Anadolu Agency: News in English, 99-02-25

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AA Daily

25 February 1999 Thursday

CONTENTS

[01] TURKEY-PRESS SCAN

[02] PRIME MINISTER ECEVIT: ''THERE IS NO NEED TO BE WORRIED ABOUT THE HEALTH OF OCALAN, THE CHIEF TERRORIST''

[03] ISO ASSEMBLY MEETING - ULUGBAY, DEPUTY PRIME MINISTER: - ''WE WILL CONTINUE TALKS ON AN ANTI-INFLATIONIST PROGRAMME SUPPORTED BY FOREIGN SOURCES''

[04] SEVERAL PETROL BOMBS THROWN IN ISTANBUL, IZMIR AND ADANA

[05] PARLIAMENT SPEAKER CETIN IN LONDON - ''WE WARN EUROPE TO BE CAUTIOUS ABOUT TERRORISM''

[06] TRNC PRIME MINISTER DERVIS EROGLU COMES TO ISTANBUL

[07] EP DISCUSSES TURKEY - NO SUPPORT TO THE CHIEF TERRORIST

[08] EP DISCUSSES TURKEY - VAN DEN BROEK, THE EU COMMISSIONER: ''WE HAVE TO EXTEND SUPPORT TO TURKEY'S STRUGGLE WITH TERRORISM''

[09] VURAL, TURKEY'S PERMANENT REPRESENTATIVE TO U.N. BRIEFS AMERICAN PUBLIC OPINION ON TERRORIST ORGANIZATION

[10] EP DISCUSSES TURKEY - ONLY A GREEK PARLIAMENTARIAN EXTENDED SUPPORT TO OCALAN, CHIEF OF TERRORIST ORGANIZATION - SOCIALIST GROUP: ''STABILITY OF THE WHOLE EUROPE IS IN QUESTION''

[11] KUWAITI NATIONAL DAY - PRESIDENT DEMIREL CONGRATULATES EMIR AL-JABIR AS-SABAH

[12] WORLD BANK EXPERTS OBSERVE PRIVATIZATION AND SOCIAL SECURITY PROJECTS IN TURKEY

[13] HONORARY TRAFFIC INSPECTORS WORKING FAST - TRAFFIC INSPECTORS SUBMITTED MORE THAN 248 THOUSAND VIOLATION COMPLAINTS BY THE END OF LAST YEAR

[14] TRIAL OF CHIEF TERRORIST - LAWYERS ARRIVE IN MUDANYA

[15] CLOSURE CASE ABOUT HADEP - SAVAS, CHIEF PROSECTOR OF COURT OF APPEALS APPLIES TO CONSTITUTIONAL COURT TO PREVENT HADEP FROM COMPETING IN GENERAL ELECTIONS

[16] WINTER SETS IN - A TOTAL OF 160 VILLAGE ROADS IN KAYSERI, 78 IN SAMSUN, AND 5 IN KONYA HAVE BEEN CLOSED TO TRAFFIC

[17] OECD MULTILATERAL TAX CENTRE IN ANKARA TO GIVE COURSES TO 28 EXPERTS FROM VARIOUS COUNTRIES BETWEEN 1-12 MARCH

[18] TRNC PRESIDENT DENKTAS: ''THE NEW GREEK CYPRIOT DRAFT LAW ON TURKISH PROPERTIES AIMS AT REMOVING ALL CRITERIA THAT CONSTITUTE THE BASIS OF RECONCILIATION''

[19] DENKTAS, TRNC PRESIDENT: - ''THE ALARM IN THE GREEK ARMY AND THE GREEK CYPRIOTS IS TO CHANGE THE AGENDA AND TO HIDE THEIR CRIMES''

[20] FOREIGN EXCHANGE RESERVES OF CENTRAL BANK INCREASE TO 20 BILLION U.S. DOLLARS

[21] INTERROGATION OF TERRORIST CHIEF - GERMANY DENIES ALLEGATIONS CLAIMING THAT SHE HAS CONNECTION WITH TERRORIST ORGANIZATION PKK

[22] GREEK CUSTOMS OFFICIALS DON'T ALLOW PASSAGE OF 11 BUSES EXPORTED FROM TURKEY TO GERMANY

[23] WESTERN THRACE TURKISH SOLIDARITY ASSOCIATION: - ''GREECE IS NOT A COUNTRY ONLY SUPPORTING TERRORISM BUT ALSO THE ONE INCITING PEOPLE TO TERRORISM''

[24] THE FIFTH CONFERENCE ON THE MEDITERRENEAN AND BLACK SEA BASINS STARTS IN AEGEAN MARMARIS COUNTY

[25] PARLIAMENT SPEAKER CETIN IN BRITAIN - CETIN: ''OUR EUROPEAN FRIENDS SHOULD UNDERSTAND THAT TERRORISM IS TERRORISM AND TERRORIST IS TERRORIST''

[26] LOGAN, BRITISH AMBASSADOR TO ANKARA: - ''CAPTURE OF OCALAN IS AN ISSUE WHICH DRAWS INTERNATIONAL INTEREST''

[27] PARLIAMENT SPEAKER CETIN IN BRITAIN - CETIN ADDRESSES A CONFERENCE AT THE LONDON SCHOOL OF ECONOMICS: - ''WE ARE READY FOR A PEACEFUL SOLUTION PROCESS WITH GREECE'' - ''THE TWO NEIGHBOURS SHOULD NOT USE TERRORISM AGAINST EACH OTHER''

[28] PRESIDENT DEMIREL: - ''GREECE IS THE ONE BEHIND THE SITUATION IN THE SOUTHEAST''

[29] JUDGMENT OF TERRORIST CHIEF - THREE DGM PROSECUTORS START STUDIES REGARDING THE INDICTMENT THAT WILL BE OPENED AGAINST OCALAN

[01] TURKEY-PRESS SCAN

HURRIYET (LIBERAL) TURKEY TO APPLY VISA TO GREECE
Turkey has started to take tough measures against Greece, which supports terrorism. After 14 years, Turkey will apply visa to Greek people. Foreign Ministry has completed its studies aiming at applying visa to Greek citizens again. The issue will be taken up at the coming state summit. Turkey lifted the visa for Greek citizens in 1985 when Turgut Ozal was the Prime Minister in 1985. However, Greece had asked the European Union (EU) to apply visas against Turks not easily.

