Anadolu Agency: News in English, 98-05-11

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

11 APRIL 1998

CONTENTS

[01] ISMET SEZGIN, DEPUTY PRIME MINISTER AND MINISTER OF NATIONAL DEFENCE ON RHODES

[02] PRESIDENT DEMIREL IN KAZAKHSTAN - DEMIREL MEETS WITH IRANIAN PRESIDENT KHATEMI

[03] TRNC PLANE OVERSHOOTS THE RUNWAY

[04] BAKI ILKIN, THE NEW TURKISH AMBASSADOR TO THE US: - ''I CALL THE TURKISH PEOPLE LIVING IN THE US TO THE TURKISH DAY MARCH IN NEW YORK ON MAY 16''

[05] FINANCE MINISTER REQUESTS THE TURKISH WORKERS LIVING ABROAD TO MAKE INVESTMENTS IN TURKEY

[06] PRESIDENT DEMIREL IN KAZAKHSTAN (2) - DEMIREL ADDRESSES THE FIFTH ECO SUMMIT: ''WE ARE DETERMINED TO INCREASE THE COMMERCIAL RELATIONS AND TRADE VOLUME BETWEEN ECO COUNTRIES''

[07] IMF TURKEY DIRECTOR KIEKENS IN ANKARA

[08] QUAKE SHAKES ELESKIRT COUNTY OF AGRI PROVINCE

[09] THE WORLD BANK APPROVES TO GIVE 4.2 MILLION US DOLLARS IN CREDIT TO TURKEY

[10] KETELSEN, CHARGE D'AFFAIRES OF THE EU REPRESENTATION IN TURKEY: ''I BELIEVE THAT TURKEY WILL BE A FULL MEMBER OF THE EU IN THE FUTURE''

[11] TURKEY IN BRIEF - MAY 11, 1998

[12] 15 ASSOCIATIONS IN TURKEY SET UP A ''KOSOVO INFORMATION COMMISSION''

[13] BUSY DAYS FOR DIPLOMACY - CEM TO MEET HOLBROOKE AND KINKEL - COOK, THE BRITISH FOREIGN MINISTER TO VISIT TURKEY ON MAY 19

[14] THE ''MURAT'' OPERATION - THE SECURITY FORCES RENDER 122 TERRORISTS INEFFECTIVE

[15] THE HEZBOULLAH OPERATION AT BATMAN - FIVE MEMBERS OF THE ILLEGAL ORGANIZATION ARRESTED

[16] TURKEY-PRESS REVIEW (1)

[17] TURKEY-PRESS REVIEW (2)

[18] TURKEY DENIES THE GREEK NEWS SAYING THAT THE S-300 MISSILES WILL BE DEPLOYED ON CRETE AND TURKEY WILL TAKE AN EXCEPTION

[19] 14TH MEETING OF THE OIC PERMANENT COMMITTEE FOR ECONOMIC AND COMMERCIAL COOPERATION ENDS

[20] ATACANLI, FM DEPUTY SPOKESMAN: ''VISIT OF COOK, THE BRITISH FOREIGN MINISTER TO TURKEY CAN BE AN IMPORTANT STEP''

[21] TURKEY DOES NOT TAKE SERIOUS THE CLAIMS OF MUALLIM, THE SYRIAN AMBASSADOR TO THE US ABOUT HATAY PROVINCE

[22] SEA SECURITY COMMITTEE STARTS ITS STUDIES

[23] WEU MEEETING ON RHODES - SEZGIN, MINISTER OF DEFENSE LISTENS TO THE PROBLEMS OF THE TURKISH PEOPLE LIVING ON RHODES

[24] REACTION TO JOSPIN, THE FRENCH PRIME MINISTER BY THE TURKISH ASSOCIATIONS IN FRANCE

[25] FIFTH ECO SUMMIT ENDS WITH ALMATY DECLARATION

[26] TURKCELL SIGNS INTERNATIONAL ROAMING AGREEMENT WITH IRIDIUM L.L.C.

[27] SEA SECURITY COMMITTEE MEETING (2) - ERKAYA: ''TURKEY CAN'T ACCEPT ANY PRESSURE CONCERNING THE STRAITS''

[28] PRESIDENT DEMIREL HOLDS A PRESS BRIEFING IN KAZAKHSTAN: ''THE ECO MEETING WAS VERY BENEFICIAL''

[29] GEN. CEVIK BIR, DEPUTY CHIEF OF GENERAL STAFF, LEAVES TRNC - BIR: ''THE AIM OF OUR ACTIVITIES IS TO SECURE PEACE. EVERYBODY SHOULD SHOW THE SAME UNDERSTANDING''

[30] AUTOMOTIVE PRODUCTION IN FIRST FOUR MONTHS INCREASES

[31] ECO SUMMIT - STATE MINISTER AHAT ANDICAN STATES THAT THREE AGREEMENTS WERE SIGNED IN THE SUMMIT

[32] ANADOLU AJANSI

[01] ISMET SEZGIN, DEPUTY PRIME MINISTER AND MINISTER OF NATIONAL DEFENCE ON RHODES

Addressing the journalists at the Rhodes port, who asked whether or not he will hold talks with Akis Cohacopulos, the Greek Defence Minister, about the confidence-raising measures in the Aegean, Sezgin said, ''I came here to discuss the issues concerning the WEU, but we may drink a Turkish coffee and a Greek cognac with Cohacopulos''.

