Anadolu Agency: News in English, 99-04-06

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

AA Daily

06 April 1999 Tuesday

CONTENTS

[01] ANADOLU AJANSI CELEBRATES ITS 79TH ANNIVERSARY

[02] TURKEY-PRESS SCAN

[03] QUAKE SHAKES CENTRAL SIVAS PROVINCE

[04] PREMIER ECEVIT: ''WE REGARD KOSOVO INCIDENT AS OUR DEBT WE OWE TO OUR OWN HISTORY' - ''I'M WORRIED ABOUT INFLUENCE OF THE CRISIS ON BOSNIA- HERZEGOVINA''

[05] SEZGIN, DIRECTOR GENERAL OF PRESS AND INFORMATION: ''COURT WILL DECIDE ON ESTABLISHMENT OF A PRESS CENTRE ON IMRALI ISLAND''

[06] DEMIREL APPOINTS AMBASSADOR ACET TO COORDINATE TURKISH AID FOR REFUGEES IN ALBANIA AND MACEDONIA

[07] TURKISH WOMEN WRESTLING NATIONAL TEAM PREPARES FOR WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP - WOMEN WRESTLERS TRY TO RECOGNIZE THEIR RIVALS BY WATCHING VIDEO CASETTES

[08] PRESIDENT DEMIREL RECEIVES LI PENG, CHAIRMAN OF NATIONAL PEOPLE'S CONGRESS OF CHINA

[09] CARNAGE IN KOSOVO - TOPRAK, CHAIRMAN OF BURSA WESTERN THRACE TURKS CULTURE AND SOLIDARITY ASSOCIATION: - ''AT LEAST HALF OF KOSOVANIAN REFUGEES WILL DIE WITHIN 10 DAYS UNLESS HEALTHY SHELTERS ARE PROVIDED IMMEDIATELY''

[10] TALAY, MINISTER OF CULTURE: - ''THE ELMALI TREASURE WILL BE BROUGHT TO TURKEY IN THE WAKE OF GENERAL ELECTIONS''

[11] TOURIST HEALTH ASSOCIATION TO GIVE ''HYGEN FLAGS'' TO TOURISTIC REGIONS WHICH SUSTAIN REQUIRED HYGENIC CONDITIONS

[12] TURKEY HAS LESS SCIENTISTS AND ENGINEERS COMPARED TO COUNTRIES WITH LESS DEVELOPED ECONOMIES

[13] NATO'S AIR OPERATION AGAINST YUGOSLAVIA - TURKISH F-16 WAR PLANES STAY IN THE AIR FOR A TOTAL OF 405 HOURS IN ROLE OF DEFENSE AND PATROL

[14] A TOTAL OF 140.5 MILLION U.S. DOLLAR EXPORTS REALIZED FROM GAP REGION IN THREE MONTHS

[15] ASLAN, CHAIRMAN OF GTO: ''HAVING COMMERCIAL RELATIONS WITH IRAQ WILL REVIVE THE REGIONAL ECONOMY''

[16] EXPORTS IN AUTOMOTIVE SECTOR INCREASES BY 27 PERCENT IN FIRST THREE MONTHS OF 1999

[17] AID FROM TURKISH FEDERATION OF BAKERS TO KOSOVARS

[18] PRIME MINISTER ECEVIT : - ''TURKEY HAS PROVIDED SHELTER FOR 50 THOUSAND KOSOVANIANS''

[19] CONTACTS OF GENERAL ATES, THE COMMANDER OF LAND FORCES, IN PEOPLE'S REPUBLIC OF CHINA

[20] ELECTION PROPAGANDA PERIOD AND BANS REGARDING THIS PERIOD TAKE EFFECT ON APRIL 8

[21] EDITORS OF LEADING CERAMICS MAGAZINES ARRIVE IN TURKEY

[22] PRIME MINISTER ECEVIT : - ''NATO PLANS TO FORM A SMALL MILITARY UNIT IN ORDER TO CONTRIBUTE TO THE ORGANIZATION OF THE HUMANITARIAN AIDS IN ALBANIA''

[23] TURKISH RED CRESCENT TEAM GOES TO ALBANIA TO BUILD TENT CITY FOR FIVE THOUSAND REFUGEES

[24] TURKS DONATE TRUCK FULLS OF AID EQUIPMENT FOR KOSOVAR REFUGEES

[25] KOSOVO LETTER FROM DEMIREL TO CLINTON

[26] GEORGIAN CHIEF OF GENERAL STAFF IN ANKARA

[27] OPENING OF MARAS TO KOSOVON IMMIGRANTS - TRNC FOREIGN MINISTRY TO LAUNCH INITIATIVES TO THE U.N.

