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Anadolu Agency: News in English, 02-01-16Anadolu Agency: News in English Directory - Previous Article - Next ArticleFrom: The Anadolu Agency Home Page at <http://www.anadoluajansi.com.tr/>Anadolu AjansıANADOLU AJANSI HABERLER 16 January 2002 Wednesday Türkiye Dünya Parlamento Ekonomi Spor Sanat-Magazin Sağlık Türkiye CONTENTS
[01] TURKEY-PRESS SCANThese are some of the major headlines and their brief stories in Turkey's press on January 16, 2002. The Anadolu Agency does not verify these stories and does not vouch for their accuracy.HURRIYET (LIBERAL)BAHCELI GIVES ''LEAVE'' SIGNAL TO DURMUSDevlet Bahceli, the leader of the Nationalist Movement Party (MHP), and acting Prime Minister, gave the signal to Health Minister Osman Durmus to ''leave''. Bahceli refused the request of Durmus to hold a tete-a-tete meeting to discuss the situation of pharmacists who closed their shops to protest 10 percent reduction in domestic medicine by the Health Ministry. Bahceli reacted to Durmus who said he would cancel the licence of the protestor, and pointed out that, ''this is the democratic right of pharmacists.'' MOODY'S: YOUR NOTE MAY BE UPGRADED This means that the outlook can be raised to positive or rating can be increased in the following stage if the positive course in economy continues. A statement of Moody's said that the likelihood of ratings downgrades had diminished over the following year because of the improved refinancing and pricing prospects for domestic as well as external debt. MILLIYET (LIBERAL)''TURKEY HAS BEEN RUNNING''International Monetary Fund (IMF) Managing Director Horst Koehler praised Turkey for its implementation of a tough economic reform program following his meeting with Prime Minister Bulent Ecevit, and said a new agreement possibly carrying some 10 billion U.S. dollars in loans could be signed within weeks. Koehler said that they recognize impressive progress in implementation of Turkey's reform program. TREASURY AUCTIONS 112-DAY BONDS TWO PEOPLE FREEZE TO DEATH SABAH (LIBERAL)CHENEY'S FIRST TETE-A-TETE MEETINGThe U.S. Vice President Dick Cheney has been working in an underground shelter since September 11 attacks as his being at the same place with the U.S. President George Bush, could pose threat for the ''security of the state''. Cheney, who had talked to Greek Prime Minister from this shelter through tele-conference method, held a tete-a-tete meeting with Prime Minister Bulent Ecevit after months. 14 BILLION U.S. DOLLARS IS OKEY Ecevit met Koehler in Blair House on Tuesday. Speaking after the meeting, Koehler said he found the performance of Turkey as positive, adding that reforms are being realized one after the other, the interests and inflation reduce. ''Now that we are expecting growth from you,'' Koehler said. CUMHURIYET (LEFT)SUSURLUK CONVICTEDSupreme Court of Appeals Criminal Chamber no: 8 approved unanimously the imprisonments given to 14 suspects in Susurluk case. The chamber discussed in merits the request of appeal in Susurluk case. Chief Judge Naci Unver said that the same chamber had earlier repealed the imprisonment verdict given by Istanbul State Security Court (DGM) no: 6. This time the chamber approved it, Unver said and noted that the reasoned verdict would be announced soon. The suspects of the case have the right to ask for correction of the verdict as an extraordinary way of law. The Chief Prosecutor of Supreme Court of Appeals has to accept that request first. If he does not accept it, all the remedies will be exhausted. NAZIM COMMEMORATED ON HIS 100TH BIRTHDAY SERHADLI: ''SIX HEZBOLLAH MEMBERS WERE CAPTURED'' RADIKAL (LEFT)SAUDI AMBASSADOR INVITED TO VISIT SINOP CASTLEMuhammad al-Bassam, the Saudi Ambassador to Turkey, who responded to reactions against demolition of Ottoman-era al-Ajyad fortress in Mecca by saying, ''what happened to Sinop Castle and ancient city of Zeugma?'' was invited by the Culture Ministry to visit these historical sites. The Culture Ministry said that works of art in ancient city of Zeugma were saved and Sinop Castle was restored. ECEVIT TO MEET WITH BUSH TURKIYE (RIGHT)YILMAZ CONCERNEDMesut Yilmaz, the leader of the Motherland Party (ANAP), State Minister and Deputy Prime Minister said that he had both