Anadolu Agency: News in English, 98-01-06

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From: The Anadolu Agency Home Page at <http://www.anadoluajansi.gov.tr/>

06 JAN 1998

CONTENTS

[01] TURKEY-PRESS SCAN

[02] TURKEY-IMMIGRANTS - 28 IRAQI AND ONE IRANIAN ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS EXPELLED

[03] TURKEY-ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS - A MEETING HELD IN INTERIOR MINISTRY ON HUMAN SMUGGLING

[04] US-TURKEY-ISRAEL - US: ''RELIANT MERMAID'' MILITARY EXERCISE IS OF HUMANITARIAN AIM AND DO NOT HAVE OBJECTIVES FORWARDED TO A THIRD COUNTRY

[05] TURKEY-FRANCE - FRENCH FOREIGN MINISTER VEDRINE DUE TO VISIT TURKEY ON WEDNESDAY

[06] TURKEY-ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS - 18 NORTHERN IRAQIS ARRESTED ON THEIR WAY TO GREECE

[07] TURKEY-POLITICS - SEZER ELECTED AS CONSTITUTIONAL COURT CHAIRMAN

[08] TURKEY-INTERNAL - MILD QUAKE IN AEGEAN SEA

[09] TURKEY-IMMIGRANTS - STATE MINISTER GUREL: ''SOME REFUGEES USE TURKEY AS A SPRINGBOARD''

[10] TURQUIE-AFFAIRE ARARAT: - ANKARA SOUMETTRA UN DOSSIER SUR LE PKK A ROME.

[11] TURKEY-PRESS REVIEW (1)

[12] TURKEY-PRESS REVIEW (2)

[13] TURKEY-PRESS REVIEW (3)

[14] TURKEY-ISRAEL-US - MILITARY SPOKESMEN STAGE JOINT NEWS CONFERENCE - JORDANIAN NAVAL FORCES COMMANDER: ''WE BELIEVE THAT MILITARY EXERCISE IS USEFUL FOR MEDITERRANEAN COUNTRIES''

[15] TURKEY-IMMIGRANTS - 57 FOREIGNERS ARRESTED IN EDIRNE ON THEIR WAY TO GREECE IN LAST THREE DAYS - 12 THOUSAND PEOPLE ARRESTED LAST YEAR WHO ATTEMPED TO PASS THE BORDER ILLEGALLY IN EDIRNE ALONE

[16] TURKEY-ILLEGAL MIGRATION - INTERIOR MINISTER BASESGIOGLU: ''PKK IS AMONG THOSE INTERNATIONAL CRIME ORGANIZATIONS WHICH PLAN ILLEGAL MIGRATION''

[17] TURKEY-INTERNAL - CLOSURE CASE OF WELFARE PARTY - CONSTITUTIONAL COURT TO CONTINUE TO DISCUSS THE CASE ON JAN 8

[18] TURKEY-FRANCE - FRENCH FOREIGN MINISTER VEDRINE TO VISIT TURKEY

[19] GREECE-WESTERN THRACE - TWO TURKISH PEOPLE ATTACKED IN WESTERN THRACE

[20] ILLEGAL IMMIGRANT MOVEMENT - BULGARIAN TURKS ASSOCIATION OF CULTURE AND ASSISTANCE CONDEMNS ATTITUTE OF ITALY AND GREECE

[21] TURKEY IN BRIEF, JANUARY 6, 1998

[22] TURKEY-INTERNAL - COUNCIL OF MINISTERS MEETING - TURKEY DECIDES TO TAKE LEGAL MEASURES REGARDING ILLEGAL MIGRATION TO ITALY VIA TURKEY: VISA SYSTEM TO BE REVISED, PHYSICAL MEASURES TO BE INCREASED IN BORDER GATES

[01] TURKEY-PRESS SCAN

H�RR�YET (LIBERAL) TURKEY ON THE FRONT PAGE
Famous Time Magazine said Turkey is the most democratic country of Islam world and that it may be a rival to Germany with its graet economic potential.

OUR SHIPS IN HAIFA
Turkey's Yavuz and Zafer frigates, which will participate in ''Reliant Mermaid'' military exercise that will be staged in Eastern Mediterranean between Turkey, Israel and the US, reached to Israel's Haifa Harbour.

M�LL�YET (LIBERAL) FIRST OF ALL INFLATION
Prime Minister Yilmaz called for support of Republican Peoples Party (CHP) for reforms. Baykal urged economic problems to be solved.