Responding to the questions about Greece's support to the separatist terrorist PKK organization, Sezgin told the reporters, ''the Greek Ambassador to Turkey told us that such a support isn't true. We are investigating the issue. I ensure you that a member state of the NATO doesn't support terrorist activities against another member state of the NATO.''
Sezgin will return to Turkey on Tuesday after he concludes his contacts on the Greek island Rhodes.

[02] PRESIDENT DEMIREL IN KAZAKHSTAN - DEMIREL MEETS WITH IRANIAN PRESIDENT KHATEMI

Demirel came together with the Iranian President Muhammed Khatemi for breakfast this morning.

It was reported that the half an hour meeting was focused on the bilateral and regional relations. Khatemi said that he believes that a new era has began in the relations between Turkey and Iran after the ambassadors of both countries started reciprocal duties.

Stressing that the ECO is an organization of regional cooperation, President Demirel said that it is important to determine realistic targets for the success of this cooperation.

The latest situation in Afghanistan, Tajikistan and Azerbaijan were also discussed at the meeting. Demirel reminded that some parts of Azerbaijan is under the Armenian occupation and this damages the territorial integrity of Azerbaijan. He pointed out that Turkey and Iran should cooperate for the solution of the problems in Azerbaijan which is confronted with significant difficulties.

Meanwhile the two presidents also talked about the issue of Iraq. They noted that Iraq's territorial integrity should be protected and the United Nations' decisions should be implemented.

President Demirel also mentioned the Turkey-Israel cooperation and stressed that this cooperation is not against any third country.

[03] TRNC PLANE OVERSHOOTS THE RUNWAY

Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) on Sunday, but there were no casualties.

Officials said that the plane, a Boeing 727 flying from Antalya in southern Turkey, was unable to stop normally and came to a halt in mud at the end of the runway.

None of the 99 passangers and the members of the crew was injured, but the plane was damaged.

[04] BAKI ILKIN, THE NEW TURKISH AMBASSADOR TO THE US: - ''I CALL THE TURKISH PEOPLE LIVING IN THE US TO THE TURKISH DAY MARCH IN NEW YORK ON MAY 16''

Ilkin said in his message that the Turkish Week and the Turkish Day March, which have being organized annually since 1980, show the power of the Turkish society living in the US. He added that with this march a message of ''unity and cooperation'' will be given to the ''hostile'' activities against Turkey.

Stressing that the Turkish week activities provide for Turkey's promotion to the world, Ilkin pointed out that the Turkish people's traditional chracteristics of friendship, living in peace and sharing the joint values will be shown to the American public. He added, ''I am calling the Turkish people living in the US and the Americans of Turkish origin to New York on May 16 to join a demonstration of peaceful unity and cooperation within the framework of Ataturk's principles, the secular and democratic Republic of Turkey and international values''.

[05] FINANCE MINISTER REQUESTS THE TURKISH WORKERS LIVING ABROAD TO MAKE INVESTMENTS IN TURKEY

Reminding that the unallocated treasury lands will be given to the investors who make investments in the state of emergency region and the investors who create employment for 10 persons, will be exempt from income and corporate taxes for 5 years.

Meanwhile, the Ministry of Finance is preparing a campaign to promote incentives for the investments in the Eastern and Southeastern Anatolia regions, both in Turkey and abroad.

Officials from the Ministry told the A.A correspondent that an ''investment and incentive guidebook'' is being prepared and will be distributed in the countries densely populated by the Turkish workers.

The Ministry of Finance set up telephone information lines at the General Directorate of Revenues and the General Directorate of National Property to give information about the investments in the mentioned areas of Turkey. The investors can obtain information from the following telephone numbers (312) 311 39 56 and (312) 425 97 93.

[06] PRESIDENT DEMIREL IN KAZAKHSTAN (2) - DEMIREL ADDRESSES THE FIFTH ECO SUMMIT: ''WE ARE DETERMINED TO INCREASE THE COMMERCIAL RELATIONS AND TRADE VOLUME BETWEEN ECO COUNTRIES''

Addressing the Fifth ECO Summit, President Demirel stated that globalization leads the world countries to develop dependent relations among each other and to create only a single world market. President Demirel added that more than 60 percent of the world trade is carried out within regional economic groupings.

''The ECO countries, which have a population of more than 300 million, rich natural and human resources and which have close cultural and social links among each other, have the capacity not only to join the globalization movement, but also have the capacity to influence it,'' Demirel said.

Noting that ECO has entered into a reconstruction process with the text of the agreement changed in September 1996, President Demirel recalled that the ECO gave priority to the fields of economic cooperation strategy, trade, transportation and energy in order to promote cooperation between the member states.

Pointing out that the trade volume between the ECO member states is low, President Demirel said, ''we believe that the domestic trade and interregional trade will increase if the ECO countries join the World Trade Organization and fully implement the principles of the free market economy such as liberalization and transparency.''

''Our membership in organizations such as the Black Sea Economic Cooperation (BSEC), Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) and the customs deal with the European Union (EU) will contribute to improvement of commercial relations within the ECO,'' said Demirel.

Stressing that the establishment of a coordination center to control drug trafficking within the structure of the ECO is important, President Demirel said that Turkey is ready to extend support and help this organization.

