Anadolu Agency: News in English, 98-06-18

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

18 JUNE 1998

CONTENTS

[01] CONTACTS OF TURK, STATE MINISTER, IN THE US - TURK MEETS WITH SHATTUCK FOR THE SECOND TIME

[02] ANNAN ADMITS: ''WE COULDN'T MAKE NEGOTIATIONS START BETWEEN THE TWO NATIONS ON CYPRUS'' - CORDOVEZ DUE ON THE ISLAND AGAIN

[03] TURKEY SIGNS ''MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING'' ON COOPERATION IN SECURITY WITH IRAN - BOLANDIAN, THE CHAIRMAN OF THE IRANIAN DELEGATION: ''IRAN CONSIDERS PKK AS A TERRORIST GROUP''

[04] PRIME MINISTER YILMAZ LEAVES FOR ROMANIA - YILMAZ: ''TRADE VOLUME BETWEEN TURKEY AND ROMANIA IS EXPECTED TO REACH ONE BILLION US DOLLARS THIS YEAR''

[05] TURKISH AND CROATIAN INTERIOR MINISTERS SIGN ''MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING'' - MEMORANDUM FORESEES COOPERATION BETWEEN TURKEY AND CROATIA ON STRUGGLE AGAINST TERRORISM AND ORGANIZED CRIMES

[06] FM SPOKESMAN UTKAN: ''WE HOPED THAT THE EU WOULD REVISE THE LUXEMBOURG DECISIONS DURING THE CARDIFF SUMMIT''

[07] FOREIGN MINISTRY: ''WE DON'T ACCEPT ANY POLITICAL CONDITION FOR THE APPROVAL OF TURKEY'S CANDIDACY'' - ''THE DEFINITION OF (MEMBERSHIP CANDIDATE) INSTEAD OF (ELIGIBLE FOR MEMBERSHIP) FOR TURKEY IS A PARTLY POSITIVE DEVELOPMENT'' - ''THE PARTIAL DEVELOPMENT CONCERNING FINANCIAL PROTOCOL ISN'T SUFFICIENT'' - ''THE ATTITUDE OF GREECE CONTINUES TO AFFECT NEGATIVELY THE TURCO-GREEK RELATIONS''

[08] VERDICT OF REGIONAL COURT AGAINST PKK - THE US EMBASSY: ''THIS IS ONLY A PRELIMINARY INJUNCTION, IT DOESN'T REPRESENT A FINAL RULING''

[09] TURKEY-IMF MEETINGS - DINCMEN, UNDERSECRETARY OF TREASURY: - ''WE NEGOTIATE WITH THE IMF ON AN 18 MONTH AGREEMENT'' - ''AGREEMENT WILL BE CONCLUDED IN WASHINGTON, D.C. AND PRESENTED TO THE ADMINISTRATIVE BOARD OF THE IMF IN JULY''

[10] MCCURRY, THE WHITE HOUSE SPOKESMAN: ''WE HAVE ALWAYS EXTENDED SUPPORT TO TURKEY'S DESIRE CONCERNING EUROPE''

[11] SUPPORT FROM OECD TO TURKEY - POSITIVE IMPRESSIONS OF JOHNSTON, SECRETARY GENERAL OF THE OECD, TO REFLECT IN THE OECD'S EVALUATION

[12] VERDICT IN HADEP CASE - COURT OF APPEALS' VERDICT IN HADEP CASE

[13] TURKEY IN BRIEF - JUNE 18, 1998

[14] TURKEY-PRESS REVIEW (1)

[15] TURKEY-PRESS REVIEW (2)

[16] TURKEY-PRESS REVIEW (3)

[17] FOREIGN MINISTER CEM: ''TURKEY WILL TAKE AND IS TAKING ALL KINDS OF MEASURES IN RESPONSE TO THIS ATTACK PLAN AND PREPARATIONS DIRECTED AGAINST THE SECURITY OF TURKEY''

[18] TURKISH F-16s IN TRNC - PRIME MINISTER YILMAZ: ''TURKEY DOESN'T WANT WAR ON CYPRUS''

[19] HOLBROOKE TO LEAVE HIS MISSION ON CYPRUS

[20] TURKISH F-16s IN THE TRNC

[21] TURKISH F-16s IN THE TRNC - GUREL, THE STATE MINISTER RESPONSIBLE FOR EU AND CYPRUS: ''MEASURES THAT WILL BE TAKEN BY TURKEY TO PROTECT THE SECURITY OF TRNC, EASTERN MEDITERRANEAN AND HERSELF CONSTITUTE A RESPONSIBILITY STEMMING FROM HER GUARANTORSHIP RIGHTS''

[22] TURKISH-EU SIXTH JOINT CONSULTATION COMMITTEE MEETING - KETELSEN, UNDERSECRETARY OF EU COMMISSION'S REPRESENTATION IN TURKEY: ''THE DECISIONS MADE AT THE CARDIFF SUMMIT SHOW THAT TURKEY IS A CANDIDATE COUNTRY''

[23] TURKISH F-16s IN TRNC - PRIME MINISTER YILMAZ: ''GREECE HAS DISPLAYED AN OFFENSIVE ATTACK DIRECTLY AGAINST TURKEY BOTH WITH THE MISSILES AND THE AIR FORCE DEPLOYED ON CYPRUS'' - ''TURKEY CAN'T REMAIN INDIFFERENT TO THIS'' - ''WE'LL IMPLEMENT SEVERAL MILITARY MEASURES IN PARALLEL WITH DIPLOMATC INITIATIVES''

[24] LEGAL FRAMEWORK IS FORMED FOR EU MEMBERSHIP - OZULKER, THE FM DEPUTY UNDERSECRETARY: ''TURKEY HAS TO DO HER HOMEWORK WELL''

[01] CONTACTS OF TURK, STATE MINISTER, IN THE US - TURK MEETS WITH SHATTUCK FOR THE SECOND TIME

The meeting focused on the latest developments in Turkish democracy and the human rights situations in Turkey.

