Anadolu Agency: News in English, 98-09-22

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

22 SEPT 1998

CONTENTS

[01] MEANINGFUL AWARD FROM EUROPE TO HUMAN RIGHTS FOUNDATION

[02] KARAYALCIN, CHAIRMAN OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS COMMISSION OF PARLIAMENT: - ''TURKEY SUPPORTS INITIATIVES AIMED AT PEACE AND STABILITY IN THE BALKANS''

[03] THE 53RD UN GENERAL ASSEMBLY MEETINGS - FM CEM'S CONTACTS IN NEW YORK - CEM MEETS WITH HIS JAPANESE AND ALGERIAN COUNTERPARTS

[04] STATE MINISTER YILDIRIM: - ''CHAIRMANSHIP OF GAP REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT ADMINISTRATION ACCELERATES ACTIVITIES IN ORDER TO CONCLUDE THE PROJECT BY 2010''

[05] MEASURES TO RELIEVE THE STOCK EXCHANGE

[06] FOREIGN AFFAIRS AND DEFENCE MINISTER ETKIN OF THE TRNC: - ''DELIVERY OF THE RUSSIAN MADE S-300 MISSILES TO CYPRUS SHOULD BE CANCELLED''

[07] ITALIAN TECHNOLOGY IN DENIZLI AND GAZIANTEP

[08] TOWARDS SECURE PASSAGE THROUGH THE STRAITS - KARA, MINISTER OF STATE: ''OUR AIM ISN'T TO INCREASE QUANTITY OF OIL THAT WILL PASS THROUGH STRAITS BY INSTALLING RADAR SYSTEM''

[09] ITALY AND FRANCE DEFEND STRENGTHENING OF RELATIONS BETWEEN TURKEY AND THE EU

[10] TOWARDS SECURE PASSAGE THROUGH THE STRAITS ... - KARA, MINISTER OF STATE: ''THERE IS A WRONG EVALUATION ON THE ISSUE OF S-300 MISSILES, IT ISN'T A CONDITION THAT THEY WILL PASS VIA TURKEY''

[11] BLACK SEA PARTNERSHIP'98 MANOEUVRES BEGIN - VICE ADMIRAL METIN ATAC, COMMANDER OF WAR FLEET, TO DIRECT THE MANOEUVRES

[12] ABDULLAH GUL, DEPUTY OF FP, TO COMPLAIN ABOUT TURKEY TO EUROPE CONCERNING HEAD SCARF BAN

[13] THE 53RD UN GENERAL ASSEMBLY MEETINGS - FOREIGN MINISTER CEM: - ''TURKEY'S COHERENT ATTITUDE ON THE ISSUE OF THE EU HAS BEEN EFFECTIVE'' - VAN DEN BROEK, RESPONSIBLE FOR FOREIGN RELATIONS OF THE EU: - ''WE ARE PREPARING TURKEY'S FULL MEMBERSHIP''

[14] TURKISH PRESS REVIEW (1)

[15] TURKISH PRESS REVIEW (2)

[16] PRIME MINISTER YILMAZ LEAVES FOR NEW YORK - YILMAZ TO PARTICIPATE IN ACTIVITIES OF 53RD UN GENERAL ASSEMBLY

[17] ''MARTYR GENDARME-PILOT FIRST LIEUTENANT FERRUH AKYEL'' OPERATION - 18 TERRORISTS KILLED

[18] KARAYALCIN, THE CHAIRMAN OF THE PARLIAMENTARY FOREIGN AFFAIRS COMMISSION: ''TURKEY ATTRIBUTES GREAT IMPORTANCE TO REGIONAL PEACE''

[19] IRANIAN MISSILES - IRANIAN EMBASSY IN ANKARA:''IRANIAN MISSILES DON'T THREATEN TURKEY''

[20] BANK ROBBERY AT UMRANIYE DISTRICT OF ISTANBUL

[21] ACADEMIC SUPPORT FOR TURKISH-GERMAN RELATIONS - GERMAN PROFESSORS ARRIVE IN TURKEY

[22] THE 75TH FOUNDATION ANNIVERSARY OF THE REPUBLIC OF TURKEY TO BE CELEBRATED IN ROMANIA

[01] MEANINGFUL AWARD FROM EUROPE TO HUMAN RIGHTS FOUNDATION

The ''Focolare Movement'' in Italy and the ''Justice Administration Committee'' in Northern Ireland will receive the human rights awards of the European Commission along with the Human Rights Foundation.