OCALAN CONFESSES THINGS EASILY
The interrogation of the chief terrorist and his life in the cell is recorded in a video tape and he easily answers the questions of Talat Salk, Hamza Keles and Nuh Mete Yuksel, the Prosecutors who interrogate Abdullah Ocalan, the chief terrorist on Imral� island.

MILLIYET (LIBERAL)

STORM OF CANDIDATES
The list prepared by the leaders of the political parties for the coming April 18, created fluctations in the parties. Meanwhile Necmettin Erbakan, the former leader of the banned Welfare Party (RP)and Sevket Kazan, which was a senior aide of the RP became independent candidates.

SABAH (LIBERAL)

''HADEP NOT TO BE ALLOWED TO COMPETE IN ELECTIONS''
Vural Savas, the Chief Prosecutor of the Court of Appeals who urges the People's Democratic Party (HADEP) to be closed by saying that it cooperates with the terrorist PKK organization, will apply to the Court of Appeals today and request the higher court to prevent the party from competing in the coming elections as a precautionary measure.

CUMHURIYET (LEFT)

Noting that the attitude of Greece which extends support to terrorism extends to the time before the occurance of the terrorist PKK organization and it has a dimension of Armenian terrorism, Atacanl� said that ''our four colleagues had became martyrs in Athens due to Armenian terrorism, however Greece did not carry out any serious investigation about this issue in spite of our insistent requests.''

RADIKAL (LEFT)

In his 36-page preparatory testimony, the PKK's chief terrorist said he would give information about the fronts established against Turkey. Ocalan named Syria, Greece, Iran, and Germany among the PKK supporters.

Ocalan accepts that he was responsible for the PKK's activities and says, ''Europe used me, and later cheated me and left me alone.''

Ocalan says there are two camps in Greece and terrorists receive bomb- trainings at one of those camps while theoretical and armed trainings are given at the other camp. He refuses that they smuggle drugs but he says they extort money from the smugglers.

INTERROGATION CONCLUDES, LAWYERS ALLOWED TO SPEAK TO OCALAN
The three State Security Court public prosecutors finished the interogation of Ocalan and left the Imrali Island. It was mentioned that Ocalan gave response to every question.

Two lawyers, who got permission from the court, will perform their duties on the island today.

RED BULLETIN FOR ''YESIL''
Turkey applied to the Interpol Secretariat General for the arrest of Mahmut Yildirim, the key-name of the Susurluk incident and code-named ''Yesil (the Green)''.

Yesil will be wanted in ''priority'' in 177 countries if Interpol accepts Turkey's application for red bulletin.

YEN� Y�ZYIL (LIBERAL)

Press and public opinion want the parliament to rapidly adopt the Repentance Law and to make the necessary legal arrangement at the State Security Court, and call the parliament to make a ''national warning'' to Athens.

ERBAKAN AND KAZAN APPLY FOR BEING INDEPENDENT CANDIDATES
Necmettin Erbakan, who was banned from politics with the closure of the Welfare Party (RP), applied for being an independent deputy candidate from Konya province and Sevket Kazan, a senior-aide of Erbakan, applied for being an independent deputy candidate from Bilecik province.

Necmettin Erbakan, who held a meeting with the Virtue Party (FP) administrators late on Tuesday, made his application after performing the ritual prayers.

T�RK�YE (RIGHT)

''As Ocalan says, if it is documented and proved that Greece supports the terrorist PKK organization in addition to Russia and Syria, nobody can accuse Turkey,'' Henze said.

TOSHACK TO LEAVE TURKEY
John Benjamin Toshack, the coach of Besiktas soccer team, resigned from his job and accepted the offer of Spain's Real Madrid.

Toshack will stage a press conference today to explain the reason for his resignation.

LIVE BOMBS ARE AMONG US
Ten university students, who entered Turkey after they had been trained at the Lavrion camp in Greece for staging suicide bombing, are walking around us.

Police suppose that those live-bombs had entered Turkey illegally while their photos were distributed to all security units.

ZAMAN (CONSERVATIVE)

[02] PRIME MINISTER ECEVIT: ''THERE IS NO NEED TO BE WORRIED ABOUT THE HEALTH OF OCALAN, THE CHIEF TERRORIST''

Noting that he took up the preparations for the trial of the chief terrorist at his meeting with President Demirel, Premier Ecevit said that ''Imral� is controlled by judicial organs. There is such a regulation concerning the health of Ocalan which should not lead to any concern or reaction in the world. Our state will allow the lawyers to defend the chief terrorist freely. Nobody should be worried about that, the lawyers asked us to protect them and we are taking measures concerning this issue.''

Responding to a question asking whether or not he took up the issue of Greece in his meeting with Ismail Cem, the Foreign Minister, Ecevit said that problems concerning Imral� island, issues of lawyers and the unfair concerns abroad were discussed in the meeting.

[03] ISO ASSEMBLY MEETING - ULUGBAY, DEPUTY PRIME MINISTER: - ''WE WILL CONTINUE TALKS ON AN ANTI-INFLATIONIST PROGRAMME SUPPORTED BY FOREIGN SOURCES''

Addressing the Istanbul Chamber of Industry (ISO) Assembly meeting in Istanbul, Hikmet Ulugbay said that they were obliged to give form to a future creating 5-10 percent employment in agriculture, 35-40 percent employment in industry and 60-65 percent employment in services sector if they want to make the Turkish economy been an experienced economy.

