Anadolu Agency: News in English, 99-01-06

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

06 JAN 1999

CONTENTS

[01] YILMAZ-ECEVIT MEETING - ECEVIT: ''WE HAVE NOT TALKED ABOUT GOVERNMENT PROBLEM, WE TOOK UP ECONOMIC PROBLEM''

[02] AVALANCHE IN KAHRAMANMARAS - KUBILAY, GOVERNOR OF EKINOZU: - ''RESCUE WORKS HAVE BEEN POSTPONED UNTIL WEDNESDAY MORNING BECAUSE OF HEAVY SNOWFALL''

[03] TURKEY-PRESS SCAN

[04] HEAVY SNOWFALL PARALYZES DAILY LIFE IN EASTERN ANATOLIA REGION

[05] GEORGE BUSH TO VISIT TURKEY - FORMER US PRESIDENT: ''I LIKE TURKEY''

[06] TURKEY-WEATHER - TEMPERATURES TO INCREASE IN SOUTHERN, WESTERN, AEGEAN REGIONS AND WESTERN PARTS OF CENTRAL ANATOLIA 2-4 DEGREES

[07] GERMANY WANTS TO MARKET ORANGE WINE PRODUCED BY THE CUKUROVA UNIVERSITY

[08] NEWS CONFERENCE OF PREMIER YILMAZ - YILMAZ: ''55TH GOVERNMENT PROVED THAT PROBLEMS CAN BE SOLVED WITHIN DEMOCRACY''

[09] TAN, CHAIRMAN OF GOREME TOURISM ASSOCIATION: - ''RELIGIOUS BELIEF TOURISM WILL GAIN PRIORITY IN 2000, ANNIVERSARY OF JESUS CHRIST'S BIRTH''

[10] PROFILE OF EXPORTS FROM BURSA PROVINCE - IN 1998, 2.7 BILLION US DOLLARS OF GOODS EXPORTED

[11] NEWS CONFERENCE OF PREMIER YILMAZ

[12] FORMER BODYGUARD OF OCALAN, CHIEF OF SEPARATIST TERRORIST ORGANIZATION PKK, CAPTURED

[13] NEWS CONFERENCE OF PREMIER YILMAZ - YILMAZ: ''IT HAS BEEN A SUCCESSFUL YEAR NOT ONLY DUE TO BUDGET IMPLEMENTATIONS BUT ALSO DUE TO INVESTMENTS''

[14] BENDJAMA, SECRETARY GENERAL OF ALGERIAN FOREIGN MINISTRY, DUE IN TURKEY

[15] NEWS CONFERENCE OF PREMIER YILMAZ - PRIME MINISTER YILMAZ: ''WE HAVE NOT GIVEN ANY CONCESSION FROM OUR PROGRAMME TO STRUGGLE WITH INFLATION, AS WE DIN'T GIVE ANY CONCESSION FROM OUR STRUGGLE WITH MAFIA''

[16] NEWS CONFERENCE OF PREMIER YILMAZ - YILMAZ: ''TURKISH ECONOMY DOES NOT NEED DEVALUATION'' - ''IF THE ELECTIONS ARE NOT HELD ON APRIL 18, THIS WILL CAUSE INSTABILITY IN TURKEY''

[17] KURDISH TV CHANNEL OF KDP - TURKEY NOT TO OPPOSE TO KDP TV CHANNEL AS LONG AS IT DOES NOT SUPPORT TERRORISM - UTKAN, SPOKESMAN OF FOREIGN MINISTRY: ''THERE IS NO OFFICIAL SUPPORT FROM TURKEY. WE REGARD THIS AS A PRIVATE INITIATION''

[18] ECEVIT, DEPUTY PRIME MINISTER: ''YOU CANNOT EXPECT ME TO OPPOSE TO MY OWN PROPOSAL'' - ''BAYKAL LED TO THE OCCURANCE OF THE DEADLOCK IN THE FORMATION OF A NEW GOVERNMENT BY EREZ''

[19] MED-TV, ILLEGAL TV CHANNEL OF PKK IN SWITZERLAND - UTKAN, FOREIGN MINISTRY SPOKESMAN: ''SWITZERLAND SHOULD PUT AN END TO THIS SITUATION BEFORE OUR RELATIONS ARE DETERIORATED''

[20] THE TURKISH ARMENIANS CELEBRATE CHRISTMAS

[21] A RUSSIAN PLANE CRASHED INTO A TURKISH PLANE

[22] A TOTAL OF 44 FOREIGNERS ARE CAPTURED IN NORTHWESTERN EDIRNE PROVINCE

[23] THE GOVERNMENT PROGRAMME OF TRNC IS SUBMITTED TO THE PARLIAMENT - EROGLU, PRIME MINISTER: ''THE NEW GOVERNMENT IS BASED ON THE FREE WILL OF THE TURKISH CYPRIOTS''

