Anadolu Agency: News in English, 98-09-02

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

02 SEPT 1998

CONTENTS

[01] MILLER, THE US STATE DEPARTMENT'S SPECIAL COORDINATOR TO CYPRUS TO VISIT ANKARA, LEFKOSA AND ATHENS IN SEPTEMBER

[02] TRNS PRESIDENT DENKTAS RECEIVES ITALIAN SENATORS - DENKTAS: ''CYPRUS ISSUE IS SOLVED WITHIN ONE MONTH, IF EUROPE ACCEPTS THAT THERE ARE TWO DIFFERENT STATES ON THE ISLAND''

[03] DECISION OF EUROPEAN COURT OF HUMAN RIGHTS CONCERNING THE CASE OF LOIZIDOU - FM GIVES BRIEFING TO COE MEMBER STATES' REPRESENTATIVES IN TURKEY ABOUT THE CASE

[04] COUNCIL OF MINISTERS MEETING - ANDICAN, THE STATE MINISTER: ''THE CRISIS IN RUSSIA INEVITABLY EFFECTS TURKEY, HOWEVER THE ECONOMIC STABILITY PROGRAMME IS IMPLEMENTED WELL IN TURKEY''

[05] CAPITAL TRANSFER FROM TURKEY TO GERMANY INCREASES

[06] THE NATIONAL COMMITTEE FOR HUMAN RIGHTS EDUCATION TO CONVENE ON THURSDAY

[07] THIRD DIDIM PEACE FESTIVAL - TURKISH-GREEK FRIENDSHIP GROUP CHAIRMAN HAKAN TARTAN: - ''THE TURKISH-GREEK PROBLEM IS SOLVED IF CYPRUS, 12 MILES, AND AIR SPACE ISSUES AREN'T PUT FORWARD IN EVERY TALK'' - GREEK MAYOR KOSTAS ANDREU: - ''WE WANT SUCH AN AEGEAN SEA WHICH BRINGS HAPPINESS TO PEOPLE LIVING IN THE SAME GEOGRAPHY''

[08] CONFEDERATION PROPOSAL OF DENKTAS ON CYPRUS - THE BASES OF THE PROPOSAL DEPEND ON THE DECISIONS TAKEN AFTER THE LUXEMBOURG SUMMIT - THE PROPOSAL WILL BE TRANSFORMED INTO A U.N. DOCUMENT

[09] PRESIDENT DEMIREL DUE IN BAKU ON 7 SEPTEMBER

[10] DEPUTY PRIME MINISTER ECEVIT TO PAY OFFICIAL VISIT TO TRNC

[11] 10 KG HASHISH SEIZED

[12] REVIVAL OF HISTORICAL SILK ROAD

[13] AKTAS, MINISTER OF INTERIOR: ''CAKICI HAS TO BE EXTRADITED TO TURKEY''

[14] SAKIK, ONE OF THE SO-CALLED COMMANDERS OF THE SEPARATIST TERRORIST ORGANIZATION PKK, WILL DEFEND HIMSELF BEFORE THE COURT CONCERNING 191 TERRORIST ACTIVITIES

[15] REPRESENTATIVES OF JAPANESE TOURISM SECTOR TO MEET IN TURKEY - ISTANBUL TO HOST MEETING OF ADMINISTRATIVE BOARD OF JAPANESE TRAVEL AGENCIES ASSOCIATION

[16] UTKAN, FM SPOKESMAN: ''THE FILES CONCERNING THE EXTRADITION OF CAKICI TO TURKEY TO BE SUBMITTED TO FRENCH OFFICIALS TILL THE END OF THIS WEEK''

[17] KDP LEADER BARZANI TO MEET WITH ECEVIT, CEM, CETIN AND HAKTANIR IN TURKEY - UTKAN, FM SPOKESMAN:''WE ARE IN CLOSE COOPERATION WITH KDP IN NORTHERN IRAQ''

[18] UTKAN, THE FM SPOKESMAN: ''TURKEY DOESN'T HAVE PUBLIC AUTHORITY IN TRNC'' - ''COE SHOULD NOT BE TRANSFORMED INTO AN INSTITUTION WHICH SERVES THE INTERESTS OF GREEK CYPRIOT ADMINISTRATION''

[19] BYRD, TURKEY DIRECTOR OF THE US INTERNATIONAL EXPORTERS FEDERATION: - ''AMERICAN CONSUMERS LIKE TURKISH MADE GOODS''

