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Anadolu Agency: News in English, 98-02-03Anadolu Agency: News in English Directory - Previous Article - Next ArticleFrom: The Anadolu Agency Home Page at <http://www.anadoluajansi.gov.tr/>03 FEP 1998CONTENTS
[01] TURKEY-PRESS SCANThese are some of the leading stories in Turkey's press on Feb 3, 1998. Anadolu Agency does not verify these stories and does not vouch for their accuracy.H�RR�YET (LIBERAL)SADDAM PLAYS WITH THE FIRECountdown started in the Gulf. Iraqi leader Saddam ignores the common sense calls of all the world. America seems resolved to hit Iraq, which does not open its doors to the UN control. The initiatives of Moscow did not give a result. Iraq denied the statement of Yeltsin's Representative Posuvalyuk who said that ''Iraq opens eight new installations for control.'' UN Security Council accepted the visit of Foreign Minister Cem to Iraq, when Cem persuaded US Assistant Secretary of State Marc Grossman yesterday. M�LL�YET (LIBERAL)WELFARE PARTY EXISTS OR NOTCourt of Appeal Chief Prosecutor Vural Savas said that ''giving permission to activities of Welfare Party (RP) until the reasoned verdict of the Constitutional Court is published in the Official Gazette is contrary to Constitutional Court.'' The issue of juridiciary personality of the party divided the parliamentarians into two groups. SABAH (LIBERAL)10 DAYS FOR SADDAMAmerica has given 10 days to Iraq in order to urge it accept the Resolutions of United Nations (UN). The American delegation including high level soldiers and diplomats asked Turkey not to give much hope to Iraq. The US delegation proposed Turkey to tell Iraq that it has no other chance other than unconditionally accepting the UN Resolutions. CUMHUR�YET (LEFT)KITCHEN FEEDS INFLATIONThe monthly price increases in food stuff increases the kitchen expenditure by 10 percent every month. YILMAZ: NO ELECTION FOR 7-8 MONTHS T�RK�YE (RIGHT)RECONCILIATION CALLAnkara assumes an active role regarding the solution of the Gulf Crisis by peaceful ways. Turkey calls Iraq and the US to reconciliate. Iraq accepted the ''mediator'' initiative of Foreign Minister Ismail Cem. RAD�KAL (LEFT)INSUFFICIENT VOTE FOR WELFAREPrime Minister Mesut Y�lmaz said that the Welfare Party (RP) will not be able to get the sufficient vote to be in power by itself, if it identifies itself with religion again in new formation. ZAMAN (CONSERVATIVE)EXPORTATION TO IRAQ STOPSAnother risk of war in the Gulf urges Turkish exporters to act cautious when exporting goods to Iraq. Turkey exported goods worth of one billion dollars to Iraq in 1987 and later this amount had decreased due to the Gulf Crisis in 1991. YEN� Y�ZYIL (LIBERAL)SPEAKER WANTED FOR HUMAN RIGHTSTUSIAD (Turkish Industrialists and Businessmen Asssociation) will discuss ''Democratization Report'' on Feb 24 in Ankara. The names of participants from business and science world have been determined. However TUSIAD has difficulty in finding an official counterpart. No politician and bureaucrat have positively responded. Sensitive issues like the Kurdish problem and the role of National Security Council (NSC) negatively effect the participation. FINANSAL FORUM (ECONOMY)TURKEY'S IMPORTANT PROBLEM: INFLATIONCentral Bank Chairman Gazi Ercel stated that they do not ignore the financial crisis in Asia and closely monitor it. ''For three-four years, some people have said that Turkey would enter into a financial crisis, but this did not come true. There are very strong aspects of Turkish economy. There is no problem in balance of payments, but we have the problem of inflation, which continues for 20 years.'' [02] TURKEY-ISRAEL - PRESIDENT DEMIREL RECEIVES ISRAELI PARLIAMENT SPEAKER TICHON - TICHON: ''THERE ARE TWO DEMOCRATIC COUNTRIES IN MIDDLE EAST, THESE ARE TURKEY AND ISRAEL''ANKARA, Feb 3 (A.A) - President Suleyman Demirel received on Monday Israeli Parliament Speaker Dan Tichon, who is currently in Turkey as an official guest of Parliament Speaker Hikmet Cetin.Presidential Press Center said in a written statement that the bilateral relations between Turkey and Israel and the recent developments in the region and ''the Middle East Peace Process'' were taken up during the meeting. President Demirel said that Turkey attributes importance to the Middle East Peace Process, this process constitutes a golden opportunity for all people of the region and this opportunity should be well evaluated. Stressing that if the concerned sides stay faithful to the obligations