Turk gave information to Shattuck about the new democratic steps that took place on the agenda of the government.

Turk also met with the representatives of several organizations, such as the Human Rights Watch (HRW), the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) and the Committee for Protecting Journalists (CPJ). He is scheduled to meet with Janet Reno, the US Secretary of Justice, and Madeleine Albright, the US Secretary of State, on Thursday.

[02] ANNAN ADMITS: ''WE COULDN'T MAKE NEGOTIATIONS START BETWEEN THE TWO NATIONS ON CYPRUS'' - CORDOVEZ DUE ON THE ISLAND AGAIN

Annan pointed out in his second report concerning the Cyprus problem sent to the UN Security Council, that Diego Cordovez, the Special Representative of the UN to Cyprus, will go to Cyprus again in the coming weeks.

In his report, Annan emphasized that the five permanent members of the council want Denktas and Clerides to come together, and added, ''Clerides is ready for the negotiations in the framework of the former decisions of the UN Security Council concerning Cyprus, but Denktas insists on the recognition of the two democratic states on the island.''

Annan stressed that Cordovez and himself continue to work for having Denktas and Clerides meet again, noting that the Prime Ministers of Turkey and Greece, Mesut Yilmaz and Costas Simitis, support the good intention mission of the UN on Cyprus.

Kofi Annan requested instructions from the Security Council on how to deal with the new parameters of President Rauf Denktas of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC), on 20 April, and the Council responded to him, ''maintain your mission in the framework of the previous decision of the Council''.

[03] TURKEY SIGNS ''MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING'' ON COOPERATION IN SECURITY WITH IRAN - BOLANDIAN, THE CHAIRMAN OF THE IRANIAN DELEGATION: ''IRAN CONSIDERS PKK AS A TERRORIST GROUP''

Yahya Gur, the Undersecretary of the Ministry of the Interior, said that the High Security Commission, which was set up between the two countries, concluded its studies, adding that the commission meetings lasted for two days.

''The two countries discussed security issues and drug trafficking and they expressed uneasiness about terrorism. A consensus of opinion has been reached between the two delegations concerning all the issues and Turkey and Iran decided to make cooperation in the field of security and signed a memorandum of understanding with this objective,'' Gur added.

Addressing the signing ceremony, Gholam Hossein Bolandian, the Deputy Iranian Minister of the Interior and the Chairman of the Iranian delegation, stressed that Iran is resolved to take action against terrorist incidents, adding ''I've conveyed a message from the Iranian President Khatemi to Prime Minister Mesut Y�lmaz.''

Noting that Iran is also resolved to set up good relations with her neighbours and the whole world, Bolandian said ''however Israel, which continues to undertake terrorist activities, is excluded.''

Noting that he also had the opportunity to meet with the Ministers of the Interior and National Defense in Turkey, Bolandian said, ''We have shown that we are against terroristic activities by returning the terrorist PKK militants to Turkey. We also expect Turkey to show her goodwill as usual concerning the organizations which act against Iran. Mr. Prime Minister Y�lmaz said that the cooperation made between the two countires in the field of security plays a key role. We also share these views.''

Responding to questions of journalists, Bolandian said, ''we regard the PKK as a terrorist group. We have increased our measures at our borders to control activities of this organization.''

Yahya Gur said that the fifth meeting of the High Security Commission will be held in Teheran in December. The two countries will discuss again the security issues between the two countries and evaluate the results of the Memorandum of Understanding signed between Turkey and Iran.

[04] PRIME MINISTER YILMAZ LEAVES FOR ROMANIA - YILMAZ: ''TRADE VOLUME BETWEEN TURKEY AND ROMANIA IS EXPECTED TO REACH ONE BILLION US DOLLARS THIS YEAR''

Addressing journalists at the Esenboga Airport before his departure, Yilmaz pointed out that there are good relations between Turkey and Romania, and added that the two countries have also a close cooperation with regional and international organizations and institutes.

Noting that a Turkish prime minister visits R�omania for the first time in 12 years, Yilmaz pointed out that he will be the first official guest of the new Romanian prime minister.

Reminding that the presidents, interior ministers, national defence ministers and chiefs of general staff of both countries meet twice annually, Yilmaz said, ''we reached an accord with Vaslla at the Istanbul Energy Conference held between 24-26 May, that the foreign ministers should meet twice a year.''

Pointing out that Turkey and Romania cooperate on the economy, Yilmaz stressed that the trade volume between the two countries, which was 750 million US dollars last year, is expected to increase up to one billion US dollars in 1998 with the free trade agreement that came into force on 1 February 1998.

Yilmaz noted that the Turkish investments in Romania are nearly 200 million US dollars, adding that this number will rise to 500 million US dollars at the end of 1998. He reminded that there are 4,668 Turkish companies in Romania.