[24] IRAQ CRISIS - UTKAN, SPOKESMAN OF FOREIGN MINISTRY: ''BOTH TURKEY AND THE REGION SUFFER AS THE SITUATION IN IRAQ HAS STILL NOT BEEN NORMALIZED''

[25] ITALIAN PRESS: ''THE ITALIAN GOVERNMENT WHICH TALKED ABOUT GIVING POLITICAL ASYLUM TO OCALAN A MONTH AGO, URGES OCALAN TO LEAVE ITALY NOW'' - LAWYER OF TURKEY: ''THE IDEAL SOLUTION IS EXTRADITION OF OCALAN TO TURKEY''

[26] PRESIDENT DEMIREL RECEIVES PREMIER YILMAZ - YILMAZ: ''PRESIDENT TOLD ME THAT HE WILL ASSIGN A NEW PERSON TO FORM THE GOVERNMENT''

[27] FAMILIES OF MARTYRIES IN DIYARBAKIR WISH THE STATE SECURITY COURT PROSECUTION TO FILE A SUIT AGAINST OCALAN, THE CHIEF TERRORIST

[28] THE BROADCAST OF MED TV, THE ILLEGAL TV CHANNEL OF PKK, IN SWITZERLAND - YENER, DIRECTOR GENERAL OF TRT SENDS A LETTER TO THE SWISS FEDERAL COMMUNICATION BUREAU

[29] DEMIREL RECEIVES YILMAZ - PREMIER YILMAZ: - ''IT SEEMS THAT ANAP-DYP- DSP HAVE REACHED A COMPROMISE ON A SPECIFIC MODEL''

[01] YILMAZ-ECEVIT MEETING - ECEVIT: ''WE HAVE NOT TALKED ABOUT GOVERNMENT PROBLEM, WE TOOK UP ECONOMIC PROBLEM''

Responding to the questions of reporters following the meeting Ecevit said they have talked about economic problems not the government problem. Ecevit said Prime Minister Yilmaz held an intensified study with economy experts and recalled that he will hold a news conference on Wednesday related with the issue.

When asked if he met with Yalim Erez, Prime Minister-Designate, Ecevit said ''I have not received such a request. I will be pleased to meet him whenever he wants.''

It was reported that Gunes Taner, former Minister of State, participated in the meeting.

[02] AVALANCHE IN KAHRAMANMARAS - KUBILAY, GOVERNOR OF EKINOZU: - ''RESCUE WORKS HAVE BEEN POSTPONED UNTIL WEDNESDAY MORNING BECAUSE OF HEAVY SNOWFALL''

Responding to questions of the A.A correspondent, Metin Kubilay, the Governor of Ekinozu County, said that the rescue works have been postponed until Wednesday morning because of the heavy snowfall.

Kubilay reminded that Hasan Yildiz (aged 28) was killed at the avalanche in Akpinar Region in Ambarli Village in Ekinozu County of Kahramanmaras Province, but Siho Karaca, Seyho Coban and Okkes Kisa who were trapped under the avalanche, have been rescued.

Meanwhile a special rescue team has come to the area to find Ali Dogan, Resul Dogan, Suleyman Kisacik, Erhan Soner and Hasan Dogan who are still missing following the avalanche.

[03] TURKEY-PRESS SCAN

HURRIYET (LIBERAL)

EREZ: ''YILMAZ AND ECEVIT PROPOSED MY NAME''
Yalim Erez, Prime Minister-Designate, said he was going on his way adding that ''Prime Minister Mesut Yilmaz and DSP leader Bulent Ecevit gave my name to President Suleyman Demirel for the formation of the government. They said they expend support to me without condition.''

MILLIYET (LIBERAL)

FROM D'ALEMA TO APO: ''GO''
D'Alema, Italian Prime Minister said they felt uneasy as Abdullah Ocalan, leader of separatist terrorist organization, stayed in Rome. Addressing a news conference D'Alema said ''Ocalan is a free person. He may go by getting on a plane. There is the risk of judgement and sentence if he stays in Rome. He said chief terrorist may be judged on the basis of Turkey's extradition file and may be sentenced to life to imprisonment if he does not leave Italy within 20 days.

SABAH (LIBERAL)

''APO ANGER OF THE US AMBASSADOR''
Mark Parris, the US Ambassador to Ankara, sent a harsh telegraph to Voice of America (VOA) which held an interview with Abdullah Ocalan, chief of the separatist terrorist organization. Parris said ''You are even not able to discriminate the difference between the terrorist and freedom warrior.''

CUMHURIYET (LEFT)

S-300 CRISIS IN ATHENS
S-300 crisis has begun to escalate once again. Dimitris Chovalas, the Leader of the Greek Social Democracy Movement, claimed that the Russian made S-300 missiles will not be deployed neither on Crete or any where. Chovalas described the plans envisaging the deployment of the missiles on Crete, as the excuse of political faults. He also added that the Greek Government wants him silence.