foreseen by the Peace Process, they can reach lasting peace; Demirel stated that believing in peace is ''sine qua non condition'' to install peace. President Demirel pointed out that Turkey expects the hurdles that remain in front of Peace Process to be lifted as soon as possible, as this is a vital issue for common prosperity and stability of the region. Israeli Parliament Speaker Tichon in his part said that Israel attributes great importance to the views of President Demirel concerning the Middle East Peace Process. Tichon stressed that the economies of the two countries have the character of complementing each other and this gives an opportunity to improve cooperation in many fields particularly increasing trade volume. Addressing a press briefing after the meeting, Dan Tichon said that he is in Turkey to further improve relations between Turkey and Israel. Noting that President Demirel hoped the trade volume between Turkey and Israel would reach two billion dollars within the coming two years, Tichon added that ''this volume pleases us.'' ''I proposed Parliament Speaker Hikmet Cetin to improve the relations between the two parliaments by reciprocal visits every year as being representatives of two democratic countries of the Middle East,'' said Tichon. Tichon pointed out that Turkey and Israel have common projects and they will continue cooperation with Turkey in the field of agricultural industry. Israeli Parliament Speaker Tichon stressed that Israel signed a peace agrement with Egypt 18 years ago, yet there are several problems between the two countries, ''this shows that peace is really a long process,'' said Tichon. Dan Tichon stated that Turkey, Israel and the US staged a common naval operation in Mediterranean a while ago, but these exercises were not directed towards any third country. Noting that Israel closely monitors the recent crisis with Iraq and is in close contact with the US, Tichon said ''we hope the events in 1991 will not be repeated again. However Israel is stronger than it was in 1991.'' Responding to a question regarding a possible reprisal of Israel, Tichon recalled that totaly 33 Scoud missiles have been launched to Israel in 1991, adding that ''this was not good. We hope no missile will fly over Israel again. We will decide with the US regarding this issue, but I believe the possibility of Iraq to attack Israel by missile is low. '' Responding to another question concerning his statement issued after the closure of Welfare Party (RP), Tichon said ''we do not intervene with the internal affairs of Turkey. I meant there are two democratic states in the Middle East, namely Israel and Turkey.'' [03] TURKEY-AZERBAIJAN - TURKISH-AZERI POLITICAL CONSULTATION MEETINGS START IN BAKUANKARA, Feb 3 (A.A) - The political consultation meetings between Turkey and Azerbaijan will start in Baku on Tuesday.Foreign Ministry said in a written statement that a Turkish delegation headed by Foreign Ministry Deputy Undersecretary Mehmet Ali Irtemcelik will participate in the meetings, which will be held within the framework of ''Agreement Regarding Cooperation and Political Consultation Between Turkish and Azeri Foreign Ministries'' signed on Sep 8, 1997. The bilateral relations, regional and international issues that concern the two countries will be taken up during the consultation meetings. Retired Ambassador Ali Hikmet Alp, who has been appointed as ''Turkey's Special Representative to Nagorno-Karabakh'' by President Suleyman Demirel, will also participate in Turkish-Azeri Consultation meetings. [04] TURKEY-IRAQ-UN - 32 AIRCRAFTS LAND, 10 OTHERS TAKE OFF FROM INCIRLIK BASEADANA, Feb 3 (A.A) - While the Iraq-United Nations (UN) tension escalates, the movement also continues in Turkish-American Defense Installations in Incirlik, it is reported on Monday.25 fighters including F-15s and F-16s, one Awacs, two KC-135 type tanker aircrafts, four transportation aircrafts and two helicopters landed the Incirlik base between 09.25-16.30 on Monday. During the same period, eight fighters and two tanker aircrafts took off. Totally 18 aircrafts took off from the base between 06.00-09.25 the same day. [05] TURKEY-INTERNAL - TURKEY TO SIGN ''LOCAL ADMINISTRATIONS CROSS-BORDER COOPERATION AGREEMENT''STRASBOURG, Feb 3 (A.A) - Turkey will sign the ''Local Administrations Cross-Border Cooperation Agreement'' on February 4, it was reported on Monday.Turkish Representative to Council Of Europe (COE) Riza Turmen will sign the agreement in the name of Turkey. COE