SABAH (LIBERAL) GREAT PANIC IN THE AIR
Two planes carrying a total of 264 people made an obligatory landing to Istanbul one by one on Monday.

CUMHUR�YET (LEFT)

THREAT FROM GOKTEPE SUSPECT TO WITNESS
Fikret Kayacan, suspect policeman of the killing of reporter Metin Goktepe threatened witness Deniz Ozcan during the investigation on the spot.

T�RK�YE (RIGHT) CUSTOY TO DEATH SHIPS
Another organization which wanted to send Northern Iraqis to Italy collapsed. Two rotten ships that will be used in the transportation were seized.

''WE WILL COPE WITH INFLATION''
Prime Minister Yilmaz said Turkey's getting rid of inflation problem was not a dream.

RAD�KAL (LEFT) BE CAREFUL! THERE IS A MOLE..
Welfare Party (RP) leader Necmettin Erbakan who indicated that they have a mole in constitutional court, prepares an additional defense to prevent an early decision. According to the information of the court the 50-page defense is ready.

STRAITS REGULATIONS READY
The regulation which turned to a chaos with the start of transportation of Caspian oil is ready. The regulation which will arrange Straits traffic brings ''Financial Responsibility Assurance'', age and tonage limitations. The regulation also urges the ships to take guide.

ZAMAN (CONSERVATIVE)

YEN� Y�ZYIL (LIBERAL)

F�NANSAL FORUM (ECONOMY) ''RELATIONS WITH EUROPE WILL NOT EFFECT WEAPON
PURCHASES''
Defense Industry Undersecretary Yalcin Burak said no order came from the government not to purchase anything from European Union. ''I think weapon purchases will not be effected from relations with EU. Yet, the government may implement another strategy in the future.''

[02] TURKEY-IMMIGRANTS - 28 IRAQI AND ONE IRANIAN ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS EXPELLED

After the decision of the court, the illegal immigrants were sent to Habur Border Gate by bus.

A statement by Aydin Governorship said that one Iranian and 28 Iraqi illegal immigrants were intending to go to Greek Samos Island from Kusadasi by sea. The gang members Hikmetullah Adiyaman (33), Feyzullah Adiyaman (26), Ercan Sel&ccedil;uko&eth;lu (24), Kemal Sel&ccedil;uko&eth;lu (58), Mehmet Sait Dermi (27), Yahya Adiyaman (21), Serdar Tahir �smail (33) and Iraqi Karim Farhad (24) that organized the transportation of these illegal immigrants to Greeek Samos Island for 1.200 US dollars for each person, were taken under custody.

The statement said that eight Pakistani people, who were caught without passports in a vehicle on Sunday evening, entered Turkey two months ago and they were also planning to go to Western Europe through Greece through illegal ways.

Aydin Security Director Ahmet Tekin Akin said that security forces controlled Aydin-Izmir, Aydin-Denizli and Aydin-Mugla motorways and sea side throughout 24 hours. ''Illegal passages won't be permitted,'' he said.

[03] TURKEY-ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS - A MEETING HELD IN INTERIOR MINISTRY ON HUMAN SMUGGLING

A meeting is held on recent human smuggling issue under the chairmanship of Interior Minister Murat Basesgioglu and with the participation of General Staff, Foreign Ministry, National Intelligence Organization (MIT), Gendarmerie, National Security Council, Security General Directorate, Coastal Security, Customs and Maritime authorities.

A statement issued after the meeting said that illegal immigration had an international dimension and was an activity of organized crime.

The statement also said that the problem reached to such a point by false analysis and miscalculation of many European countries concerning the situation, and by also their intention to see and show human smuggling as a political problem for Turkey. In the meeting, it was determined that this false approach encouraged both organized crime gangs and people who are involved in the human smuggling.

The statement said that the information that political asylum will be given to people who come by means of illegal immigration, triggered this organized crime. Preventing illegal immigration movements will become very difficult if this false attitude continues, the statement added.

''Turkey suffers from these illegal immigration movements. Modification of the present precautions in the light of recent developments is taken up in the meeting,'' the statement said, ''it is reported that more than 16 thousand people with different nationalities who were intending to illegally exit from Turkey to migrate to Europe, were arrested by security forces in 1997.''

''Turkey prevented illegal entries to, and illegal exits from Turkey considerably. The importance of Turkey's calls for effective cooperation for struggle against organized crime and terrorism, became clear once again, '' the statement said.