Yavuz Onen, the Chairman of Human Rights Foundation, will be in attendance at the ceremony and receive the award on behalf of the foundation.

The European Commission gives the award once every three years.

[02] KARAYALCIN, CHAIRMAN OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS COMMISSION OF PARLIAMENT: - ''TURKEY SUPPORTS INITIATIVES AIMED AT PEACE AND STABILITY IN THE BALKANS''

The chairmen of the foreign affairs commissions of the member states in the European Union, Turkey, Romania, Bulgaria, Macedonia, Hungary, Yugoslavia, Croatia, Albania, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Slovenia, Russia and the US were in attendance at the meeting that focused on the good neighbourhood relations and stability in Southeastern Europe.

Responding to the questions of the A.A correspondent after the meeting, Karayalcin pointed out, ''Several initiatives have been started since 1990 with the purpose of improving stability and good neighbourhood relations in the Balkans. The initiative called the Royaumont Process is one of them. For the first time parliamentary level relations of this process have been established. Tom Spencer, the Chairman of the Foreign Affairs Commission of the European Parliament, has invited the chairmen of foreign affairs commissions of the countries which are a part of the Royaumont Process. Nearly all of the chairmen have conveyed that their parliaments describe the process as positive.''

Karayalcin explained Turkey's attitude towards the process as, ''I stressed the significance of setting up relations with the initiatives. Turkey attributes great importance to the Balkans. There are many Turkish citizens living and working in the Balkan countries.

I also pointed out at the meeting that Turkey is willing to host the next meeting. Turkey supports all initiatives aimed at peace and stability in the Balkans.''

[03] THE 53RD UN GENERAL ASSEMBLY MEETINGS - FM CEM'S CONTACTS IN NEW YORK - CEM MEETS WITH HIS JAPANESE AND ALGERIAN COUNTERPARTS

Cem later met with his Japanese counterpart Masahiko Komura. The two foreign ministers have discussed the issue of improving the commercial relations between Turkey and Japan.

Addressing the meeting, Cem said that Turkey's exports to Japan are nearly 140 million US dollars and described this figure as insufficient.

Cem pointed out that they have agreed on establishing a political consultation mechanism between Turkey and Japan which are the most powerful candidates for the two new permanent members in the UN Security Council.

A Department of the Japanese Language and Literature will be established within the structure of the Erciyes University in Kayseri in order to improve relations between the two countries.

Ismail Cem will pay an offiecial visit to Japan in 1999 and sign several agreements during his contacts in this country.

Cem met with Ahmet Attaf, the Algerian Foreign Minister, following his meeting with Komura. Attaf has invited Cem to Algeria. Cem will hold talks later today with Hans van den Broek, who is responsible for the Foreign Relations of the European Union.

He will participate at the Foreign Ministers' meetings of the Black Sea Economic Cooperation (BSEC) tomorrow.

[04] STATE MINISTER YILDIRIM: - ''CHAIRMANSHIP OF GAP REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT ADMINISTRATION ACCELERATES ACTIVITIES IN ORDER TO CONCLUDE THE PROJECT BY 2010''

Pointing out that a joint study on the ''GAP 2010 Plan'' has been started by the administration and the related public organizations,

Yildirim noted that the mentioned work aims at programming the integrated applications of the public organizations that have investments in the GAP region.''

Yildirim also added that activities that will provide integrated regional developments will be discussed together with the GAP 2010 Plan and the necessary grounds for coordination and cooperation will be established within this framework.

[05] MEASURES TO RELIEVE THE STOCK EXCHANGE

Prime Minister Yilmaz staged a news conference following a meeting which was attended by the economy experts, administrators of the stock exchange and stockbrokers.