[20] CONFEDERATION PROPOSAL OF DENKTAS ON CYPRUS - UTKAN, THE FM SPOKESMAN: ''GREEK CYPRIOT SIDE AND GREECE ARE CONDITIONED TO REJECT''

[21] BARZANI, THE KDP LEADER IN ANKARA

[22] PRESIDENT DENKTAS OF THE TRNC WARNS CLERIDES: - ''DO NOT TAKE DECISIONS THAT WILL MAKE CYPRUS PROBLEM MORE DIFFICULT, AT THE SUMMIT OF NON-ALLIGNED MOVEMENT''

[01] MILLER, THE US STATE DEPARTMENT'S SPECIAL COORDINATOR TO CYPRUS TO VISIT ANKARA, LEFKOSA AND ATHENS IN SEPTEMBER

The US officials are planning to hold contacts and meetings with the Turkish and Greek foreign ministers and with Glafcos Clerides, the leader of the Greek-Cypriot administration, during the United Nations General Assembly in New York.

The contacts and meeting in New York will be held under the umbrella of the UN and Richard Holbrooke, the US former Special Representative to Cyprus, will also participate in the lobbying activities.

Meanwhile, the initiatives of the US are expected to become concrete following the efforts to be made in September by Thomas Miller, the US State Department's Special Coordinator to Cyprus.

Also, it was also reported that Miller will pay official visits to Ankara, Lefkosa and Athens in September.

[02] TRNS PRESIDENT DENKTAS RECEIVES ITALIAN SENATORS - DENKTAS: ''CYPRUS ISSUE IS SOLVED WITHIN ONE MONTH, IF EUROPE ACCEPTS THAT THERE ARE TWO DIFFERENT STATES ON THE ISLAND''

Denktas received the same day Villorio Taruiti, an Italian parliamentarian; and the senators, Antoniu D'ali and Osimo Ventucci, who arrived in the TRNC to watch the ''Othello'' opera.

Pointing out that they proposed confederation to the Greek-Cypriot side which put away the efforts for solution with its all parameters on the basis of federation, Denktas said in the meeting that confederation is the only solution on Cyprus.

Stressing that they will continue to launch efforts to get the TRNC recognized and to strengthen the TRNC, Denktas said that a confederal solution on the island will be possible, if the Greek-Cypriots understand that they are not the government of the Turkish Cypriots and if they want peace on Cyprus.

The Italian delegation members, who later met with Serdar Denktas, the Deputy Prime Minister and the Minister of State of the TRNC, said that they had informed the Italian government about their visit to the TRNC and will give information about their contacts.

The Forsa Italia (Power of Italia) Party member parliamentarians stressed that it is difficult to reach an acceptable solution without recognizing the existence of two states on Cyprus.

Pointing out that they started an initiative to arrange direct flights between the TRNC and Italy, the Italian perliamentarians said that they will bring the issue to the Italian government and parliament.

The direct flights were planned to be between Rome and Ercan.

[03] DECISION OF EUROPEAN COURT OF HUMAN RIGHTS CONCERNING THE CASE OF LOIZIDOU - FM GIVES BRIEFING TO COE MEMBER STATES' REPRESENTATIVES IN TURKEY ABOUT THE CASE

Foreign Ministry held a briefing to the representatives of member states in Turkey and told them that the compensation decision was taken concerning the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) and in this respect the case does not concern Turkey.

Noting that Turkey does not consider the decision as valid, the Foreign Ministry stated that the decision will not probably be implemented.

The briefing will be held again on Wednesday to the other half of COE member states' representatives to Turkey.

Meanwhile, Foreign Ministry officials said that the possibility of taking Turkey, which said she wouldn't pay the compensation, out of COE, is not realistic.

A high ranking diplomat stressed that there isn't any member of COE which was taken out of the COE, as she didn't pay the compensation, adding that ''Turkey has abided with all the decisions taken by the European Court of Human Rights concerning herself and Turkey is very important for COE.''

The same diplomat pointed out that the solution of the Cyprus question becomes more difficult due to such kind of decisions, ''the place where the problem will be solved is not the Council, but the island,'' he said.

The case, which was claimed to bring Turkey against COE, was brought by Titina Loizidou, a Greek Cypriot tourist guide before the European Commission of Human Rights in 1989.

The Commission had declared the application as admissible and transferred it to the European Court of Human Rights.

