime Minister Ecevit said that this situation became legal after the foundation of the TRNC. Although they do not want to recognize it, the TRNC has been developing on its own. Its economy has developed despite a heavy economic embargo.'' ''Any country, except Turkey, does not recognize the TRNC diplomatically due to some pressures. However, there are five universities in the TRNC, and diplomas of these universities are internationally accepted. There is a de facto state there. A short time ago, the United States has begun to say that there had not been a Greek Cypriot administration in the north of the island any longer. We should take into consideration all these facts. Also, the EU should take into consideration these factors. In fact, existence of two separate states on the island will not harm the world. On the contrary, it is beneficial. There had been continuous clashes on Cyprus before Turkey's Peace Operation. Some of these clashes aimed at annihilating the Turkish Cypriots while others were clashes among rival Greek Cypriot guerillas,'' he said. Stressing that there had been a peaceful atmosphere on the island, Prime Minister Ecevit said, ''both sides have democracy. If desires of the Greek Cypriot side and the EU are accepted, new clashes and a new possibility of genocide will emerge. President Denktas meant this. Cyprus will not become a second Crete.'' -PRIME MINISTER ECEVIT SPEAKS TO TRT (3) Noting that Turkey had a special position regarding the Israeli-Palestinian issue, Ecevit said, ''Palestinians do not have confidence in Israel and Israelis do not trust Palestinians. However, both Israelis and Palestinians have confidence in Turkey. So Turkey has a great responsibility.'' Recalling that Yasser Arafat had missed an important chance and opprtunity during Ehud Barak's prime ministry, Ecevit said, ''Barak put forward some compromising opinions and brough the Jerusalem issue onto the agenda by taking the risk of receiving reactions of his society. This is also a very sensitive issue. Yasser Arafat could not sufficiently take necessary steps due to pressures of terrorists that took shelter on Palestinian territories. I hope that such an opportunity and chance would be created again. The Palestinian society cannot be annihilated. Annihilation of them creates very serious problems in the region. So I am deeply concerned.'' Responing a question which said, ''Arafat had asked Turkey to convey his concern to U.S. Secretary of State Colin Powell. Was this message conveyed?'' Ecevit said, ''I suppose that it was conveyed. What I see is that the United States has not taken a concrete step yet. Also the United States confirms that Arafat is recognized as a legal leader.'' When asked whether or not he would go to the United States, Ecevit said, ''I will go, of course. The United States is a very important state and a close friend of Turkey. Many matters which concern Turkey also concern the United States and many matters which concern the United States also concern Turkey. There are many things to discuss together like the situation in Afghanistan.'' Noting that he would discuss how reappearance of former illnesses in Afghanistan would be prevented and the necessary political steps to this end, Ecevit said, ''I think it beneficial to discuss these with Mr. Bush in a tete-a-tete meeting. Also the United States is closely interested in this region as much as Turkey. Turkey should be more closely interested in this region, of course. There is the possibility of creation of worrying developments in Caucasus. This is related with the global peace in general. Besides, the United States had an indirect but influential contribution on solution of Turkey's economic problems. If there had not been the United States' support, the IMF migh not have given such a generous loan. Because, the IMF has now allocated thirty percent of its sources to Turkey. This is a very important amount. I suppose that the United States' encouraging recommendations to the IMF had played a role in this. Besides, the commercial and economic relations with the United States are very important, too, but they are insufficient. There are many things to discuss on these matters like textiles quota.'' -PRIME MINISTER ECEVIT SPEAKS TO TRT (4) Prime Minister Ecevit attended a program broadcast live on the Turkish Radio and Television (TRT) and answered questions of journalist Baki Ozilhan. Responding a question about the measures which had been taken to revive the economy, Ecevit said he believed that those measures would revive the Turkish economy. ''Our economic problems were the problems stemming from the mistakes in the past and they could not be solved just with an initiative. However, we worked hard and rapidly as far as possible. We adopted many laws which have the chracteristic of structural reforms. Approval and implementation of these required time. Consequently, we have reached the level of getting the productive results of these works. Positive effects of these have started to be observed in recent days. The inflation and dollar have started to decrease while the stock exchange has started to increase,'' he said. Stressing that Turkey had a sound structure in regard to its nation and traditions, Ecevit said that there were thousands of factories which had been closed down in Turkey, and added that these factories could not be left to decay. Noting that there was an educated third generation in Turkey and this generation went abroad