RADIKAL (LEFT)

YILMAZ WANTS ECEVIT
Describing the statement of Tansu Ciller, the Leader of the True Path Party (DYP) to support the minority government which will be formed under the prime ministry of Bulent Ecevit, the Leader of the Democratic Left Party (DSP), as hopeful, Prime Minister Mesut Yilmaz, the Leader of the Motherland Party (ANAP), hinted Yalim Erez, the Prime Minister-Designate, to give back the mission.

YEN� Y�ZYIL (LIBERAL)

VEHICLES OF AZRAEL COLLIDES, KILLING 12 PEOPLE
A midi-bus carrying workers from Susurluk and Mustafakemalpasa counties of Bursa province to a factory in Karacabey collided with a lorry on the 79th kilometer of the motorway between Mustafakemalpasa and Susurluk. A total of 12 people including a baby, were killed and 15 others were wounded in the accident which took place due to the mistake of one of the drivers while overtaking a vehicle.

NARCOTICS OFFICIALS SEIZE 318 KG OF HEROIN
Hasan Ozdemir, the Director of the Istanbul Security Directorate, said that acting on a tip-off, the narcotics officials seized a total of 318.2 kg of heroin having a market value of nearly one trillion Turkish Liras (TL) in the operations they launched in Istanbul. A total of 13 people were taken into custody while two buses and eight automobiles were seized in the operations.

T�RK�YE (RIGHT)

GENERAL ATES: SOME FOREIGN POWERS WANT TO DIVIDE TURKEY
General Atilla Ates, Commander of the Land Forces, warned that some foreign powers want to revive the Crusaders and to divide Turkey. General Ates stressed, ''Against overall internal and foreign threats, Turkey's unity is extremey important for the maintenance of our country. Turkey needs more internal stability than she needed before.''

ZAMAN (CONSERVATIVE)

IT IS NOT ACCIDENT BUT MASSACRE
A traffic accident took place in Bursa-Izmir motorway on Tuesday morning, killing 14 people and injuring 15 others. The incident happened when a midi- bus carrying workers from Susurluk and Mustafakemalpasa counties of Bursa province to a factory in Karacabey collided with a lorry on the 79th kilometer of the motorway between Mustafakemalpasa and Susurluk.

[04] HEAVY SNOWFALL PARALYZES DAILY LIFE IN EASTERN ANATOLIA REGION

A total of 800 village roads were closed to the traffic following the heavy snowfall.

Highway officials continue their activities to re-open the roads.

Many traffic accidents causing financial damages, occured in the region.

Meanwhile officials at the Meteorology Regional Directorate said that the bad weather conditions will continue until the weekend.

[05] GEORGE BUSH TO VISIT TURKEY - FORMER US PRESIDENT: ''I LIKE TURKEY''

Baki Ilkin, Turkey's Ambassador to Washington, speaking to reporters, said he met George Bush, former President of the US, during his visit to Texas state.

Ilkin said Bush told him that he liked Turkey and wanted to visit this country. Ilkin said no date has been specified for the visit of Bush, adding that they will take necessary appointments in Turkey according to the developments.

Bush, with a great possibility, will visit Turkey during his tour to Europe.

[06] TURKEY-WEATHER - TEMPERATURES TO INCREASE IN SOUTHERN, WESTERN, AEGEAN REGIONS AND WESTERN PARTS OF CENTRAL ANATOLIA 2-4 DEGREES

Directorate of the Meteorology said Eastern parts of the country will be partly cloudy and other parts will be less cloudy.

Temperatures will be above the normal season conditions.

Central and Eastern parts of the country and the Marmara region will be foggy in the coming three days.

[07] GERMANY WANTS TO MARKET ORANGE WINE PRODUCED BY THE CUKUROVA UNIVERSITY

A German firm stated that they could market the orange wine in Germany and make investments in order to increase the production capacity of the wine.

Responding to questions of the A.A correspondent, Prof. Dr. Ahmet Canbas from the Cukurova University stressed that the mentioned German firm ordered 10 thousand bottle of orange wine and printed special labels.

Prof. Dr. Nedim Uygun, the Dean of the Agriculture Faculty of the Cukurova University, stressed that German people show great interest in the orange wine, adding that they need an exportation licence.

Meanwhile Cukurova University's wine named ''Balcal� Beyaz'' won silver medal at the 11th International Urgup Wine Competition in October which organized by the participation of 23 countries.

[08] NEWS CONFERENCE OF PREMIER YILMAZ - YILMAZ: ''55TH GOVERNMENT PROVED THAT PROBLEMS CAN BE SOLVED WITHIN DEMOCRACY''

Addressing a news conference titled ''Turkish Economy At the Beginning of 1999'' Yilmaz pointed out that although they were a minority government, they had important performances in many fields.''

Yilmaz also recalled that 55th government came to ruling under very severe conditions following a crisis in the state administration. ''What was expected from our government was to put an end to the administration crisis which escalated to the dimensions that may jeopardize our democracy,'' he said.

''What was expected from our government was to put an end to the regime debates which threaten future of Turkey,'' Yilmaz said, adding that they were also expected to put an end to the instability in the country.

