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Anadolu Agency: News in English, 98-01-13Anadolu Agency: News in English Directory - Previous Article - Next ArticleFrom: The Anadolu Agency Home Page at <http://www.anadoluajansi.gov.tr/>13 JAN 1998CONTENTS
[01] TURKEY-PRESS SCANThese are some of the leading stories in Turkey's press on Jan 13, 1997. Anadolu Agency does not verify these stories and does not vouch for their accuracy. You will find better detailed summaries of major news reports in a few hours.H�RR�YET (LIBERAL)HERE IS THE HISTORICAL REPORTSusurluk report was given to Prime Minister Mesut Yilmaz on Monday. In the report, Turkish state for the first time, investigated itself and revealed the gangs within the state. M�LL�YET (LIBERAL)SPECIAL TEAM SHOCK IN TEM EXECUTIONSuspects of the six people who were killed in a passanger bus belonging to Avar tourism on Dec 21 night in Kapikule were captured. Seven people were taken under custody. One of the two suspect policemen is a retired special team member. SABAH (LIBERAL) THERE IS NO DISCRIMINATION BETWEEN SOLDIERS AND CIVILIANS CUMHUR�YET (LEFT)PREVENTION TO AID TO RPConstitutional Court Acting President Dincer said measures of conservation put to aid to Welfare Party (RP), upon the application of Chief Prosecutor Vural Savas, was adopted by a majority of vote. T�RK�YE (RIGHT)NEW ORDER TO IMAM-HATIP SCHOOLSEducation ministry will take students to Anadolu Imam-Hatip Schools and Normal Imam-Hatip schools with examinations looking for academic ability. RAD�KAL (LEFT)STRICT RESOLUTION FROM COUNCIL OF MINISTERSCouncil of Ministers evaluated hunger strikes in prisons as ''political'' and decided not to meet the demands. ZAMAN (CONSERVATIVE) FRESH BLOOD TO TURKISH FLEET YEN� Y�ZYIL (LIBERAL)GANG REPORT IN YILMAZ'S HANDPremiership Inspection Committee Chairman Vural Savas submitted his report to Prime Minister Mesut Yilmaz which he concluded in six months investigating the allegations about Susurluk case. F�NANSAL FORUM (ECONOMY)US SAYS ''NO'' TO IRANIAN ROUTE IN NATURAL GASTurkish-US Energy Committee held its first meeting in Ankara. Energy and Natural Gas Ministry Undersecretary Yurdakul Yigitguden said they had discussed Turkmen natural gas pipeline adding that the US continued its negative attitude to Iran. [02] TURKEY-ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS - OPERATIONS IN ISTANBUL - NINE BANGLADESHIS CAPTURED AND EXPELLED�STANBUL, Jan 13 (A.A) - Nine Bangladeshis who entered Turkey by illegal ways, were captured in Istanbul and later expelled, it was reported on Monday.Nine Bangladeshis were taken under custody by Eminonu Security Forces and sent to Istanbul Chief Prosecution Office. Istanbul Chief Prosecutor Atilla Alici found the Bangaldeshis guilty oppos�ng to the ''Passport Law'' and sent them to Istanbul Fore�gners Directorate to be expelled. [03] EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT - GENERAL ASSEMBLY STARTS - ILLEGAL IMMIGRATION TO BE DISCUSSED ON WEDNESDAYSTRASBOURG, Jan 13 (A.A) - European Parliament (EP) took illegal immigration to Italy into the agenda of its general assembly, it was reported on Monday.General Assembly meetings of European Parliament started in Strasbourg on Monday. EU's new Term-President Britain's Foreign Minister Robin Cook and EU Commissioner for Foreign Affairs Hans Van Den Broek will convey their opinions to the end on Wednesday. An recommendatory draft resolution prepared by political groups on the issue will also be voted after being discussed. Meanwhile, a group of parliamentarians went to Italy to inspect the situation of the illegal immigrants. They will visit camps of illegal immigrants in Bari, Lecce, Corrado and Augias and meet Italian authorities. Issue of illegal immigrants is expected to be discussed in detais during press briefings to be given by political group representatives in the European Parliament. [04] CYPRUS-UN - UN VEHICLE HITS A MINE IN CYPRUS IN BUFFER ZONELEFKOSA, Jan 13 (A.A) - A military vehicle belonging to Argentinian Unity in United Nations Peace Force (UNFICYP) in Cyprus, hit a mine on Monday in Lefke region, in buffer zone which was under UN control.Two Argentinian UN officials in the vehicle were not injured in the accident. UN Peace Force Spokesman Waldemar Rokozewski said that the issue of demining was brought to the agenda of the two sides in Cyprus by the UN, however, no outcome could be reached so far. Rokozewski pointed out that this event proved once again that the mine regions should