The Court decided that Turkish officials seized the properties of Loizidou and charged Turkey for paying 300,000 Cypriot pounds as compensation for pecuniary loss, and 200,000 Cypriot pounds for pain and suffering and 147, 000 Cypriot pounds for the court costs. Turkey had said that the decision was political, stressing that the decision binds TRNC, not Turkey and declared that she wouldn't pay compensation.

[04] COUNCIL OF MINISTERS MEETING - ANDICAN, THE STATE MINISTER: ''THE CRISIS IN RUSSIA INEVITABLY EFFECTS TURKEY, HOWEVER THE ECONOMIC STABILITY PROGRAMME IS IMPLEMENTED WELL IN TURKEY''

Addressing a press briefing while the Council of Ministers meeting was continuing, Andican gave information about the issues taken by the cabinet.

''The crisis in Russia has effected all the stock exchange markets in the world, thus it inevitably effects Turkey. But as people say the inflation rate will be low in the coming month, as the one last month and this shows that the economic stability programme is implemented well in Turkey,'' he said.

Andican said that the cabinet took up the visit of Ismail Cem, the Foreign Minister to Cyprus and the statement he issued together with Rauf Denktas, the President of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC), adding that the plan that was declared is in line with the Resolutions of United Nations (UN).

Andican pointed out positive impressions have been taken from international circles concerning the plan, which was rejected by Southern Cyprus.

Noting that a draft law which was prepared within the framework of ''Agreement on Civilian Responsibility'' concerning the damages that come out by oil pollution was submitted to the parliament, Andican said that the cabinet also discussed the negative developments that were seen concerning aquacultural products and its exportation last year.

Andican said that the cabinet decided to postpone the existing debts of those who hunt, produce, process and sell aquacultural products for one year.

''Mr. Y�lmaz will hold a press briefing on Wednesday morning concerning the crisis seen in Russia and its effect on the world and Turkey,'' he said.

''The custom duties in several products, particularly in cereals have been increased,'' said Andican, adding that new appointments have been made in 12 Turkish representations abroad including Ireland, China and Pakistan by a decree submitted to the Council of Ministers.

[05] CAPITAL TRANSFER FROM TURKEY TO GERMANY INCREASES

The TAM said in a written statement that the Connection Offices, which carry out orientative and informative studies for foreign entrepreneurs within the context of the full-scale project titled ''Enterprise Progress'', had given services for hundreds of foreign entrepreneurs up until now.

Pointing out that the Turkish entrepreneurs, who want to invest in the NWR, and the people, who live in Germany and want to establish an independent business, can make use of these services, the statement said that a total of 47 Turkish companies realized investments until the end of 1996.

The TAM said that the capital inflow from Turkey to Germany had also increased in the last period.

Noting that the capital transfer from Turkey to Germany reached 423 million German marks, the TAM stressed that a total of 787 German firms made 2 billion 364 million German marks of investments in Turkey until 31 January 1998.

The statement added that the number of companies producing paints, medicine, shoes and the companies engaged in press and media and construction, which made investments in the NWR by setting up connection with the TAM Offices, has reached 27.

[06] THE NATIONAL COMMITTEE FOR HUMAN RIGHTS EDUCATION TO CONVENE ON THURSDAY

Hikmet Sami Turk, the State Minister will address the opening speech of the Committee, which will prepare the national programme proposal which foresees the implementation of UN Human Rights Education Action Plan in Turkey.

The national committee, which will inform the Human Rights Coordinator Supreme Council about its evaluations concerning the programme, will also complete the tasks given to it by the Supreme Board.

The National Committee is composed of fifteen members including one representative from the Prime Ministry, Justice, Interior, Foreign Ministry, National Education, Health and Culture Ministries, four representatives from voluntary institutions which work in the field of human rights and four univiersity professors who study human rights.

[07] THIRD DIDIM PEACE FESTIVAL - TURKISH-GREEK FRIENDSHIP GROUP CHAIRMAN HAKAN TARTAN: - ''THE TURKISH-GREEK PROBLEM IS SOLVED IF CYPRUS, 12 MILES, AND AIR SPACE ISSUES AREN'T PUT FORWARD IN EVERY TALK'' - GREEK MAYOR KOSTAS ANDREU: - ''WE WANT SUCH AN AEGEAN SEA WHICH BRINGS HAPPINESS TO PEOPLE LIVING IN THE SAME GEOGRAPHY''

Kostas Andreu said, ''let's cry out once more that our future, ideal is peace. We want such an Aegean Sea which brings happiness to people living in the same geography.''