Prime Minister Yilmaz pointed out that ''our government which came to ruling saved the country from the crisis by making the state to work with all its instititutions and cadres. 55th government proved that the problems could be solved within democracy.''

Stressing that efforts of their government resulted in positive outcomes in every field, Yilmaz said, ''although we are a minority government, we have realized many successes in the fields of struggle against inflation, energy, communication, transportation and health.''

[09] TAN, CHAIRMAN OF GOREME TOURISM ASSOCIATION: - ''RELIGIOUS BELIEF TOURISM WILL GAIN PRIORITY IN 2000, ANNIVERSARY OF JESUS CHRIST'S BIRTH''

Responding to questions of A.A correspondent, Tan stressed that Turkey is one of the most important centers for the Christianity. Pointing out that the preparations for the 2000th anniversary of Jesus Christ's birth in Nevsehir, one of the most touristic places of Turkey, are not sufficient, Tan emphasized that the restoration of the historical works and religious buildings should be completed at once.

Tan added, ''there are more than 300 churches and monasteries in the Cappadocia Region. Tourists show great interest in especially 30 churches in Goreme, Urgup, Acigol, Gulsehir, Avanos and Derinkuyu counties. The restoration of these churches should be completed as soon as possible.''

[10] PROFILE OF EXPORTS FROM BURSA PROVINCE - IN 1998, 2.7 BILLION US DOLLARS OF GOODS EXPORTED

Officials at Directorate General of the Uludag Exporters' Unions told the A.A correspondent that the export of ready-made clothes increased 27.6 percent to 364.3 million US dollars in 1998 in despite of negative atmosphere at the international markets.

Meanwhile export of textile products increased 2 percent to 373.7 million US dollars while the export of fruits and vegetables reduced 12 percent to 45.3 million US dollars.

Officials also pointed out that export of the automotive and sub-industry products increased 11 percent to 1 billion 773 million US dollars; export of grain-cereals increased 43 percent to 1.8 million US dollars; export of livestock increased 141 percent to 178 thousand US dollars; export of olive and olive-oil increased 198 percent to 2.6 thousand US dollars; export of chemicals increased 2.3 percent to 3 million US dollars and export of leather increased 5 percent to 125 thousand US dollars in 1998.

[11] NEWS CONFERENCE OF PREMIER YILMAZ

Addressing a news conference, Yilmaz mentioned about negative atmosphere which the world is in and which also affected Turkey, the natural disasters, political ambiguity, and tensions in the Gulf, and added that ''despite all these Turkish economy continued to improve its economy.''

Stating that Turkey signed staff monitoring agreement with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and provided transparancy and confidence in domestic and external markets and realized 2.7 billion US dollars foreign borrowing in the year 1998 in parallel to the establishment of balances in economy and providing confidence to the economy program of the markets.

Yilmaz also said Turkey provided long term source from the World Bank which was 1.2 billion US dollars, adding that 600 million US dollars of this would be used in compulsory education, 369 million in flood and quake disasters, and 270 million dollars would be used in communication networks.

Yilmaz stressed that the government took a series of measures in August, September and December to reduce the effects of crisis which shook financial sector in the world on Turkey.

Yilmaz also recalled that although they were a government which was toppled by the Parliament, they had taken a series of measures on Dec 14 to overcome the negative effects of the crisis on exportation and real sector.

Yilmaz stated that stock exchange, which began to reduce following the crisis in Russia, entered into recovering process as of November 1998 due to the measures taken. He said foreign entrepreneurs began to return to Stock Exchange again and foreign shares which reduced to 39 percent from 55 percent again increased to 50 percent.

Yilmaz pointed out that Central Bank reserves will increase in the coming days, adding that they expected positive reactions of the financial markets to increase.

[12] FORMER BODYGUARD OF OCALAN, CHIEF OF SEPARATIST TERRORIST ORGANIZATION PKK, CAPTURED

Officials at the Directorate of Struggle Against Terrorism told the A.A correspondent that acting on a tip-off security officials captured Ahmet Sahin in an operation launched in Halkali District of Istanbul.

Security officials also seized a small portable rocket launcher, three hand grenades and false passport arranged in the name of Hasan Sonmez.

Officials stressed that Sahin who served Ocalan as a bodyguard in Bekaa Valley, Lebanon, and visited him in his villa at the outskirts of Rome, was planning to attack on the Halkali Police Headquarters with rocket launcher later today. They added that Sahin was sent to Turkey to launch bomb attacks on police headquarters and industrial business places.

Meanwhile security forces captured five supporters of the terrorist organization PKK within the framework of the operations against terrorism.

[13] NEWS CONFERENCE OF PREMIER YILMAZ - YILMAZ: ''IT HAS BEEN A SUCCESSFUL YEAR NOT ONLY DUE TO BUDGET IMPLEMENTATIONS BUT ALSO DUE TO INVESTMENTS''

Addressing a news conference in which he evauated economy in 1998, Yilmaz noted that success of tax reform depended on the full implementation of expenditure reform.