[04] US-TURKEY-ISRAEL - US: ''RELIANT MERMAID'' MILITARY EXERCISE IS OF HUMANITARIAN AIM AND DO NOT HAVE OBJECTIVES FORWARDED TO A THIRD COUNTRY

Responding to questions about the military exercise which will be staged with the participation of Turkey, Israel and the US, Rubin said it was a humanitarian aim research and rescue exercise. Rubin said the exercise was planned to start on Jan 7 in international waters in the open seas of Israel adding that the aim is to perform reasearch and rescue efforts in coordination in emergency cases.

The US State Department Spokesman said all of these three sides will be briefed about the capacity of the other and will determine ways how to act more effectively in possible emergency cases in the future. Rubin said cooperation of US with its two close friends Turkey and Israel is natural and desirable.

Rubin stressed that Reliant Mermaid military exercise did not have any connection with any fact and did not target any country. He said the US, for a long time, promoted the strengthening of relations between Turkey and Israel, who are two important friends and allies in the region.

When recalled that countries like Syria opposed to the military exercise, Rubin said that they believe that they are right to call for improvement of relations and cooperation between Turkey and Israel. Yet, it should not be forgotten that there will be countries who oppose to any development in the Middle East, he said, pointing out that Reliant Mermaid is a humanitarian aim reseach and rescue operation.

[05] TURKEY-FRANCE - FRENCH FOREIGN MINISTER VEDRINE DUE TO VISIT TURKEY ON WEDNESDAY

French diplomatic sources said Vedrine would give the message that they knew that Turkey was in a disappointment and that they understood this and would also stress that dialogue should be maintained in order to overcome problems.

Vedrine will also stress that they believed that London, during its Term Presidency, will launch necessary initiatives to re-install dialogue.

French Foreign Minister will also convey that positive sides of the European Union (EU) summit concerning Turkey should not be ignored and will give the message that ''Turkey is within expansion process.''

Vedrine will also stress the importance of steps that will be taken by Turkey on democracy and human rights issue.

Vedrine is expected to recall that they extended support to the UN efforts based on bi-zonal, bi-communal federation on Cyprus question and will also say that full membership perspective was a positive aspect for solution.

Illegal immigrants going from Turkey to Italy is expected to be taken up during Vedrine's contacts in Ankara.

France, last week, blamed Italy with not being able to protect its borders well on the issue of illegal immigrants.

[06] TURKEY-ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS - 18 NORTHERN IRAQIS ARRESTED ON THEIR WAY TO GREECE

Gendarmerie, acting on a tip off, arrested 18 Northern Iraqi illegal immigrants, including one woman and one child, in a van near Celtik village of Silivri.

Authorities said that an inquiry was underway.

[07] TURKEY-POLITICS - SEZER ELECTED AS CONSTITUTIONAL COURT CHAIRMAN

Constitutional Court Delegation convened at 10:00 with the participation of 10 members.

Ahmet Necdet Sezer was elected as the Chairman in the 4th tour with six votes.

Sezer was born in 1941 in Aegean Afyon province. He graduated Ankara University Faculty of Law in 1962.

Sezer is married with three children.

[08] TURKEY-INTERNAL - MILD QUAKE IN AEGEAN SEA

Bogazici University Kandilli Observatory officials said that the epicenter of the quake was the Aegean Sea.

The quake with a preliminary magnitude of 4.1 in Richter scale, was also felt around Izmir, but did not cause any damage.

[09] TURKEY-IMMIGRANTS - STATE MINISTER GUREL: ''SOME REFUGEES USE TURKEY AS A SPRINGBOARD''

Gurel said in a press briefing in Democratic Left Party (DSP) Izmir Center that there are some problems because Turkey constitutes a passage to Europe.

''Turkey is a country that accepts refugees. This fact was once more proofed in Gulf War. However Turkey's goodwill is misused. Some people see Turkey as a springboard,'' he said.

Stating that Turkey suffered much from lack of authority in Northern Iraq, Gurel said:

''Majority of the immigrants are Northern Iraqis. There are people benefiting from this immigration wave. PKK may be among them, as this is a chance for PKK to discredit Turkey. Turkey has been in contact with European countries since the end of summer and warned and requested cooperation on this issue.''

Stating that Turkey did not make ethnic discrimination, Gurel said, ''it is intended to create an expression on Turkey as there is ethnic discrimination and the immigration is a result of that. These efforts are unfair to Turkey and do not produce any solution to the problem.''