Addressing the news conference, Yilmaz said that during his meetings with the representatives of the stockbroker institutions they have determined that problems experienced on the Istanbul Stock Exchange (IMKB) and the capital market stemmed from the misunderstanding of the tax law which took effect a while ago and from the failure of the stock exchange to attain a satisfactory volume.

Yilmaz said that the main reason was the negativities in the foreign markets, adding that problems experienced in the foreign markets caused great declines because of the reasons he disclosed above.

Yilmaz pointed out that arrangements on the issue will be made with an announcement that will be issued by the Undersecretariat of the Treasury.

Yilmaz said that with the implementation aimed at the insurance companies, funds that will be added to the stock exchange will be increased and that raising of the shares of the institutional investors on the stock exchange will be encouraged.

''There are obligations for depositing a guarantee. We aim to direct these to the shares transacted on the IMKB with the condition that they won't exceed 15 percent'' Yilmaz said adding that thus, these will be reduced from the amount of the guarantee.

Yilmaz said that the government was extremely sensitive towards the developments on the capital market and on the stock exchange, adding that still, there wouldn't be any deviation from the core of the tax reform.

Yilmaz said that with these measures, we aim to make the stock exchange more resistant to the negative aspects stemming from foreign markets and to increase the institutional investors on the stock exchange.

Yilmaz repeated that earlier the A type investment funds had to be kept for one year for tax exemptions, but with the amendments made in the budget law of 1999, this period will be decreased to three months and that the ratio of the amount of shares will be reduced from 51 percent to 25 percent.

Yilmaz later pointed out that the measures taken will be reflected positively on the stock exchange, adding that the Turkish economy revealed a resistence against crises. He said most of the foreign investors still preserve their insurance portfolios. ''I hope that the domestic investors will get used to approaching the issues more calmly.''

The Prime Minister also stressed that the Privatization Administration won't intervene at the stock exchange.

[06] FOREIGN AFFAIRS AND DEFENCE MINISTER ETKIN OF THE TRNC: - ''DELIVERY OF THE RUSSIAN MADE S-300 MISSILES TO CYPRUS SHOULD BE CANCELLED''

Pointing out that the escalating tension on the island and in the region has become a policy of Greece and the Greek Cypriot side, Etkin emphasized that Turkey and the TRNC are opposed to the postponement of the missiles being described as a ''positive step''. Responding to the qusetions of the journalists, Etkin noted that Greece and the Greek Cypriots have created the S-300 missiles problem and added that it is their responsibility now to solve it.

Reminding that Greece and the Greek Cypriot side try to use the issue as an element of bargaining, Etkin stressed that it is unacceptable either for Turkey or for the TRNC.

Mentioning the joint Niciforos manoeuvres that will be organized by Greece and the Greek Cypriot side next month, Etkin said that the the manoeuvres will reescalate the tension on the island. Taner Etkin stressed that they expect the countries which are interested in the Cyprus question, should reveal their attitudes clearly, recognizing that the Greek Cypriot side Administration isn't the government of the Turkish Cypriots.

Etkin also added, ''we will maintain our attitude towards defending our rights against the threats targeting both the TRNC and Turkey. All necessarry measures will be taken without hesitation.''

[07] ITALIAN TECHNOLOGY IN DENIZLI AND GAZIANTEP

The first meeting will be held in Denizli on 22 September and the other in Gaziantep on 24 September.

A total of 18 Italian firms will participate at the meeting.

[08] TOWARDS SECURE PASSAGE THROUGH THE STRAITS - KARA, MINISTER OF STATE: ''OUR AIM ISN'T TO INCREASE QUANTITY OF OIL THAT WILL PASS THROUGH STRAITS BY INSTALLING RADAR SYSTEM''

Addressing a news conference before the tender of ''Ship Traffic Administration and Information System'' related to the radars that will be implemented with the aim of a secure passage at the Istanbul and Canakkale Straits, Kara said that the straits won't come onto the world agenda with the problem of tankers after the installation of the radars.