certain expectations and concerns about the visit of Prime Minister Bulent Ecevit to the U.S. ''I hope our expectations, not our concerns about the visit will come true, '' told Yilmaz to reporters who participated in the ANAP Women Branches Central Decision and Executive Board meeting. DIRECT TALKS IN CYPRUS TO START The talks are expected to continue till a result is obtained. ZAMAN (CONSERVATIVE)ARMENIAN PATRIARCH CALLS ON SUPPORT FROM ERDOGANTurkish Armenians Patriarch Mesrob Mutafyan visited Recep Tayyip Erdogan, the leader of the Justice and Development Party (AK Party) and called on support for the draft law pertaining to the foundations which will be discussed in the parliament next week. Mutafyan, who spoke to journalists following the party, said the draft law which will be discussed at the parliament directly concerned them as well as the other non-Muslim communities. Mutafyan said foundations set up by non-Muslim citizens should have the same rights without any discrimination. -PM ECEVIT SAYS HIS IMPRESSIONS REGARDING THE FIRST DAY CONTACTS ARE Ecevit returned to his hotel after meeting Grossman and the IMF Managing Director Horst Koehler. Ecevit talked to the journalists together with Foreign Minister Ismail Cem. When asked if the issue of Turkey's being a model in Afghanistan was brougt onto the agenda during his meeting with the U.S. Vice President Dick Cheney, Ecevit said Turkey model began to be adopted throughout the world following terrorist attacks on September 11. Ecevit said the U.S. also attributed great importance to Turkey model. When journalists reminded Ecevit his meeting with Grossman and asked if Iraqi issue was brought onto the agenda, Ecevit said, ''we have mentioned Iraqi issue during the meeting. However, the issue has not come to the forefront.'' Pointing out that there were concerns in Turkish public opinion in this respect, Ecevit said, ''there are different ideas in the U.S. on Iraqi issue. My meeting with Mr. Bush is important in this respect.'' Responding a question if Turkey's contribution to the re-structuring of Afghanistan, Ecevit said he got the impression that the U.S. administration attributed great importance to Turkey's contribution on this issue. When asked why he presented a Koran to the U.S. President George Bush, Ecevit said some circles interpreted the operation on Afghanistan as an operation on Islam, adding that Bush in every opportunity pointed out that he did not accept this. Ecevit said he brought Koran to Bush as a support to him, and invited Mehmet Nuri Yilmaz, the Chairman of Religous Affairs Department to the visit. Stressing that they attributed great importance to the Industrial Zones Law, Prime Minister Ecevit said, ''after adoption of this law, we will provide many facilities for foreign investors. They will not have to wait for a long time to take necessary permissions.'' ''We proposed the United States to form a committee in order to further improve economic relations between Turkey and the United States. The United States welcomed our proposal. U.S. Vice President Dick Cheney told us that he would assess the issue,'' he said. Responding a question about his meetings with directors of the Turkey-the United States Business Council and the U.S. Chambers of Commerce, Prime Minister Ecevit said, ''many American businessmen attended the meeting of the U.S. Chambers of Commerce. American businessmen are positive about making investments in Turkey.'' When asked, ''political stability is of great importance. At the same time, coalition government should be maintained without any problem. Was this issue brought onto agenda during the meetings?'' Prime Minister Ecevit said, ''during my meeting with International Monetary Fund (IMF) Managing Director Horst Koehler, I told him that arguments could break off from time to time in our three-partner coalition government. However, we reach compromise at the end of these arguments. I told him that there is no need to be worried.'' Meanwhile, when asked whether or not any contact about Turkish citizens who were arrested in the United States in the wake of the events of September 11, were held, Foreign Minister Ismail Cem said, ''we will discuss the issue. However, the U.S. officials said that they fulfilled the necessities