''The Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) will continue to participate in the activities and programmes of the ECO and the TRNC wants to improve relations with the ECO countries. Turkey attributes great importance to the Central Asian countries and protection of peace, stability and prosperity in these countries should be the aim of all the regional countries and the international community,'' said President Demirel.

Noting that the conflicts in the Caucasus, Kosovo, Kashmir and Afghanistan should end, President Demirel added that Turkey continues to support the Dayton Agreement in Bosnia and the Palestinian people in the Middle East.

Later, President Demirel met with Burhaneddin Rabbani, the Afghan President, who is in Kazakhstan.

[07] IMF TURKEY DIRECTOR KIEKENS IN ANKARA

Officials from the Undersecretariat of the Treasury, told the A.A correspondent that Kiekens will join the last part of the annual consultation meetings which is being held by the IMF delegation lead by Martin Hardy, the Chairman of IMF Turkey Desk, in accordance with Article Four of the Fund Agreement.

Stressing that Kiekens always joins the last part of the meetings, officials from the Ministry said that there is nothing unusual about Kieken's visit to Ankara.

The IMF delegation came to Turkey on April 28 and proceeded to Ankara on April 30 to hold talks with the Turkish officials.

Kiekens and the members of the IMF delegation will leave Turkey tomorrow.

[08] QUAKE SHAKES ELESKIRT COUNTY OF AGRI PROVINCE

Officials told the A.A correspondent that the quake measuring 3.6 on the Richter Scale occurred at 03:00 a.m.

The residents of the Eleskirt county woke up each other by shooting their guns in the air.

No casualties or financial damages were reported.

[09] THE WORLD BANK APPROVES TO GIVE 4.2 MILLION US DOLLARS IN CREDIT TO TURKEY

The credit will be used to improve the infrastructure of the commodity exchange markets in Eskisehir, Edirne, Izmir, Polatl� and Sanl�urfa.

Prof. Halil Sar�arslan, an official from the Turkish Union of Chambers and Commodity Exchanges (TOBB), told the A.A correspondent that Turkey had applied to the World Bank to give credits to her and the Bank has approved this application.

Noting that the agreement concerning the credit is expected to be signed during June, either in Turkey or in the US, Sar�arslan stated that the credit won't be used as cash.

''The firms which will set up the infrastructure of the commodity exchanges, will be paid directly by using this credit,'' said Sar�arslan, adding that 840,000 US dollars will be given for the Edirne Grain Commodity Exchange Market, 820,000 US dollars for the Eskisehir Grain Commodity Exchange Market, 800,000 US dollars for the Izmir Cotton Commodity Exchange Market, 900,000 US dollars for the Polatl� Grain Commodity Exchange Market and 850, 000 US dollars for the Sanl�urfa Cotton Commodity Exchange Market.

Pointing out that these five commodity exchanges will make an investment worth 1.2 million US dollars within the same project, Sar�arslan added that the project will be coordinated by the Ministry of Industry and Trade.

[10] KETELSEN, CHARGE D'AFFAIRES OF THE EU REPRESENTATION IN TURKEY: ''I BELIEVE THAT TURKEY WILL BE A FULL MEMBER OF THE EU IN THE FUTURE''

Responding to the questions of the A.A correspondent, Ketelsen stated that Turkey is included in the enlargement process of the EU, adding that May 9 has been celebrated as ''European Day'' since 1950, because this date is a turning point in respect to the integration among the European countries.

Recalling that the criteria needed to be a full member of the EU were determined during the Copenhagen Summit held in 1993, Ketelsen pointed out that a research made by the European Commission showed that none of the candidate states meet the Copenhagen criteria.

Noting that the negotiations with the candidate countries, which were determined by the EU last year, can last for five-six years, Ketelsen said the commencement of negotiations doesn't mean a ''guarantee of full membership.''

[11] TURKEY IN BRIEF - MAY 11, 1998

University students from Bosnia Herzegovina, Macedonia, Moldova, Romania, Bulgaria, the Ukraine and Russia will participate at the festival.

ULUDERE - It was reported on Monday that a land mine was exploded in Uludere County of Sirnak Province and two children were wounded in the incident.

Semi Encu (aged 13) and Nurettin Encu (aged 15) were taken to the Sirnak State Hospital.

Officials told the A.A correspondent that the land mine might have been planted by the members of the separat�st terrorist PKK organization formerly and relocated by landslides.

Investigation related to the incident is underway.

ISTANBUL - Halil Ibrahim Ozsoy, the Minister of Health, went on Monday to Switzerland to attend the 51st general assembly of the World Health Organization (WHO) in Geneva between May 11-16.

Addressing the journalists at the Ataturk Airport before his departure, Ozsoy said that at the end of the general assembly the target of health for every one in 21st century will be approved.

Noting that the 1998 World Health Report will be discussed at the meeting, Ozsoy pointed out that this report shows the latest trends concerning diseases, death and life expectations by 2025 for all age groups, without making a differentiation between sexes.

Reminding that he is the Chairman of the European Region Committee of the WHO, Ozsoy told the reporters that he will give a reception for the health ministers of the 51 countries which are in the European region of the organization.

ISTANBUL -Nami Cagan, the Minister of Labour and Social Security, went on Monday to Malta to attend the Conference of the European Council of Ministers Responsible for Social Security .

The Ministry of Labour and Social Security said in its written statement that the meeting which will be held between May 12-14 will be focused on ''Social Security in the 21st Century''

Cagan will address the meeting and explain the effects of Turkey's demographic structure on the social security services.