Pointing out that The Turkish and Greek peoples want a single and the same thing, Andreu said, ''we want the authorities to listen to our opinions. We want the authorities to spend millions of dollars for the well-being of people not for armament. We came here for this reason, we want peace not something else. We wish the peace in the world and the peace trees we planted here last year to grow at the same time.''

Hakan Tartan said in his part that they want the authorities to listen to their friendship messages.

''We, as the politicians, should conclude the incomplete stage of the politics. To this end, we have established a friendship group within the parliament to solve the Turkish-Greek problem. We have 65 Turkish and Greek members. I was informed that my Greek friend had established a Greek- Turkish friendship group in Greece. A definite solution is found if Cyprus, 12 miles and air space issues are not put forth in every talk,'' he stressed.

[08] CONFEDERATION PROPOSAL OF DENKTAS ON CYPRUS - THE BASES OF THE PROPOSAL DEPEND ON THE DECISIONS TAKEN AFTER THE LUXEMBOURG SUMMIT - THE PROPOSAL WILL BE TRANSFORMED INTO A U.N. DOCUMENT

The proposal depends on the decisions taken by the Luxembourg Summit where the European Union (EU) decided to start full membership negotiations with the Greek Cypriot side.

TRNC President Denktas will explain the proposal in detail to Kofi Annan, the U.N. Secretary General in a letter, and after the submission of the proposal to U.N. General Assembly by Volkan Vural, the Turkish Permanent Representative to the U.N. in September as ''cover letter,'' it will be recorded as a U.N. document.

Foreign Ministry high ranking officials say that the Greek Cypriot side and Greece which have immediately rejected the proposal are in trouble now and it will be difficult for them to take a step back after showing this first reaction.

Noting that Glafcos Clerides, the Greek Cypriot leader, has used negative expressions without seeing the text of the proposal and this is not a productive attitude, diplomatic sources pointed out that Turkey expects Western countries to evaluate the proposal well. Turkey thinks that after carefully examing the proposal, the western countries particularly the U.S. can suggest the Greek Cypriot administration that the proposal can be negotiated.

A high ranking diplomat said that the negative statements of Greek Cypriots do not constitute an end of the issue, adding that if the proposal is fully rejected, Turkey and TRNC can further get closer to each other.

Another high ranking official described the proposal of Denktas as a ''brave attempt'' in a tense period when intercommunal talks are curtailed and the armament efforts of Greek Cypriot side escalate, adding that the confederation proposal is the last comprehensive proposal that can be put forward by the Turkish Cypriot side.

The same official pointed out that the Western press and diplomatic circles have positively approached from the beginning to the solution of the Cyprus question by establishment of a confederation.

The guarantorship rights of Turkey on Cyprus stemming from the 1960 Treaties will be granted during the negotiations of the proposal, the same official said.

Recalling that the proposal includes very general and basic elements with its existing form, the same official said that if the two sides accept the proposal, Cyprus can join the EU.

Another official said that TRNC and Turkey still ask for the abolishment of embargo on TRNC, and this was put forward by Denktas as a condition to start negotiations between the two sides on Cyprus.

Diplomatic sources stressed that the postponement of delivery of S-300 missiles to the island will not solve the Cyprus problem, pointing out that the arrival of S-300 missiles on the island and the confederation proposal of Denktas are not connected to each other.

[09] PRESIDENT DEMIREL DUE IN BAKU ON 7 SEPTEMBER

President Demirel, who will attend the conference's session on 8 September, will hold bilateral contacts with the presidents and prime ministers of the participant countries.

President Suleyman Demirel, who will receive the Turkish businessmen in Azerbaijan, will leave Baku the same day.

[10] DEPUTY PRIME MINISTER ECEVIT TO PAY OFFICIAL VISIT TO TRNC

Ecevit will participate in the ''Yesilirmak Resistance and Solidarity Day'' ceremonies and attend the National Lottery Anatolian High School and Girne Rehabilitation Center foundation-laying ceremonies.

Bulent Ecevit will also meet with high-level officials in the TRNC.

[11] 10 KG HASHISH SEIZED

Acting on a tip-off, the narcotics teams raided two houses in Bagcilar, detaining two drug smugglers.

Narcotics officials siezed ten kg hashish hidden in those two houses.