Ulugbay said that Turkey was less affected by the global crisis started in Far East and reflected in Russia as she pursued a realistic currency policy.

Pointing out that Turkey obtained a market in North Africa equivalent to the market she lost in Russia, Ulugbay said, ''which country could achieve such a success. We are forming specific balances without facing a crisis. We have to believe in that power. We have a power which was proved.''

Noting that there was a real interest implementation in Turkey reaching at about 45 percent, Hikmet Ulugbay said, ''which economy can keep itself alive and existing with 45 percent real interest. We have proved this. There can't be a reference better than this.''

[04] SEVERAL PETROL BOMBS THROWN IN ISTANBUL, IZMIR AND ADANA

In Istanbul, two petrol bombs were thrown at a minibus which belonged to the Nationalist Movement Party (MHP). The fire caused by the bomb was put out by the people. In another district of Istanbul, an extreme rightist center also was bombed and suffered material damage. Several other bomb attacks took place in Istanbul which resulted with minor damage. The police has taken many suspects in custody.

In Izmir's Cumhuriyet district, a furniture store which is owned by a relative of Yusuf Kirkpinar, the MHP chairman of Izmir headquarters, was bombed by unidentified persons and suffered substantial damage. A similar attack took place at a coffee shop in Izmir.

In Adana, a health center was also bombed late at night. The center's windows were broken during the attack.

[05] PARLIAMENT SPEAKER CETIN IN LONDON - ''WE WARN EUROPE TO BE CAUTIOUS ABOUT TERRORISM''

Pointing out that there were two serios problems in Turkey and they were the terrorism in the Southeast and the terrorism staged by radical fundamentalists, Cetin said that those two problems receive ''external support''.

Noting that 30 thousand people were killed in the last 15 years due to terrorism in the Southeastern Anatolian Region, Cetin expressed his sorrow over the support given to the terrorist organization by some of Turkey's neighbors, friends and allies.

Stressing that the terrorist organization also harmed Europe with its drug trafficking, Cetin said that the independent Turkish courts are the assurances that Abdullah Ocalan, the chief of the terrorist PKK organization who fell into the Turkish justice's power, will be tried fairly and openly.

Emphasizing that Turkey with her structure constitutes a ''unique model'' and there was not an ethnic problem in Turkey, Cetin said that the problem stems from terrorism.

''Turkey is the element of stability in the region. The European Union (EU) doesn't have right to say that it doesn't need us any more. Because, Turkey is important for EU and EU is important for Turkey,'' Cetin said.

Stressing that the decisions taken at Luxembourg, Cardiff and Vienna summits of EU last year were unjust decisions against Turkey, Cetin said that EU did not assume an equal attitude against Turkey among other candidates.

Refusing the EU's excuses it put forward like the solution of the Cyprus issue, improvement in relations with Greece, human rights record, Cetin said, ''for us, there is not something to do alone about the improvement of relations with Greece and regarding the Cyprus issue. The same problem should be brought also in front of Greece.''

Cetin said that two different Greek states would be represented at the EU causing more troubles if the full-membership application of the Greek- Cypriot side is accepted.

[06] TRNC PRIME MINISTER DERVIS EROGLU COMES TO ISTANBUL

Eroglu will attend to the meeting of Istanbul Trade Chamber's Administrative Council before visiting Vehbi Koc's commomeration ceremony which will take place at Nakkastepe Koc Holding facilities.

The TRNC Prime Minister will proceed to Izmit on Friday to give a speech about the Cyprus problem at the annual meeting of Kocaeli Industrialists' and Businessmen's Association.

Eroglu, who will be accompanied by the State Planning Organization's Undersecretary Ahmet Zeki Bulunc during his stay in Turkey, will return to TRNC on Saturday.

[07] EP DISCUSSES TURKEY - NO SUPPORT TO THE CHIEF TERRORIST

Parliamentarians who will adopt a document about this issue during the sessions which will last for two days in Brussels, defended the view that a dialogue has to be set up with Turkey concerning the ''Kurdish problem,'' but it also asked for fair trial of the chief terrorist.

Addressing the session on behalf of the EU Council of Ministers, Ludger Volmer, the German State Secretary said that ''the international society did not show its ability of trying Ocalan,'' focusing on the unacceptability of the violent acts in Germany and other EU countries after the capture of the chief terrorist.

''Turkey is our NATO ally and it will be a member of the EU some day,'' said Volmer, adding that ''PKK does not represent the Kurdish people, Ocalan's PKK terrorizes in a country which is concerned about her stability. This organization does not have any use for the Kurds and it can't be taken as a counterpart.''

Noting that Turkey has to give Kurds the freedoms of using their own language and cultural autonomy, Volmer said ''there is a Kurdish problem and we have to find a solution to that through dialogue with Turkey. All people has the right to independence, and cultural autonomy does not give the right to found a state.''

Pointing out that the stataments of President Demirel who said that militants of the terrorist organization can benefit from the law on repentance and the statements of Premier Bulent Ecevit about his opposition to the death penalty are promising for a dialogue, Volmer pointed out that they will extend full support to Turkey in protection of her territorial integrity and if positive steps are taken, Turkey can enter the EU.

''If those who wish cultural autonomy and separatists are distinguished from each other, deadlock will be overcome. Political directors from Germany, Austria and Finland will visit Turkey on March 3, later ministers will pay a visit to Turkey,'' he added.