of the law. We will launch the necessary initiatives.'' Cem added that the U.S. press had been showing great interest in Prime Minister Ecevit's visit to the United States. -PRESIDENT DENKTAS COMES TOGETHER WITH CLERIDES Leaders came together in a building near international airport in the buffer zone under the control of the United Nations. Greek Cypriot Undersecretary Pandelis Kuros, Greek Cypriot administration Spokesman Mihalis Papapetrou and Chief Prosecutor Alekos Markides are accompanying Clerides. Clerides refrained from responding questions of journalists prior to the meeting. Meanwhile, Turkish Cypriot Undersecretary Ergun Olgun is accompanying President Denktas. -TOBB CHAIRMAN HISARCIKLIOGLU: ''WE HAVE REACHED PRINCIPLE AGREEMENT WITH U.S. CHAMBERS OF TRADE TO IMPROVE COOPERATION BETWEEN THE SMSEs and U.S. COMPANIES'' Hisarciklioglu, who responded to the questions of A.A correspondent, said Thomas Donahue, the Chairman of the U.S. Chambers of Trade, would pay a visit to Turkey in April within the framework of a project entitled ''Turkey-U.S. Business Partnership Initiative''. Hisarciklioglu said, ''there is a model which the U.S. Chambers of Trade prepared in Thailand and Singapore. Within the scope of the same model, we have reached a principle agreement to set up mutual cooperation and partnership to bring Turkish and U.S. SMSEs for cooperation. Donahue, during his scheduled visit to Turkey in April, will be accompanied by the U.S. businessmen. We have made a pre-agreement for 400 KOBI's.'' Donahue, during his visit to Turkey, is foreseen to put forward a three- year program to improve trade between the Turkish SMESs and the U.S. companies to increase competition power. ''Turkey-U.S. Business Partnership Initiative'' agreement will be signed between TOBB, Foreign Economic Relations Council and the U.S. Chambers of Trade. Hisarciklioglu described their contacts held so far as positive, ''we feel concerned as Turkey is defined as risky in tourism. This should change.'' Pointing out that ways were opened for the foreign investors after removal buraucratic obtacles, Hisarciklioglu said, ''there are every kind of incentives. The U.S. investors should come to Turkey from now on.'' -TOURISM MINISTER TASAR TO GO TO GERMANY Mustafa Tasar, who will hold a press conference in Frankfurt, is going to meet with chairmen of Turkish unions and associations. Tasar will attend an activity held by Oger Tours in Frankfurt, in which 600 travel agencies are expected to participate, as honorary guest and give a speech. Tourism Minister Tasar will proceed to Düsseldorf on Jan. 20 to attend the yachting fair and visit Turkish stand. Tasar who will have talks with Turkish workers' unions in Düsseldorf, will come back to Turkey on January 22. -DEPARTURE OF RECONNAISSANCE TURKISH UNIT FOR AFGHANISTAN POSTPONED FOR Deparature of the unit, which had to leave on Tuesday, was postponed to January 18 because of bad weather conditions and as necessary adjustments could not be provided in Kabul. The Turkish unit which will leave for Afghanistan is comprised of 20 people. The unit will go to Afghanistan with C-130 plane. The team will also include a second delegation that will be comprised of 10- people aiming to expend technical support to airports in Afghanistan. The reconnaissance team will complete its preliminary works, pertaining to logistics, support and environment security, till January 25. Following the completion of those works, the 261-people Turkish unit will leave for Afghanistan within 15 days. The 261-people team, which will be under the command of a colonel within the body International Security and Aid Force, and may be increased to 1, 000 soldiers in case Turkey finds financial support. It is also reported that this number may be increased in case Prime Minister gets support from Washington during his tour to the U.S. Ankara will also send six Turkish officers to the international headquarters in Afghanistan. Turkey has been keeping its six officers for some time in Kabul for coordination. -A NEW PROCESS STARTS ON CYPRUS QUESTION The direct talk process started when President Denktas launched several initiatives, saying, ''I do not consider developments on the Cyprus question positive. Therefore, I want to hold a face-to-face