[28] FOREIGN MINISTRY DENIES NEWS REPORT OF ANA: ''TURKEY IS NOT UNDER PRESSURE OF THE U.S. TO ACCEPT KOSOVON IMMIGRANTS''

[29] PRIME MINISTER ECEVIT: ''LIVING OF KOSOVON ALBANIANS UNDER SERBIAN ADMINISTRATION FROM NOW ON SEEMS TO ME IMPOSSIBLE''

[30] TRNC PARLIAMENT CONDEMNS SERBIAN CRUELTY

[01] ANADOLU AJANSI CELEBRATES ITS 79TH ANNIVERSARY

Anadolu Ajansi was established aiming to inform the whole country and the world about the National War of Freedom and rightful case of Turks.

Anadolu Ajansi, which was established on April 6, 1920, started its broadcasting in a country which is under occupation with an outdated and rented printing machine, and today it continues the broadcasting with the most developed computer technology after 79 years with the same exciment.

The target of the foundation of Anadolu Ajansi was disclosed by Mustafa Kemal Ataturk, founder of Modern Turkish Republic, on April 8, 1920 as follows:

''As Ottoman Sultanate center, which is the heart of Islam world, entered under the occupation of enemy, and as all the country and nation came face to face with a great danger, by taking into consideration that the whole nation and country have been exposed to a great danger, there is a need to enlighten the people with the most true internal and external news, and an institution under the name of Anadolu Ajansi was established under the administration of a special delegation composed of the most authorized persons.

Information and news reports which Anadolu Ajansi will give with the most rapid devices will be based on the evaluations and basic sources of our Representatives Delegation. The statements of Anadolu Ajansi should be hanged to the places where they can be seen by the people, and required measures should be taken to publish, reproduce, and distrubute the statements.

Mustafa Kemal Ataturk, on behalf of Representativese Delegation.''

Anadolu Ajansi had published its first bulletin on April 12, 1920.

The first bulletin which had the peculiarity of a ''call to Anatolian people'' said:

''As center of our state is under the occupation of enemy, at those times when Anadolu and Rumeli began to launch bold activities within the determination and resolution of self defense, Anadolu Ajansi which was established to provide the most correct news reports and information, starts duty today. It is not necessary to explain that the news reports and information should be read by all the people. The news reports we will give should be written on black plates everyday on the doors of telegraph houses, should be published in places where there are adequate devices, should be distributed and sent to cities, towns, counties, and even to small villages. Following this introduction, the recent developments are as follows...''

The bulletin later gave brief information about the recent political developments in various places of the world.

Anadolu Ajansi which began to use telex at the beginning of 1940's, widened its news network in the years 1960's and 1970's and adjusted to the technology of computer era in 1986.

Computer news network, which covers the whole country and representations abroad, gives service with the technology of the year 2000's in the 79th anniversary of its foundation.

Anadolu Ajansi with 20 Districts and Office Directorates within the country and representations in 20 places abroad takes the pulse of the news reports. Anadolu Ajansi has a principle to have its own journalists in every part of the country besides its directorates and representations.

Anadolu Ajansi has cooperation with the news agencies of around 100 countries besides AP, Reuters, and AFP. Thousands of news reports come to the Anadolu Ajansi from these sources.

Anadolu Ajansi which serves these news reports to the service of the media, also conveys the developments in Turkey to the foreign agencies in question.

Anadolu Ajansi is also a member of ''European Agencies Union'' which surrounds the Mediterranean and acted a pioneer role to the unification of the news agencies under the roof of ''Mediterranean New Agencies Union.'' It later cooperated with the friendly Turkish Republics and provided the formation of ''Turkish Speaking Countries News Agencies Union'' to convey the vocie of Turkey to Central Asia and to transfer the developments in these countries to Western media.

A.A. which is the founder of Balkan News Agencies Union, is also a member of Asia-Pasific New Agencies Union.

Anadolu Ajansi also began to implement VBI (vertical blanking interline) system which is called as ''Datum broadcasting.'' Broadcasting of Anadolu Ajansi began to be sent to the subscribers with this system. Thus, a news report which is given to broadcasting from the center, can be brought to the computers of the subscribers through satellite. With this stysem the Agency managed to reach every part of the country, and to a wide geography extending from Europe to Turkish Republics, Middle East and Northern Africa.

Anadolu Ajansi also implements the most developed technology in photograph service. With the computer system and satellite line, more than 100 quality photographs a day are sent to the subscribers.

Anadolu Ajansi which put its seal to a 79 year period, carries out its duty with a professional understanding and produces news reports for 24 hours a day without intervals.