Mesut Yilmaz emphasized that his visit to Romania aims to improve the relations between Turkey and Romania. He told the reporters, ''we will discuss the new cooperation opportunities, along with the latest regional and international developments. Meanwhile, we will take up the roles of our countries for the protection of peace and stability''.

Emil Konstantinescu, the Romanian President, will receive Yilmaz and the accompanying delegation.

Cavit Kavak, Isin Celebi and Rifat Serdaroglu, the Ministers of State; Cumhur Ersumer, the Minister of Energy and Natural Resources; businessmen and members of press are accompanying Yilmaz during his visit to Romania.

Yilmaz and the accompanying delegation will return to Turkey tomorrow.

[05] TURKISH AND CROATIAN INTERIOR MINISTERS SIGN ''MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING'' - MEMORANDUM FORESEES COOPERATION BETWEEN TURKEY AND CROATIA ON STRUGGLE AGAINST TERRORISM AND ORGANIZED CRIMES

The Ministry of the Interior's statement reminded that Turkey and Croatia signed a cooperation agreement on the struggle against international drug smuggling, international terrorism and organized crimes in Zagreb on 7 November 1995, and Murat Basesgioglu, the Minister of the Interior, and Ivan Penic, the Croatian Minister of the Interior, who came to Turkey as the official guest of his Turkish counterpart, scrutinized this agreement and reached an accord on signing a memorandum of understanding.

The memorandum of understanding foresees, ''the cooperation between Turkey and Croatia will be improved in the framework of the agreements signed between the two countries. In addition to the security cooperation between Turkey and Croatia, joint efforts will be increased to struggle against terrorism and organized crimes. The experts from both countries will come together to share their experiences on fighting forest fires and the senior officials will meet to compare the technical and educational opportunities of the police department of both countries.''

The second meeting of the Joint Commission will be held in Turkey later this year in accordance with the cooperation agreement.

[06] FM SPOKESMAN UTKAN: ''WE HOPED THAT THE EU WOULD REVISE THE LUXEMBOURG DECISIONS DURING THE CARDIFF SUMMIT''

Responding to a question, Utkan stated that the decision of the EU, which was made during the Luxembourg Summit to start full membership negotiations with the Greek Cypriot side, damaged the solution parameters concerning the Cyprus question to a considerable extent and brought the negotiation process into a deadlock.

''The EU couldn't show its political determination due to the pressure of Greece during the Cardiff Summit and instead it decided to continue with its policy which foresees taking into consideration the unilateral and illegal application of the Greek Cypriot side. If the EU insists on its policy, it will continue to be held responsible for the lack of a solution on Cyprus,'' he added.

[07] FOREIGN MINISTRY: ''WE DON'T ACCEPT ANY POLITICAL CONDITION FOR THE APPROVAL OF TURKEY'S CANDIDACY'' - ''THE DEFINITION OF (MEMBERSHIP CANDIDATE) INSTEAD OF (ELIGIBLE FOR MEMBERSHIP) FOR TURKEY IS A PARTLY POSITIVE DEVELOPMENT'' - ''THE PARTIAL DEVELOPMENT CONCERNING FINANCIAL PROTOCOL ISN'T SUFFICIENT'' - ''THE ATTITUDE OF GREECE CONTINUES TO AFFECT NEGATIVELY THE TURCO-GREEK RELATIONS''

Evaluating the Cardiff Summit, the Foreign Ministry said in a written statement that ''a partial development'' is recorded concerning Turkey's position in the EU's enlargement process.

Emphasizing that the relations with the EU continue within the parameters stated by the government on 14 December 1997, the statement said that the definition of (membership candidate) instead of (eligible for membership) for Turkey is a partly positive development.

The statement also said that bringing to life a mechanism which will review the position of Turkey during preparations for full membership within the framework of Article 28 of the 1963 Ankara Agreement which foresees the full membership of Turkey is a positive development.

Stating that Turkey is pleased with the efforts of Britain to develop the Turkey-EU relations during her term-presidency, the statement defined the approval of the ''Europe Strategy'' prepared by the EU Commission to develop relations with Turkey at the Cardiff Summit as another positive development.

''At least a legal basis is formed to further improve our partnership relations for integration. However, the most important issue in this context is that this decision shouldn't be a promise which is written on paper only, as was seen quite often in the past. Turkey is ready for discussions.''

Pointing out that sufficient development couldn't be recorded concerning the financial aid to Turkey, the statement said, ''Furthermore, it has been accepted that the obstacle preventing the funds which have to be given to Turkey can't be overcome at Cardiff. It makes sense that the 15s said that the suitable ways of solution will be determined to provide financial support for the Commission strategy in the final statement at least shows that the EU is finally aware of the fact that it has to fulfill its responsibilities stemming from the agreements.''

The statement also said that it is far from satisfying Turkey by putting forward a European strategy which was formed of thoughts and uncertain financial sources, while mentioning the pre-joining strategies for other countries.

The foreign ministry statement also stressed that Turkey doesn't approve of any political condition for her EU candidacy as it was stated by the government on 14 December 1997 and the parameters given on the 14 December statement are still valid.

The statement also said, ''another result stemming from the latest developments is that Greece continues her hindering activities. In this case, it is very clear that the negative impact of this attitude on the Turkish-Greek relations will continue increasingly.''

[08] VERDICT OF REGIONAL COURT AGAINST PKK - THE US EMBASSY: ''THIS IS ONLY A PRELIMINARY INJUNCTION, IT DOESN'T REPRESENT A FINAL RULING''

The US Embassy noted in a written statement in response to the views claiming that a decision taken by a court in the State of California in the US has opened the way for helping the PKK concerning personnel and training, adding that the decision of the judge doesn't represent a final ruling on the merits of the case.