IZMIR - Police seized 7 kg of hashish at the Izmir Bus Station on Monday. One person was taken into custody during the operation.

Acting on a tip-off, police held an operation at the Izmir Bus Station and captured Hayri Aslan with 7 kg of hashish in his luggage.

Investigations related to the incident are underway and the police are searching for Kemal Dogantekin, another leading name in the incident.

[12] 15 ASSOCIATIONS IN TURKEY SET UP A ''KOSOVO INFORMATION COMMISSION''

Kamil Bitis, the Secretary General of the Albanian-Turkish Cooperation Association, told the A.A correspondent that the crisis desk formed with 8 members, will meet once a week and discuss the latest developments in Kosovo. He added that the members of the commission will visit the parliamentary deputies and request support.

Stressing that the people of Kosovo expect more active policy from the Turkish politicians, Bitis described the attitude of Ismail Cem, the Foreign Minister, as very positive.

Bitis noted that they requested a commission formed by the parliamentary deputies to go the region and the aid organizations such as the Red Crescent to provide medicine and food, pointing out, ''we expect Turkey to make more pressure on Serbia to stop the massacres in Kosovo.''

Describing the Contact Group's efforts as useful, but insufficient, Bitis said, ''during the civil war in Bosnia, Yugoslavia transferred her money to the banks in Southern Cyprus. A weapons embargo is an insufficient measure. Yugoslavia already has enough weapons to utterly destroy the Balkan countries. The only solution is an armed intervention.''

Pointing out that the massacres should be ended first with the NATO troops which will be deployed between Serbia and Kosovo, and an administration under international supervision should be set up, Bitis, said that Kosovo can reach her independence with a referendum which will be held several years later.

[13] BUSY DAYS FOR DIPLOMACY - CEM TO MEET HOLBROOKE AND KINKEL - COOK, THE BRITISH FOREIGN MINISTER TO VISIT TURKEY ON MAY 19

Responding to the questions of the A.A correspondent, Ismail Cem said that he can meet with Klaus Kinkel, his German counterpart, during the Western European Union (WEU) Assembly meeting, that will be held in Paris between May 18-20 or at the NATO Foreign Ministers' Council, which will convene in Brussels between May 28-29 or during the Euro-Med meeting that will be held in Palermo.

After wrapping up his contacts in Bulgaria and Romania, Cem will participate at the Bilderberg meeting that will be held in Scotland and give information about Turkey's EU policy and her priorities in foreign policy.

Sir David Hannay, the British Special Representative to Cyprus, Hans Van den Broek, the EU Commissioner Responsible for Foreign Affairs and Yorgo Papandreu, the Greek Deputy Foreign Minister will participate in the meeting, which will be headed by Richard Holbrooke.

Cem said that he can hold bilateral contacts during the meeting in Scotland.

Meanwhile, Robin Cook, the British Foreign Minister will visit Turkey on May 19, just before the Association Council meeting, which is foreseen to be held between Turkey and the EU.

Noting that Turkey is positive about the Association Council in principle, Cem added that the EU should correct the decisions it took during the Luxembourg Summit concerning the membership of Turkey to the EU.

[14] THE ''MURAT'' OPERATION - THE SECURITY FORCES RENDER 122 TERRORISTS INEFFECTIVE

The ''Murat Operation'', which is the largest operation in the region, started in Diyarbakir-Bitlis-Bingol-Mus Provinces on April 24, is still underway.

The security forces have seized a large number of weapons and munitions during the operation. Meanwhile the shelters of the terrorist have been destroyed during the operation.

[15] THE HEZBOULLAH OPERATION AT BATMAN - FIVE MEMBERS OF THE ILLEGAL ORGANIZATION ARRESTED

The Batman police officials said that six people were captured during the operations staged against the Hezboullah organization for the last ten days and they were taken into custody.

Officials added that five of these persons have been arrested with the court decision after their interrogation finished.

[16] TURKEY-PRESS REVIEW (1)

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

DEMIREL ATTENDS ALIYEV'S BIRTHDAY AND ECO SUMMIT
President Suleyman Demirel left yesterday on a two-day visit to Azerbaijan and Kazakhstan. Demirel participated in the celebrations of his Azerbaijani counterpart Haydar Aliyev's 75th birthday in Baku and then left for Almaty for the summit of the Economic Cooperation Organization (ECO) on Monday. Aliyev told Demirel in Baku that he favours the pipeline running from Azerbaijan's capital on the Caspian, Baku, through Georgia and into the Turkish Mediterranean port of Ceyhan.

In Almaty, the president will participate in the fifth ECO summit. Five documents are expected to be signed at the summit. Among the proposed documents is a framework agreement to resolve some of the region's transit problems and a deal on fighting contraband and overcoming trade barriers. /All papers/

DEFENSE MINISTER ON RHODES
Ismet Sezgin, the Minister of National Defense went yesterday to the Greek island of Rhodes to attend a Western European Union (WEU) Defense and Foreign Ministers' meeting. It is expected that Sezgin will meet with his Greek counterpart to discuss the Aegean issue.