Secretary General Daniel Tarschys will also participate in the signing ceremony. The agreement foresees an improvement in cross-border cooperation between local and regional administrations. The agreement targets to improve the environment protection and public services of the local administrations from neighboring countries and to develop urban and rural areas. The local administrators would sign further cooperation agreements to strengthen mutual assistance and would set up joint associations in accordance with the agreement. [06] TURKEY-FRANCE - DEPUTY PRIME MINISTER SEZGIN MEETS FRENCH DEFENSE MINISTER RICHARD - SEZGIN: ''EUROPE IS A WHOLE REGARDING INSTALLATION OF PEACE, STABILITY AND SECURITY''PARIS, Feb 3 (A.A) - Deputy Prime Minister and National Defense Minister Ismet Sezgin said on Monday that Europe is a whole regarding installation of peace, stability and security, adding that ''I told French Defense Minister that the security and defense structure of Europe will be incomplete if it isolates the contribution of Turkey.''Ismet Sezgin met French Defense Minister Alain Richard the same day. Addressing a joint press briefing with Richard after the meeting, Sezgin said that he took up the recent crisis with Iraq with his counterpart and agreed that this issue should be solved by diplomatic ways, Iraq should abide by UN Security Council Resolutions and give up its activites regarding mass destruction weapons, long range missiles and chemical weapons. Responding to a question, Sezgin stated that the agreement of Turkey with Israel has humanitarian targets and it is not directed against any country. French Defense Minister Alain Richard said in his part that France favours installation of permanent and good relations between Turkey and European Union (EU). Responding to a question about human rights and democracy in Turkey, Richard pointed out that Turkey is a country which desires to have all kinds of freedoms. ''If Iraq does not abide by the UN Resolutions, a crisis will start in the Gulf. We think may be Turkey can persuade Iraq,'' said Richard. [07] TURKEY IN BRIEF- FEBRUARY 3, 1998ANKARA - The US Fleet 6 Chief Commander Admiral Charles Abbot will come to Ankara to pay an official visit between February 4-5, it was reported on Tuesday.General Staff Naval Forces Secretariat General said in a written statement that Naval Forces Chief Commander Salim Dervisoglu would receive Admiral Abbot on February 5. Admiral Abbot will proceed to southern Antalya province the same day. ANKARA - Land Forces Chief Commander General Huseyin Kivrikoglu on Monday left for Israel to pay a four-day official visit as the guest of Israeli Land Forces Chief Commander General Amos Malka. Israeli military sources said that Gen. Kivrikoglu would meet with Israeli Defense Minister Yidzac Mordechai. The same sources said that Gen. Kivrikoglu would get information about Israeli ''Merkava'' tanks. [08] TURKEY-IRAQ-UN - UN PERMITS FOREIGN MINISTER CEM'S PLANE TO FLY OVER NO-FLY ZONE IN IRAQNEW YORK, Feb 3 (A.A) - United Nations (UN) Sanctions Committee permitted the plane, that will take Foreign Minister Ismail Cem to Baghdad, to fly over no-fly zone in northern part of Iraq, it is reported on Tuesday.Turkey's Permanent Representative to UN Huseyin Celem conveyed the request of Turkey regarding this issue to UN Sanctions Committee and Security Council Presidency on Monday. UN Committee accepted the application. Committee officials informed Turkey's Permanent Representation concerning the flight permission. Foreign Minister Ismail Cem is expected to visit Baghdad in the coming days in order to persuade Iraqi administration to make cooperation with the UN. [09] TURKEY-BELGIUM - ENERGY AND NATURAL RESOURCES MINISTER ERSUMER CONTINUES HIS CONTACTS IN BELGIUMBRUSSEL, Feb 3 (A.A) - Energy and Natural Resources Minister Cumhur Ersumer on Monday met with Valonia Prime Minister Robert Collignon.Ersumer also met with the representatives of Belgian giant energy- production companies CMI, CEGELEC-ACEC and ACEC-ENERGIE. Addressing a meeting organized by Turkish people and representatives, Ersumer said that he made observations on energy projects in Belgium. Ersumer will meet with Belgian Deputy Prime Minister and Finance and Foreign Trade Minister Philippe Maystadt and will sign a joint protocol on Tuesday after participating in a seminar titled ''Turkish Energy Sector''. Energy and Natural Resources Minister Cumhur Ersumer will return to Turkey on February 4. [10] TURQUIE-USA-CRISE