[12] REVIVAL OF HISTORICAL SILK ROAD

In the conference, a main agreement on ''development of European-Caucasus- Asian corridor'', four technical agreements on customs, motorway, railway and seaway transportation are foreseen to be signed.

The organization committee officials said the participants are expected to sign a ''Baku Declaration'' related to the project.

Pointing out that they sent letters of invitation to 38 countries and 18 international organizations, the officials said that 25 countries informed that they will participate in the conference.

Officials said the Presidents of Turkey, Georgia, the Ukraine, Moldova, Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Mongolia, Bulgaria, Romana and Iran will participate in the conference while the other participant countries are expected to be represented by their Prime Ministers, Deputy Prime Ministers and Ministers of Transportation.

Officials said that a Baku-based Secretariat of the European Union's (EU) TRACECA programme regarding the development of the Europe-Cacasus-Asia transportation corridor was planned to be established during the conference.

A total of 400 thousand tonnes of cargo was transported in 1996 and 1 million 250 thousand tonnes of goods were transported in 1997 with the corridor, which was put into service by the Sraks (Turkmenistan) agreement signed by Azerbaijan, Georgia, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan in 1996. The amount is expected to increase to 4 million tonnes in 1998 and to 8-10 million tonnes in 1999.

The European Development Bank planned to make 190 million US dollars of investments and the EU planned to realize 15 million European Currency Unit (ECU) of investment for the project this year.

[13] AKTAS, MINISTER OF INTERIOR: ''CAKICI HAS TO BE EXTRADITED TO TURKEY''

Responding to questions of journalists, Kutlu Aktas stated that ''when the state uses its power, there will not be any mafia and we'll use this power.''

''Police chiefs struggle with mafia and gangs all over Turkey and we'll benefit from this struggle,'' Aktas said.

Responding to a question concerning the extradition of Alaattin Cak�c� to Turkey, Aktas stated that the file concerning the extradition of Cak�c� has been completed and it will be sent to France on Wednesday or Thursday.

''The concern of Belgium and Turkey is very different concerning Cak�c�. Belgium wishes to question Cak�c� because he was involved in an incident in Belgium. On the contrary Turkey is fully involved in the case, because there are six-seven files concerning Cak�c�. We ask for the extradition of Cak�c� to Turkey, we can't be contented with questioning him. In this respect not any interrogation team will be sent to Nice, where he was arrested. The Ministry of Justice has fulfilled its responsibility, which was to capture Cak�c�. There is no need to question him in Nice,'' he added.

[14] SAKIK, ONE OF THE SO-CALLED COMMANDERS OF THE SEPARATIST TERRORIST ORGANIZATION PKK, WILL DEFEND HIMSELF BEFORE THE COURT CONCERNING 191 TERRORIST ACTIVITIES

Semdin Sak�k will defend himself concerning the claims of the Attorney Generalship saying that Sak�k actively involved in 191 terrorist activities or gave orders concerning these terrorist activities.

Semdin Sak�k, whose code name is ''Fingerless Zeki'' and his brother Arif Sak�k, who were captured in Dohuk city of Northern Iraq by an operation carried out by special units of the General Staff at the end of May, had been brought before the State Security Court in Diyarbak�r.

The Prosecutor asked for capital punishment of Semdin Sak�k and his brother Arif Sak�k in the indictment he read in the first hearing of the court held on June 30 and said that Semdin Sak�k had actively participated in the terrorist activities which ended by the murder of 113 citizens including a two-days old baby and 125 security officials.

The Prosecutor had also said that Sak�k gave detailed information about the separatist terrorist organization and explained the links of the organization with neighbouring countries.

Semdin Sak�k had asked for additional time for his defense in the first court hearing.

[15] REPRESENTATIVES OF JAPANESE TOURISM SECTOR TO MEET IN TURKEY - ISTANBUL TO HOST MEETING OF ADMINISTRATIVE BOARD OF JAPANESE TRAVEL AGENCIES ASSOCIATION

The official stressed that this meeting is a significant opportunity for promoting Turkey to Japanese tourism sector, noting that the number of the Japanese tourists can be increased in 1999.

Meanwhile the Tourism Ministry has prepared a journey programme for 29 members of the JATA. Representaties of the Japanese tourism sector will visit Cappadocia, Ankara, Izmir, Kusadasi, Ephesus, House of Virgin Mary and Pamukkale.