The statement stressed that the judge denied the plaintiffs' request concerning all aspects of the statute, other than those related to the provision of ''training'' and ''personnel,'' pointing out that the court believes that these two terms were vague and could inappropriately criminalize free expression of thought protected by the US Constitution.

A court in the State of California in the US adopted a verdict which allowed several ''terrorist'' organizations, including the separatist PKK ''to have training for legal aims'' in contradiction with the Federal Anti- Terrorism Law.

[09] TURKEY-IMF MEETINGS - DINCMEN, UNDERSECRETARY OF TREASURY: - ''WE NEGOTIATE WITH THE IMF ON AN 18 MONTH AGREEMENT'' - ''AGREEMENT WILL BE CONCLUDED IN WASHINGTON, D.C. AND PRESENTED TO THE ADMINISTRATIVE BOARD OF THE IMF IN JULY''

Addressing a press conference at the Ministry of the Treasury, Dincmen pointed out that their negotiations with the IMF will continue in Washington, D.C., next week and the agreement called the staff monitoring programme will be concluded in the US. He added that the agreement will be presented to the Administrative Board of the IMF in July.

Noting that no request came from the IMF for the programme, Dincmen told the reporters that the IMF officials search the economic figures of Turkey and the Turkish economic programme's possibility of being realized.

The staff monitored programme won't include any borrowing by Turkey from the IMF and will be mainly based on the government's economic plans. The government programme aims to lower year-by-year inflation from 91 percent last year to 50 percent at end of 1998. Inflation was 79.9 percent in May.

Dincmen added that the growth target will be revised and it will be increased from 3 percent to 4.5 percent.

[10] MCCURRY, THE WHITE HOUSE SPOKESMAN: ''WE HAVE ALWAYS EXTENDED SUPPORT TO TURKEY'S DESIRE CONCERNING EUROPE''

Giving information on the telephone call between Simitis and Clinton about Turkey, McCurry stated that the request came from Blair, because he thought that the phone call would be very beneficial.

Stressing that the US administration supports the enlargement of the EU, McCurry pointed out that this is very important for the US, ''in this framework, we've always supported the desires of Turkey concerning the EU, '' he added.

Noting that the US welcomes the adoption of a strategy during the Cardiff Summit regarding the preparation of Turkey for EU membership, McCurry appreciated the efforts of Tony Blair.

McCurry said that the US President wishes to set up good relations between Turkey and Greece, which are two allies and encourages the two sides with this objective, adding that the Aegean and Cyprus issues haven't particularly come onto the agenda during the phone call.

McCurry said that Clinton didn't put pressure on Simitis concerning the Greek obstacle to the EU funds, which can't be given to Turkey.

[11] SUPPORT FROM OECD TO TURKEY - POSITIVE IMPRESSIONS OF JOHNSTON, SECRETARY GENERAL OF THE OECD, TO REFLECT IN THE OECD'S EVALUATION

Johnston pointed out that he will convey his ideas regarding the latest developments in Turkey's economy to the other senior officials of the OECD in order to provide for the organization preparing an additional evaluation.

The additional evaluation will include the latest developments in the Turkish economy and the economic management's success in macroeconomic realization. The evaluation is expected to increase the foreign capital investments in Turkey.

The OECD often prepares a country report for the member states annually.

Johnston praised the economic developments in Turkey during his visit.

[12] VERDICT IN HADEP CASE - COURT OF APPEALS' VERDICT IN HADEP CASE

Meanwhile, the Court of Appeals overturned convictions against leading members of the HADEP. Among the 43 defendants to have verdicts changed because of ''insufficient investigation'' was Murat Bozlak, the leader of the HADEP.

They will now be retried at a state security court in Ankara.

Thirty-one leading party members had been found guilty and sentenced to up to six years in prison last year for links to the separatist terrorist PKK organization. Another 12 had been acquitted.

The party leadership was arrested after a congress in June, 1996 where the Turkish flag was pulled down and torn up.

[13] TURKEY IN BRIEF - JUNE 18, 1998

Penic and the accompaying delegation also visited the Ancient City of Ephesus in Selcuk and opened the handicraft exhibition organized by the students of Fatma Guner Primary School.

ANKARA - G�nes Taner, the Minister of State, received on Wednesday Martin Hardy, the Chairman of the Turkey Desk of the International Monetary Fund (IMF).

Yener Dincmen, the Undersecretary of the Treasury, and Cuneyt Sel, the Deputy Undersecretary of the Treasury, were also in attendance at the meeting.

The meeting focused on the staff monitoring programme that will be signed between Turkey and the IMF in July.

ANKARA - The ''Partnership Training Center for Peace'', the first one in the NATO's southern wing, was set up in Ankara on Wednesday by the Turkish Armed Forces.

The center will provide individual and unity training in several fields. �t will be opened by Cevik Bir, the Deputy Chief of General Staff on 29 June 1998 with the participation of 67 foreign generals and officers from 16 member states of the NATO.

ANTAKYA - Security forces captured 7 Iraqis who entered Turkey illegally, in Hassa County of Hatay Province on Thursday.

The illegal immigrants were taken into custody.

Investigations regarding the incident are underway.