Noting that studies related to the installation of the radar systems in the straits started in 1990 and that two tenders prepared earlier were annulled, Kara said that this project was important due to the protection of life and goods and for the countries who make use of the straits.

Stressing that Turkey has to face accusations from time to time that Turkey failed to make a serious study related with the straits after the ''Montreux Agreement'', Kara said that the International Maritime Organization (IMO) which convened in December 1996 with the initiatives of Russia and Greece, adopted the proposal that an international administration will head the administration of the straits.

Kara pointed out that Turkey didn't accept this decision and initiated a study, adding that projects related to the straits were later submitted to the IMO in 1997.

Stressing that the government attached a great importance to these issues, Kara said that a special work group, established related to the straits, held studies in the direction of Turkey's commitments to the IMO. Kara pointed out that the escort system was rearranged, emergency intervention centers were established at Buyukdere and Uskudar, and that required changes were concluded regarding the straits regulations.

Kara said that the radar system which will be bid is expected to cost 40 million US dollars, adding that with the establishment of the radar systems, the risk of passage through the straits will be reduced.

Kara also said that all the related countries which often complained that Turkey didn't take any measures on the straits issue and made unilateral sanctions, supported this project.

[09] ITALY AND FRANCE DEFEND STRENGTHENING OF RELATIONS BETWEEN TURKEY AND THE EU

Piero Fassino, the Italian Undersecretary of the Foreign Ministry, and Pierre Moscovici, the French Minister of State Responsible for European Affairs, met in Ferrano, Italy, with the purpose of preparations for the Italy-France Summit between 5 and 6 October.

Addressing the journalists after the meeting, Fassino and Mosvovici said, ''Italy and France strongly believe that Turkey's connection with the European Union is extremely significant for Europe''.

Mentioning the Cyprus question, the two politicians pointed out, ''good relations between Turkey and the EU will help to find a peaceful solution to the Cyprus problem and to provide for the island's integration with the EU. The two communities living on the island should be represented at the full membership negotiations.''

Fassino expressed urgency for sending positive signals to Ankara at the EU Summit that will be held in Vienna. He stressed that these signals should show the Turkish government and the Turkish public opinion that the EU's doors are open to Turkey.

Piero Fassino also added that Italy and France will encourage other member states to take urgent steps towards Turkey.

[10] TOWARDS SECURE PASSAGE THROUGH THE STRAITS ... - KARA, MINISTER OF STATE: ''THERE IS A WRONG EVALUATION ON THE ISSUE OF S-300 MISSILES, IT ISN'T A CONDITION THAT THEY WILL PASS VIA TURKEY''

Responding to the questions of the reporters related to the passage of the S-300 missiles through the Straits before the tender of the ''Ship Traffic Administration and Information System'' related to the radars that will provide a secure passage at the Canakkale and Istanbul Straits, Kara said that the Turkish public is misinformed about the S-300 missiles. Under the Montreux Agreement, Turkey has no authorziation of sanction related to the passage of the S-300 missiles through the Straits.

Kara said that Article 2 of the Montreux Agreement clearly says ''all ships, whatever its flag and load is in times of peace, have the right of passage through the straits. ''We have the idea that the S-300 missiles will spoil the peace of the Middle East and the Balkans.''

He said that it isn't a condition that the S-300 missiles will be brought from the Straits, adding that they may come by various routes such as by highways to the Ukraine Harbour and may be transported by ships.

Kara said that with the installation of the radar system, a kind of key will be put on the straits and all kinds of passages will be taken under control.

Meanwhile, it was reported that three companies namely the US Lockheed Martin, Turkish STN Atlas Electronic-Simko and the Dutch HITT, gave proposals for the installation of the radar system which will provide passage security at the Istanbul and Canakkale straits.

[11] BLACK SEA PARTNERSHIP'98 MANOEUVRES BEGIN - VICE ADMIRAL METIN ATAC, COMMANDER OF WAR FLEET, TO DIRECT THE MANOEUVRES

Frigates from Bulgaria, Romania and Georgia will participate at the manoeuvres.

Azerbaijan and Russia will join the manoeuvres as observers.