Yilmaz said the main target of the tax reform was to reduce tax slices and to overcome the uneasiness which was formed in public conscience, adding that with this reform they also aimed at reducing the tax ratios and bring advantages to the entrepreneurs who make investments and provide employment.

Yilmaz said ''thus, we targetted private sector to make investments in the fields which the state can not allocate as adjusting expenses is as important as increasing the incomes.

Yilmaz said they sent financial sector reform and local administrations reform to the Parliament and recorded important developments in the issues of social security reform, State Economic Enterprises ''success of tax law depends on full implementation of expenses reform.''

Noting that these reforms should be legalized in the coming period, Yilmaz said ''we aimed at bringing economy on rational basis and saving the state from the burdens by speeding up privatization efforts.''

Yilmaz pointed out that they have recorded important successes in privatization despite all the problems, adding that they have materialized 2 billion US dollars privatization in the year 1998.

''Meanwhile, we have issued a law to promote employment in Emergency Rule Region and in regions which have priority in development'' Yilmaz said, adding that ''the year 1998 has been successful due to budget implementations. Despite disciplined budget implementation and program to struggle against inflation, we have speeded up investments to alternative sources. We have taken important steps in the fields of energy, transportation, communication, education, agriculture, irrigation and health sectors.''

Yilmaz said established power in energy sector has been increased to 23,262 megawatts in 18 months and also said they have increased motorway network from 499 km to 726 kilometers.

Yilmaz pointed out that politics should not have any manipulations on economy, adding that politics should be carried out according to the facts of economy.

''Being consisten and determined is a must'' said Yilmaz and recalled that ''we have made our preparations for 1999 budget and program to this end. Whoever will be in the government should implement these preparations. Turkey can not be deprived of the budget in this critical period.''

[14] BENDJAMA, SECRETARY GENERAL OF ALGERIAN FOREIGN MINISTRY, DUE IN TURKEY

Addressing the weekly press conference, Necati Utkan, the Spokesman of the Foreign Ministry, said that Bendjama will visit Turkey as the official guest of Korkmaz Haktanir, the Undersecretary of the Foreign Ministry.

Issues such as improvement of the friendly relations between Turkey and Algeria and international and regional problems will be taken up during the contacts of Bendjama.

[15] NEWS CONFERENCE OF PREMIER YILMAZ - PRIME MINISTER YILMAZ: ''WE HAVE NOT GIVEN ANY CONCESSION FROM OUR PROGRAMME TO STRUGGLE WITH INFLATION, AS WE DIN'T GIVE ANY CONCESSION FROM OUR STRUGGLE WITH MAFIA''

Prime Minister Y�lmaz stated that they have decreased the inflation rate in a considerable extent, adding that the investment made in the field of education is an investment undertaken for people and the future and the Education Reform is one of the most important performances of the 55th government.

Y�lmaz stated that a minority coalition proved that it can solve the economic problems of Turkey, noting that the privatization of public banks is one of the most important part of the structural reforms that has to be realized in Turkish economy.

''I hope the new government will be able to continue pursuing the same economic problems and the negotiations with the IMF will start as soon as possible,'' said Y�lmaz.

Responding to questions of journalists, Prime Minister Y�lmaz said that ''there is one reason explaining why the compromise government Yal�m Erez tried to form could not be achieved, it is the attitude of the Republican People's Party (CHP) which tried to transform the efforts to form a government into a bargaining process.''

Noting that his Motherland Party (ANAP) considers the government that will be formed as a transition government and this government will carry Turkey to elections, Prime Minisiter Y�lmaz said that ANAP has extended support to all the models that have been brought by Bulent Ecevit, the leader of the Democratic Left Party (DSP), adding that ''we have not changed our attitude.''

''All the public opinion knows that there is a model upon which every body has reached an agreement. If the government is formed; it will depend on the appreciation of President Suleyman Demirel and the efforts of the person who will be assigned to fulfil this mandate,'' he added.

[16] NEWS CONFERENCE OF PREMIER YILMAZ - YILMAZ: ''TURKISH ECONOMY DOES NOT NEED DEVALUATION'' - ''IF THE ELECTIONS ARE NOT HELD ON APRIL 18, THIS WILL CAUSE INSTABILITY IN TURKEY''

Addressing a press briefing on economy the same day, Premier Y�lmaz stated that the foreign exchange reserves of Turkey are increasing and her foreign trade deficit is decreasing.

Responding to a question asking the reforms that have to be realized in Turkey to install political stability, Premier Y�lmaz said that the reform on social security has priority, adding that Turkey can't carry the burden of the system of social security for a long time.

Y�lmaz added that the real interest rates which are very high in Turkey are unacceptable, adding that ''Turkey, investors and industrialists can't carry the burden of high interests anymore. It is the biggest hurdle that stands in front of the struggle carried out against inflation rate.''