SKOPJE - Fikret Pirgos, who is of Turkish origin, was appointed as the mayor of Gostivar city in Macedonia, it was reported on Thursday.

Pirgos will be serve as the mayor until the local elections which are planned to be held in October.

Rufi Osmani, the former mayor of Gostivar, was sentenced to 7 years in prison for causing clashes between security forces which wanted to lower the Turkish and Albanian flags, and the people.

[14] TURKEY-PRESS REVIEW (1)

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

COMMANDERS HOLD CYPRUS MEETING
Gen.Ismail Hakki Karadayi, the Chief of General Staff, Gen. Cevik Bir, the Deputy Chief of General Staff, the force commanders and other high-level military officials held an extra-ordinary meeting yesterday and evaluated the Greek-Greek Cypriot military doctrine, which became concrete with the landing of the Greek airplanes on the Cyprus Baphos Base, and the Turkish measures to be taken in response. The military officials, who noted that the Greek and Greek Cypriots had entered the last phase of an integration process between their military institutions, decided to take similar measures between Turkey and the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC). The officials said that the Greek Cypriot Administration was spending 2 billion US dollars daily on defense, and that Greece was increasing her military presence in Southern Cyprus and that these policies were raising the tension on Cyprus. The military commanders decided to take every deterrent measure against Greece and the Greek Cypriots. /Cumhuriyet/

KARADAYI GOING TO US
The US Department of Defense has confirmed that General Ismail Hakki Karadayi, the Chief of the General Staff, will visit the United States. Kenneth Bacon, the Assistant Secretary for Public Affairs of the US Department of Defence, told reporters in Washington, D.C., that Akis Tshohatzopoulos, the Greek Minister of Defense and Karadayi will be visiting the US. Bacon also said that the Pentagon was happy to hear of the recent intention of both sides to fully implement the confidence-building measures agreed upon between the Turkish and Greek Foreign Ministers in 1989. During Tsohatzopoulos' and Karadayi's visits to Washington, D.C., it is expected that the issue of the Russian sale of the surface-to-air S-300 missiles to the Greek Cypriot Administration will be highly placed on the agenda. /Cumhuriyet/

TURKISH REACTION TO AEGEAN ISLANDS STATEMENT
Necati Utkan, the Turkish Foreign Ministry Spokesman, yesterday criticized a statement made by Nicholas Burns, the US Ambassador to Greece, who said, ''four islands are under Greek sovereignty'' and noted that the geopraphical status between Turkey and Greece wasn't under third country jurisdiction. Utkan said, ''Turkey's stance regarding the islands and islets in the Aegean, which weren't given to Greece through international agreements, has been declared to the public through several statements. We made proposals to Greece in February and March regarding Turkey's views for the solution to this problem and other issues in the Aegean''. /Cumhuriyet- Milliyet/

SUMMER OVERTIME FOR TURKISH PARLIAMENT
It has been decided that the Turkish Parliament will work also in July to enact many new laws, especially the tax reform draft. Work will continue on the draft bill on weekdays between 2:00 p.m. and 12:00 midnight until a second decision is announced. /Cumhuriyet/

IMF DELEGATION CONTACTS
An IMF delegation, which is currently holding contacts in Turkey, has begun to discuss the provisions of a ''Staff Monitoring Programme''. Martin Hardy, the Chairman of the IMF Turkey Desk, and Stanley Fischer, the First Deputy Chairman, held contacts at the Undersecretariat of the Treasury yesterday. Hardy noted that many issues, including the monitoring programme, which can be viewed as ''spiritual support'' rather than financial support and support for credibility would be discussed. Hardy said, ''If an election is held, then we believe that the programme will continue. The election will not affect the Staff Monitoring Programme''. Hardy added, ''Meetings will continue next week in Washington, D.C. Gunes Taner, the Minister of State, will sign an agreement with the World Bank and will also visit the IMF''. The IMF delegation will leave Turkey on 22 June. /Cumhuriyet/

[15] TURKEY-PRESS REVIEW (2)

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

EGYPTIAN AMBASSADOR: ''THE CARGO DOESN'T BELONG TO US''
Mohammed Elmahdy Fathala, the Egyptian Ambassador to Turkey, stated yesterday that the cargo in the vessel registered in Malta, which was stopped by Turkey at the Dardanelles Straits on suspicion that it was carrying launching ramps for the S-300 missiles to be delivered to the Greek Cypriot Administration, wasn't on its way to Egypt. Fathala noted that he had learned the cargo was under consignment to a private firm called 'Osman Ahmed Osman' in Egypt from the Turkish Foreign Ministry officials and said that the Egyptian government had no connection with the issue. /Milliyet/

TURKISH VESSELS IN GIRNE
Rauf Denktas, the President of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) received yesterday the commanders of the naval vessels, which have been arriving in the ports of Girne and Gazimagosa within the framework of the Seawolf'98 exercise. Denktas noted that the visits of these vessels gave confidence to the people of the TRNC. The vessels will stay in the TRNC until Sunday. /Milliyet/

ATHENS ANGRY ABOUT CLINTON COMMENT
The Greek Elefteros Tipos and Avgi newspapers made strong comments yesterday regarding US President Bill Clinton's suggestions to Greece for lifting the Greek veto on Turkey, describing Clinton's suggestions as ''rude pressure''. The Athinaiki newspaper stated that Kostas Simitis, the Greek Prime Minster, had ''bravely rejected'' Clinton's proposal. /Milliyet/