meeting with Clerides.'' President Denktas sent letter to Clerides in November of 2001, and invited him to hold a face-to-face meeting. The two leaders came together in Lefkosa on December 4, 2001 for the first time in four years. Upon request of Clerides, United Nations Secretary General Kofi Annan's Special Representative Alvaro de Soto also attended the meeting. Later, Clerides responded President Denktas's invitation for a dinner on December 5 in the affirmative. He proceeded to the TRNC to partake in the dinner for the first time in 26 years. In return, Clerides invited President Denktas to a dinner in his residence. President Denktas proceeded to the Greek Cypriot side for the first time in 27 years and partook in the dinner in Clerides' residence. Denktas and Clerides came together for three times in December. Face-to-face talks are planned to continue till a lasting solution is found. Talks are taking place in a building near the Lefkosa International Airport in buffer zone. The building was restored and prepared for the direct talks. De Soto is attending the meeting as an observer on behalf of United Nations Secretary General Kofi Annan. Deputy Special Representative Robert Dann, Swiss Constitution Expert Didier Psirter and Madeline Garlick are accompanying de Soto. Greek Cypriot Undersecretary Pandelis Kuros, Greek Cypriot administration Spokesman Mihalis Papapetrou and Chief Prosecutor Alekos Markides are accompanying Clerides. Meanwhile, Turkish Cypriot Undersecretary Ergun Olgun is accompanying President Denktas. During their meeting on December 4, 2001, Denktas and Clerides decided to start direct talks process. The two leaders reached compromise on holding the direct talks without preconditions. Denktas and Clerides have accepted to continue the negotiations till an integrative agreement is reached within framework of good will. Meanwhile, the issue of missing people was taken up at the dinner hosted in Clerides' residence on December 29, 2001. Denktas and Clerides held two meetings on January 11, and discussed the issue of missing people. Turkish Cypriot and Greek Cypriot representatives at the United Nations Missing People Committee attended the second meeting. During the meeting, the TRNC and the Greek Cypriot side decided to exchange documents about missing people on January 14. The exchange of documents were cancelled after the Greek Cypriot side failed to complete its preparations. TRNC authorities stated that they had completed their preparations, documents were ready, and that they were waiting for the Greek Cypriot side to be ready. If the Greek Cypriot side brings documents, documents about missing people are expected to be exchanged at today's meeting. Earlier, President Denktas said, ''issue of missing people will be kept separate from the face-to-face talks in which United Nations Secretary General Kofi Annan's Special Representative Alvaro De Soto will attend as an observer. Both sides have been expending efforts to solve the problem of missing people in a humanitarian manner.'' Negotiations on the issue of missing people are kept separate from the face- to-face talks. -DENKTAS-CLERIDES MEETING ENDS (2) United Nations Secretary General Kofi Annan's Special Representative Alvaro de Soto also attended the meeting as observer. Responding questions of journalists following the meeting, President Denktas said that they had held a very good meeting. Denktas said that they would hold another meeting at 17:00 local time on Monday. Meanwhile, De Soto said that the two leaders had reached a compromise to hold the meetings on Monday, Wednesday and Friday. -KDP AND PUK RELEASE A JOINT STATEMENT: ''KURDS SEEK A UNITED AND A ''Both the KDP and the PUK; as the main two political groups in Iraqi Kurdistan; vehemently deny these unfounded and provocative accusations. We are advocating for the territorial integrity and unity of Iraq with a democratic and a federal solution to the Kurdish question. Furthermore, the responsibility to maintain the security of our borders and the stability in the region is given high priority. Equally both parties are wary of the legitimate concerns of the neighboring countries and those of Turkey in particular,'' the statement added. -TURKISH AND GREEK SCIENTISTS PREPARE 79 