IRAKIENNE: - ANKARA POURSUIT SES DEMARCHES DIPLOMATIQUESANKARA, LE 3 FEVRIER 1998 (A.A) - Ankara poursuit ses demarches diplomatiques destinees a resoudre d'une maniere pacifique la crise entre le regime irakien et l'ONU, a-t-on rapporte mardi de source officielle.Le premier ministre, M. Mesut Y�lmaz a declare hier soir, lors d'un programme televise sur la chaine privee turque NTV, que l'objectif essentiel de la Turquie etait "de mettre en garde Bagdad sur la determination americaine a intervenir militairement en Irak". "La Turquie fera tout ce qui est en son pouvoir pour empecher une telle intervention", a-t-il explique. Au moment ou le compte a rebours americain pour une eventuelle intervention militaire a commence, la capitale turque entre en scene pour resoudre la crise et appele les USA a la patience et Bagdad a se plier aux exigences de l'ONU, indique-t-on en ajoutant que dans ce cadre le ministre turc des affaires etrangeres, M. Ismail Cem, se rendra demain en Irak. Les Etats-Unis, de leur cote, en soutenant les efforts diplomatiques pour la resolution de la crise declarent neanmoins qu'une operation militaire, en cas de necessite, ne peut pas etre negligee et ajoute que l'existence d'armes chimiques en Irak "touche directement la securite des Etats-Unis et de la Turquie". Washington demande que de l'"espoir ne soit pas donnee a Saddam H�ssein" et ajoute que la seule voie est la conformite de Saddam aux resolutions de l'ONU et ajoute que tout, l'usage de la force inclue, sera mis en oeuvre pour obliger le leader irakien a accepter les conditions des Nations Unis. Le vice-premier ministre, M. B�lent Ecevit, en rappelant le "lourd tribut" economique que paie la Turquie, depuis 8 ans, en raison de l'embargo international impose a l'Irak, demande qu'avant toute operation militaire toutes les voies diplomatiques soient essayees. L'initiative turque comprend quatre objectifs: - L'Irak doit revenir sur sa position et appliquer les resolutions de l'ONU sur son desarmement, - Un conflit arme doit etre evite, - Des mesures doivent etre prises pour renforcer l'economie irakienne, qui a beaucoup souffert, et soulager la population civile, - L'integrite territoriale de l'Irak doit etre respectee. [11] TURKEY-IRAQ-UN - PRIME MINISTER YILMAZ: ''BASIC PURPOSE OF OUR INIATIVE IS TO WARN THE IRAQI LEADERSHIP OF THE US DECISIVENESS ON THE ISSUE OF MILITARY INTERVENTION''ANKARA, Feb 3 (A.A) - Prime Minister Mesut Y�lmaz said late on Monday that the basic purpose of Turkish government is to warn the Iraqi leadership of the US decisiveness on the issue of military intervention.Responding to various questions in a private television channel, Mesut Y�lmaz stated that the basis of the crisis stems from the fact that Iraq did not abide by the commitments it made to United Nations (UN) concerning the inspection of weapons of mass destruction. ''US claims that Iraq has 3000 tonnes of chemical and biological weapons. This is a source of great concern for regional countries and for the United States, which believes it has strategic interests in the region. Turkey, which is within the effective area of these weapons of mass destruction, is one of the countries which has great uneasiness over these developments,'' said Y�lmaz. Recalling that Turkey suffered a lot from the Gulf Crisis in 1991, Y�lmaz stressed that ''it is estimated that Turkey lost 30-35 billion dollars since then. Therefore Turkey does not wish a military intervention in the region.'' Noting that Turkey can not stay indifferent to developments concerning the capacity of Iraq's weapons of mass destruction, Y�lmaz pointed out that American officials seem resolved to intervene in Iraq, if Iraq does not change its attitute. ''Turkish government decided to take initiative and we see this as our neighbourly duty towards Iraq. Foreign Minister Ismail Cem will probably leave for Iraq on Wednesday, as Iraq accepted our application. We think that Iraq should show common sense to overcome this crisis, because such a military intervention will cause serious damages in Iraq. Turkey will do its best to prevent such a military intervention and take military, economic and political measures if such a possibility occurs,'' said Y�lmaz. Y�lmaz stressed that US did not ask Turkey to use Incirlik base and other airports in Turkey. Responding to questions of journalists on Tuesday, Prime Minister Mesut Y�lmaz said that if US stages military intervention in Iraq in order to implement the resolutions of UN, this will be right within