immediatley be demined in Cyprus. [05] TURKEY-QUAKE - A MILD QUAKE SHAKES AMASYAAMASYA, Jan 13 (A.A) - A mild quake shook the Black Sea Amasya province on Monday evening.The quake with a preliminary magnitude of 3.7 of Richter scale took place at 21.46 (18:46 GMT) in Amasya and its surroundings. The epicenter of the quake was Gumushacikoy. The quake was also felt in Corum and Merzifon provinces. [06] TURKEY-INTERNAL - COUNCIL OF MINISTERS MEETING ENDS - STATE MINISTER ANDICAN: ''PRINCIPLE DECISION TAKEN NOT TO MEET THE DEMANDS OF CONVICTS IN PRISONS WHO ARE ON HUNGER STRIKES''ANKARA, Jan 13 (A.A) - State Minister Ahat Andican said on Monday that Council of Ministers during a meeting held on Monday decided not to meet the demands of convicts who were on hunger strikes in prisons.Andican said the demands of the convicts were of political aims and that it was impossible to meet these demands. ''If the demands continue to take place in this direction, the government should not be expected to step back'' he added. Andican said Justice Minister Oltan Sungurlu was briefed about the hunger strikes which started recently and the conditions in these places. Andican said there were approximately 60,000 convicts in prisons and that 9000 of them were responsible for terror incidents. Andican stressed that ''demands which are brought to the agenda due to the strikes are of propoganda aims. Thus, they were not suitable to the laws.'' [07] TURKEY-US - US DEPUTY ENERGY MINISTER IN TURKEYANKARA, Jan 13 (A.A) - Energy and Natural Sources Ministry Undersecretary Yurdakul Yigitguden said on Monday that there was no change in the views of the US related with the Iranian natural gas adding that ''our aim is to reach a positive outcome.''The first Energy Work Group meeting between Turkey and the US was held in Ankara. Turkish side was headed by Minister of Energy and Natural Resources Cumhur Ersumer and Robert W. Gee, Deputy Minister of Energy, headed the US side. ''Regional cooperation, natural gas and oil pipeline projects and energy investments in Turkey'' were taken up during the meeting. Yigitguden said Turkey's active efforts in the region pleased the US side. When asked if the US opposed to Iranian natural gas, Yigitguden said ''there is no change in the US views regarding the issue. Our efforts aimed at reaching a positive outcome.'' The US delegation headed by Robert W. Gee, will depart Turkey on Tuesday. [08] TURKEY-MILITARY - TURKISH FLEET GETS ITS THREE FRIGATES - GENERAL DERVISOGLU: ''OUR FRIGATES ARE A CONTRIBUTION TO THE PEACE'' - KANDEMIR: ''FRIGATES EMPOWERS OUR DETERRENCE''CHARLESTON (SOUTH CAROLINA), Jan 13 - Three frigates which had become ''a serious problem'' between Turkey and the US for a while, were handed-over to Turkish fleet in Charleston in South Carolina, it was reported on Tuesday.Turkish flag is hoisted to the ''Perry'' class frigates called TCG Gaziantep (F 490), TCG Giresun (F 491) and TCG Gemlik (F 492) with a military ceremony. Naval Forces Commander General Salim Dervisoglu said in his message that the frigates would be a contribution to state's security and the peace. Turkish Ambassador Nuzhet Kandemir described the day as ''historical'' and said that the ceremony symbolized Turkish-American defense cooperation. Kandemir also stressed that the frigates empowered the deterrence of Turkey and increased Turkey's defense capacity. Nuzhet Kandemir said that there were efforts to ''cast shadow''to relations between Turkey and the US, during the purchase process of the frigates, however common sense and reason prevailed at the end and the frigates joined Turkish navy. ''The aim of these frigates will be peace under Turkish flag,'' he said. Two of the frigates were purchased by the method of ''Excess Equipment'' (EDA) and the other by ''leasing''. Staff of all frigates consists of 19 officers, 115 sub-officers, 79 privates and petty-officers. Frigates will come to Turkey after training and completion of the equipments. TCG Gaziantep will arrive in Turkey in March and the other two, in April. Turkish Fleet possesses for the first time frigates equipped with surface- to-air missiles, having a range of 25 miles. Moreover, the frigates have a capacity of carrying two helicopters. Frigates are of 133,5 m. length and have LM 2500 motors produced by General Electric. They can do a speed of 33.4 plus nautical mile and carry Harpoon missiles and MK-46 torpedos. A Quran is put in an aluminum box on top of middle pillar of each frigates. The frigates