Two frigates, three assault boats, one submarine and helicopters from the Turkish Naval Forces will also participate at the manoeuvres.

[12] ABDULLAH GUL, DEPUTY OF FP, TO COMPLAIN ABOUT TURKEY TO EUROPE CONCERNING HEAD SCARF BAN

Gul is expected to give a written application to the COEPA Culture and Education Commission this week and bring the issue of the ban on head scarves aimed at the students at the Istanbul university.

Gul will request the COEPA Culture and Education Commission to research the issue by being more sensitive.

Gul will claim that the ban on turbans at the universities contradicted with the principles of international law and that it prevented freedom of education and that it violated human rights.

[13] THE 53RD UN GENERAL ASSEMBLY MEETINGS - FOREIGN MINISTER CEM: - ''TURKEY'S COHERENT ATTITUDE ON THE ISSUE OF THE EU HAS BEEN EFFECTIVE'' - VAN DEN BROEK, RESPONSIBLE FOR FOREIGN RELATIONS OF THE EU: - ''WE ARE PREPARING TURKEY'S FULL MEMBERSHIP''

Cem met with Hans van den Broek, who is responsible for the Foreign Relations of the EU. The meeting focused on the strategy towards preparing Turkey for full membership.

Addressing the journalists after the meeting, van den Broek said,

''the European Commission is working on the Cardiff Document aimed at bringing Turkey closer to the Union.'' He described the mentioned work as the preparation for Turkey's full membership.

Van den Broek has promised to take the necessary steps in order to provide financial support for the relations between Turkey and the EU.

He pointed out that several political issues including Russia and Cyprus, were also discussed at the meeting.

Reminded that Turkey has been taken into the scope of evaluation of the EU at the end of this year, Cem stressed that he believes the EU will do its utmost on the issue.

[14] TURKISH PRESS REVIEW (1)

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

''HONORARY DOCTORATE'' FOR DEMIREL
President Suleyman Demirel opened the Gaziosmanpasa University in Tokat yesterday. The University Senate presented Demirel with an honorary doctorate at the end of the opening ceremony. Prof. Turgut Topbas said at the ceremony that Demirel had made both soil and water come together, bringing life to the southeastern region through the Southeastern Anatolia Project. /Sabah/

YILMAZ GOES TO NEW YORK
Prime Minister Mesut Yilmaz is going to New York to have talks at the UN on Tuesday, a statement released by the office of the prime minister said yesterday. Yilmaz, who will deliver a speech at the UN General Assembly on 24 September, will meet with the Prime Ministers of India, Pakistan and Israel, as well as the Kofi Annan, the UN Secretary General. Following his visit to New York, Yilmaz will fly on Sunday to Mexico, the first such visit by a Turkish prime minister to that country. Yilmaz will return to Ankara on 29 September. /All papers/

YILMAZ HOLDS PRESS CONFERENCE
Prime Minister Mesut Yilmaz held a meeting with economic bureaucrats yesterday. Following the meeting, Yilmaz announced measures to relieve the Istanbul Stock Exchange (IMKB). Yilmaz noted that a proposal made by intermediary institutions to collect taxes from all financial transactions wasn't considered to be acceptable. He stated that they had reduced the minimum duration for tax exemption for shares from one year to three months. He recalled that the crisis in the stock exchange stemmed from the developments in the foreign markets. Yilmaz said that the earnings of foreign institutional investors in Turkey through portfolio administrations would continue to be exempt from corporation income taxes. The rate of stoppage of income taxes that will be received from those earnings will also be zero. A decision of the Council of Ministers on income tax will be announced in the near future. /Cumhuriyet/

TURKEY, ITALY TO SIGN SECURITY COOPERATION DEAL
Turkey and Italy will sign an agreement to boost cooperation in the field of security, it was reported. Kutlu Aktas, the Minister of the Interior, went to Rome to meet with his Italian counterpart for the signing of the agreement which includes 13 main points. Aktas said that the agreement was important especially in relation to combating terrorism.