EP REJECTS ARMENIAN BILL
The European Parliament (EP) has not included a proposed bill, which calls for the recognition of a so-called genocide on Armenians by the Turks, on its agenda. As the result of a vote held yesterday evening, a proposal to put the bill on the EP agenda was rejected by 299 votes to 70. Eight members abstained. Deputies from the Christian Democrat, Socialist and Liberal Groups noted that the Turco-European relations were already going through a difficult time and that approval of the bill would only increase tensions. /Milliyet/

ANNAN CALLS FOR NEGOTIATIONS
Kofi Annan, the UN Secretary-General, said yesterday that it was very disturbing that during the last six months the two sides on Cyprus hadn't convened, and requested the Turkish and Greek Cypriots to avoid actions that could increase the tension on Cyprus. Annan noted that his special envoy, Diego Cordovez, would visit the island in the forthcoming weeks. Annan voiced his views in a report which he presented to the UN Security Council yesterday. /Milliyet/

HIGH COURT REJECTS THERMAL POWER PLANTS
The Council of State has upheld an Aydin Administrative Court ruling, which earlier ordered a halt to the operation of thermal power plants in Gokova, Yatagan, Kemerkoy and Yenikoy. The high court pointed out that since the power plants in question don't have filters, plant waste has had an adverse impact on the environment. /Milliyet-Cumhuriyet/

[16] TURKEY-PRESS REVIEW (3)

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

TWO MPs RESIGN FROM ANAP

Two Motherland Party (ANAP) deputies, Ibrahim Yazici from Bursa and Rasim Zaimoglu from Giresun, resigned from the party on Wednesday. While their resignation brought ANAP seats in the Parliament down to 138, it raised the number of independents to 14. /All papers/

COOPERATION BETWEEN THY-UZBEK AIRLINES
According to the reports, the Turkish Airlines (THY) and Uzbek Airlines have signed a protocol which foresees cooperation in transportation, training and technical areas. The protocol was signed by Vural Akgun and Cemil Kayhan, the Deputy General Directors of the THY and Uzbek Airlines officials in Tashkent.

BRITISH PRESS COVERS CARDIFF SUMMIT
The Independent newspaper commented yesterday on the European Union's Cardiff Summit where Turkey again faced Greek opposition. The paper criticized the Greek attitude toward Turkey, calling it ''hostile''. It said the the Cardiff Summit produced no improvement regarding Turkey's position; neither attempting to include Turkey among full membership candidates, nor proposing financial aid despite the Greek embargo. In the paper France's efforts to counteract the opposition is also mentioned, whereas Germany is seen as one of the countries opposing Turkey's membership. /Hurriyet/

OSMANLI BANK JOINS EUROPEAN BANKING ASSOCIATION
While celebrating its 135th year in banking, the Osmanli Bank has joined the EABH, an association of Europe's banks that are at least one century old. The Association, comprised of 23 banks from 11 different countries, especially deals with historical research into banking. The General Manager of the Osmanli Bank, Aslan Acar, said yesterday that the board of the Association was interested in the bank's archives and would soon come to Istanbul to examine them. /Hurriyet/

SWITZERLAND WANTS TURKISH CONSULATE MOVED
According to a statement by the Turkish Foreign Ministry, the Turkish Consulate-General in Zurich is in trouble with finding a new building for its offices, following a refusal by the building's owner to renew contracts. The Zurich Municipality has disapproved two places proposed as the consulate's new buildings on the grounds of written complaints by the neighbouring Swiss people. Taner Baytok, the Ambassador to Switzerland, has applied to the federal government requesting diplomatic intervention to resolve the difficulty. /Hurriyet/

PKK ATTACKS WORKERS
The PKK terrorists attacked yesterday evening workers employed on the Ozluce Dam near Elazig in southeastern Anatolia, killing two of them and injuring seven. Meanwhile, security forces killed yesterday three PKK terrorists responsible for the murder of nine civilians in a recent attack on a minibus. /Hurriyet/

[17] FOREIGN MINISTER CEM: ''TURKEY WILL TAKE AND IS TAKING ALL KINDS OF MEASURES IN RESPONSE TO THIS ATTACK PLAN AND PREPARATIONS DIRECTED AGAINST THE SECURITY OF TURKEY''

''Greece will be directly liable for all the developments which can be caused by this dangerous escalation of tension, which has been started by the Greek side on Cyprus,'' Cem added.

''Four Greek F-16 aircraft left for Southern Cyprus on 16 June 1998 and landed at the Baphos base, which was set up by Greece at the Greek Cypriot side. Two of these aircraft returned to Crete and the other two stayed at the Baphos base for one night and returned to Greece on 17 June 1998. The Greek Cypriot side described this recent Greek provocation as the 'implementation of the illegal Joint Defense Pact' and she also said that this proved that the Baphos Airbase is ready for fulfilling its mission.'' These expressions are so clear which don't need to be interpreted and they confess to the escalation of provocations and threats by the Greek-Greek Cypriot front. Turkey has carefully evaluated the initiative of Greece and the Greek Cypriot side, which upsets the strategical balances on Cyprus and in the Eastern Mediterranean. This initiative has necessiated the declaration of this attack and threat against Turkey and the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) to the whole world and the necessity of taking measures,'' he said.