had to be handed-over to Turkey about two years ago, however they could not due to the efforts of Greek Cypriot and Greek lobbies against Turkey, in US Congress and their political preassure over White House. Postponing of the hand-over of the frigates of which the money was paid although President Bill Clinton ''personnally'' gave a promise to President Suleyman Demirel, caused a tension in the relations between the two countries. Initiatives of lobbies against Turkey in US Congress after Kardak crisis had led to a secret weapon embargo by Washington to Ankara and to ''serious'' damages to 50 years old defense and security cooparation between Turkey and the US. President Clinton took concrete steps towards the hand-over of four Seahawk type helicopters and three frigates to Turkey only after the agreement between Turkey and Greece in NATO Summit in Madrid on July. [09] CYPRUS - ISSUE OF ''MISSINGS'' IN CYPRUS - TURKISH SIDE INFORMS UNLEFKOSE, Jan 13 (A.A) - Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) conveyed the information about 400 ''missing'' cases to the UN, whithin the framework of an agreement signed between TRNC President Rauf Denktas and Greek Cypriot Leader Glafkos Clerides on July, 31, 1997, it was reported on Monday.UN is pleased over the information in question after carrying out a preliminary study on the information given by Turkish side. UN Peace Force Spokesman Waldemar Rokozewski in his statement said that UN General Secretary's Deputy Special Representative to Cyprus Gustave Feissel described Turkey's information on missings to the UN as an ''important step.'' Turkish Representative of Missing Persons Committee in Cyprus Rustem Tatar had given the information on missings to Feissel at the week-end. [10] UN-GREECE - PANGALOS' AGRESSIVE ATTITUDE EXPOSED IN THE UNNEW YORK, Jan 13 (A.A) - Greek Foreign Minister Theodoros Pangalos' aggressive attitude which he assumed against Turkey was exposed in the UN.The document on the issue stressed that ''Pangalos' interview to the Greek ET-1 tv broadcasted on Jan 6 where he uttered rude words about Turkey reflected his own personality.'' The document recalled that Turkey became a sheltering place throughout the history for communities who felt into desparation and also stressed that the ones who try to reject this should explain how they behaved minorities living in their countries. The document also called on Greece to explain the pressure it imposed on Turkish minority in Western Thrace. [11] TURKEY IN BRIEF, JANUARY 13, 1998ANKARA - ''Protocol on Cooperation in Forestry Field'' that was signed between Turkish and Azeri Forestry Ministries is approved by the Council of Ministers on Tuesday.The protocol that foresees the development of the cooperation between the ministries of the two countries in the field of forestry, is issued in today's Official Gazzette. ANKARA - ''Agreement on Bilateral Aid between Custom Administrations'' signed between Turkey and Bulgaria, is approved by the Council of Ministers on Tuesday and issued in today's Official Gazzette. The two countries will take precautions to facilitate circulation of passengers and goods and to prevent and inquire the crimes against custom laws; will cooperate on the development and implementation of new custom policies. ANKARA - ''Protocol on Cooperation in Cultural Field'' that was signed between Turkey and Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) is approved by the Council of Ministers on Tuesday and issued in today's Official Gazzette. The protocol that had been signed on December, 3, 1997 in Lefkosa, foresees the development of existing cultural relations and cooperation between the two countries in long-term and of cultural activities in the direction of Ataturk principles. ANKARA - Talks between Iraqi Patriotic Union of Kurdistan (PUK) delegation and Foreign Ministry authorities started on Tuesday, at 10.30, in Ankara. Middle-east and Africa Section General Director Aykut Cetirge chairs the Turkish delegation whereas Washington Representative Barham Saleh chairs the IKYB delegation. TRABZON - Turkey, holding a great part of world nut production and export, gained three billion 590 million US dollars from nut export, in five years, it was reported on Tuesday. Blacksea Nut Exporters Union officials said that 1.2 million tons of nut was exported between 1993-1997. Turkish nuts are exported to 80 countries in all over the world. 