itself in several respects, adding that ''If Iraq does not take our warning into account, Iraq will lose its right to react regarding the future attitute of Turkey.'' Y�lmaz attributed importance to the milder attitute of Iraq for the last two days and said this is a pleasing development. Responding to a question of a journalist regarding Habur border gate, Y�lmaz stressed that ''we do not think of closing Habur gate.'' Y�lmaz pointed out that ''we expected our ally US to hold a more comprehensive consultation with us regarding this issue which closely interests us.'' Prime Minister Y�lmaz added that a possible intervention in Iraq will cause risks for Turkey, namely the possibility of migration from Iraq to Turkey, political risk, economic difficulties and the effect of Iraqi chemical weapons in Turkey. [12] TURKEY IN BRIEF (2)- FEBRUARY 3, 1998ANKARA - Prime Minister Mesut Yilmaz will pay an official visit to Ukraine between February 12-13, it was reported on Tuesday.Foreign Ministry said in a written statement that Prime Minister Mesut Yilmaz would leave for Ukraine upon an official invitation from Ukranian President Leonid Kuchma. The statement said that the sides would exchange opinions about regional and international issues and would take up the issue of ''joint steps to enlarge the content of bilateral relations''. ANKARA - Interior Minister Murat Basesgioglu will pay an official visit to Crotia between February 17 and 19 as the guest of Croatian Interior Minister Ivan Penic, it was reported on Tuesday. Interior Ministry Press Consultation said that Basesgioglu would hold contacts within the framework of the ''Cooperation Agreement for Struggle Against International Terrorism and Organized Crime'' and the ''Cooperation Agreement for Struggle Against International Drugs Trafficking'' signed on November 7, 1995. ANKARA - Council of Ministers on Tuesday approved the ''Cooperation Agreement For Protection Of Environment'' signed between Turkey and Tunusia. Turkey and Tunusia will exchange information about environment policies, the environment protection methods and the implementation of technologies which do not pollute environment in accordance with the agreement published in the Official Gazzette the same day. [13] TURKEY-EU - KINKEL-VEDRINE MEETING - JOINT STATEMENT: ''TURKEY SHOULD RE-EVALUATE INVITATION TO EUROPEAN CONFERENCE''BONN, Feb 3 (A.A) - German Foreign Minister Klaus Kinkel met his French counterpart Hubert Vedrine during a seminar on Monday.The two ministers issued a joint statement after the seminar and said that Ankara government should give up its decision not to participate in European Conference which will be held on March 12 and it should re- evaluate this invitation. The statement noted that Germany and France think that the invitation proposed to Turkey should also be valid for the period after the conference. The statement stressed that the two countries favour Turkey to be linked to European Union (EU) and the two ministers reached an agreement regarding this issue. Noting that EU Council stressed full membership perspective to Turkey, the statement went on saying that: ''The European strategy which has been foreseen for Turkey, will open the most realistic way which will make Turkey integrate with EU and be a full member of the EU. The proposal of the EU Council should be implemented as soon as possible. We hope Turkey will change its current attitute. We closely monitor the political and economic reforms Turkish governments have realized since today. The EU, which favours Turkey to continue with these reforms, asks Turkey to contribute to the solution of Cyprus and Aegean questions together with other concerned countries.'' The statement also called Greece not to prevent the decisions of Luxembourg Summit. ''Particularly if Greece does not block the financial assistance that is foreseen to be given to Turkey since 1995, this will speed up Turkish-EU relations,'' the statement said. The statement also attributed importance to participation of Turkish Cypriots in Greek Cypriot delegation which will hold full membership negotiations with the EU and the two sides should give up setting up modern weapon systems in the island. [14] TURKEY-US - STATE MINISTER CELEBI MEETS US AMBASSADOR HAYES - CELEBI: ''WE DO NOT THINK OF TAKING ECONOMIC MEASURES CONCERNING GULF CRISIS NOW''ANKARA, Feb 3 (A.A) - State Minister Isin Celebi said on Tuesday that they did not think of taking economic measures concerning Gulf crisis.Speaking after