On the other hand, Ismail Cem, the Foreign Minister won't attend the meeting to protest the uncompromising attitude of Greece and the WEU's anti- Turkish policies. /Sabah/

CHIEF OF GENERAL STAFF OFF TO RUSSIA
Gen. Ismail Hakki Karadayi, the Chief of General Staff, will go to Russia on 18 May on the invitation of his Russian counterpart. Karadayi will ask Russia not to sell the S-300 missiles to Greek Cyprus or give support to the PKK.

Cevik Bir, the Deputy Chief of General Staff, will visit Israel on 25 May to discuss the joint production of anti-missile weapons. /Sabah/

G8 REQUESTS RESUMPTION OF TALKS ON CYPRUS
The Group of Eight major powers have requested a resumption of direct talks between Greece and Turkey on Cyprus. The G8 foreign ministers, in a communique issued after two days of talks in London, also expressed concern about the possible military build-up there. ''We request the parties to resume direct talks under the auspices of the UN'' the communique said. ''We urge all concerned to work for a settlement on the basis of a bi-zonal, bi-communal federation. We particularly urge the governments of Greece and Turkey to promote good neighbourly relations between them, and to work for the peaceful settlement of their bilateral disputes''.

The G8 ministers added, ''We are concerned that new developments in the military sphere, including any increase in force levels and the upgrading with sophisticated weaponry, may risk raising tension in this already unstable region''. /Sabah/

EGYPT, IRAN BUILD UP ALLIANCE AGAINST TURCO-ISRAELI COOPERATION
The Egyptian weekly magazine El Ahram El Arabi, has reported in its latest issue that the Egyptian and Iranian foreign ministers have started talks to strengthen diplomatic and political relations. Diplomatic sources in Cairo, in their statements to El Ahram, said that the two contries aimed at developing an alliance against the Turco-Israeli military cooperation and added that details of the accord would be final by the end of 1998. /Milliyet/

PKK ROCKET KILLS A CIVILIAN
Targeting a police unit in the Semdinli District near Hakkari, a PKK rocket destroyed a house yesterday killing the homeowner. /Milliyet/

TURKISH AMBASSADOR TO BAKU SUGGESTS TACTICS FOR BAKU-CEYHAN PIPELINE
In a press conference held yesterday, K. Ecvet Tezcan, the Turkish Ambassador to Azerbaijan, suggested that Turkey should argue at international meetings that the Turkish Straits are being put into a seriously risk by the outdated provisions of the 1936 Montreux Agreement, with a view to forcing the implementation of the projected Baku-Ceyhan pipeline, stressing that it is the only solution for the transportation of the Caspian oil. /Milliyet/

TURKEY AND RUSSIA TO DEBATE STAKES OVER BOSPHORUS
The nine-day working period of the security committee meeting of the International Maritime Organization (IMO) will witness heated discussions on the Bosphorus traffic on Monday. Russia and Turkey are expected to discuss Russia's proposals to revoke Turkey's control of the traffic separation scheme of the Bosphorus. Turkey has held the rights to control traffic in the Bosphorus since 1925 by IMO consensus. /All papers/

[17] TURKEY-PRESS REVIEW (2)

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

NATO 'DISTANT THUNDER-98' EXERCISE CONTINUES
The NATO exercise ''Distant Thunder-98'' (DT98), mainly comprised of Air Force units, will continue in some parts of the

Aegean Sea and the eastern Mediterranean. Turkish, French, Italian, English and US forces will take part in the DT98.

Some of the participants will meet with members of the press in Konya on Monday. Officials said yesterday that the DT98 was an annual NATO training exercise that aimed to strengthen understanding and cooperation between the armed forces of the NATO countries which are mainly in the south. /All papers/

EMAS WORKING MEETINGS IN ANKARA
Working meetings concerning the implementation of the Environmental Monitoring and Administration System (EMAS) in Turkey begin in Ankara on May 11. EMAS is a project within the framework of the EU's Life Programme, which aims to prevent industrial pollution. An opening speech at the meeting will be given by Imren Aykut, the Minister of the Environment. /All papers/

SUPPORT FOR TURKEY FROM CLINTON
US President Bill Clinton will explain Turkey's place and importance in Europe during his six-day visit to Europe , which will start on Tuesday. Clinton will make suggestions for the realization of a new perspective towards Turkey at an EU summit to be held in Cardiff at the end of June. James Steinberg, the Deputy Chairman of the White House National Security Council, said that President Clinton will bring Turkish-EU relations onto the agenda during his bilateral meetings and the US-EU Summit.

Steinberg said, ''President Clinton attaches great importance to closer relations between Turkey and the EU''. The first leg of President Clinton's visit to Europe is Germany. Clinton is expected to discuss the Aegean and Cyprus issues during his meeting with Helmut Kohl, the German Prime Minister. /Hurriyet-Sabah/

US CONCERNED ABOUT THE S-300 MISSILES
Thomas Miller, the Special Coordinator to Cyprus of the US Department of State, said over the weekend that if the Russian-made S-300 missiles are brought to Greek Cyprus, then there could be a conflict on Cyprus and in the Aegean. According to the Greek Cypriot radio, Miller, who made a statement to the Athens Kathimerini newspaper, said that demilitarization on Cyprus would be a guarantee of security. /Hurriyet/

TURKISH SOLDIERS RETURN FROM JORDAN
Members of a 99-person Turkish unit, who completed a 20-day training programme in Jordan within the framework of a Military Training Cooperation Agreement between Turkey and Jordan, returned to Turkey yesterday. A Jordanian unit, which also completed training in Turkey, returned to Jordan. /Hurriyet/