''Greece and the Greek Cypriot side escalate their provocations against Turkey. The landing of two Greek war aircraft at the Baphos Airbase twice outside of the military exercises complements now the S-300 missile project and the accumulation of heavy attack weapons on the island. It has been once again seen that the illegal 'Joint Military Doctrine,' which has been implemented by Greece since 1993 is a planned effort to upset the sensitive balances, which formed the basis and guarantee of the peace on Cyprus. The recent developments clearly prove that the cooperation between Greece and the Greek Cypriot side doesn't only threaten the TRNC, but it directly threatens Turkey. The attack plans of Greece at the Greek Cypriot side, the military doctrine implemented jointly by Greece and the Greek Cypriot side and the S-300 missiles, which they try to deploy on the island show clearly that Southern Cyprus will be a springboard in case of a possible attack to Turkey from the south. In this respect, the S-300 missiles aren't an element of defense, rather an important part of a possible attack and plan against Turkey. It is obvious that Turkey will take all kinds of measures to protect her own territory and the security of the TRNC and the Eastern Mediterranean in response to this attack plan directed against the security of Turkey.''

''These plans, initiatives and irresponsible and agressive preparations of Greece are announced and explained to the international circles. Turkey is resolved to protect the security of her own territories, the TRNC and the Eastern Mediterranean,'' Cem said.

[18] TURKISH F-16s IN TRNC - PRIME MINISTER YILMAZ: ''TURKEY DOESN'T WANT WAR ON CYPRUS''

Y�lmaz, who is currenty paying an official visit to Romania, said that the Greek Cypriots will be the ones who lose in case the tension escalates. Y�lmaz also defined the attempt of the Greek Cypriot side to purchase the S- 300 missiles and deployment of the Greek warplanes at the Baphos Base as ''an ambition of assault against Turkey''.

Stating that Turkey decided to take new military and diplomatic measures concerning the recent developments, Y�lmaz said, ''there are required lands for warplanes in the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC). We will show the whole world that the Turkish Cypriots aren't alone against the joint threats of Greece and the Greek Cypriots.''

[19] HOLBROOKE TO LEAVE HIS MISSION ON CYPRUS

The US President Clinton is expected to announce the same day that he nominated Holbrooke as the US Permanent Representative to the UN in New York, and Ambassador Bill Richardson, the US Permanent Representative to the UN, as the Secretary of Energy.

Federico Pena, the US Secretary of Energy, who visited Turkey several times and who is one of the leading supporters of Ankara on the issue of the Baku- Ceyhan main oil pipeline, had stated that he would resign from his duty in order to pay more attention to his family.

Holbrooke would continue his mission within the framework of the UN, if he becomes the UN Permanent Representative.

Richard Holbrooke, as President Clinton's Special Representative to Cyprus, failed to show a good performance and couldn't achieve a result from his initiatives.

[20] TURKISH F-16s IN THE TRNC

Rauf Denktas, the TRNC President is expected to make a statement at the airport.

Meanwhile, the Turkish Cypriots came to the airport, warmly welcomed the arrival of the Turkish F-16s.

It isn't clear how long the Turkish F-16s will stay on the island.

[21] TURKISH F-16s IN THE TRNC - GUREL, THE STATE MINISTER RESPONSIBLE FOR EU AND CYPRUS: ''MEASURES THAT WILL BE TAKEN BY TURKEY TO PROTECT THE SECURITY OF TRNC, EASTERN MEDITERRANEAN AND HERSELF CONSTITUTE A RESPONSIBILITY STEMMING FROM HER GUARANTORSHIP RIGHTS''

Addressing a statement to the A.A correspondent, Gurel said that ''Turkey will keep as many forces as necessary depending upon the degree of threat perceived.''

Noting that a joint military area was set up between Greece and the Greek Cypriot side, Gurel pointed out that a more important point is the fact that Greece has settled on the island with air and naval forces. ''These developments threaten all the Eastern Mediterranean as much as it threatens Turkey,'' he said.

''Everybody should be sensitive in the international arena concerning these developments. If certain military concentrations are seen on Cyprus, then Turkey will be responsible for taking the necessary measures, not only to protect her security, but also being a guarantor state on Cyprus,'' Gurel added.

[22] TURKISH-EU SIXTH JOINT CONSULTATION COMMITTEE MEETING - KETELSEN, UNDERSECRETARY OF EU COMMISSION'S REPRESENTATION IN TURKEY: ''THE DECISIONS MADE AT THE CARDIFF SUMMIT SHOW THAT TURKEY IS A CANDIDATE COUNTRY''

Jorg Ketelsen, the Undersecretary of the EU Commission's Representation in Turkey, said in the session open to press that the decisions made in the Cardiff Summit showed that Turkey is a candidate country.

Ketelsen said that the Cardiff Summit decisions included more financial support to Turkey to set up a better concordance between Turkey and the EU.

Pointing out that it was stressed, within the framework of the decisions made at the Cardiff Summit, that Turkey would be subjected to an ''equal and fair'' implementation together with other 11 candidates within the expansion period, Ketelsen said that nobody was provided with priority within the expansion process and that the candiadate countries should make efforts to fulfill the criteria of the EU.

Ketelsen said the invitation of Turkey to the European Conference of the EU was still valid, although Turkey had announced that she wouldn't participate at the Conference.

Stressing that the European Strategy, which was adopted by the EU in March, foresaw more cooperation in several fields with Turkey, giving financial and technical support to Turkey, Ketelsen said that the Strategy included firstly the deepening of the Customs Union.

Selim Kuneralp, the General Director of Foreign Ministry's EU Department, stressed that the EU didn't determine Turkey as a definite candidate like the other candidate countries.