[08] EP DISCUSSES TURKEY - VAN DEN BROEK, THE EU COMMISSIONER: ''WE HAVE TO EXTEND SUPPORT TO TURKEY'S STRUGGLE WITH TERRORISM''

Noting that they condemn all kinds of terrorism and the territorial integrity of Turkey is an undisputable issue, Van Den Broek said that they expect Turkey to respect the international agreements she signed concerning the trial of the chief terrorist and they hope the chief terrorist will have a fair trial and right to defense.

''This issue can't be solved by critizing Turkey, the Kurdish problem is a complicated one which has delicate effects,'' said Broek, adding that there are economic difficulties in southeastern Turkey.

Pointing out that they aim at contributing to the solution of these problems by programmes such as MEDA (Mediterranean Cooperation and Development Fund), Broek said ''terrorism flourishes in places where economic and social development is weak and respect has to be shown towards cultural identitites and minority rights, as this is natural.''

[09] VURAL, TURKEY'S PERMANENT REPRESENTATIVE TO U.N. BRIEFS AMERICAN PUBLIC OPINION ON TERRORIST ORGANIZATION

Volkan Vural met with the American reporters, businessmen and local politicians in Miami and Richmond-Virginia as the guest of an organization namely ''U.N. Business Council''.

Responding to questions, Volkan Vural called the Americans not to confuse terrorism with the kurdish problem.

Pointing out that the Turkish democracy suffered a lot from terrorism thus the Turkish state was obliged to feel the necessity to take measures against terrorism, Volkan Vural said that Turkey seeks solutions for problems without leaving the democratic platform.

Emphasizing that the terrorism affecting Turkey is the terrorism financed from abroad, Vural said that their aim was to obstruct the strengthening of the Turkish democracy and economy.

Noting that the apprehension of the chief terrorist constituted an opportunity for the solution of problems, Vural said that Turkey will gain more strength from the issue.

[10] EP DISCUSSES TURKEY - ONLY A GREEK PARLIAMENTARIAN EXTENDED SUPPORT TO OCALAN, CHIEF OF TERRORIST ORGANIZATION - SOCIALIST GROUP: ''STABILITY OF THE WHOLE EUROPE IS IN QUESTION''

Pauline Green, the Chairman of the EP Socialist Group said that ''when the Kurdish problem is in question, Turkey says that this is her internal issue, however the recent events showed that the stability of the whole Europe is in question.''

Noting that there were terrorists among the people who held demonstrations in Europe, Green claimed that many of those people want peace.

Pointing out that the Turkish justice has to prove its independence by respecting international obligations, Green said ''if cultural autonomy is given to Kurds, stability will be established both in Turkey and the EU.''

Speaking on behalf of European Peoples' Parties composed of Christian Democrats, Arie Oostlander from the Netherlands said that even if Ocalan is a chief terrorist, he has to be tried fairly, adding that they have never respected the things done by Ocalan and his method of doing them. Pointing out that everybody is in consensus of opinion concerning Turkey's territorial integrity, Oostlander said that Turkey has to be supported in order to rescue her from this minority problem.

Jan Willem Bertens, another Dutch parliamentarian who spoke on behalf of the Liberal Group said that they don't support the methods and activities of the terrorist organization PKK, adding that this organization does not represent Kurdish people and Turkey has to prove that she is a democratic country by realizing a fair trial for Ocalan.

Vasilis Efremidis, a Greek parliamentarian who spoke on behalf of the Group of Leftist Unity, shouted in the session as ''the struggle of the Kurdish people will continue till it acquires a victory.''

Getting angry with those who say ''Ocalan is not respected and he does not represent Kurds,'' Efremidis said ''you crucify him saying that he is a terrorist, you do this for an investment worth of a few dollars.''

Efremidis called on the EP to save and protect the three terrorists, who are still at Greek Embassy in Kenya.

Jean-Claude Pasty, the French parliamentarian speaking on behalf of the Unity Group for Europe, pointed out that ''Turkey has captured a person responsible from terrorism, this is a very positive development for the region,'' calling on the European countries to think well about this issue.

Stressing that the one who is responsible for terrorism and violence is in prison at the moment and it has been seen that a fight which continued for 20 years was not useful, Pasty said ''Kurds are in four countries and peaceful solutions can be found without changing the borders of these countries.''

The French parliamentarian said ''the chief terrorist manipulate Kurds and Kurdish people have to understand well the reason of his being captured and imprisoned. International terrorism should not take place in the territories of the EU.''

Several parliamentarians noted that ''PKK terrorism has to be condemned clearly'' and some of them criticized the attitudes of Germany and Italy and the role of Greece concerning the developments.

The European Parliament will vote a draft resolution and adopt it on Thursday.

[11] KUWAITI NATIONAL DAY - PRESIDENT DEMIREL CONGRATULATES EMIR AL-JABIR AS-SABAH

The Presidential Press Center said President Demirel sent a congratulatory message to Emir al-Jabir as-Sabah, saying, ''on behalf of the Turkish nation, I want to express my congratulations to his excellency and the Kuwaiti people upon the National Day of the friend Kuwaiti State.''

''I want to express my hope and confidence that the friendly relations between our two countries will develop in every field bringing productive results in accordance with the mutual interests of our peoples,'' President Demirel said.

[12] WORLD BANK EXPERTS OBSERVE PRIVATIZATION AND SOCIAL SECURITY PROJECTS IN TURKEY

Hans Otto Moritz, who arrived in Ankara on 23 February to evaluate the results of some projects started four years ago like ''Privatization, Social Security Network, Labour Force Concordance Project, Borrowing Administration'' worth 100 million U.S. dollars, gave the start for his observations especially on privatization and social security projects.

World Bank experts led by Hans Otto Moritz stressed that failure in establishing a ''regulator committee'' was the most important factor blocking privatization.

