TRKNWS-L Turkish Press Review (23 Nov. 95)

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Turkish News Directory

CONTENTS

TURKISH PRESS REVIEW

THURSDAY NOVEMBER 23, 1995

Summary of the political and economic news in the Turkish press

this morning

[01] TURKEY WELCOMES BOSNIAN PEACE AGREEMENT

President Suleyman Demirel sent messages to the presidents of Bosnia, Croatia and Serbia yesterday, congratulating them on the great effort they showed for reinstituting peace in Bosnia-Herzegovina. A statement from the President's office said Demirel had derived great satisfaction from the results obtained from the talks held under Washington's auspices. It said Demirel believed in the importance of the need for the full implementation of the Dayton accord. It added that Turkey was prepared to assist in all the efforts for the reconstruction and economic development of Bosnia, saying that Demirel would also increase his personal efforts by means of the close ties he has with regional leaders to ensure a positive outcome in this respect.

"We see this agreement as a start of peace, stability and harmonious co-existence in the region" Turkish Foreign Ministry Spokesman Omer Akbel told a press briefing. Turkey --which currently has some 1,480 troops in the UN force in Bosnia-- was preparing to join a peacekeeping force with 1,500 Turkish troops under NATO command due to replace UN troops there, Akbel said. Akbel said Turkey would also help in Bosnia's economic and structural reconstruction. "Turkey is determined to actively contribute to the reconstruction and rehabilitation of Bosnia and Herzegovina" Akbel added, but did not say what Turkey's contribution might be. /Milliyet-Cumhuriyet/

[02] BRITAIN BACKS TURKISH BID FOR EU CUSTOMS PACT

Ciller, standing next to Major said she was delighted with Britain's support and was confident Turkey could act as a bridge for peace between Europe and Asia. Ciller said the Customs Union (CU) would not only effect Turkey in economic terms but it would also help Turkey improve its human rights record and democratic development. Ciller also met with Labour Party leader Tony Blair in the House of Commons. At a press conference after this meeting, Ciller said Blair had received her very warmly. Asked about the reaction of Blair to CU, Ciller said: "He said that they, as the Labour Party, will support Turkey's CU with the EU".

"I pledge to you today that Turkey will continue on the course we have set to expand rights and to strengthen our democratic institutions. Not because of pressure from Europe, but because of the passionate commitment of Turkey's people to democracy, personal freedom and individual liberties" she added.

Responding to another question, Ciller said that during her talks with Major the topics of Cyprus and of the pro-Kurdish Med-TV broadcasts out of London had also been taken up. Turkey believes Med-TV to be the mouthpiece of the Kurdistan Workers' Party or PKK. Ciller said that Major had told Med-TV was something that concerned the British Independent Broadcasting Authority, a watchdog body. She added, however, that he had assured her they would do everything to ensure that Med-TV did not engage in anti-Turkish propaganda. /Hurriyet-Milliyet/

[03] BAYKAL IN BONN

Baykal, who held a bilateral meeting with German Foreign Minister Klaus Kinkel, said that Turkey was very displeased with the meeting between German CDU Deputy Lummer and terrorist leader Abdullah Ocalan. Kinkel did not deny the meeting was held, but said: "I read about it in Focus Magazine. We have banned the PKK as it is a terrorist organization. I absolutely do not approve of meeting with representatives of such an organization. This meeting has nothing to do with the German Federal government's official policy. We give support to Turkey in its struggle against terrorism". Baykal pointed out the consequences of terrorism in Bosnia, Israel and Saudi Arabia and stressed the importance of cooperation against terrorism. Following a question, Baykal recalled that it was out of the question for Turkey to sit at a negotiation table with a terrorist organization.

Kinkel told Baykal that he had written a letter to the European Parliament Speaker last week saying that the German government wanted Turkey to enter the CU. Kinkel said: "Turkey belongs to Europe. It is also a model country for the Middle East and Mediterranean. We will do our best for the realization of the union". /Hurriyet-Milliyet-Cumhuriyet/

[04] GREEK OBSTACLE FALLS FLAT

Although Greece hoped to at least force a postponement of final votes on the union, Greek EP parliamentarians have failed to gain the support needed to bring off the move against Turkey. Despite ill-intentioned ploys by Greece, all the indications are that the vital December 11 vote will take place as planned, making final debate on the issue a mere formalioty. With major EU member countries and top EU officials speaking out in favour of Turkey, there is now little that Greece can do to block EU customs union with Turkey.

In the meantime, Prime Minister Ciller in London has confirmed Britain's support for Turkey, and Foreign Minister Baykal in Bonn has won German favour. /All papers/

[05] DEMIREL HOSTING ROMANIAN PRESIDENT

Iliescu has already noted that relations between Romania and Turkey are close and special with continual high level meetings that do much to deepen ties. Officials on both sides have declared that the current visit of the delegation from Romania will yield positive results. One of the main items on the agenda is understood to be partnership between Turkey and Romania for rebuilding projects in Bosnia once details of the peace have been settled. /Cumhuriyet-Sabah/

[06] NEXT IS CYPRUS

Boucher noted that developments should be expected in 1996 and that US Assistant Secretary of State, Richard Holbrooke would also perhaps visit Cyprus in December. Commenting on the words of EU Commissioner Hans Van Den Broek, who said that the Cyprus problem was a European issue and the solution should not be left to the US, Boucher said: "We always said that the EU was a positive factor for both communities to achieve a solution. The important thing is that we all work for the UN. We must work towards support of UN initiatives". /Cumhuriyet/

[07] PARLIAMENT RATIFIES BILL ON UN CONVENTION AGAINST SMUGGLING

[08] DEPUTY CHIEF OF US GENERAL STAFF TO VISIT TURKEY

[09] CILLER IN US PRESS CLUB HALL OF FAME

[10] INDIAN STATE MINISTER FOR EDUCATION AND CULTURE VISITS TURKEY

[11] KURDISH CENTRE OPENS IN BULGARIA

[12] ANKARA WARNS TALABANI

Talabani however has denied that he has closer connections with the PKK, saying that it would be damaging to him if he were to support the PKK. Developments in the region are changing the balance sought after by Turkey, the US and Britain in the Dublin talks. /Hurriyet/

[13] PKK TERROR CONTINUING

Elsewhere, during week-long operations by the security forces in the Tunceli region, 5 TIKKO militants were killed and one was wounded. Two soldiers were also killed in the clashes. /Cumhuriyet/

[14] IRAN INITIATES OPERATION AGAINST PKK

[15] EUROPEAN TRADESMEN FOR CUSTOMS UNION WITH TURKEY

END