GEN.PORTZ IN TURKEY
Gen. Ilhan Kilic, the Air Forcer Commander, received yesterday his German counterpart Gen. Rolf Portz. The two generals had talks on bilateral cooperation in personnel training and international issues of mutual interest. Earlier in the day, Gen. Portz had talks with Gen. Huseyin Kivrikoglu, the Chief of General Staff, and Ismet Sezgin, the Minister of Defense, who drew attention to the continuing presence of the PKK terrorist organization and its affiliates in Germany.

ECEVIT PARTICIPATES IN CONGRESS OF PRESS COUNCILS
Bulent Ecevit, the Deputy Prime Minister, participated yesterday in the last session of the World Congress and General Assembly of the World Association of Press Councils, held in Istanbul. Ecevit said that the Turkish journalists could freely express their thoughts. Asked by foreign journalists about the Turkish journalists in prison, Ecevit said that most of them weren't imprisoned for activities related to journalism. /Hurriyet/

AYKUT IN SPAIN
In her official visit to Spain, Imren Aykut, the Minister of the Environment, said that both Spain and Turkey will coordinate in struggling against environmental problems. ''Turkey and Spain are members of the Mediterranean Action Plan, established to prevent the Mediterranean from becoming polluted. In our meetings, the Spanish ministers of the environment and I will discuss this action plan and how to improve it'' Aykut stated. /All papers/

COOPERATION AGREEMENT
Prof. Dr. Michael E. DeBakey, a leading name in the medical world, arrived on Sunday in Istanbul to participate in a signing ceremony for a cooperation agreement between the Istanbul International Hospital and the Houston Methodist Hospital. Prof. DeBakey said that the agreement will provide bilateral exchange of technology and information.

[15] TURKISH PRESS REVIEW (2)

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

FIRST IZMIR INTERNATIONAL AGRICULTURAL FAIR
The First Izmir International Agricultural Fair will be held in Izmir between 23 and 27 September. The US, Iran, Cuba and the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) will be the participant countries while Bulgaria and Spain will attend the fair at the delegation level and Israel and Britain will participate on a company basis.

DEFENSE MINISTERS TO MEET IN MACEDONIA
The third meeting of the defense ministers of the Southeastern European countries will be held in Skopje, the capital of Macedonia, on 26 September. At the meeting, the ministers are expected to sign a document envisaging a peacekeeping force to be established in the Balkans.

TURKEY'S APPLICATION ACCEPTED
The Foreign Ministry said yesterday that Turkey's application to be a permanent observer in the Organization of American States (OAS), which is centered in Washington, D.C., has been accepted. The Foreign Ministry stated that the OAS Permanent Council accepted on 16 September 16 the application made by Turkey on 7 July.

EU STRATEGY REPORT
A ''New European Union (EU) Strategy'' report prepared by Ankara as a result of the studies which lasted for eight months has been conveyed to Brussels. The report notes that the Customs Union (CU) Agreement between the EU and Turkey hasn't opened the way for Turkey's full EU membership and has worked contrary to Turkey's interests. The report points out that the opportunities envisaged for Turkey in the CU document aren't functional and says, ''Turkey even is behind the Northern African countries, which take advantage of the Mediterranean programme''. The report was prepared under the supervision of Sukru Sina Gurel, the Minister of State. /Cumhuriyet/

FOUR IBDA/C MEMBERS ARRESTED
Four members of the illegal IBDA/C (an Extremist Islamic Front) organization were arrested yesterday in Istanbul, according to a statement made by the Istanbul Security Department for the Struggle Against Terrorism. /Cumhuriyet/

CHAIRMAN OF HADEP RELEASED
The Ankara State Security Court (DGM) No.2 has ruled to release five defendants including Murat Bozlak, the chairman of the People's Democracy Party (HADEP), who were facing charges of 22 years and six months in prison each for allegedly representing the political wing of the separatist terrorist PKK organization.

COUNCIL OF EUROPE TO HOLD CONFERENCE ON TERRORISM
The Council of Europe will hold a conference on combating terrorism between 14-16 October. Retired Ambassador Gunduz Aktan will represent Turkey and will deliver a speech on the legitimate classification of terrorist activities as defined in the penal codes.