95 percent of the export is to European countries and mainly to Germany. [12] TURKEY-EU-GREECE - LETTER FROM AKARCALI TO EU PRESIDENT DELGADO: ''A TURKISH MINORITY OF 200,000 PEOPLE LIVE IN AN OPEN PRISON SINCE 16 YEARS IN AN EU MEMBER COUNTRY''ANKARA, Jan 13 (A.A) - Motherland Party (ANAP) Deputy and European Union (EU) Joint Commission Chairman Bulent Akarcali said on Monday that a Turkish minority of 200,000 people live in an open prison since 16 years in an EU member country.Akarcali sent a letter to European Parliament President Jose Maria Gil- Robles Gil-Delgado as a response to his press briefing in Luxembourg conference center, where he conveyed his opinions about Turkey. Akarcali gave a detailed explanation on the history of Cyprus that goes before 1974. Akarcali said that Turkish People were living in isolated areas in inhuman conditions and added that the Greek military government of the time planned a coup to unite Cyprus with Greece on July, 15, 1974. ''That lead Turkey to act according to 1960 Guaranteurship Agreement, to intervene in order to save Turkish People there and to take measures against the possibility of invasion of Cyprus by Greece. Approximately same amount of Turkish people live in Western Thrace in Greece and they were also subject to discrimination between the years of 1964-1974. The region where they live is classifed as a military region. Did the EU or EP take any action against the violance of rights of Turkish minority living in Greece since 16 years? If the EU and EP protect the rights of Turkish minority in Western Thrace and prove their efforts in developing the living conditions of Turkish minority, they will be more convincing to Turkish public regarding their sensitivity in human rights,'' said Akarcal�. [13] TURKEY-NORTHERN IRAQ - FIRST SESSION OF TURKEY-PUK MEETINGS ENDSANKARA, Jan 13 (A.A) - The first session of the meetings that started between Turkey and Patriotic Union for Kurdistan (PUK) on Tuesday ended.Addressing a statement to the press, PUK Representative to Washington Bahram Saleh said that the meetings took place in a productive atmosphere. Noting that the two sides took up mainly the bilateral issues between Turkey and PUK, the PUK Representative added that ''We hope the meetings to be beneficial for all the concerned sides.'' PUK Representative Saleh stressed that the Ankara process was not taken up during the morning session. The discussion regarding the ''fifth Ankara process'' is expected to come to the agenda at the multilateral meetings the same day where Britain and US officials will also participate. [14] TURKISH PRESS REVIEW (1)These are brief summaries of some of the leading stories in Turkey's press on January 13, 1997. Anadolu Agency does not verify these stories and does not vouch for their accuracy.(Derived from Newsspot of Turkish Directorate of General Press and Information) US HIGH-LEVEL OFFICIALS IN ANKARA Gee and Ramsay paid a courtesy visit to Foreign Minister Ismail Cem and met with Energy Minister Cumhur Ersumer. Cem told reporters that there is a project to start a regional political dialogue between Turkey and the US. The outcome of the completion of a Eurasian energy corridor, Cem said, is that Turkey will become the main terminal for Eurasian energy. US Secretary of Trade William Daley will arrive in Ankara next week to participate in follow-up talks on US-Turkish cooperation, following Gee and Ramsay's departure from the capital on Tuesday. Turkish Energy Minister Ersumer will visit Washington accompanying Turkmen President Saparmurad Niyazov in February for what they hope will be persuasive talks for the construction of a Turkey-Iran-Turkmenistan pipeline. /All papers/ INDUSTRIAL PRODUCTION INCREASES BY 8.2 VEDRINE UNABLE TO PERSUADE ANKARA TURKISH CASE REJECTED 1.5 MILLION TOURISTS VISIT CAPPADOCIA PARRIS: EU WILL CHANGE ITS DECISION</A></H3> US Ambassador to Turkey Marc Grossman has stated that excluding Turkey from the EU was a political decision and said: "The EU will come to realize its mistake and change its decision in the future. The US views Turkey as a European country". /Hurriyet/ (continues) [15] TURKISH PRESS REVIEW (2)These are brief summaries of some of the leading stories in Turkey's press on January 13, 1997. Anadolu Agency does not verify these stories and does not vouch for their accuracy.