Noting that if the general and local elections that are foreseen to be held on April 18 are not held, this will bring instability to Turkey, Premier Y�lmaz said that the necessary measures could not be realized concerning the stuggle with gangs.

Stressing that political stability is very important for the economic stability of Turkey, Y�lmaz said that ''if Turkey wishes to reach political stability, the elections have to be held on April 18.''

Responding to another question about the struggle with mafia, Y�lmaz said he believed he has done everything necessary regarding this issue.

Pointing out that the reforms on parliamentary immunity, the struggle with organized crime, the law on penitence could not be adopted by the parliament for three years, Y�lmaz stated that ''if these regulations can not be realized, the judiciary has the competence to solve the issue and we can not interfere with the atuhority of the judiciary organs. The laws are not sufficient and as long as they are not changed and new ones are not adopted, the struggle with mafia can not be successful and even the mafia bosses can be free again after a period of time. And the judiciary won't be responsible for that as the responsibilty lies with the legislation.''

When asked whether or not he considers the recent statements of Massimo D'Alema, the Italian Premier as consistent, Y�lmaz said that he does not consider any thing done by the Italian government as consistent after the arrest of Abdullah Ocalan, the chief of the separatist terrorist organization in Italy, adding Turkey considers the attitude of the Italian government separate from the reaction of the Italian people.

''I believe that the Italian government will be forced to do the right thing due to the pressure of the Italian parliament and the Italian nation, '' he added.

[17] KURDISH TV CHANNEL OF KDP - TURKEY NOT TO OPPOSE TO KDP TV CHANNEL AS LONG AS IT DOES NOT SUPPORT TERRORISM - UTKAN, SPOKESMAN OF FOREIGN MINISTRY: ''THERE IS NO OFFICIAL SUPPORT FROM TURKEY. WE REGARD THIS AS A PRIVATE INITIATION''

Responding to a question if Turkey would not oppose to a Kurdish tv channel if it does not support terrorist activities, Utkan told a weekly press briefing, ''of course we won't oppose.''

Utkan said that the MED-TV was the broadcasting organ of the separatist terrorist PKK organization, and that's why, Turkey was launching initiatives to prevent its broadcasting. He added that they have to wait and see the new Kurdish TV's programmes.

When asked whether or not Turkey supported the KDP's television channel, Utkan said, ''we consider it as a private initiative. There is not an official support.''

[18] ECEVIT, DEPUTY PRIME MINISTER: ''YOU CANNOT EXPECT ME TO OPPOSE TO MY OWN PROPOSAL'' - ''BAYKAL LED TO THE OCCURANCE OF THE DEADLOCK IN THE FORMATION OF A NEW GOVERNMENT BY EREZ''

In a meeting of his party, Ecevit said that Baykal did not accept the good- willing government proposals and that to this end Turkey was without a government in the beginning of the new year.

Stating that the only objection of Baykal to the new government proposal was his (Ecevit's) premiership, Ecevit claimed that Baykal put forth some preconditions although he said that he would not put forth any preconditions in the process of forming a new government.

Ecevit also claimed that Baykal also led to a deadlock concerning the formation of a government under the premiership of Yalim Erez, an independent deputy and the Industry and Trade Minister.

Ecevit added, ''the proposal of Tansu Ciller, the leader of the True Path Party (DYP), is one of the three choices I proposed when I was given the mandate of forming the new government in December. This is a minority government under my premiership. When Ms. Ciller brought this proposal, I saw that it was my proposal. You cannot expect me to oppose to my own proposal. I hope that Mr. Erez can understand this and won't be angry with me. I really wanted him to form a government that can get the vote of confidence. However,it seems that he could not overcome the obstacles.''

Recalling that Mr. Erez would return the mandate back to President Suleyman Demirel, Ecevit said, ''I don't know whether or not Mr. Demirel will give me the mandate. It is up to Mr. Demirel and if he assigns me, I know that we undertake such a difficult mandate in today's conditions in Turkey and in the world.''

[19] MED-TV, ILLEGAL TV CHANNEL OF PKK IN SWITZERLAND - UTKAN, FOREIGN MINISTRY SPOKESMAN: ''SWITZERLAND SHOULD PUT AN END TO THIS SITUATION BEFORE OUR RELATIONS ARE DETERIORATED''

In the weekly press conference, Utkan said, ''we expect that this situation can be solved without causing any deterioration in the relations between Turkey and Switzerland.''

Utkan noted that they summoned Markus Kummer, the charge d'affairs of the Swiss Embassy to the Foreign Ministry and stated the importance Turkey attached to putting an end to the broadcasting of the illegal television channel of the separatist terrorist organization in the framework of initiatives of Turkish officials.

The Turkish Embassy in Switzerland submitted a note this week to the Swiss Foreign Ministry stating the view of Turkey on this issue within the framework of the initiatives to put an end to this illegal television channel.

Stressing that the Turkish people living in Switzerland continued to show their reactions to this issue by the telephone calls, faxes, letters and signature campaigns, Utkan pointed out that Turkey expects the Swiss officials to act sensitively on this issue by taking into consideration the sensitivity of the Turkish people.