his meeting with the US Representative to World Trade Organization (WTO) Rita Hayes State Minister Celebi said the meeting aimed at improving economic relatins with the US. Celebi said there was two billion dollar trade deficit in Turkey's trade with the US and stressed that these negotiations have nothing to do with Iraqi crisis. Responding to a question about the crisis in the Far East countries, Celebi said, ''this crisis may lead to problems between themselves. Japan, China and OECD countries may be affected by this. I do not think Turkey would be effected by this because Turkey's trade to Far East countries is around 2 percent.'' [15] TURKEY-VATICAN - TOURISM MINISTER GURDAL RECEIVES VATICAN AMBASSADOR CELATA - CELATA: ''POPE SHOULD BE OFFICIALLY INVITED FOR HIS VISIT TO TURKEY'' - CELATA INVITES GURDAL TO THE FIFTH WORLD BELIEF TOURISM CONGRESS TO BE HELD IN KUSADASIANKARA, Feb 3 (A.A) - Tourism Minister Ibrahim Gurdal said on Tuesday that he would officially invite Pope Jean Paul II to Turkey after conveying the issue to the Council of Ministers.Tourism Minister Gurdal received Vatican Ambassador Pierre Lugiti Celata. Responding to the question ''Will Pope come to Turkey?'', Celata said, ''that depends on relations between our two governments. Pope should be officially invited to Turkey. Pope Jean Paul II attaches importance to the sites important for the Christian world''. Celata invited Gurdal to the ''Fifth World Belief Tourism Congress'' to be organized by Vatican in the Fantasia Hotel in Kusadasi between May 4 and 7, 1998. More than 200 men of religion are expected to participate in the congress. During the meetings, members of the congress will specify the countries where the celebrations will take place for the 2000th birth year of the Christ. The fourth congress was held in Rome. Tourism Ministry will organize a tour covering Ephesus, Selcuk, Holy Virgin, Cappadocia and Yalvac regions for the members of the congress. [16] TURKEY-ISRAEL - ISRAELI PARLIAMENT SPEAKER TICHON MEETS WITH FORMER PARLIAMENT SPEAKER KALEMLIANKARA, Feb 3 (A.A) - Israeli Parliament Speaker Dan Tichon, who currently holds contacts in Ankara as the official guest of Parliament Speaker Hikmet Cetin, and the accompanying parliamentary delegation on Tuesday met with Former Parliament Speaker Mustafa Kalemli.Dan Tichon and the accompanying delegation then met with the Turkish- Israeli Friendship Group Chairman Cefi Kamhi and the Group members. Guest Israeli Parliament Speaker and the accompanying delegation then met with the members of the Parliament National Defense Commission. The issues of ''bilateral relations'' and ''regional issues'' were taken up in the meetings. [17] TURKEY-COE - COE TO GIVE FINANCIAL SUPPORT TO TURKISH FILM INDUSTRYSTRASBOURG, Feb 3 (A.A) - The Eurimages company, which gives service within the Council of Europe (COE) structure, will give financial support to two Turkish films, it was reported on Tuesday.The Eurimages will give financial assistance to Turkish-French-Hungarian joint production ''Kaciklik Diplomasi (Madness Diploma)'' directed by famous Turkish director Tunc Basaran and to Turkish-Greek-Bulgarian joint production ''Istanbul, Benim Askim (Istanbul, My Love)'' directed by famous Turkish director Seckin Yasar. The Eurimages will also give incentive-support to Turkish Belge and Umut film distribution companies for their contibution to distribution of European films in Turkey. The Eurimages, which was set up in 1989, gave more than one billion French francs of financial support to 606 films in Europe. [18] TURKEY-ISRAEL - ISRAELI PARLIAMENT SPEAKER TICHON MEETS PRIME MINISTER YILMAZANKARA, Feb 3 (A.A) - Isreali Parliament (Knesset) Speaker Dan Tichon, currently officially in Ankara, visited Prime Minister Mesut Yilmaz on Tuesday.Yilmaz and Tichon exchanged views on UN-Iraqi crisis during the meeting. Prime Minister Yilmaz recalled that Foreign Minister Ismail Cem would visit Baghdad on Wednesday. ''Yet, this visit does not have a meaning like mediation,'' he said. Yilmaz said Cem, during the visit, will exchange views aiming at preventing Iraq not to escalate the crisis further more and added that Cem will return home on Thursday. Meanwhile, Yilmaz, before meeting Israeli Parliament Speaker Tichon, met the US Ambassador to Ankara Mark Parris and took up recent developments regarding the UN-Iraqi crisis. Anadolu Agency: News in English Directory - Previous Article - Next Article |
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