Pointing out that the tenders especially in the energy sector enabling privatization always became a matter for the courts, the Bank experts said that this delays privatization process and gives opportunity for subjective decisions.

Noting that they think privatization decisions should be made by a single competent authority in spite of Privatization Administration Chairmanship (OIB) and Privatization Higher Board (OYK), experts said that the approval system at the OYK slows down privatization.

Stressing that acting in a way to obtain only revenue negatively affects the sales, experts said that sale off some state institutions without seeking profit will be more beneficial for public finance.

World Bank experts, who will stay in Turkey for nearly ten days, will prepare evaluation reports when they return back to Washington D.C.

[13] HONORARY TRAFFIC INSPECTORS WORKING FAST - TRAFFIC INSPECTORS SUBMITTED MORE THAN 248 THOUSAND VIOLATION COMPLAINTS BY THE END OF LAST YEAR

According to the information obtained from the Security General Directorate's Traffic Services Department, there are 6 thousand 805 honorary traffic inspectors currently in charge.

The traffic inspectors submitted around 248 thousand violation complaints by the end of 1998. More than 240 thousand of these reportings were turned into fine tickets by the end of 1998.

The traffic inspectors have filed more than 96 thousand reportings in Ankara, 34 thousand in Izmir, 30 thousand in Istanbul, 21 thousand in Bursa and 64 thousand in Turkey's several other provinces.

Disobeying the traffic lights and signs, failing to wear a safety belt, changing lanes in an unsafe manner, and parking at forbidden spots are among the most frequently committed violations throughout the country.

The violations occur mostly on main roads. Some violations also take place on crossroads, highways and streets. Drivers have been found most careful while passing through school areas and village roads.

[14] TRIAL OF CHIEF TERRORIST - LAWYERS ARRIVE IN MUDANYA

Security forces checked the identities of Okcuoglu and Korkut on their arrival in Mudanya from Istanbul.

The lawyers, who were brought to Mudanya quay under tight security measures, met with the officials at the contact bureau established at the quay.

Meanwhile, the residents, who wanted to protest the lawyers, were taken away from the quay where intense and tight security measures had been taken. Lawyers, who spent nearly 15 minutes at the bureau, were later brought to the Security Department building in the county.

Lawyers are still being kept at the Security building.

Ankara DGM No:2 Alternate Judgeship ruled on Wednesday to allow two lawyers to perform their duty on Imrali Island and meet with the Mudanya Criminal Court of Peace Judge.

[15] CLOSURE CASE ABOUT HADEP - SAVAS, CHIEF PROSECTOR OF COURT OF APPEALS APPLIES TO CONSTITUTIONAL COURT TO PREVENT HADEP FROM COMPETING IN GENERAL ELECTIONS

Noting that Articles 68 and 69 of the Constitution and Articles 98-108 of the Code on the Political Parties No. 2820 has authorized the Constitutional Court to close a political party and prevent it from participating in the elections, Savas said ''this authority also includes taking of all measures in order to prevent a power that threatens the Constitution and to prevent the occurance of undesirable situations unless the closure case results. The evidences we've submitted necessiate the closure of HADEP. The case on the closure of the party is late and we shouldn't permit this party to compete in the April 18 elections, because the contrary will lead to the occurance of many problems.''

[16] WINTER SETS IN - A TOTAL OF 160 VILLAGE ROADS IN KAYSERI, 78 IN SAMSUN, AND 5 IN KONYA HAVE BEEN CLOSED TO TRAFFIC

In Kayseri, a team of 50 has been working to clear the 160 village roads which were blocked by snow.

The Kayseri-Erciyes highway which was closed to traffic on Wednesday night have been cleared on Thursday morning. The snow thickness reached to 2 meters and 45 centimeters at Erciyes Ski Center.

Several municipalities of Kayseri also have been trying to keep the roads clear.

In Samsun, more than 70 village roads remain closed to traffic despite the clearing efforts. Many villages in the same area are suffering from electricity shortages because of the damage occured in the energy transfer lines.

Several schools were closed in Konya for one day because of heavy snowfall while an influenza epidemy caused schools to close for two days in Agri's Eleskirt and Mus' Haskoy counties.

[17] OECD MULTILATERAL TAX CENTRE IN ANKARA TO GIVE COURSES TO 28 EXPERTS FROM VARIOUS COUNTRIES BETWEEN 1-12 MARCH

Ministry of Finance said in a written statement that instructers from Japan, Turkey, the U.S. and Denmark will give the courses.

Five experts from Albania, three experts from Belarussia, three experts from Macedonia, four experts from Georgia, four experts from Kazakhstan and three experts from Mongolia, Moldova and Uzbekistan will participate in the course titled ''Risk Analysis and Special Problems of Tax Supervision'' that will start on March 1.

The subjects of risk analysis, indirect method in determination of the income, the control of the Value Added Tax (VAT), international supervision, supervision of cash trade, control of special industrialization types, control of financial institutions and rights of punishment and tax payers will be discussed during the course.

In the same OECD Centre in Ankara, a total of 1906 high ranking bureaucrats from 28 countries took courses about tax policy and administration, international principles and systems, the Turkish Tax System since 1993.

[18] TRNC PRESIDENT DENKTAS: ''THE NEW GREEK CYPRIOT DRAFT LAW ON TURKISH PROPERTIES AIMS AT REMOVING ALL CRITERIA THAT CONSTITUTE THE BASIS OF RECONCILIATION''

Responding to questions of journalists, TRNC President Denktas said that they examine the study of the Greek Cypriot administration about the Turkish properties and make an evaluation later.

Stressing that the Greek Cypriots are not the Cypriot government, TRNC President Denktas pointed out that the Greek Cypriot side which pursued a policy in contradiction to the reconciliation in spite of the U.N. Resolutions and which killed innocent people, violated the Constitution and opposed to international agreements in order to claim ownership on Cyprus, has to understand that the path she follows won't bring her to anywhere.