Kuneralp stated that the EU, in the Luxembourg Summit, had shown a discriminatory attitude against Turkey.

Recalling that the EU Commission had prepared a new European Strategy following the Luxembourg Summit, Kuneralp said that the Turkish-EU relations were improved a bit together with the recent Cardiff Summit.

Pointing out that Turkey was trying to carry out the regulation related to the issue of concordance with the EU, Kuneralp said that with this objective, Turkey signed the Free Trade Agreements with several Middle and Eastern European countries, but especially the political relations with the EU couldn't be set to rights.

Kuneralp said that the trade deficit stemming from the Customs Union between Turkey and the EU and Customs Union's negative effects also couldn't be solved at the Cardiff Summit.

Kuneralp said that Turkey is ready to implement the European Strategy and to cooperate with the EU, but it is necessary to realize more development in the financing of that strategy.

Husamettin Kavi, the Co-Chairman of the Turkish-EU Sixth Joint Consultation Committee, said that Turkey and the EU mutually want to take positive steps.

Kavi said that the Joint Consultation Committee meeting would enable them to improve the relations, solving the problems between Turkey and the EU.

Alexander Borges Gomez, the Economy Counsellor of the EU Commission, said that the most serious problem between Turkey and the EU emerges in the field of agriculture, adding that the issue of agriculture carries importance as it is concerned with public health.

Pointing out that the negotiations concerning the decision for banning the imports of fresh aquacultural products from Turkey were continuing, Gomez said that some new proposals were submitted to the Council and that the decision would be cancelled by September 1998 within this framework.

[23] TURKISH F-16s IN TRNC - PRIME MINISTER YILMAZ: ''GREECE HAS DISPLAYED AN OFFENSIVE ATTACK DIRECTLY AGAINST TURKEY BOTH WITH THE MISSILES AND THE AIR FORCE DEPLOYED ON CYPRUS'' - ''TURKEY CAN'T REMAIN INDIFFERENT TO THIS'' - ''WE'LL IMPLEMENT SEVERAL MILITARY MEASURES IN PARALLEL WITH DIPLOMATC INITIATIVES''

Responding to the questions of journalists in Bucharest concerning the recent developments on Cyprus before the luncheon hosted by Volkan Bozk�r, the Turkish Ambassador to Romania, Y�lmaz stated, ''the landing of two Greek war planes at the Baphos Airbase has occurred for the first time. The Greek Cypriot officials and the Greek press have described this as the implementation of the joint defense strategy between Greece and the Greek Cypriot side. This means an offensive system directed against Turkey. Turkey can't remain indifferent to this offensive attitude.''

Prime Minister Mesut Y�lmaz said that he revised the measures which can be taken concerning this issue with officials from the General Staff on Wednesday night. Noting that Turkey will launch diplomatic initiatives by Britain, the guarantor state on Cyprus and international institutions, Prime Minister Y�lmaz said, ''besides that, we'll implement several military measures, but I can only say today that the Greek Cypriot side will be the one which will be suffering concerning the escalation of tension on Cyprus.''

''As you know, Turkey and the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) have the necessary bases for the war planes. We'll use them more often from now on and we will show to the world that the Turkish Cypriots aren't alone against the common threat of Greece and the Greek Cypriot side,'' he said.

Responding to another question about ''retaliation,'' Y�lmaz pointed out, ''retaliation means taking the necessary counter measures. There is the common threat of the S-300 missiles and the Greek Air Forces, which are deployed in Southern Cyprus. All kinds of measures to balance that will be taken by us.''

Asked whether there is the possibility of war on Cyprus, Prime Minister Y�lmaz pointed out, ''we don't want such a possibility, however this depends on the Greek Cypriot attitude to a considerable extent. Turkey is resolved concerning this issue and nobody should be hesitant about that.''

Responding to another question about the validity of the agreements reached earlier between Turkey and Greece, regarding the Aegean, Y�lmaz said ''Turkey respects this agreement, however this recent situation doesn't abide by the spirit of this agreement. It is also strange that this development took place before the conclusions of the Cardiff Summit appeared.''

''It is very difficult to think that Greece has attempted to do something like that without getting courage from certain circles. The thing we should do now is to eliminate the threat against Turkey and the TRNC and this will be done,'' he added.

[24] LEGAL FRAMEWORK IS FORMED FOR EU MEMBERSHIP - OZULKER, THE FM DEPUTY UNDERSECRETARY: ''TURKEY HAS TO DO HER HOMEWORK WELL''

Uluc Ozulker, the Foreign Ministry Deputy Undersecretary, said that Turkey is cautiously optimistic concerning this issue.

Giving information to the press at the weekly press briefing held by Necati Utkan, the Foreign Ministry Spokesman; Ozulker said that ''the decision made during the Cardiff Summit is on behalf of the 15 countries. Greece also approved it. If Greece returns from her decision, the legal responsibility will fall on the EU.''

Ozulker stressed that the strategy document prepared by the EU for Turkey was adopted for the first time by the EU heads of state and government.

Noting that the EU will present her proposals to Turkey within the framework of the decisions made, Ozulker added, ''Turkey has completed her internal preparations for the strategy. We are ready for negotiations, when the EU is also ready.''

''The EU has to show its attitude by December this year. The EU should prepare Turkey with the strategy document within the framework of full membership,'' said Ozulker.

Ozulker added that Turkey has to do her homework well when the EU tries to complete her internal studies.

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