Japanese tourists prefer rich countries such as Hawai, Hong Kong, the US, Korea, Italy and China. Turkey comes on the 14th place among the countries which Japanese people prefer for their holiday.

Japanese officials say that if the airway transportation problem is solved between Turkey and Japan, the number of Japanese tourists can be increased up to 300 thousand in coming years.

[16] UTKAN, FM SPOKESMAN: ''THE FILES CONCERNING THE EXTRADITION OF CAKICI TO TURKEY TO BE SUBMITTED TO FRENCH OFFICIALS TILL THE END OF THIS WEEK''

Addressing the weekly press briefing, Utkan responded to questions of journalists concerning the extradition of Cak�c� and said that extradition document of Cak�c� was submitted on Tuesday to the Foreign Ministry with five files and with its translations by the Ministry of Justice.

Noting that the files will be submitted to the French officials together with a note, which will be prepared in Turkish Embassy in France, Utkan pointed out that the extradition note will be prepared in a reasonable period and it will be conveyed to French officials till the end of this week.

Responding to a question concerning the news saying that Yavuz Atac, the National Intelligence Organization (MIT) has been deported from China, Utkan said that they are not informed about this issue.

Meanwhile, Ugene Vankerckhove, the Belgian Spokesman of Ministry of Justice said on Tuesday that the Belgian police started to question Alaattin Cak�c� in Nice on August 31.

Peter Gijsen, who is another official from the Belgian Ministry of Justice told A.A correspondent the same day that Cak�c� was wanted by Belgium for murdering a Turkish person in Belgium.

[17] KDP LEADER BARZANI TO MEET WITH ECEVIT, CEM, CETIN AND HAKTANIR IN TURKEY - UTKAN, FM SPOKESMAN:''WE ARE IN CLOSE COOPERATION WITH KDP IN NORTHERN IRAQ''

Necati Utkan, the Foreign Ministry Spokesman told a weekly press briefing that ''we are in close cooperation with KDP in Northern Iraq and we have struggled with terrorists together. It's very natural for us to continue our cooperation.''

Noting that Barzani will visit the US as he was invited to this country and he will hold contacts in Ankara before this visit, Utkan said that ''the invitation of the US aims to support the stability in Northern Iraq and to show the support extended to the sides.''

Responding to a question concerning the news saying that KDP and Patriotic Union for Kurdistan (PUK) will sign an agreement in the US regarding the establishment of an autonomous government, Utkan said, ''Turkey has always supported the territorial integrity of Iraq and we will continue to do so.''

Safeen Dizai, the KDP Representative to Turkey had told A.A that Barzani would take up issues like regional relations, security, economy and Northern Watch during his contacts in Ankara.

[18] UTKAN, THE FM SPOKESMAN: ''TURKEY DOESN'T HAVE PUBLIC AUTHORITY IN TRNC'' - ''COE SHOULD NOT BE TRANSFORMED INTO AN INSTITUTION WHICH SERVES THE INTERESTS OF GREEK CYPRIOT ADMINISTRATION''

Responding to questions of journalists about the Loizidou case, Utkan stated that the views of Turkey concerning the case have been explained to Council of Europe (COE) member countries' representatives to Turkey on Tuesday and Wednesday.

Faruk Logoglu, the Foreign Ministry Deputy Undersecretary held a briefing to the COE representatives and told them that property problems on Cyprus don't concern Turkey, they have to be solved between the two sides and this problem is an element of the Cyprus question.

''Turkey doesn't have public authority in TRNC territory,'' said Utkan, adding that Turkey attributes importance to the COE and its organs. Stressing that COE should not be transformed into an institution which serves to the interests of the Greek Cypriot side, Utkan said that COE should behave in a more careful way.

''The relations of COE with Turkey is far more important than issues which are not related with the essence of the Cyprus question,'' Utkan added.

The case, which was claimed to bring Turkey against COE, was brought by Loizidou, a Greek Cypriot tourist guide before the European Commission of Human Rights in 1989.

The Commission had declared the application as admissible and transferred it to the European Court of Human Rights.

The Court decided that Turkish officials seized the properties of Loizidou and charged Turkey for paying 300,000 Cypriot pounds as compensation for pecuniary loss, and 200,000 Cypriot pounds for pain and suffering and 147, 000 Cypriot pounds for the court costs. Turkey had said that the decision was political, stressing that the decision binds TRNC, not Turkey and declared that she wouldn't pay compensation.