EPHESUS: CENTRE OF RELIGIOUS FRATERNITY
The seventh ''Apostle Saint Johannes Symposium'' organized in Seljuk, Izmir started yesterday. Perlugi Celata, the Vatican Ambassador to Turkey, the Izmir Archbishop Giuseppe Bernardini and many Christian representatives are attending the symposium, which will end tomorrow. /Hurriyet/

[18] TURKEY DENIES THE GREEK NEWS SAYING THAT THE S-300 MISSILES WILL BE DEPLOYED ON CRETE AND TURKEY WILL TAKE AN EXCEPTION

Addressing the weekly press briefing, Sermet Atacanl�, the Foreign Ministry Deputy Spokesman said that ''these kinds of news are totally baseless and imaginary.''

Noting that Atacanl� had many times explained her views concerning the S- 300 missiles, Atacanl� said, ''there isn't any change in Turkey's attitude concerning this issue.''

Mentioning the official statements of the Greek Cypriot side, which claims that the PKK isn't a terrorist organization, Atacanl� said ''Turkey's views and concern about the connection between the PKK and the Greek Cypriot side are well known. The Greek Cypriot side claims that there aren't any court decisions that declare the PKK as a terrorist organization, however the European Court of Human Rights declared the PKK as a terrorist organization in November 1997.''

[19] 14TH MEETING OF THE OIC PERMANENT COMMITTEE FOR ECONOMIC AND COMMERCIAL COOPERATION ENDS

The report including the decisions made during the meeting was approved in the closing session chaired by Ambassador Yasar Yakis, the Chairman of the Turkish delegation.

The Observation Committee said in a written statement that the OIC Secretariat General's reports regarding the implementation situation of the action plan of the OIC Economic Cooperation and regarding the economic cooperation decisions made by the OIC Permanent Committee for Economic and Commercial Cooperation in several fields were represented in the meeting.

The statement said that within this perspective, three sectoral experts group meetings were held up until now and concrete project proposals were discussed in those meetings, adding that the Observation Committee made a decision of recommendation regarding the establishment of the foreseen project committees as soon as possible.

Taking into consideration the reports of the OIC Secretariat General, Islamic Development Center of Trade and Islamic Chamber of Industry and Trade regarding the issue of cooperation within the framework of the World Trade Organization, the statement stressed that the developed countries were implementing non-tariff obstacles for the developing countries.

The Observation Committee decided to approve and present the Islamic Countries Standards and Meteorology Institute's Statute Draft to the OIC Permanent Committe for Economic and Commercial Cooperation after making some changes in the draft.

The preparations for the exchange of opinion-sessions to be held during the 14th Meeting of the OIC Permanent Committe for Economic and Commercial Cooperation in November 1998 regarding the ''Trade within the OIC and Stability Measures and Structural Reforms with the Member Countries'' were reviewed and the agenda draft of the 14th OIC Permanent Committee for Economic and Commercial Cooperation was prepared.

A total of 45 representatives from several international organizations in the nine Observation Committee member countries attended the meeting, organized by the State Planning Organization responsible for the coordination of the activities of the OIC Permanent Committe for Economic and Commercial Cooperation.

The Observation Committee headed by Turkey is composed of the representatives from Saudi Arabia, Palestine, Kuwait, Indonesia, Uganda, Pakistan, Egypt, Iran and Cameroon.

[20] ATACANLI, FM DEPUTY SPOKESMAN: ''VISIT OF COOK, THE BRITISH FOREIGN MINISTER TO TURKEY CAN BE AN IMPORTANT STEP''

Sermat Atacanl� told a weekly press briefing that Turkey finds the report on the ''European Strategy for Turkey,'' prepared by the European Commission as negotiable. ''However the important point is the fact that this negotiation can only be carried out within the framework of the integration of Turkey with the EU,'' he said.

Noting that the most important issue that is foreseen to be taken up during the visit of Cook to Turkey is the Turkish-EU relations, Atacanl� added that bilateral, regional and international issues that concern the two countries can also be discussed during the visit.

Responding to a question asking whether or not the Cyprus question will be discussed, Atacanl� recalled the decision of Turkey not to discuss the Cyprus question and political issues with the EU.

Stressing that there is no change in this decision, Atacanl� said that the Cyprus question can be discussed with Britain within the framework of the guarantorship.

Atacanl� stressed that Turkey is pleased by the support of the US in the integration process of Turkey with the EU.

Responding to another question about a possible meeting between Ismail Cem, the Foreign Minister and Klaus Kinkel, the German Foreign Minister, Atacanl� said that they have launched efforts to find an appropriate place and time for that meeting.

[21] TURKEY DOES NOT TAKE SERIOUS THE CLAIMS OF MUALLIM, THE SYRIAN AMBASSADOR TO THE US ABOUT HATAY PROVINCE

Responding to a question about this issue in a weekly press briefing, Sermet Atacanl�, the Foreign Ministry Deputy Spokesman stated, ''I don't need to make any comments. There is no such issue on the agenda in Turkey.''

Velid Al Muallim, the Syrian Ambasador to the US had told the ''Arab Network of America'' (ANA), which is a television channel in the US, that ''we give information to our children about our provinces, which were stolen. We teach our children that Hatay Province belongs to Syria. We have never forgotten Hatay.''