Alekos Markides, the chief prosecutor of the Greek Cypriot side announced that a change would be made in the law about the immovable property belonging to Turkish Cypriots in the Greek Cypriot side.

Markides said that the responsibility of the mentioned properties will be taken from the internal ministry and given to the Turkish Cypriots who left the Greek Cypriot side before 1974 who will have the right to use their properties in the Greek Cypriot side as they wish.

[19] DENKTAS, TRNC PRESIDENT: - ''THE ALARM IN THE GREEK ARMY AND THE GREEK CYPRIOTS IS TO CHANGE THE AGENDA AND TO HIDE THEIR CRIMES''

Speaking to journalists after meeting with Bahmen Agarazi, Iranian Ambassador in the Greek Cypriot side, Denktas said no advance can be recorded in the Cyprus issue if hostility is not given up.

Denktas pointed out that Greek and Greek Cypriot side will not be able to make their words and attitudes excused by hiding behind words like human rights.

Denktas said the issue is the systematic protection of a criminal, the chief of a terrorist organization, to give harm to Turkish people and that he was armed and trained. Protecting such a criminal who �s wanted by red bullet�n will not suit to humanity.

''Ocalan is the chief of PKK which is known as the terrorist organ. It will be wrong to define this man as the leader of the Kurdish people because many of the 30,000 people who were killed in Turkey were the ones having Kurdish origins They were killed because they did not help the terrorist organization'', Denktas added.

Noting that they told the foreign diplomats whom they met that ''it will be impossible to record any improvement or activity as long as this hostility and hostile acts continue, Denktas said Greek Cypriots tried to own Cyprus with massacres and terrorism from 1963 to 1974 and now got involved in ugly activities to reach a result in Cyprus by saying ''enemy of Turks is my friend''.

Stressing that Agarazi is the new Iranian Ambassador and visits him for the first time, Denktas noted that they informed him about the Cyprus issue in details.

Emphasizing that Cyprus issue is not the issue of minority and majority and not an issue between the Greek Cypriots and the Turkish Cypriots, as was claimed by Greek Cypriots, Denktas stated that the real issue is the problem of the attack of Greek Cypriots, which continued for 36 years to eradicate Islam from Cyprus.

[20] FOREIGN EXCHANGE RESERVES OF CENTRAL BANK INCREASE TO 20 BILLION U.S. DOLLARS

The Central Bank data shows that the foreign exchange reserves, which climbed by 325 million U.S. dollars between 12-19 February, increased to 20 billion 392 million U.S. dollars as of 19 February.

The Central Bank's foreign exchange reserves were 20 billion 67 million U.S. dollars on 12 February.

Meanwhile, according to the 5 Februay-based statistics, Turkey's total international gross reserves increased 74 million U.S. dollars to 32 billion 514 million U.S. dollars.

The international gross reserves of Turkey were 32 billion 440 million U.S. dollars in 29 January.

As of 5 February, Turkey's international reserves were composed of 1 billion 125 million U.S. dollars in gold reserves; 20 billion 442 million U.S. dollars in the Central Bank's foreign exchange reserves; and 11 billion 60 million U.S. dollars in the commercial banks' foreign exchange reserves.

[21] INTERROGATION OF TERRORIST CHIEF - GERMANY DENIES ALLEGATIONS CLAIMING THAT SHE HAS CONNECTION WITH TERRORIST ORGANIZATION PKK

The German Embassy in Ankara issued a statement referring the news in question, and underlined that the matter should become clear in order to prevent misunderstandings.

Stressing that Germany never supported terrorism or an illegal organization and will not, the statement pointed out that the activities of the terrorist organization had been banned in Germany.

The statement of the German Embassy reminded that German Government did its itmost to struggle against this organization. Reminding that those who were proved to be member of the terrorist organization, are being judged, the statement added, ''It is known that the organization illegally collects money in Germany. Our juridicial struggle against such acts continue.''

[22] GREEK CUSTOMS OFFICIALS DON'T ALLOW PASSAGE OF 11 BUSES EXPORTED FROM TURKEY TO GERMANY

Those eleven passenger buses, which are exported to Germany by MAN company, crossed the border and entered the Greek territories following the completion of customs procedure at the Ipsala Border Gate in Turkey.

Greek customs off�c�als prevented the passage of the buses and kept the drivers wait for one day, by putting forward baseless pretexts although the drivers provided all the necessary documents.

The drivers, who returned to Turkey, arrived in the Kapikule Border Gate and decided to leave for Germany via Bulgaria after talking to the MAN company officials on the phone.

Erdal Orak, a driver, said, ''when we had reached the customs, a Greek policeman wearing an official dress attempted to punch me with his fist. But he failed when I held my head back. After that event which erupted without a reason, I went to the office of the customs general director. He told me that my documents were incomplete. I told him that everything was complete in accordance with the EU regulations and that we had a letter of guarantee worth 22 billion German Marks. However, he told me that he did not recognize the EU but obey the Greek laws, 'get out of here Turkey is 100 meters away' he told me.''

The drivers said they were obliged to conceal the Turkish flags on the windows of the buses during their travel in Greece, otherwise the Greek people threw stones at the windows of their buses.

[23] WESTERN THRACE TURKISH SOLIDARITY ASSOCIATION: - ''GREECE IS NOT A COUNTRY ONLY SUPPORTING TERRORISM BUT ALSO THE ONE INCITING PEOPLE TO TERRORISM''

Mustafaoglu held a press conference to give information about the latest developments in the region and the demonstration of the members of the terrorist organization and its Greek supporters which will be take place in Komotini today.