[20] THE TURKISH ARMENIANS CELEBRATE CHRISTMAS

Mesrob Mutafian, Archbishop of the Turkish Armenians Patriarch, sanctified the persons who attended the religious ceremony.

Emphasizing that Christmas was an important beginning for Christians in his preach, Mutafian asked the Armenians to continue praying.

Stating that Christmas, celebrated by the Christians, mingled with Ramadan, the holy month of the Muslims, Mutafian celebrated the new year of all the people who are believers of different religions.

The same ceremony was held in 38 churches in Istanbul, Kayseri, Antakya, Iskenderun, and Diyarbakir provinces.

According to the Anatolian traditions, the Turkish Armenians celebrate not only the birthday of Christ but also his being visited by the astronomers and his baptism in the Jordan River on January 6 every year.

[21] A RUSSIAN PLANE CRASHED INTO A TURKISH PLANE

The Russian plane crashed into the tail of the Turkish plane which was parked in the airport, when it was maneouvering. The tail of the Turkish plane was damaged seriously.

The plane of which damaged parts were changed and repaired by a technical team from Istanbul, is expected to return to Turkey on Wednesday.

[22] A TOTAL OF 44 FOREIGNERS ARE CAPTURED IN NORTHWESTERN EDIRNE PROVINCE

The foreigners, including thirty-six Pakistanis, seven Bangladeshis, and one Iranian, were captured in Meric county of Edirne.

The foreigners who did not have passports were handed over to the Edirne police to be deported.

[23] THE GOVERNMENT PROGRAMME OF TRNC IS SUBMITTED TO THE PARLIAMENT - EROGLU, PRIME MINISTER: ''THE NEW GOVERNMENT IS BASED ON THE FREE WILL OF THE TURKISH CYPRIOTS''

Dervis Eroglu, the Prime Minister of the coalition government, said that the new government was formed by the free will and the consent of the Turkish Cypriots.

Pointing out that the coalition government is determined to make TRNC recognized by all the countries, Eroglu stated that they will follow a democratic path in the unification of the basic rights and wishes of their country.

The government programme emphasized that the foreign policy of TRNC will be accepted and carried out by the cooperation of Turkey. It also put forth that the government will be the supporter of the peace and security in the country and that a foreign policy which gives priority to the interests of the Turkish Cypriots and TRNC will be carried out.

Underlining that the Greek Cypriot side does not represent whole Cyprus, the programme noted that the European Union issue can be taken on the agenda within the framework of a policy determined together with Turkey only after a compromise is reached on Cyprus, and on condition that the Turkish-Greek balance on the Island is preserved.

Stressing that the government will make a new taxation arrangement and that it will put into effect a law against money laundering, the programme stated that the education and health systems will be full day service systems.

The general meeting on the programme will be held on January 9. If the general meeting ends the same day, the vote of confidence will be held on January 11.

[24] IRAQ CRISIS - UTKAN, SPOKESMAN OF FOREIGN MINISTRY: ''BOTH TURKEY AND THE REGION SUFFER AS THE SITUATION IN IRAQ HAS STILL NOT BEEN NORMALIZED''

Addressing his weekly press conference, Utkan said the immigration waves from Iraq to Turkey in 1988 and 1991, added up to Turkey's losses, and that's why the concept of Northern Watch Operation was put forward.

''All of these can't be separated from each other. The measures like the Northern Watch Operation are the necessary measures. The parliament ratified these measures as it had been decided that the continuation of such measures were necessary. These are continuing within specific rules,'' Utkan said.

Pointing out that the events were occuring also in the no-fly zone in the south of Iraq, Utkan said, ''this framework still continues to surround us like a vicious circle. The important thing is to find an exit, to make an easy foresight, to evaluate the future and return back to normal atmosphere.''

[25] ITALIAN PRESS: ''THE ITALIAN GOVERNMENT WHICH TALKED ABOUT GIVING POLITICAL ASYLUM TO OCALAN A MONTH AGO, URGES OCALAN TO LEAVE ITALY NOW'' - LAWYER OF TURKEY: ''THE IDEAL SOLUTION IS EXTRADITION OF OCALAN TO TURKEY''

The Italian newspaper Il Giornale covered the statement of Massimo D'Alema, the Italian Premier who said that Ocalan is a free person, but if he stays in Italy, he faces with the risk of being tried. The paper pointed out that one month ago, D'Alema who requested granting political asylum to the chief of the separatist terrorist organization PKK, now threatens the chief terrorist to make him leave Italy as soon as possible.

Il Corriera della Serra, another Italian newspaper said that the statement of D'Alema was just like an ultimatum, while La Repubblica published a news titled ''Ocalan faces the risk of being convincted.''

La Repubblica stressed that there is not any country in Europe to send Ocalan, adding that Estonia and Lithuania also don't want the chief terrorist.