''GANDHI PARK'' IN IZMIR
Indian President Narayanan, who is in Turkey as the official guest of his Turkish counterpart Suleyman Demirel, opened a park named ''Gandhi'' at Inciralt�, Izmir. Narayanan also visited the 67th International Izmir Fair. /Sabah/

WORLD EARTHQUAKE FORUM IN ISTANBUL
The Turkish Earthquake Foundation (TDV) and the Berlin International Earthquake Foundation have organized a World Earthquake Forum in Istanbul to discuss ''Earthquake Security in Metropolitan Communities''. Dr. Hasan Bodur, the Secretary General of the TDV, made the opening speech at the forum where representatives from Germany, China, Taiwan, England, Switzerland and Armenia are attending. The meeting will end on 25 September. /Sabah/

TURKISH FIRM RECEIVES ENVIRONMENT AWARD
The Turkish Electrics Industry (TEE), a subsidiary of Koc Holding, has won the ''Quality in Environment'' award given by the American Society for Quality (ASQ). /Hurriyet/

[16] PRIME MINISTER YILMAZ LEAVES FOR NEW YORK - YILMAZ TO PARTICIPATE IN ACTIVITIES OF 53RD UN GENERAL ASSEMBLY

Addressing a press briefing before his departure at the Ataturk Airport, Y�lmaz stated that Cavit Kavak and Gunes Taner, the Ministers of State, and Ismail Cem, the Foreign Minister, who is currently in New York, will accompany him during his visit to the US.

Stressing that the UN contributed to humanity concerning important issues such as establishment of peace, human rights and the struggle against poverty, racism and environmental problems, Y�lmaz added that Turkey has always respected the goals and principles of the UN.

Noting that he will address the UN General Assembly during his stay in New York, Y�lmaz said that he will also meet with Kofi Annan, the UN Secretary General and heads of various states and governments.

Y�lmaz stated that he will discuss issues of international and regional problems and bilateral cooperation in his contacts, adding that he will also meet with representatives of the Turkish community and businessmen living in the US.

Y�lmaz will visit Mexico between 27-29 September as an official guest of the Mexican Head of State.

''This will be the first official visit of a Turkish Prime Minister to Mexico and a commerical and economic cooperation agreement will be signed with Mexico,'' said Y�lmaz, adding that he will return to Turkey on 29 September.

[17] ''MARTYR GENDARME-PILOT FIRST LIEUTENANT FERRUH AKYEL'' OPERATION - 18 TERRORISTS KILLED

The Emergency Rule Governor's Office said that security forces killed 12 terrorists in the ''Martyr Gendarme-Pilot First Lieutenant Ferruh Akyel'' operation which was started on 21 September in the Bandirbek Mountain region near Hakkari to render ineffective the separatist terrorists.

Two members of the security forces died in the operation.

Meanwhile, in other operations, security forces killed two terrorists in the rural area of Mazgirt County of eastern Tunceli Province; one terrorist in the rural area of Merkez Demirkapi County of Tunceli; two terrorists in the rural area of Midyat County of southeastern Mardin Province and one separatist terrorist in the rural area of Bahcesaray County of eastern Van Province.

A separatist terrorist surrendered to the security forces in Ovacik County of Tunceli Province.

The operations continue in the region.

[18] KARAYALCIN, THE CHAIRMAN OF THE PARLIAMENTARY FOREIGN AFFAIRS COMMISSION: ''TURKEY ATTRIBUTES GREAT IMPORTANCE TO REGIONAL PEACE''

Recalling that the Parliamentary Foreign Affairs Commission approved the expansion of NATO on condition, Karayalc�n pointed out that the parliament should approve it as soon as possible.

Chairmen of parliamentary foreign affairs commissions of the European Union (EU) and regional parliaments participated in the meeting which was held upon the invitation of Tom Spencer, the Chairman of the European Parliamentary Foreign Affairs Commission.