Emphasizing that Western Thrace Turks who are ready to play the role of a bridge in setting up Turkish and Greek friendship, Mustafaoglu said, ''but, Greece has made it a traditional policy to intervene the Turkey's internal affairs.''

Noting that the organization named ''Xanthi Falcons'' which is known as the supporter of the terrorist organization held a march to support the terrorist organization in Komotini, where the Turkish people are in majority with 55 percent, Mustafaoglu said, ''some incidents like the bomb attack to the Turkish Chief Consulate in Komotini and the destruction of some of the Turkish graves in Xanthi occured and their assailants cannot be found yet.''

''The latest developments in these last one or two days turned these incidents into a Turkish and Kurdish dispute. Greece is not a country only supporting terrorism but also the one inciting people to terrorism.'', Mustafaoglu added.

Mustafaoglu continued as saying, ''the guarantee of the Turks, who were left in the middle by the Lausanne Treaty, is Turkey. Turkey did what was neccessary on Cyprus, of which she is also a guarantor. We beleive that she will do what is necessary in case any Turkish person is injured in this region.''

Recalling that the visa application of Turkey to the Greek Cypriots is on the agenda following these latest developments, Mustafaoglu noted that they expect some facilities in the visa application for the ones with Turkish origin.

[24] THE FIFTH CONFERENCE ON THE MEDITERRENEAN AND BLACK SEA BASINS STARTS IN AEGEAN MARMARIS COUNTY

Uluc Gurkan, Acting Speaker of the Parliament, said in the speech he made in the beginning of the conference that the Straits should not be thought like a pipeline.

Stating that the pollution of the Straits cannot be ignored in dealing with the environmental problems which Turkey faces, Gurkan noted that the Straits are face to face with the environmental pollution.

Ahmet Tan, the Minister of Tourism, said that Turkey carries out policies which takes into consideration the connection between the environment and the tourism.

Stressing that Turkey is ready to cooperate with the European and the other countries on every issue including the environmental issues, Tan said, ''we need firm policies for the Mediterrenean and the Black Sea.''

Lale Aytaman, Mugla deputy of the Motherland Party (ANAP) and the head of the Regional Planning and Local Governments Commission, said that the Marmaris conference consists of the cooperation of the parliaments of the European Basin and the local government, adding that this cooperation is widened in a way that it covers the countries in the Black Sea basin.

Cemil Serhadli, Mugla Governor, pointed out that 67 percent of Mugla's territory is forests and that 24 percent of it is the private protection region and stressed that Mugla is one of the important tourism centers of he region and of Turkey which also served some ancient civilizations like Karia and Lycia.

[25] PARLIAMENT SPEAKER CETIN IN BRITAIN - CETIN: ''OUR EUROPEAN FRIENDS SHOULD UNDERSTAND THAT TERRORISM IS TERRORISM AND TERRORIST IS TERRORIST''

Addressing a press conference for foreign journalists, Cetin said that the word of ''Turk'' does not represent a special ethnic group, but the main thing is to be a citizen of the Republic of Turkey.

Stressing that a specific Kurdish region cannot be in question, Cetin reminded that every one in Turkey has the right of choosing a place freely to live on the Turkish territories since the Ottoman Empire.

''Within this context, Istanbul is the province where the largest population of Kurdish origin people lives. All Turkish people have equal rights. There were president, generals, ministers and deputies with Kurdish origin in the history of Republic of Turkey,'' Cetin reminded that his origin is also Kurdish.

Stressing that Abdullah Ocalan, chief of terrorist organization, and terrorist organization PKK which claimed thousands of lives including many Kurdish people, cannot represent any Kurdish group or community, Cetin underlined that the PKK has been the source of terrorism in Turkey for 15 years, but it could not reach its target. Reiterating that there are many Kurdish origin people living in Europe who support the terrorist organization, Cetin warned the European countries, ''If our European friends cannot understand and admit such a support of these people to the terrorist PKK, their public order will be in grave jeopardy. Our European friends, at last, will have to make a choice between Turkey and the terrorist group in question.''

Reminding that PKK was controlling the drug trafficking, Cetin told the reporters that such detailes will be brought to light during the trial of Ocalan, and stressed that the judgement in Turkey is completely independent.

Responding to a question why Turkey did not allow international observers at the court, Cetin said, ''Why a democratic and independent country admit official observers in her court? Is there any country accepting it? Why Turkey should do?''

When asked about the Greece's support towards the terrorist PKK, Cetin stressed that this support is not only Turkey's allegation, but it happened clearly in front of whole world.

Stressing that supporting attitude of Greece, as a democratic state, towards terrorism in a neighbouring democratic country is unacceptable, Cetin noted, ''terrorism is an issue which the whole world should object collectively. Especially if you are a neighbour, friend and ally of that country suffering from terrorism.''

Cetin also reminded that the NATO decided to struggle together against terrorism in December 1981.

Pointing out that the seizure of Ocalan reduced the terrorist activities in Turkey to minumum, Cetin told the reporters, ''There is no law or limitation determining which language to be used in daily life, but the state cannot officialy admit use of Kurdish or another language in official institutions. On the other hand which country allow discussions in another language in its parliament. Can you speak another language except for French at the French Parliament.'' Responding to questions about the cross- border operations in Northern Iraq, Cetin said that Turkey has supported the West in order to provide the stability and security in the region during the Gulf War and met alone the financial damages caused from the war.

Noting that the lack of political authority in Northern Iraq, provides terrorist organization a place to nest, Cetin pointed out that Turkey launched operations in Northern Iraq many times in past and none of these operations were against the territorial integrity of Iraq.

[26] LOGAN, BRITISH AMBASSADOR TO ANKARA: - ''CAPTURE OF OCALAN IS AN ISSUE WHICH DRAWS INTERNATIONAL INTEREST''

Addressing a conference held by the International Law Club of School of Law of Istanbul University, Logan said that he mentioned about this issue since the trial process of the terrorist chief is related with the relations between Turkey and the European Union (EU).