if they could not invest in Turkey, Ecevit said, ''there are facilities, entrepreneurs and important sources in addition to underground resources. We should absolutely reactivate these sources. The Treasury has many broad fields and we should utilize these. At the meantime, external source came and we should also activate domestic sources. There are many foreign companies which want to invest in Turkey. Their common complaint is that they face many unbelievable bureaucratic obstacles. Now, we are going to adopt a law. Applications will be no more kept on shelves for years. Response will be given to application within maximum three months. Our economy will grow as a result of measures like this.'' When recalled of that political instability bothered foreign investors, Ecevit said, ''actually, it was revealed that the political instability was not so serious. Recently, officials and business circles have not been affected by these rumors. Turkey is a democratic country and everything is discussed. Our people have gotten used to decrease in stock exchange national index and increase in foreign exchange due to rumors.'' -CEM IN AFGHANISTAN The C-130 type cargo plane carrying Cem and accompanying delegation arrived at the Bagram Airport earlier in the day. Afghan Acting Foreign Minister Muhammed Davut Penciri welcomed Cem and the delegation at the airport. Later, Cem held talks with Penciri at the Turkish Embassy in Kabul. Speaking at the meeting, Cem said that his visit to Afghanistan aimed at conveying the Turkish people's best wishes to the Afghan people for the holy Ramadan feast. ''Great Leader Mustafa Kemal Ataturk bestowed these friendly relations between Turkish and Afghan peoples. We have always been aware of importance of these relations,'' he stressed. Noting that they could cooperate with Afghanistan in reconstruction of the country, Cem expressed his belief that a closer cooperation would be set up between Turkey and Afghanistan during this new period. Later, Cem attended re-opening of the Turkish Embassy in Kabul. The Turkish Embassy could not carry out active works after the Taliban came to the power. Speaking at the ceremony, Cem said, ''I want to convey the Turkish people's best wishes to the Afghan people. Turkey is determined to extend full support to rebuilding of Afghanistan. The Afghan people had been exposed to attacks of colonialist states for years, but they had resisted. Friendly relations between Turkey and Afghanistan started in 1920s. Ataturk was a close friend of Amelullah Khan. During that period, Afghanistan chose Turkey as a model.'' Noting that the Turkish Embassy was re-opened after years, Cem said, ''Mufit Ozdes has been appointed as Turkish Ambassador to Afghanistan. Afghanistan expects great service from him. I hope that Ozdes would work to consolidate our friendly relations with Afghanistan. Turkey will continue to extend full support to Afghanistan during this new period. We have presented our experiences to the new Afghan government.'' Pointing out that a center would be formed within structure of the Turkish Embassy, Cem said that Turkish experts, scientists, academicians and bureaucrats would assist their Afghan counterparts in rebuilding of the country. Later, Cem visited the Ataturk Child Hospital constructed in Kabul by Turkey. Cem also met with former President Burhanuddin Rabbani of Afghanistan, Defense Minister Mohammad Fahim and Interior Minister Yunis Qanuni. Speaking at the meetings, Cem reiterated that Turkey was ready to contribute to military rebuilding of Afghanistan. Within framework of his visit to Afghanistan, Cem is expected to proceed to Mazar-i-Sharif to meet with General Abdul Rashid Dostum after holding a press conference at the Turkish Embassy. Meanwhile, scheduled meeting between Cem and Prime Minister Hamid Karzai of Afghan interim government was cancelled after Karzai travelled unannounced to Rome where ex-King Zahir Shah lives. -TURKISH BANKS ACCELERATE PREPARATIONS FOR EURO Adoption of single currency is considered an opportunity to include foreign currency which the Turkish people keep in their houses into the banking system. Nearly 30 percent of the 90 billion German mark banknotes in circulation is estimated to be in Turkey. In addition to exchange of 27 billion German mark banknotes in Turkey, 2-4 billion German mark which the Turkish people keep in their houses is expected to be included in the economy. Banks which are planning to meet Euro demand from the Central Bank and other banks which import foreign currency or from foreign banks will automatically exchange their customers' foreign currency accounts and deposits with Euro on December 31, 2001. People who have foreign currency accounts and deposits at banks can withdraw Euro banknotes from their accounts as of January 1, 2002 without paying any cost and commission. There will be 5, 10, 20, 50, 100, 200 and 500 euro banknotes as of January 1, 2002 while Dutch guilder will go out of circulation on January 28, 2002, Irish pound will be withdrawn from circulation on February 9, 2002, French franc will be called in on February 17, 2002, and German mark, Austrian schilling, Belgian franc, Finnish markka, Spanish peseta, Italian lira, Luxembourg franc, Portugese escudo and Greek drachma will be withdrawn from circulation on February 28, 2002. Meanwhile, Central Bank started importing Euro banknotes as of December 1, 2001 to meet exchange demands of banks, private finance organizations