Meanwhile, Prime Minister Bulent Ecevit sent a message of congratulation to Mehmet Guler, the Director General of the Anadolu Ajansi, saying that the Anadolu Ajansi's reliability is undebatable with its rapid and accurate news network.

Nami Cagan, the Finance Minister, Metin Bostanc�oglu, the National Education Minister, Mustafa Guven Karahan, the Health Minister, Hakan Tartan, the Labour and Social Security Minister, Ahmet Tan, the Tourism Minister, Aydin Sezgin, the Director General of the Press and Information, and Nail Gureli, the Chairman of Journalists Society of Turkey (TGC), also sent messages of congratulation.

[02] TURKEY-PRESS SCAN

HURRIYET (LIBERAL)

SECOND CAMP IN ELBASAN
Turkey will set up a second tent city in Elbasan city of Albania for 10,000 people for Kosovar refugees after the tent city she started to set up in K�rklareli, Turkey. The aim of the refugee camp in Elbasan will be to ''help in making people return to our homes soon.''

MILLIYET (LIBERAL)

SHE CAME TO TURKEY AND DIED
A total of 1138 Kosovar refugees came to Turkey all night yesterday. Exhausted Kosovars couldn't bear crying at the airport. One of the two elderly women who were hungry for two days died in the hospital.

SABAH (LIBERAL)

DEMIREL: ''EVERYBODY SHOULD JOIN THE CAMPAIGN''
President Suleyman Demirel supported the campaign named ''Hand in Hand for the Kosovars.'' Demirel said that he supports the campaign and invited all Turkish citizen to make the aid they can afford.

CUMHURIYET (LEFT)

BALANCE SHEET OF TRAFFIC IN THE RELIGIOUS FEAST
A total of 190 people died and 340 people injured in the traffic accidents which took place in the holiday for the religious feast. The Police organization said that 340 people died in 134 different traffic accidents.

RADIKAL (LEFT)

A.A CELEBRATES ITS 79TH FOUNDATION ANNIVERSARY
Anadolu Ajans� celebrates its 79th foundation anniversary today. The agency was founded on April 6, 1920 by Ataturk, the founder of modern and secular Republic.

YEN� Y�ZYIL (LIBERAL)

PEASANTS FROM BERGAMA DO NOT GIVE UP THEIR DEMONSTRATION
Some peasants from Bergama county of western Izmir province held a demonstration on Monday in Kutahya province of the Aegean region to protest the production of gold with cyanide. The peasants who closed the entrance door of a silver production plant in Tavsanli county of Kutahya and shouted slogans, left the plant without causing any problems.

T�RK�YE (RIGHT)

SECOND ATTACKS AGAINST GOVERNORS
''Alive bomb'' who wanted to kill Suleyman Kamc�, the governor of eastern province of Bingol blew up. The governor was fortunately not injured, while a 16 years old girl who was passing by the governor's office died and 14 people were wounded.

ZAMAN (CONSERVATIVE)

[03] QUAKE SHAKES CENTRAL SIVAS PROVINCE

No casualties were recorded in the medium scale quake which occured at 3.08 a.m.

The officials from Kandilli Observatory Centre said that the epicentre of the quake was Divrigi county of Sivas and the quake was measuring 5.2 on the Richter scale.

The quake was also felt in northeastern provinces of Trabzon, Ordu and Giresun.

The witnesses said that the people living in the mentioned places left their homes and started staying outside because of fear of the after- shocks.

[04] PREMIER ECEVIT: ''WE REGARD KOSOVO INCIDENT AS OUR DEBT WE OWE TO OUR OWN HISTORY' - ''I'M WORRIED ABOUT INFLUENCE OF THE CRISIS ON BOSNIA- HERZEGOVINA''

Addressing to a private television channel, Prime Minister Bulent Ecevit said that his government put into force the Tax Reform, but the parliament couldn't adopt another law on banks in spite of the government's efforts.

Responding to questions about the Kosovar refugees coming to Turkey and the recent developments in Kosovo, Prime Minister Ecevit said that ''this event is one of the common decisions taken by NATO countries and all partners of NATO should share its result.''

Responding to a question about a possible land operation that could be staged against Yugoslavia, Premier Ecevit said that ''I hope there won't be need for that, and Serbs can realize the fact that their stubbornness against the world won't bring any use to them. Land operation can cause very painful results and it can take last.''

Upon another question about the spread of the crisis to the Balkans, Ecevit said that ''this danger continues. Macedonia has ethnical problems. I am frightened about the possible influence of the crisis on Bosnia-Herzegovina, because there is a very complicated state structure there. This balance depends on a good dialogue between Serbia and countries who are guarantors of the Dayton agreement. This dialogue has been completely come off.''