Responding to a question on military exercises in the Aegean, G�rel said, ''we have scheduled military exercises in international waters of the Aegean Sea. However, Greece sees international waters as its territorial waters. This is unacceptable to Turkey. Greece tries to respond Turkey with exercises organized in a rush. By doing so, they want to turn political tension into military tension. Tension may seem to be useful in Greece's internal politics, however it is a wrong policy in the long term.''

Concerning Cyprus question, Gurel said that latest decision of the European Union (EU) was a step towards the partitioning of the island and against the principle of equality between the peoples. ''EU did not talk about two equal peoples in the island, on the contrary it took a decision that foresees minorities, communities in the island. On the other hand, Turkey said that any negotiations in the island can be realized on the basis of two states anymore,'' he said.

Saying that there were serious steps on Human Rights issue, Gurel said, ''there are very detailed preparations. The studies are about to finish. Turkey's speed will not cease after the decision of the EU, on the contrary it will increase. Because we don't do it for other people but for our people.''

[10] TURQUIE-AFFAIRE ARARAT: - ANKARA SOUMETTRA UN DOSSIER SUR LE PKK A ROME.

A cette occasion, M. Bilican, qui doit rencontrer ses homologues de France, d'Allemagne, de Grece, d'Italie et des Pays-Bas, doit remettre un dossier sur les activites de l'organisation terroriste-separatiste pkk, a-t-on rapporte mardi de source officielle.

En marge de ses activites terroristes, le pkk se livre egalement au trafic de drogue et au trafic de ressortissants etrangers, plus particulierement de kurdes, qu'elle cherche a fixer dans les pays occidentaux en vue de creer une opinion publique, dans ces pays, hostiles a la Turquie, selon les sources officielles.

''L'Europe ne doit pas encourager l'immigration clandestine en reconnaissant le statut de refugie politique aux immigres en difficulte economique; l'espoir d'obtenir un statut de refugie politique et le developpement par le pkk d'une nouvelle strategie de propagande anti-turque tendant a expliquer cet afflux'', a notamment declare le ministre de l'interieur turc, M. Murat Ba&thorn;esgio&eth;lu, qui a mis en garde lundi les pays europeens contre une poursuite eventuelle de l'immigration clandestine tant que ces pays tolereraient la presence sur leur sol du pkk.

''L'immigration clandestine est une forme de ''commerce d'esclaves'' mene par le pkk en collaboration avec des compagnies de transport illegales'', a- t-il declare en poursuivant: ''De tels problemes existeront tant que les pays europeens tolereront la presence, soit legale ou soit illegale, du pkk sur leur sol''.

''Cette immigration clandestine presente uniquement un aspect economique. Les faux passeports et visas sont obtenus par l'intermediaire du pkk'', a-t- il rapporte.

''Nos autorites ont renforce les controles dans tous les ports et sur les passages des detroits turcs, (Bosphore et les Dardanelles, qui relient la mer Noire a la mer Egee), afin de prevenir d'autres afflux'', a-t-il indique, en faisant etat de l'existence d'une contrebande de personnes en Iran, en Syrie et au Liban.

La police d'Istanbul a annonce lundi que pres de 200 immigres clandestins qui s'appretaient a quitter la Turquie pour l'Europe de l'ouest avaient ete arrete dans la nuit de dimanche a lundi sur la rive europeenne de cette metropole.

Selon la police, ces immigres sont principalement des pakistanais, des irakiens, des syriens, des bengalais et des afghans.

La police a egalement arrete le proprietaire du navire ''Ararat'' qui s'etait echoue au large des cotes italiennes le 27 decembre avec plus de 800 immigres clandestins, dont des kurdes, a bord, ainsi que l'un des proprietaires d'une compagnie touristique a Istanbul, ''Sibel Turizm'', accusee de faire passer en Europe des immigres clandestins pour 3.000 a 6.000 DM, soit 1.650-3.000 dollars.

M. Basesgioglu a enfin reaffirme que la Turquie etait prete a accueillir les immigres clandestins de nationalite turque et autres immigres etrangers dont le point de depart a ete la Turquie.

[11] TURKEY-PRESS REVIEW (1)

(Derived from Newsspot of Turkish Directorate of General Press and Information)

TURKEY BLASTS PKK OVER IMMIGRATION STREAM
Turkey blasted the PKK terrorist organization yesterday for promoting and organizing the latest immigration flood which has been dominating both European and Turkish agendas for the past week. Talking to reporters, Interior Minister Murat Basesgioglu responded to questions on the growing immigration issue. He said that Europe had becoming especially aware of this situation when nearly 1,200 refugees -many of them Kurds from Turkey and northern Iraq- landed on the Italian coast last week.