Addressing a press briefing, Karay�lc�n said that ''our region has a very different structure from other regions. In other parts of the world, social development depends on the individual success of countries. The situation is different in the Balkans, Middle East and Caucasus. In these three regions development as a whole is dependent on two things: control of natural disasters and establishment of peace, therefore Turkey considers regional peace as the basis of her foreign policy and she made investments to control natural disasters. The large investments made in the Southeastern Anatolia Project (GAP) are connected to this.''

Noting that the solution of the existing problems in the Balkans and Caucasus carries great importance for the future of the region, Karayalc�n said that all the goodwilled initiatives to this end are supported.

Referring to the issue of the NATO expansion, Karayalc�n said that ''the Parliamentary Foreign Affairs Commission put forward three conditions concerning the NATO expansion. These are full membership in the EU and the inclusion of Bulgaria and Romania in the NATO. The commission is also concerned about the possibility that Turkey can be confronted with the additional burden of spending money due to the NATO expansion. This is the decision of the commission and it has to be approved by the Parliament as soon as possbible. There are two countries left which didn't approve the expansion of NATO. Turkey shouldn't be the last country. This also carries importance concerning Turkish-Polish relations, because we are going to sign a free trade agreement with Poland.''

Later, Karayalc�n left Brussels for Turkey.

[19] IRANIAN MISSILES - IRANIAN EMBASSY IN ANKARA:''IRANIAN MISSILES DON'T THREATEN TURKEY''

Nas�r Sahib Holg, the Iranian Embassy's Press Attach� responded to the statements of Uri Bar Ner, the Israeli Ambassador to Turkey concerning the missile tests of Iran by issuing a written statement the same day.

''Turkey's officials told their Iranian counterparts that they felt that the Iranian-made missiles didn't threaten them,'' noted the statement, adding that Israel is the only reason for not realizing stability and peace in the region.

''This cancer tumour invaded the territories of the Muslim people of Palestine and then attacked the neighbouring states of Palestine,'' said the statement, stressing that Israel tries to create hostility among the Islamic countries by claiming that the mentioned missiles threaten Turkey.

The Israeli Ambassador to Turkey had told a newspaper that the primary target of the Iranian missiles is firstly Israel and secondly Turkey.

[20] BANK ROBBERY AT UMRANIYE DISTRICT OF ISTANBUL

The robbers, who entered into the bank by striking and tearing down the wall with a sledgehammer, stole foreign currencies and Turkish Liras (TL) equivalent to 42 billion TL.

The robbers, who entered into the bank from the fourth floor of the business center under construction adjacent to the bank, cut the safe by a spiral stone and stole 41 thousand German marks, 1,800 US dollars and 35 billion TL.

Officials said that the bank personnel realized the robbery when they came to the bank in morning.

The investigation is underway.

[21] ACADEMIC SUPPORT FOR TURKISH-GERMAN RELATIONS - GERMAN PROFESSORS ARRIVE IN TURKEY

Addressing a joint press conference at the Parliament, Bulent Akarcali, the Chairman of the Turkish Democracy Foundation and the Istanbul Deputy from the Motherland Party (ANAP), said that the visit of the German professors to the TRNC carries great importance as it reflects their point of view on the Cyprus issue.

Prof. Dr. Werner Gumpel, the Chairman of the German academic delegation, said that they were very upset about the developments in the Turkish-German relations in recent years and the aim of their visit to Turkey was to make a contribution to the improvement of the relations between the two countries.

[22] THE 75TH FOUNDATION ANNIVERSARY OF THE REPUBLIC OF TURKEY TO BE CELEBRATED IN ROMANIA

The Foreign Ministry said that the Association of Turkish Businessmen, which has 120 Turkish businessmen members who work in various industrial sectors in Bucharest, will hold various activities in this city upon the 75th foundation anniversary of the Republic of Turkey.

The statement added that the Association will also hold a ''Turkish night'' within the framework of the same activities to which Romanian officials will also be invited.

Within the framework of the agreement reached with the municipality in Bucharest, banners carrying the logos of the 75th foundation anniversary of the Republic of Turkey will be hung up in six centres at Bucharest.

The Association will also modernize two children's parks and also meet the food needs of two orphanages where there are children between 0-6 years of age.

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