and authorized institutions until December 31, 2003. -FIRST L-TYPE PRISON TO BE BUILT IN ALANYA Alanya Chief Prosecutor Selami Hatipoglu told the A.A correspondent on Monday that the prison which would be built on a 10 hectares of land allocated to the Justice Ministry in Mahmutlar region in Alanya would be the first L-type prison in Turkey. Hatipoglu said the prison would contain 3,5 and 7-person wards, bath, library, workshops, sports hall, two mini-football fields, walking and running tracks, television rooms, restaurant and cafeteria. Noting that 478 prisoners would stay in the prison, Hatipoglu said that an auction was expected to be held for the project in 2002. -CEM SAYS TURKEY'S EXPERIENCES WILL CONSTITUTE MODEL FOR AFGHANISTAN Cem held a press conference at the Turkish Embassy in Kabul which was re- opened earlier in the day. Speaking at the press conference, Cem stressed that if Afghan government did not request, an armed force could not be deployed in Afghanistan, and added that international community could not put any pressure on the Afghan government. Stressing that Turkey would join the international military force, Cem told reporters that Turkey's experiences would constitute model for Afghanistan. ''The holy month of Ramadan is the month of peace and understanding. We wish that the holy Ramadan feast would bring hope and peace to Afghanistan, '' he said. Responding to a question, Cem said, ''duties to be undertaken by Turkey in Afghanistan have not been clear yet. All these issues will become clear at the meeting to be held on December 19.'' Pointing out that Turkey had been experienced in sending medical support to Afghanistan, Cem noted that they planned to set up cooperation with one of the medical faculties in Afghanistan. He said that Turkey would also assist Afghanistan in re-organizing its armed forces, and added that the Afghan army was revised by taking Turkish army as a model during Cemal Pasha period. Noting that Turkey and Afghanistan could cooperate in training and organization of Afghan police department, Cem said that a group of young Afghan diplomats could be accepted by universities in Turkey. Cem said that he would launch initiative to make an Afghan city and a Turkish city sister cities. Respanding to a question about future of the Afghan government, Cem told reporters, ''it is too early make a statement at this point. But I am pleased with seeing the Afghan government's determination. The Afghan government has been supported by the whole international community.'' Responding to another question, Cem said, ''we came to Afghanistan not to advise, but to cooperate. During our visit, we listened to Afghan people's expectations from Turkey.'' Cem added, ''we do not have any intention to impose something on Afghanistan. We want to further improve our friendly relations.'' -UNITED STATES PREPARES COMPREHENSIVE CYPRUS PLAN Sources said that the Cyprus plan which had been prepared by the U.S. State Department included a Cyprus map prepared through a computer program. This computer program was earlier used to create a three-dimensional map of the region for share of territories after the Bosnia War. Sources said that the map offered opportunity of examining all villages, towns, fields and water basins on Cyprus from the bird's eye view on computer, and it would be useful in appropriate share of territories. Before preparation of the map, the United States had carried out a topography work in cooperation with both sides on Cyprus, sources said. Sources said that the United States would introduce its comprehensive Cyprus plan step by step through the United Nations as long as the process of talks initiated in December by President Rauf Denktas of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) continued. Sources said that if the new process reached a deadlock, the United States would rapidly bring this plan onto the agenda in order to start a new process. Observers in Washington D.C. said that the United States could recommend the Greek Cypriot side to ''put on the brakes'' in its EU membership process if the process of talks between Denktas and Greek Cypriot leader Glafcos Clerides continued. Meanwhile, Turkey supports the new process on Cyprus, but thinks that there should not be any external intervention. Diplomatic sources said that solution was beneficial to all relevant sides, and Denktas and Clerides could prepare a ''set of parameters'' if they were left alone, and that intervention of the U.N. Secretary General after the two leaders asked for help would be more beneficial. -ECEVIT SAYS IT IS TIME TO TAKE STEPS ON EU FULL MEMBERSHIP PATH Explaining his opinions about the Laeken Summit in Brussels, Ecevit said that developments which could be considered positive for Turkey had occurred at the EU meeting. ''Meanwhile, prospect of opening of accession negotiations with Turkey has been officially stated. So it became clear that it is the time to take steps on our EU full membership path. An organization under the name of convention had been wanted to be formed within the EU structure. Some members had intentions of excluding Turkey from this organization. However, we insisted on our right and got it. Also Turkey will participate in this convention which will take decisions on EU's future, fulfilling a very important function,'' he said. ''We expended intense efforts regarding the matter of European Security and Defense Policy for two and a half years and we got