The meeting, which aimed to formulate Turkey's policy toward the issue, gathered the top brass from the Interior Ministry, Foreign Ministry, National Intelligence Agency (MIT), National Security Council, Security Department, Interpol, General Staff, Maritime, Customs Undersecretariat, Gendarmery and Coast Guard. "We are going to evaluate our previous and current policies and security measures, with all the representatives of the security units" said Basesgioglu, adding: "Measures have been tightened in all Turkish harbours, all check-points, exists from Turkey and, of course, the Bosphorus". He called on Europe, especially Italy, not to give political asylum to these people fleeing from poverty, but not persecution. In a press conference yesterday, Turkish Foreign Ministry Spokesman Sermet Atacanli said that Italy would attract more illicit Kurdish migration if it went ahead with plans to grant political asylum to Kurds on a large scale.

Security chiefs from six European countries will meet in Rome Thursday. Ankara blames the PKK terrorist organization for the escalation of the crisis. During the meeting in Rome, Turkish officials will present a file providing evidence that their fears are not groundless. The meeting will be attended by security officials from Turkey, Germany, Italy, France, Holland and Austria.

German Minister of the Interior Manfred Kanther said that if the flow of refugees is not taken under control, not only Italy, but the whole Europe will be flooded with refugees. Kanther said that especially Greece an Italy should undertake strict controls to cope with the growing problem. /All papers/

LE MONDE: EUROPE IS WRONG IN ITS ATTITUDE
An article published in the French daily newspaper Le Monde says that Europe's reaction towards Turkey on illegal immigration is not reasonable. The article adds, "If Europe closes its doors against Turkey, neither should it let in Kurdish refugees." /Cumhuriyet/

TURKEY, US AND ISRAEL GIVE MESSAGE TO THE WORLD
Turkey-US-Israel joint naval exercises commenced in the eastern Mediterranean yesterday afternoon despite the fierce reactions of Iran the "Reliant Mermaid" maneuvres arrived in the Israeli port of Haifa yesterday morning. In a meeting with journalists, the commanders from the three countries clasped their hands together and said: "These maneuvres are a message to the world. We are proud that our three countries are cooperating in staging humanitarian exercises." /Sabah/

(CONTINUES)

[12] TURKEY-PRESS REVIEW (2)

(Derived from Newsspot of Turkish Directorate of General Press and Information)

NEW TENSION IN THE AEGEAN
News that Greece was about to settle some islets and islands in the Aegean has created strong reaction in Ankara. Foreign Ministry officials have accused Athens of provoking new tensions and added that Greece was aiming to extend its Aegean territorial waters and turn the Aegean into a Greek lake. They stressed that Turkey was closely watching recent Greek initiatives involving the settlement of Aegean Sea islands. /Cumhuriyet/

PARLIAMENT DISCUSSES EU'S DECISION ON TURKEY
Parliament holds a debate today to discuss the European Union's (EU) recent decision to exclude Turkey from the list of full membership candidates, and is expected to issue a declaration at the end of the meeting outlining its stance on the subject. /All papers/

COOK'S STATEMENT
British Foreign Minister Robin Cook said yesterday that it was not possible to determine a definite date for Turkey's EU membership. He underlined the importance of the continuation of the Turco-EU dialogue and asserted that Britain would work to support this during its EU term-presidency (which started on January 1 and will continue until the end of June). /All papers/

FRENCH FOREIGN MINISTER TO VISIT ANKARA
French Foreign Minister Hubert Vedrine, who will be in Ankara tomorrow on the first leg of his visit to Turkey and Greece, will urge the two countries to adopt "a realistic and cool-minded policy" in order to normalize relations between the two countries, said French Foreign Ministry Deputy Spokesman Yves Doutriaux yesterday.

The spokesman reaffirmed that France wanted a "normalization" of relations between the two countries and stability in the eastern Mediterranean. This desire will be expressed during the visit of Vedrine to Athens and to Ankara where he will meet with his Turkish counterpart Ismail Cem, Prime Minister Mesut Yilmaz, President Suleyman Demirel and Parliament Speaker Hikmet Cetin. /Milliyet/

UZBEK DEFENSE MINISTER IN ANKARA
Uzbekistan's Defense Minister Tursunov Hikmetulla paid an official visit to Defense Minister and Deputy Prime Minister Ismet Sezgin yesterday. Recalling that Turkey was the first country to recognize Uzbekistan, Sezgin said Turkey appreciated the steps taken by Uzbekistan for economic and political reforms to integrate into a democratic system, and was politically supporting the process.