(Derived from Newsspot of Turkish Directorate of General Press and Information) IPUK DELEGATION IN ANKARA ENKA WINS A PLACE IN THE TOP TEN PRODUCTION OF DURABLE GOODS INCREASES BY 23 EXPANDING MARKET IN AUTOMOTIVE SECTOR TURK SHARES PLUNGE ON ASIAN CRISIS INJUNCTION ISSUES ON TREASURY GRANT TO RP Following a nearly three-hour meeting of the Constitutional Court, Judge Guven Dincer made a statement and said he and his colleagues had examined the application filed by High Appeals Court Chief Prosecutor Vural Savas for the issuance of an injuction on the TL 1.23 trillion ($5.82) Treasury grant to be given to the RP this year. /All papers/ [16] TURKEY-SPAIN - TURKEY AND SPAIN SIGN ECONOMIC AND FINANCIAL COOPERATION MEMORANDUM - TURKEY TO RECEIVE 410 MILLION DOLLARS OF CREDITANKARA, Jan 13 (A.A) - State Minister Gunes Taner said on Tuesday that Turkey has an important status in its region with its market encirled by 400 million people.Turkey and Spain signed the same day a Memorandum of Understanding on Economic and Financial Cooperation which will bring 410 million dollars of credit to Turkey. Addressing a speech at the signature ceremony, State Minister Taner stated that the credit that will be provided from Spain will be used in initiatives particularly in the field of technology. Noting that the trade and cooperation between the two countries improve ''continuously and fastly,'' State Minister Taner pointed out that Spain is one of the leading countries of Europe in the field of technology particularly in defense industry. Taner stressed that Spain thinks of supporting Turkish investments concerning infrastructure and health sector. Recalling that Spain also extends support to Turkish view regarding Turkey's relations with European Union (EU), Taner added that President Suleyman Demirel accompanied by businessmen will visit Spain in the coming months. Spanish State Minister Jose Manuel Fernandez Norniella in his part said that the support of Spain to Turkey will continue, adding that ''We believe that Turkey is very important for the future of the world.'' The memorandum of understanding will bring 400 million dollars to Turkey composed of conditional credits and export credits. This credit will be given between 1998-2001 for the important projects of Turkey. Besides Spain will give a donation of 10 million dollars to Turkey for the feasibility studies of the projects. [17] TURKEY-IMF-WORLD BANK - IMF AND WORLD BANK DELEGATIONS TO VISIT TURKEY ON JANUARY 19ANKARA, Jan 13 (A.A) - International Monetary Fund (IMF) and World Bank delegations will come to Ankara on January 19, it is reported on Tuesday.IMF said in a written statement that a six-member IMF delegation led by Turkish Desk Chief Martin Hardy will pay an official visit to Ankara. IMF Executive Director Willy Kiekens is also expected to participate in the meetings according to the proceeding of those contacts. The statement said, ''IMF delegation which will pay nearly two-week visit to Turkey, will take up Turkey's economic programme with Turkish economy authorities.'' Meanwhile, World Bank delegation led by World Bank's Director to Turkey Ajax Chibber will come to Turkey the same day with the Fund delegation. World Bank delegation will take up the issue of ''giving structural adjustment credits (SAC)'' in the meetings with Turkish authorities. IMF delegation and Turkish economy authorities are expected to hold meetings in March 1998 in Turkey for the half-year evaluations. Turkey and IMF will decide whether it is necessary to sign an accord or not according to the results of the evaluations. [18] TURKEY-TRNC - TURKISH AND TRNC FOREIGN MINISTRIES SIGN ''FUNCTIONAL AND STRUCTURAL COOPERATION PROTOCOL''LEFKOSA, Jan 13 (A.A) - Foreign Ministries of Turkey and Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) signed on Tuesday ''Functional and Structural Cooperation Protocol'' in order to improve and institutionalize the cooperation between the two ministries.Foreign Ministry Undersecretary Korkmaz Haktan�r and TRNC Foreign and Defense Minister Taner Etkin signed the protocol. The protocol foresees establishment of ''continuous political and economic consultation committees'' which will convene at the level of ministers and undersecretaries. The protocol also foresees taking necassary measures to integrate TRNC with international society and exchange of personnel between the foreign ministries of both countries at every level. Noting that TRNC representatives will accompany Turkish delegations in international meetings that concern Cyprus if Turkish Cypriot people are not given the right to speak. Addressing a speech at the signature ceremony, Foreign Ministry Undersecretary Korkmaz Haktan�r stressed that today interstate negotiations