Stating that the future of the terrorist chief will be determined by the laws, Logan noted that the Turkish government does not have to intervene this process and that such an intervention can weaken the trial.

Noting that they welcomed the statements of Premier Bulent Ecevit about the process of trial of the terrorist chief, Logan stated that the fair and transparent trial will lead to a fair decision.

Logan added that the fulfilment of the requirements including the acceptance of the foreigners to the courts, providing legal defense and behaving in a good way to the terrorist chief in this process will be useful for Turkey.

Emphasizing that it will be unnecessary to suggest a recipe of motion to Turkey, Logan stressed that the fact that the terrorist chief is an issue which draws the international interest will make the judicial process an opportunity and cause the increase of the international esteem.

Logan said that the economic relations between Turkey and the European Union continue despite some political problems.

Responding a question on whether or not the EU will change its stance towards Greece which supported the terrorist chief, Logan said that as the trial process of the terrorist chief has not ended, the EU would not assume an attitude.

[27] PARLIAMENT SPEAKER CETIN IN BRITAIN - CETIN ADDRESSES A CONFERENCE AT THE LONDON SCHOOL OF ECONOMICS: - ''WE ARE READY FOR A PEACEFUL SOLUTION PROCESS WITH GREECE'' - ''THE TWO NEIGHBOURS SHOULD NOT USE TERRORISM AGAINST EACH OTHER''

Addressing a conference at the Londan School of Economics, Cetin explained Turkey's economic, political and the social facts to the audience.

Referring to the relations between Turkey and the European Union (EU), Cetin underlined that Turkey is an indispensable part of Europe. He called the European Union not to ignore the key points which requires Turkey's candidacy.

Stressing that Turkey cannot be without EU and the EU cannot be without Turkey, Cetin noted, ''we will never abandon the pluralist democratic system with or without the European Union.''

Reminding that the relations between Turkey and the European Union has densed after the EU did not give Turkey the same statute with the other candidate countries, Cetin noted that these negative effects still continue.

Pointing out that there is no Kurdish-Turkish discrimination in Turkey, Cetin said that the problems stemmed from the bloody actions of the terrorist organization PKK that claimed thousands of innocent lives and also economic and social damages.

Cetin asked, ''Who decides that such an organization represent the Kurdish people living in Turkey. Who charged them to represent Kurdish people and who told them to save Kurdish people with weapons?''

When asked about the cross-border operation in Northern Iraq, Cetin stressed that Turkey has always showed great respect to the territorial integrity of Iraq, but the lack of authority in Northern Iraq requires such an intervention.

Reiterating that terrorist organizationn PKK which can shelter easily in a region that is not under control at all, infiltrate Turkey and launch terrorist attacks.

Responding to a question on the Turkish military presence on Cyprus, Cetin recalled that the Cyprus question began in 1963, and stressed that Turkey's initiatives for a peaceful solution remained unanswered.

He told the students, ''Turkish military forces have been deployed on the island in order to save peace and provide two communities to live together in peaceful atmosphere. It will withdraw whenever peace prevails on the island.''

[28] PRESIDENT DEMIREL: - ''GREECE IS THE ONE BEHIND THE SITUATION IN THE SOUTHEAST''

Demirel received a delegation of the Turkish Cypriots headed by Salih Boyaci, the chairman of the Executive Committee of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) Chamber of Commerce.

Boyaci said that the development of TRNC can be possible by the contributions of Turkey.

Demirel said that Turkey transports water to TRNC by ballons, constructs new roads, begins initiatives to provide electrical systems in TRNC, adding that all these have become the policy of Turkey on Cyprus.

On the Southeast issue, Demirel said, ''we will overcome this issue. These are not today's issues. These issues come from the Ottoman period. You saw who is behind the Southeast issue. The Greeks are behind it.''

[29] JUDGMENT OF TERRORIST CHIEF - THREE DGM PROSECUTORS START STUDIES REGARDING THE INDICTMENT THAT WILL BE OPENED AGAINST OCALAN

The prosecutors who arrived in Ankara on Thursday evening, met with Volkan, Chief Prosecutor, and began to investigate information and documents regarding the interrogation files opened against Ocalan and the terrorist organization earlier.

Yuksel, DGM Republican Prosecutor, said the testimony of Ocalan was 36 pages and that Ocalan was in good health condition. He said Ocalan accepted that he was the chief of the terrorist organization and the armed attacks of the terrorist organization. Yuksel said completition of the indictment may last one or two months.

Noting that Ocalan also accepted that he gave orders for the attacks of the terrorist organization, Yuksel said ''Ocalan said he did not give the order for the attack which resulted in the killings of 33 soldiers. He said it was Semdin Sakik who gave the order.''

Yuksel said Ocalan accepted that he gave the order for Semdinli-Eruh massacre which took place on August 15, 1984, which was the starting date of the terrorist attacks. Yuksel said Ocalan said that they launched this attack as a retalliation for the killings of the terrorists who were killed in prisons in 1982, adding that Ocalan also said he repented and was sorry for the attacks.

Yuksel said that Ocalan showed money collected through the churces in Greece, and the illegal money collected from the drug smugglers among the financial sources of the terrorist organization PKK.

He noted that Ocalan denied organization's connection with drug trafficking.

Talat Salk, the Acting Chief Prosecutor of the State Security Court told the reporters that Ocalan replied all questions during the interrogation which began in morning and ended at 02:00 a.m.

Salk quoted Ocalan as stating that they were collecting illegal money from the businessmen in the region, and added that Ocalan gave the names of these businessmen.

He pointed out that they received the desired answers from Ocalan during the interrogation.

A.A

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