JOINT RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT Scientific and Technical Research Council of Turkey (TUBITAK) Deputy Chairman Prof. Tugrul Tankut told A.A correspondent on Wednesday that TUBITAK and Greek Ministry of Development General Secretariat of Research and Technology (GSRT) had signed ''Scientific Cooperation Protocol''. Pointing out that joint research and development projects between scientists of the two countries were supported in accordance with the protocol, Tankut said that the cost of the projects would be met by the two countries equally. Stating that scientists should get approval by giving their projects to the scientific organizations in their countries, Tankut said that the announcement for the project applications was made in October 2001 in accordance with the protocol and that 79 projects, jointly prepared by Turkish and Greek scientists, had been presented to TUBITAK within two months. Prof. Tankut said that Greek scientists had also presented the same projects to the concerned organizations in their countries. A total of 2.5 million U.S. dollars was requested from TUBITAK for the projects on informatics, medicine, agriculture, health, basic sciences, environment, earthquake and archeology and restoration, Tankut noted. Tankut said that TUBITAK did not limit the budget for the projects which would be supported and that Greek officials wanted total budget of the projects to be around 100 thousand U.S dollars. Turkey preferred to allocate greater amounts to the projects and they expected that Greece would act in this line, Tankut said. Stating that the two countries supported the research and development projects by a new model, Tankut pointed out that they wanted the content of the projects to be satisfactory and the budget of them to be persuasive. Committees and consultant and project groups of the two countries, would evaluate 79 projects separately and after the evaluation, the projects, which would be supported, would be determined by a joint study, Tankut noted. Tankut added that they didn't determine a calendar related to the joint projects. -PROTEST IN FRONT OF IRANIAN EMBASSY IN ANKARA A person named Seyed Hamid Seyedi threw a fire bomb to the garden of the embassy building at 11.00 a.m. The security forces on duty in front of the embassy captured the protestor and handed him over to anti-terror teams. Seyedi told police that he was sheltering in the guesthouse for immigrants and noted that he staged the attack because the Iranian state was pressing on his family currently settled in Iran. Anti-terror teams started to interrogate Seyedi. -DENKTAS AND CLERIDES TO MEET EACH OTHER THREE TIMES A WEEK Following tete-a-tete meeting of Denktas and Clerides on Wednesday in which United Nations (U.N) Secretary General's Special Envoy to Cyprus Alvaro De Soto as an observer, the interdelegationary meetings were held. De Soto told reporters that the meeting was very positive and that the leaders discussed the core of the issues. This was very encouraging, De Soto said. Upon a question about his role, De Soto said that he would try to help the leaders in every issue. Responding to a question if he was settling down on Cyprus, De Soto said that he would be on the island as long as the talks continued. De Soto noted that the following meetings would be closed to the press and that they would make a statement when needed. Denktas said that the meetings were very positive and noted that they would meet again on Monday while Clerides did not make any statement. -DENKTAS SAYS CLERIDES AND HE FOCUSED ON GENERAL FRAMEWORK Speaking to reporters following the meeting, Denktas said that the meeting was good and positive, adding, ''Clerides and I have held a face-to-face meeting. We will start to have meeting as delegations at 5 o'clock p.m. on every Monday, Wednesday and Friday.'' When asked what kind of a programme would be prepared for the content of the talks, Denktas said, ''every necessary thing will be discussed beginning from Monday and functions of both sides will be taken up.'' When asked what they had discussed the same day, Denktas said, ''we have focused on the general framework.'' Dünya Parlamento Ekonomi Spor Sanat-Magazin Sağlık
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