[19] BYRD, TURKEY DIRECTOR OF THE US INTERNATIONAL EXPORTERS FEDERATION: - ''AMERICAN CONSUMERS LIKE TURKISH MADE GOODS''

Responding to the questions of the A.A correspondent, Byrd noted ''Turkish exporters worry about the quotas, and the long distance between Turkey and the US, but there is no need to worry.''

Pointing out that Turkish made goods will begin to enter the markets without quotas by 2005, Byrd stressed that if Turkish firms prefer to wait until 2005, they will lose, and called Turkish businessmen to take part in the markets.

Noting that the current situation of Turkey's economy is not very good, but her potential and natural sources are extremely rich, Byrd emphasized that Turkey can turn the negativity into an advantage.

Philippe Byrd also added, ''customers are ready for the quality goods in the US. Meanwhile the countries with poor economic conditions are more fortunate on exportation than the others. You can purchase the goods cheaply and then sell them expensively. American people likes authentic and ethnic things. For instance the US President Bill Clinton and his wife wear burnooses that were produced in Bursa.''

Stressing that The US has exported goods woth of 3.5 billion US Dollars to Turkey and imported goods worth of 2.1 billion US Dollars from Turkey in 1997, Byrd added that if the Turkish exporters succeed in appraising the opportunities, they can increase the exportation to the US up to 6 billion US Dollars.

[20] CONFEDERATION PROPOSAL OF DENKTAS ON CYPRUS - UTKAN, THE FM SPOKESMAN: ''GREEK CYPRIOT SIDE AND GREECE ARE CONDITIONED TO REJECT''

Addressing a weekly press briefing, Utkan said that ''there isn't an official response given to the confederation proposal of Rauf Denktas, there are only first reactions. Denktas issued his statement at 12.00 on Monday, Greece rejected the proposal at 14.00. The Greek Cypriot side responded later. Greek and the Greek Cypriot pair is conditioned to reject everything.''

''If people fell regret early, this is good, but if it is late, this will have no use,'' said Utkan.

Noting that Turkey could not give any meaning to the negative respond given by France to the proposal of Rauf Denktas, Utkan said that these first evaluations are considered as reflex and Turkey hopes that the proposal will be understood by time.

Describing the initiative of Denktas as a serious one, Utkan stated that the proposal does not have any tactical purposes and it is a reasonable one which can be realized. Utkan said that everybody who has wisdom and conscience has to claim ownership over this initiative.

Responding to a question asking how much time will be given to Greece and the Greek Cypriot side concerning the proposal, Utkan said that the proposal belongs to TRNC and Rauf Denktas and they are the ones who will decide on this issue.

Pointing out that the tension has escalated on the island and the separation has speeded up by the irresponsible behaviours of Greece and the Greek Cypriot side, Utkan said that the proposal of Denktas aims to prevent such problems.

Utkan stressed that the proposals of Denktas aim to open way for the good will mission of the UN Secretary General and other proposals can be developed within the same framework.

''This proposal has a great advantage, it is realistic and aims to solve the problems. Denktas also says that he is ready to start negotiations,'' said Utkan.

Responding to another question, Utkan said that Bulent Ecevit, the Deputy Prime Minister will visit TRNC on September 5 to evaluate the recent situation on the island.

[21] BARZANI, THE KDP LEADER IN ANKARA

Barzani, is expected to meet with Bulent Ecevit, the Deputy Prime Minister, Ismail Cem, the Foreign Minister, Hikmet Cetin, the Parliament Speaker and Korkmaz Haktan�r, the Foreign Ministry Undersecretary.

The talks are expected to focus on issues like regional relations, security, economy and Northern Watch during Barzani's visit in Ankara.

[22] PRESIDENT DENKTAS OF THE TRNC WARNS CLERIDES: - ''DO NOT TAKE DECISIONS THAT WILL MAKE CYPRUS PROBLEM MORE DIFFICULT, AT THE SUMMIT OF NON-ALLIGNED MOVEMENT''

Reminding that the TRNC has been established as a result of a decision taken at the Non-Alligned Movement in 1983, Denktas stressed, ''the necessary measures will be taken in case that they adopt a decision at the summit.''

Denktas called the Non-Alligned Movement to tell Clerides, ''You are two states on Cyprus. Cyprus does not belong to you, but to two nations. You can solve your problems only by means of dialogue. Denktas's call opens this door for you.''

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