[22] SEA SECURITY COMMITTEE STARTS ITS STUDIES

The delegation led by Omer Kilic, the Deputy Undersecretary of Maritime Affairs, and retired Admiral Guven Erkaya, the Chief Advisor of the Prime Ministry, is representing Turkey at the meetings of the Committee.

The parties in the meeting will discuss the report, which was prepared by a group of countries led by Russia and foresees partially removing Turkey's control over the traffic in the Straits.

The parties will also discuss in detail Russia's proposal presented to the IMO in 1996.

Russia proposed to have an international delegation observe the situation in the Turkish Straits.

The proposal, which was turned into a report by Russia, Greece, the Ukraine and the Greek-Cypriot side at the 20th General Assembly, will be presented for the approval of the Committee.

It was reported that Turkey would continue to support the view that the report was prepared under the influence of political and economic considerations and that the report would only create tension in the relations among the IMO member countries.

Retired Admiral Guven Erkaya will convey to the Committee members Turkey's thesis related to the issue.

Guven Erkaya will talk about the changes made and measures taken in order to ease the passages of the ships of the neighbouring countries.

Erkaya and the Turkish delegation members will convey to the Committee members that Turkey is ready to cooperate with other IMO member countries, but won't allow other countries to dictate the conditions of cooperation.

The Committee for Security of the Sea will continue its activities until May 20.

[23] WEU MEEETING ON RHODES - SEZGIN, MINISTER OF DEFENSE LISTENS TO THE PROBLEMS OF THE TURKISH PEOPLE LIVING ON RHODES

Sezgin, who met with the representatives of the approximately 2,000 Turkish people on the island, will hold a press briefing the same day and give information concerning his bilateral meetings and about the WEU meeting.

Meanwhile, it is claimed that Javier Solana, the NATO Secretary General, who is also on Rhodes for the meeting, brought revised proposals concerning confidence building measures in the Aegean to the Greek and Turkish sides.

Diplomatic sources said that issues like suspension of military operations in the Aegean, extension of the moratorium period from two months to three months and immediate transmission of electronic frames of war planes to the NATO headquarters in Naples are expected to be included in the proposals.

Sezgin will return to Turkey on Tuesday when the WEU meeting ends.

[24] REACTION TO JOSPIN, THE FRENCH PRIME MINISTER BY THE TURKISH ASSOCIATIONS IN FRANCE

The Union of Turkish Associations in France started a signature campaign to protest the message of Jospin.

The associations said that Jospin issued such a message in order to get the votes of the approximately 400,000 Armenian people living in France and they requested the Turkish people, who live in France, to actively join the protest campaign.

The protest letters, prepared to be sent to Jospin and the Secretariat of the French Socialist Party, note that 350,000 Turkish people who live in France are uneasy about the commemoration messages for the so-called genocide, recalling that more than three million Turkish soldiers died during the First World War.

[25] FIFTH ECO SUMMIT ENDS WITH ALMATY DECLARATION

The ''Transit Transportation Framework Agreement'' signed by the Council of Ministers is the most concrete step of the meetings at Almaty.

Following the meetings closed to the press, the Presidents and Prime Ministers attended the ECO Summit and signed the Almaty Declaration.

The decisions made during the meetings of the 7th and 8th ECO Council of Ministers at Almaty were approved and the importance of the priority regions in the regional cooperation was emphasized at the meeting.

It was proposed to the member countries that they participate in the projects and programmes prepared within the scope of the ECO and to include them in their national projects and programmes.

The parties stated in the declaration, which was signed by taking into consideration the developments in the world, the key role of the region in the 21st century, the geo-strategical and rich sources and the extended economic potential of the region, that the next Summit would be organized in the first half of the year 2000 in Bishkek upon a request from Kyrgyzstan.

The parties in the declaration supported the effectiveness of the transit transportation agreement and the agreement for simplification in obtaining visas for the businessmen from the ECO member countries, and also the establishment of a Transit Transportation Committee in Ashkabad, and requested the other countries to participate in these agreements.

The declaration recommended that the parties establish an ECO Airlines company, ECO Science Foundation, ECO Cultural Institute and ECO Educational Institute as soon as possible.

[26] TURKCELL SIGNS INTERNATIONAL ROAMING AGREEMENT WITH IRIDIUM L.L.C.

The Turkcell subscribers will have uninterrupted communications with the latest high technology system via 67 satellites at a distance of 780 km from the earth.

The Iridium project, that will cost a total of 5.2 billion US dollars, will provide global communications in the world for the first time and will be in service throughout the world on September 23, 1998.

The Turkish Telekom will implement the Iridium project in Turkey.

The Turkish Telekom won't make any investment and won't pay any cost, but it will get its share from the utilization costs.

[27] SEA SECURITY COMMITTEE MEETING (2) - ERKAYA: ''TURKEY CAN'T ACCEPT ANY PRESSURE CONCERNING THE STRAITS''

The United Nations' (UN) International Maritime Organization's (IMO) Committee for the Security of the Sea started its activities the same day.

Addressing a statement to journalists before the meeting, Erkaya, the head of the Turkish delegation, said that the committee will discuss a report which has been prepared by Russia and several countries and which closely concerns the Turkish Straits.

Noting that Turkey didn't participate in the preparation of the report and she has objections to it, Erkaya added that the Turkish delegation will try to prevent the submission of the report for the approval of the Committee.