Hikmetulla stated during his visit to Sezgin that this was his first official visit. "International cooperation is one of Uzbekistan's priorities, and Turkey carries importance within these relations" said Hikmetulla, who later visited Chief of General Staff Gen.Ismail Hakki Karadayi.

(CONTINUES)

[13] TURKEY-PRESS REVIEW (3)

(Derived from Newsspot of Turkish Directorate of General Press and Information)

US DRAWS ATTENTION TO TANKER TRAFFIC VIA STRAITS
Amid the increasing tanker traffic via the Straits, which has been evaluated as signaling a potential environmental catastrophe, a voice in opposition to this increase came from Washington, with the releasing of another "Turkey report" by the US Department of Energy. The "Turkey report" draws attention to the increasing traffic of oil-loaded tankers through the Straits.

ISTANBUL STOCK INDEX BREAKS RECORD
The Istanbul Stock Exchange (IMKB) National-100 index rose to 3,626 with a 175-point increase following closure on Wednesday. Stock shares rose on average 5.08 percent in value. The expectation of increases in January created new movement in the markets. The index, which stood at 3,522 points on opening, passed the 3,600 mark due to movement in energy and public sector shares. Toward the end of the first half of the day's trading the index reached 3,623 points, breaking the old peak of 3,624.

"TIME" MAGAZINE PRAISES TURKEY

In its latest issue, the noted "Time" magazine extended front page coverage to Turkey and the founder of the Turkish Republic Mustafa Kemal Ataturk. Ataturk, who emerged as a leader in the survey carried out by "Time" to find out the most important personality of the 20th century, appears for the third time on "Time" cover. Votes in support of Ataturk in the "Time" survey have exceeded two million.

The magazine gives details about modern Turkey in a six-page article. Turkey is described as "the most democratic Islamic country" and is said to have huge economic potential rivalling that of Germany. "Time" stressed that there were few countries with greater economic importance than Turkey. /Hurriyet/

"CYPRUS IS A TIME BOMB"

Examining EU expansion, the Financial Times newspaper looked at hand the prospects of Cyprus-Europe integration and said that if tensions on the island continue to escalate, EU policy-makers will "curse the day when they decided to bring Cyprus into the Union". The paper noted that accepting Cyprus into the EU may turn out to be a very risky move, but at the same time may offer opportunities for resolving problems on the islands. /Sabah/

FLOWER EXPORT BOOM
During the Christmas Holidays, Antalya flower producers exported six million carnations to Europe worth $1.5 million. Taking advantage of the approaching St.Valentine's Day, flower exporters are planning to realize another big export drive. /Sabah/

BRITONS TO BRIEF TURKISH OFFICIALS
The British National Grid Company will brief Energy and Natural Resources Minister Cumhur Ersumer and ministry officials. The National Grid Company arranges relations between companies which produce energy and distribute energy. The British company will give information on privatization in energy and explain how power exchange works. /Hurriyet/

[14] TURKEY-ISRAEL-US - MILITARY SPOKESMEN STAGE JOINT NEWS CONFERENCE - JORDANIAN NAVAL FORCES COMMANDER: ''WE BELIEVE THAT MILITARY EXERCISE IS USEFUL FOR MEDITERRANEAN COUNTRIES''

Military Spokesmen of Turkey, Israel and the US, who participate in Reliant Mermaid military exercise staged a joint news conference on Tuesday.

General Staff Spokesman Colonel Husnu Dag said the Reliant Mermaid exercise was of humanitarian aim and did not target any third country. He said the aim of the military exercise was to perform in coordination the necessary research and rescue activities in possible sea accidents in the region.

Dag said Turkey performed similar training and military exercises with the countries of the region within the framework of military training and cooperation agreement and stressed that ''we are open to similar cooperation proposals that will come from other countries.''

Israeli Military Spokesman Gen. Oded Ben-Ami said Israeli fleet was pleased to cooperate with the fleet of the countries of the region. ''We want all countries in the region to participate for a more secure Mediterranean,'' he said.

Responding to the question of a Greek journalist if Cyprus FIR line would be used in the exercise, Israeli Military Spokesman said it would be performed in international waters and air space. ''Cyprus may participate in a military exercise that will take place in the future,'' he added.

The US Military Spokesman said ''such military exercises are very important for the stability of the Mediterranean region.''

Meanwhile, Jordanian Naval Forces Command Admiral Khasawneh recalled that they participated in the exercise as observer upon the proposal of Turkey. He said ''I believe that this will be useful for our people.''