rather than intercommunal meetings are at the agenda of Cyprus, adding that the Joint Decleration dated on Jan 20, 1997 constitutes the first step of the special relation between Turkey and TRNC. Noting that TRNC should be recognized as an independent and democratic state in the world, Haktan�r said that the installation of peace and stability in Eastern Mediterranean depends on that. Haktan�r added that the Greek Cypriot side and Greece live together with terrorism and support it, adding that this mentality has to change. TRNC Foreign and Defense Minister Taner Etkin said in his part that the two countries have once again declared their determination to make TRNC live as a strong and resolved country. Taner Etkin pointed out that TRNC is open to a possible agreement with the Greek Cypriot side if it is based on the principle of two states, rather than two communities. TRNC Prime Minister Dervis Eroglu stated that they aim to strengthen TRNC in respect of economy. Foreign Ministry Undersecretary Korkmaz Haktan�r and the accompanying delegation returned to Turkey after the signature ceremony. [19] CYPRUS - TRNC PRESIDENT RAUF DENKTAS: ''WE CAN ACCEPT NEGOTIATIONS BASED UPON TWO-STATE PRINCIPLE''LEFKOSA, Jan 13 (A.A) - Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) President Rauf Denktas said on Tuesday that they can accept negotiations based upon ''two-state'' principle.After meeting with Britian's High Commissioner to Lefkosa David Madden, TRNC President Rauf Denktas said that European Union (EU) eliminated the negotiation basis which was based upon the principles of Gallie's Series of Ideas by the decision that it took in its Luxembourg Summit. Denktas said, ''we are ready to talk the issue of 'setting up common basis' with United Nations (UN) officials and we will insist on 'two-state principle' in those meetings. We are ready to talk with Greek-Cypriot side, if a common basis is set up.'' [20] TURKEY-US - US AMBASSADOR TO TURKEY PARRIS VISITS POLICE CHIEF BILICAN - BILICAN: ''WE ARE IN CLOSE COOPERATION WITH US IN PREVENTION OF DRUG TRAFFICKING, TERRORISM AND ORGANIZED CRIME''ANKARA, Jan 13 (A.A) - Police Chief Necati Bilican said on Tuesday that Turkey is in close cooperation with US to prevent drug trafficking, terrorism and organized crime.US Ambassador to Ankara Marc F. Parris visited Police Chief Bilican the same day. Addressing a statement at the meeting, Bilican stated that US Ambassador Parris visited him as he is newly appointed to Turkey. Responding to questions of journalists, Bilican said ''We have set up relations with US concerning security cooperation since 1968 and these relations have improved after 1980. We will take up all kinds of issues with Parris including illegal migration, education, technical assistance, drug trafficking, terrorism and organized crime.'' [21] TURKEY-NORTHERN IRAQ - TURKISH-PUK MEETINGS - PUK REPRESENTATIVE: ''WE ARE NOT RESPONSIBLE FROM INTERRUPTION OF ANKARA PROCESS''ANKARA, Jan 13 (A.A) - Patriotic Union for Kurdistan (PUK) Representative to Washington Behram Salih said on Tuesday that PUK is not responsible from interruption of Ankara process.The meetings held between PUK high ranking politbureau members and Turkey, Britain and US officials, which are guarantor states regarding the ceasefire that was installed between PUK and Kurdistan Democratic Party (KDP) in Northern Iraq, ended the same day. PUK Representative Behram Salih stated that Ankara process was not taken up at the meeting. Noting that the process was interrupted due to recent incidents, PUK representative said ''The incidents which took place in Northern Iraq for the last few months ended Ankara peace process. We are not responsible for that.'' Responding to a question regarding the claims about the cooperation between PUK and the separatist terrorist organization PKK, Salih said ''We discussed all issues that concern the two sides.'' The bilateral meetings between Turkish and PUK delegations continue in Foreign Ministry. [22] CYPRUS - GREEK SALESMAN SPIROS LILLES SENTENCED TO ONE MONTHLEFKOSA, Jan 13 (A.A) - Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) Military Court sentenced Greek salesman Spiros Lilles to one month imprisonment, it is reported on Tuesday.Lilles was detained by Turkish Cypriot forces when he illegally entered and violated TRNC military zone in Alaykoy region in Lefkosa on December 21. Lilles is imprisoned the same day. Anadolu Agency: News in English Directory - Previous Article - Next Article |