Augusto Sinagra, the lawyer of Turkey told Il Giornale newspaper that giving the possibility for the chief of the separatist terrorist organization PKK to leave Italy without deciding on the extradition request of Turkey, means violation of the laws.

''Ocalan has the right to stay in Italy until a decision on Turkey's request of extradition is given. Moreover, one can appeal to a deportation decision that can be taken about Ocalan, the chief terrorist. However the Italian government is obliged to keep Ocalan in Italy until the proceedings regarding the extradition request of Turkey are completed.''

Noting that the ideal solution is extradition of Abdullah Ocalan to Turkey upon his crimes that don't foresee death sentence, Sinagra criticized the attitude of the Italian government concerning this issue.

Sinagra ironically said that ''personnally I support the government of D'Alema, being a rightist person. If a government crisis erupts, the Italian President can assign Abdullah Ocalan, the chief of the terrorist organization to form the new government. D'Alema says that he will expel Ocalan after 20 days. How long will he continue to violate the laws?''

Meanwhile it is reported that although the Italian government wishes the chief of the separatist terrorist organization to leave Italy as soon as possible, no country wants to take him.

[26] PRESIDENT DEMIREL RECEIVES PREMIER YILMAZ - YILMAZ: ''PRESIDENT TOLD ME THAT HE WILL ASSIGN A NEW PERSON TO FORM THE GOVERNMENT''

Addressing a statement to journalists after meeting with President Demirel, Premier Y�lmaz said that ''our attitude regarding this issue is clear, we had earlier told that we would extend support to a minority government that would be formed by Bulent Ecevit, the leader of the Democratic Left Party (DSP) and which would be supported from outside. Before this meeting, we have held a meeting with Yal�m Erez after he returned the mandate. My party extended support to the efforts of Erez to form a government and our support was one which was based on a model. However Erez could not get a result from his efforts as Mr. Baykal, the leader of the Republican People's Party (CHP) gave up supporting the models he proposed himself. Erez launched efforts by good-will to form a government.''

[27] FAMILIES OF MARTYRIES IN DIYARBAKIR WISH THE STATE SECURITY COURT PROSECUTION TO FILE A SUIT AGAINST OCALAN, THE CHIEF TERRORIST

The families said in the petition they submitted to the State Security Court Prosecution that their relatives and sons were killed by the separatist terrorist organization.

The petition requested the filing a suit against Ocalan. It has been reported that the applications are being examined and a decision will be taken concerning this issue in the coming days.

Meanwhile the Chief Prosecution of the State Security Court in Diyarbak�r prepared a file about the chief of the separatist terrorist organization.

The file notes that the chief of the separatist terrorist organization is responsible for 13,998 incidents that caused the deaths of 30,000 people, adding that Ocalan will also be put on trial concerning this accusation if he is extradited to Turkey.

[28] THE BROADCAST OF MED TV, THE ILLEGAL TV CHANNEL OF PKK, IN SWITZERLAND - YENER, DIRECTOR GENERAL OF TRT SENDS A LETTER TO THE SWISS FEDERAL COMMUNICATION BUREAU

The statement from the Directorate General of the TRT stated that Yener recalled in his letter that TRT International was replaced with the MED-TV by the Basle Cable Network, based in Basel canton of Switzerland, on January 2, 1999.

Stating in his letter that the TRT International channel was broadcasting in Switzerland to meet the informative, communicative and cultural needs of the Turkish people living in Switzerland and to maintain their ties with Turkey, Yener said that the TRT-International was a channel which contributes to the rights of freedom of expression and thought within the scope of human rights.

Emphasizing that the TRT, which is the founding member and full member of the European Broadcasting Union (EBU), continues to act in a modern line, Yener stressed in his letter that Switzerland replaced Turkey's state-run TRT-International by the tv channel of the separatist terrorist organization which does not show respect to the democratic values and which gains its income from illegal ways such as arms and drug smuggling and by collecting money by force.

[29] DEMIREL RECEIVES YILMAZ - PREMIER YILMAZ: - ''IT SEEMS THAT ANAP-DYP- DSP HAVE REACHED A COMPROMISE ON A SPECIFIC MODEL''

Speaking to reporters following his meeting with President Suleyman Demirel, Prime Minister Yilmaz said that President Demirel and he held a regular meeting during which he briefed the President on the performances of the government and the developments about the economy and the foreign policy and they discussed in detail the issue of government search.

Pointing out that Deniz Baykal, the leader of the Republican People's Party (CHP) refused personally the proposal he gave and he also put forward some conditions, Yilmaz said, ''so, Yalim Erez, an independent deputy from Mugla province, was deprived of the opportunity to present a list of cabinet.''

''Now, it is seems that ANAP, DYP and DSP have reached a compromise on a specific model. I think the talks about the formation of the new government will start in the coming days within the framework of this agreement. We hope that these will conclude as soon as possible and the government, which gets the vote of confidence in the parliament, will start to work. We, as the ANAP, will continue to contribute to those efforts with the same constructive understanding,'' Prime Minister Yilmaz said.

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