Turkey participates in the military exercise with Yavuz and Zafer frigates and a helicopter, the US with a destroyer and Israel with two ships, like Sa'ar type speed boats and a helicopter.

[15] TURKEY-IMMIGRANTS - 57 FOREIGNERS ARRESTED IN EDIRNE ON THEIR WAY TO GREECE IN LAST THREE DAYS - 12 THOUSAND PEOPLE ARRESTED LAST YEAR WHO ATTEMPED TO PASS THE BORDER ILLEGALLY IN EDIRNE ALONE

A.A. reporter said that 52 Iraqis, four Azeri and one Georgian were arrested in forbidden military zones of Azmak region of Ipsala township and Hasircaarnavut and Rahmanca villages of Meric township by border patrols.

The foreigners said that they wanted to cross Meric river and pass to Greece, and then to other European countries to work.

Meanwhile, it was stated that overall number of foreigners who were arrested when they attempted to pass the border illegally in Edirne reached to 12 thousand. Officials said that majority of these people were of Iraqi origin.

[16] TURKEY-ILLEGAL MIGRATION - INTERIOR MINISTER BASESGIOGLU: ''PKK IS AMONG THOSE INTERNATIONAL CRIME ORGANIZATIONS WHICH PLAN ILLEGAL MIGRATION''

Baseskioglu stated that PKK tries to introduce the incident as ''a Kurdish migration'' to Europe, so it misleads both Italy and European countries.

Responding to questions of journalists, Interior Minister Baseskioglu pointed out that Turkey expects Italy to give information regarding the identities of those people who had earlier entered Italy illegally, adding that some people try to create such an image in Europe as if ''citizens living in eastern and southeastern Anatolia are forced to migrate,'' which is not true.

''There are people from many countries. There are people from Northern Iraq, Iran, Afghanistan and Bangladesh. The incident happened due to only economic reasons, it does not have political dimensions,'' said Baseskioglu.

Noting that there are international crime organizations both in Turkey and Europe which organize such kind of incidents, Basesgioglu stressed that the separatist terrorist organization PKK is among them.

Interior Minister Basesgioglu pointed out that the ministry has further intensified its measures to find out human smugglers after this incident. ''However Turkey can not prevent this illegal migration only by itself. European countries should give up giving 'political refugee' status to these people,'' he said.

[17] TURKEY-INTERNAL - CLOSURE CASE OF WELFARE PARTY - CONSTITUTIONAL COURT TO CONTINUE TO DISCUSS THE CASE ON JAN 8

The closure case was heard before the Constitutional Court until the last days of 1997, but later it had been postponed until January 8, as the examination could not be completed.

The Constitutional Court delegation will meet under the chairmanship of newly elected president Ahmet Necdet Sezer and it will continue to examine the evidence regarding the case.

[18] TURKEY-FRANCE - FRENCH FOREIGN MINISTER VEDRINE TO VISIT TURKEY

Foreign Ministry said that the bilateral relations between Turkey and France, daily international and regional issues that concern the two countries will all be taken up during the meeting between Foreign Minister Ismail Cem and Vedrine.

President Suleyman Demirel, Parliament Speaker Hikmet Cetin and Prime Minister Mesut Y�lmaz will receive the guest minister who will also meet the Chairman of Parliamentary Foreign Relations Commission Murat Karayalc�n.

[19] GREECE-WESTERN THRACE - TWO TURKISH PEOPLE ATTACKED IN WESTERN THRACE

Gangs on motorbikes, who attacked six Turkish people including four women during the last 10 days, attacked Ali R�za Ibrahim (72) and Ibrahim Hasan (53) in Dutluk and Yenice districts of Comotini.

Addressing a statement to A.A correspondent, Ali R�za Ibrahim said that young people on motorbikes hit his head and various parts of his body by metal things.

Ibrahim Hasan also said that he was surrounded by a group of seven or eight young people on motorbikes, asked for his identity and attacked after he said that he was Turkish.

[20] ILLEGAL IMMIGRANT MOVEMENT - BULGARIAN TURKS ASSOCIATION OF CULTURE AND ASSISTANCE CONDEMNS ATTITUTE OF ITALY AND GREECE

Addressing a press briefing, the Chairman of the Association Ibrahim Efendioglu stated that if Italy recognizes the illegal immigrants the right to political asylum, this will further encourage human smugglers.

Criticizing the immigration policy of Greece, Efendioglu said ''We harshly criticize Greece concerning the recent incidents, because Greece openly supports this illegal migration.''