the results. Now, it is understood that Greece raises obstacles in front of this. However, this no more concerns us. It is an issue that the EU will solve within itself. Whether or not Turkey participates in the EU, it does have an important position especially in the Balkans, Black Sea, Middle East and Central Asia, which nobody can ignore. I believe that also the EU is taking and will take this into consideration,'' Ecevit said. ''The war in Afghanistan came to an end; however, there are some extremely serious problems. I am deeply concerned about the dispute among rival leaders. We have been attributing great importance and making contributions to independence and development of Afghanistan since 1920s. We will continue to contribute in the future,'' he said. Recalling that Foreign Minister Ismail Cem had started his three-day tour to Afghanistan and Pakistan, Prime Minister Ecevit said, ''we do not have any expectation from Afghanistan. We will do our utmost for development of Afghanistan in a democratic and secular regime.'' Recalling that U.S. President George W. Bush had invited him to the United States, Prime Minister Ecevit said, ''this is a perfect opportunity to assess recent developments with our close friend and ally. In the second half of January, I will pay a visit to the United States. Certain date of my visit has not been set yet.'' -FOREIGN MINISTRY SAYS CPT SUPPORTS F-TYPE PRISON IMPLEMENTATIONS Releasing a statement, the Foreign Ministry recalled that CPT had paid ad hoc visits to Turkey on December 10-16, 2000, January 10-15, 2001, April 18- 21, 2001 and May 21-24, 2001 on its own initiative and at request of Turkish relevant authorities, and it had published its report on December 13, 2001 after the Turkish government's approval. Noting that the report focused on the content and conditions of the prison reform initiated by the Justice Ministry and on measures aimed at finding a solution capable of bringing the hunger strikes to an end, the Foreign Ministry said, ''the Committee supports in principle our F-type prison implementation which foresees transition from the traditional ward system into smaller living units for prisoners and mentions that it is ready to support our activities and efforts to adjust our works in this field with our international commitments.'' The Foreign Ministry stated that the report said that technical works related to F-type prisons had been concluded by the Justice Ministry during CPT's visits to Turkey and that a legal frame on basis of respect to human rights had been brought to proson reform by revisions in prison administration, prison control and prison conditions under a series of laws adopted. Foreign Ministry said that Turkey had been in a constructive cooperation with the CPT since it had been founded in 1990, and it seriously examined the CPT's recommendations. -SADBERK HANIM COLLECTION TO BE DISPLAYED IN JAPAN The unique vase shaped like a goddess belonged to the B.C. 6th century, samples of female clothing from the 17th century to 20th century and Turkish-Islam works of art will be displayed in the exhibition. The exhibition will be opened first in Fukuoaka Provincial Museum on February 9, 2002. Later, it will be opened in museums in Iwaka, Okazaki and Shizuoka. A total of 621 pieces works of art to be chosen from the Sadberk Hanim Museum will be sent to Japan on January 28, 2002. The Sadberk Hanim Museum was opened on October 14, 1980 in the memory of leading businessman Vehbi Koc's wife Sadberk Koc. The museum which is the first private museum of Turkey, is comprised of two sections: Archaeological works and Turkish-Islam works of art. -CAKMAKOGLU LEAVES FOR BRUSSELS Speaking at the press conference, Cakmakoglu said, ''during the meeting of NATO defense ministers, impacts of the terrorist attacks in the United States on September 11, 2001, will be taken up. The meeting coincided with the European Union's (EU) summit meeting in Laeken. Turkey's opinions will also be assessed under the light of recent developments.'' Noting that issues such as fight against terrorism, recent developments in the Balkans, the European Security and Defense Policy (ESDP) and missile defense policy would be taken up at the meeting, Cakmakoglu said that meetings of Ukraine and Russia Permanent Joint Commissions would also be held. Cakmakoglu told reporters that works of the nuclear planning group and the defense planning committee would also be assessed. ''Different threats have come to agenda of the world since the end of the Cold War era. Some of these threats are extreme nationalism, fundamentalism, weapons of mass destruction and long-range missiles. Because of its geographical position, Turkey closes to these threats,'' he said. Cakmakoglu said that also a contract for production of A400M Future Large Aircraft (FLA) would be signed by the participating countries in the project. Noting that eight countries were participating in the project and Turkey had a 5.6 percent share in this partnership, Cakmakoglu said that another stage of the project would be fulfilled with the meeting. Stressing that Turkey targeted to purchase ten FLAs, Cakmakoglu said that also the Turkish Aerospace Industries (TAI) had a share in the project. Noting that TAI's share was foreseen to be a few higher than the share of Turkey, Cakmakoglu said that the contract would also include what TAI would produce within scope of the project.
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