Responding to a question, Guven Erkaya said, ''we can take the views of those countries which signed the Montreux Treaty, but we won't accept any pressure concerning the Straits.''

''I don't know about the attitude of Greece, actually she always supports things that will put Turkey in a difficult position,'' said Erkaya, adding ''we won't permit others to discuss the rights provided to Turkey by the Montreux Treaty.''

Pointing out that the meeting in London includes issues about the security of the sea, Erkaya said that Turkey has completed the necessary preparations and technical infrastructure to a great extent regarding the establishment of a new traffic system in the Straits.

Erkaya stressed that this system will decrease the accidents in the Straits.

[28] PRESIDENT DEMIREL HOLDS A PRESS BRIEFING IN KAZAKHSTAN: ''THE ECO MEETING WAS VERY BENEFICIAL''

Evaluating the fifth ECO Summit to the Turkish journalists, President Demirel said that the Sixth ECO Summit will be held in Bishkek, the capital of Kyrgyzstan in 2000.

Noting that the Central Asian countries joined the ECO during the Teheran meeting held in 1992, President Demirel said, ''the Central Asian countries started to stand on their own feet with the support we extended to them. Foreign capital started to come to these countries. We have more than seven billion US dollars in investments in these countries and the credits we opened for them are 600 million US dollars.''

Pointing out that Turkey is represented well in the Central Asian countries and Turkish businessmen come to these countries, President Demirel stated that he will visit on Tuesday the Hoca Ahmet Yesevi Tomb in Turkmenistan and examine its repairs, which is being carried out by Turkey.

''Turkey has always been interested in many problems in the world, the situations in the Middle East, Caucasus and Central Asia concern us,'' he said.

[29] GEN. CEVIK BIR, DEPUTY CHIEF OF GENERAL STAFF, LEAVES TRNC - BIR: ''THE AIM OF OUR ACTIVITIES IS TO SECURE PEACE. EVERYBODY SHOULD SHOW THE SAME UNDERSTANDING''

After concluding his inspections at the Turkish Cypriot Peace Forces and the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) Security Forces, Gen. Cevik Bir left the TRNC.

Prior to his departure, Gen. Bir said while responding to the question of what was his opinion about the news published in the Greek-Cypriot and Greek presses that the S-300 missiles raised the probability of a clash in the region, ''as I stated before, now the world, after the cold war, has started to see and evaluate better the people trying to destroy peace and stability. I request everybody to contribute to peace and stability.''

Pointing out that he made inspections at several units of the Peace Forces and the TRNC Security Forces after participating in a seminar on ''Peace- 98'' organized by the Turkish Cypriot Peace Forces, Gen. Cevik Bir said that he was pleased with the level of training at the military units.

Dervis Eroglu, the Prime Minister of the TRNC, said that the visit of Gen. Cevik Bir to the island boosted the morale among the Turkish Cypriots.

''It has once again proved that Turkey supports us with every organization, '' Eroglu said.

Stressing that Gen. Bir had conveyed peace messages since the beginning of his visit to the island, Eroglu said that these messages should be well- perceived by the Greek-Cypriot administration.

[30] AUTOMOTIVE PRODUCTION IN FIRST FOUR MONTHS INCREASES

The Association of the Automotive Industry (OSD) data shows that the domestic automobile sales increased to 57,969 each in January-April 1998 period from 54,558 each in the same period last year.

The six percent increase in the domestic automobile sales and the 19 percent increase in the imported cars within the total market made the market grow by ten percent.

The domestic light commercial motor vehicles (minibus, pickup truck) sales increased 36 percent to 16,479 each in the first four months in 1998 from 10,559 each in the same period in 1997.

The imported motor vehicle sales increased to 17,351 each from 14,363 each.

The growth in the light commercial motor vehicle market was stemming from the 21 percent increase in the imported commercial motor vehicles and the 55 percent increase in the domestic motor vehicle sales.

The share of the imports, which decreased seven points, in the market was 51 percent.

According to the OSD statistics, the imported automobile sales increased to 28,539 each in the January-April 1998 period from 24,037 each in the same period last year.

The imports from the eastern European countries increased by one percent, the imports from the European Union countries inclined by 39 percent while the imports from the Far Eastern countries decreased by 19 percent.

The imports of light commercial motor vehicles increased 21 percent to 17, 351 each.

[31] ECO SUMMIT - STATE MINISTER AHAT ANDICAN STATES THAT THREE AGREEMENTS WERE SIGNED IN THE SUMMIT

Speaking to Turkish reporters after the meeting, State Minister Andican said that three agreements were signed in the ministerial level meeting of the ECO and that the first agreement was the ''Transit Transportation Agreement'' that carries importance for Turkey.

Andican said that the motorway cargo transportation would be provided with facility to obtain visas with the transit transportation agreement.

Pointing out that all of the countries except Pakistan would participate in the agreement, Andican said that transporters would get only one visa for one year.

Andican said that the second agreement foresaw cooperation in the field of struggling against drug smuggling, adding that a standardization was provided at the customs of the ECO member countries.

Pointing out that the agreement also included information exchange regarding the struggle against drug smuggling, Andican said that a network would be set up to this end.

State Minister Andican said that the third agreement foresaw the establisment of an original educational institution within the ECO structure.

Andican added that the parties decided to set up that school in Ankara or Istanbul.

ANADOLU AJANSI

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