Noting that those citizens who leave Turkey for Italy or other European countries do not escape from any kind of persecution, Efendioglu pointed out that these people were kidnapped by human smugglers.

Calling European countries to take serious measures to stop illegal migration, Efendioglu added that Turkey is a heaven for immigrants and everybody are equal in respect of religion, language, race and religious sects.

[21] TURKEY IN BRIEF, JANUARY 6, 1998

The statement of GAP Regional Development Administration said that 35 firms from 13 countries participated in the bidding of the project that will be financed by Development Administration and World Bank. In the first elections six partnerships were enlisted.

Those six partnerships will give their technical and financial bids on 19 January 1998 at the latest.

ANKARA - Number of visitors coming to Turkey in January-November term reached to 9.293 million, which increased by 14.1 percent compared to last year's same term, it is reported on Tuesday.

The statement of State Statistical Institute (DIE) said that 632.244 of the visitors were one-day visitors coming by sea.

IZMIR - Inci Holding will produce 4.2 million rims in a year, in its two factories called Jantas Jant Industry and Trade Company and Lemmerz Inci Jant Industry company in Manisa.

Jantas said in a statement that they were planning to increase their production capacity to 1.2 million with the new investments of this year. The statement also said that Jantas was the leader in Turkey in production of rims for commercial and heavy vehicles and occupied third place in Europe.

''1998 production capacity of Lemmerz Inci Oto Jant factory that was opened in 1994 with the partnership of German Lemmerz firm, is planned to be increased to three million rims. Lemmerz Inci exports 80 percent of its production and sells 20 percent to the internal markets. When Lemmerz Inci increases its capacity together with Jantas, Manisa will be the rim production center of Turkey,'' the statement said.

ANKARA - Minister of Transportation Necdet Menzir said on Tuesday that all the technical works regarding the third satellite of Turkey named ''Turksat 2A'' have been completed and they plan to launch the satellite in 1999.

Addressing a press briefing, Menzir stated that Turksat 2A will bring an income of 70 million dollars to Turkey in a year.

Noting that the draft law, which was prepared to privatize Turkish Telekom has been sent to Prime Ministry, Menzir stressed that the privatization of Turk Telekom will show the serious and resolved attitute of Turkey to the world in the field of privatization.

ANKARA - Parliamentary Planning and Budget Commission adopted five international agreements which were signed between Turkey and various countries in the field of ''reciprocal encouragement of investments'' on Tuesday.

The draft laws which were adopted by the Commission incorporates five agreements signed with Letonia, Indonesia, Estonia, Crotia and Sweden.

ISTANBUL - The fifth International Leather, Leather Products and Allied Industry Fair will be held between January 9-11 in Beylikduzu TUYAP Fair and Congress Center, it is reported on Tuesday.

Leather confection, leather products, leather used in furniture, leather machines, painting machines, shoes, artificial leather and other products will be displayed during the international fair where 645 firms from 35 countries participate.

[22] TURKEY-INTERNAL - COUNCIL OF MINISTERS MEETING - TURKEY DECIDES TO TAKE LEGAL MEASURES REGARDING ILLEGAL MIGRATION TO ITALY VIA TURKEY: VISA SYSTEM TO BE REVISED, PHYSICAL MEASURES TO BE INCREASED IN BORDER GATES

Addressing a statement after the Council of Ministers meeting, State Minister and Government Spokesman Sukru Sina Gurel said that Interior Minister Murat Basesgioglu informed the Council about the illegal migration.

Noting that it is not the first time that Turkey was used as a transit country regarding the illegal migration, Gurel stressed that groups of people, who try to escape from social and economic problems, benefit from the geographical status of Turkey.

Pointing out that there are crime organizations which organize illegal migration and earn money by this way, Gurel said ''the separatist terrorist organization tried to manipulate such kind of incidents in order to come to the agenda of Europe.''

Gurel stressed that ''the Interior Ministry thinks that such kind of human kidnapping via Turkey will probably continue in the future. Therefore we have to revise our visa system and have to increase physical measures in our border gates.''

State Minister Gurel pointed out that an international evaluation will be done during the Police Directors General meeting that will be held on January 9 in Rome.

Gurel added that Transportation Minister Necdet Menzir informed the Council about the new satellite efforts of Turkish Telekom.

Stressing that the third Turkish satellite will be launched to the space in 1999, Gurel added that this project will cost 260 million dollars, but it will bring 700 million dollars of income within ten years.

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