Recalling that if NATO, which celebrates its 50th foundation anniversary loses the fight, this can have upsetting effects on the world. ''NATO has to be successful in this operation,'' he added.

Responding to another question asking whether or not he regards Russia's sending of a ship to Adriatic Sea as a threat, Premier Ecevit said ''I don't regard it as a threat. I consider it as an act which will make a peaceful solution difficult in Kosovo. The Russian Federation is the only state in the world which encourages Serbia and Milosevic administration. It seems that Russia wishes to recover Serbs' morale.''

Upon another question about the trial of the chief terrorist, Premier Ecevit said ''we have to tell the whole world that justice is independent in Turkey. We opposed to the establishment of the State Security Courts in 1970s, we were very right to oppose that those days. However, it is unfair to think that these courts are not independent because they include judges of military origin.''

[05] SEZGIN, DIRECTOR GENERAL OF PRESS AND INFORMATION: ''COURT WILL DECIDE ON ESTABLISHMENT OF A PRESS CENTRE ON IMRALI ISLAND''

Sezgin made inquiries the same day about the press centre which is planned to be set up in the county and he met with Guzin Nil Erdogan, the director general of security in Mudanya county and other officials.

''Will a press centre be established on Imral� island?'' asked correspondents to Sezgin, who replied by saying that ''the court, which will try Abdullah Ocalan, the chief terrorist, will decide on the establishment of a press centre. If the court holds the court sessions open to press, the centre will be founded; if not there won't be any press centre either.''

Ayd�n Sezgin said that inquiries are underway to set up a press centre in Mudanya county, but no decision has been given about the place of the centre.

[06] DEMIREL APPOINTS AMBASSADOR ACET TO COORDINATE TURKISH AID FOR REFUGEES IN ALBANIA AND MACEDONIA

Demirel sent a letter to Recep Meidani, the Albanian President and Kiro Gligorov, the Macedonian President regarding Acet's appointment.

Acet is expected to go to the region as soon as possible.

[07] TURKISH WOMEN WRESTLING NATIONAL TEAM PREPARES FOR WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP - WOMEN WRESTLERS TRY TO RECOGNIZE THEIR RIVALS BY WATCHING VIDEO CASETTES

The women wrestlers try to recognize their rivals by watching the video casettes in which the performances and the matches of the wrestlers were recorded and which were taken from the FILA.

Three Turkish women wrestlers will participate in the World Championship which will be held between April 29 and May 1, 1999 in Austria.

[08] PRESIDENT DEMIREL RECEIVES LI PENG, CHAIRMAN OF NATIONAL PEOPLE'S CONGRESS OF CHINA

Addressing the meeting, President Demirel stressed that Li Peng's visit to Turkey will accelerate relations between Turkey and People's Republic of China, two of the most significant countries of Asia.

Meanwhile, Li Peng said in his part that he is pleased with being in Turkey.

Hikmet Cetin, the Speaker of Parliament, was also in attendance at the meeting.

President Demirel will host a luncheon in honour of Li Peng later today.

[09] CARNAGE IN KOSOVO - TOPRAK, CHAIRMAN OF BURSA WESTERN THRACE TURKS CULTURE AND SOLIDARITY ASSOCIATION: - ''AT LEAST HALF OF KOSOVANIAN REFUGEES WILL DIE WITHIN 10 DAYS UNLESS HEALTHY SHELTERS ARE PROVIDED IMMEDIATELY''

Responding to questions of the A.A correspondent, Toprak stressed, ''if bad wheather conditions and famine continue for the next 10 days, at least half of Kosovanian refugees will die. Healthy shelters should be provided for Kosovanian refugees immediately.''

Reminding that number of Kosovanian people who fled from the Serbian cruelty, and have taken shelter near relatives living in Bursa, increased up to 600, Toprak underlined that the Office of Governorship and the Bursa Municipality have provided a total of 5,5 tonnes of humanitarian aid to these regueees.

Toprak emphasized that they want the war to come to an end as soon as possible and Kosovanian refugees to return their homes.

[10] TALAY, MINISTER OF CULTURE: - ''THE ELMALI TREASURE WILL BE BROUGHT TO TURKEY IN THE WAKE OF GENERAL ELECTIONS''

Addressing a press conference at the Antalya Airport, Talay told the reporters, ''the Culture Ministry has spent nearly 10 million U.S. dollars for the case of the Elmali Treasure. The treasure will be brought to Turkey in the wake of the general elections on April 18, 1999. These priceless samples of the Turkish history and culture will be displayed in Antalya Museum.''

[11] TOURIST HEALTH ASSOCIATION TO GIVE ''HYGEN FLAGS'' TO TOURISTIC REGIONS WHICH SUSTAIN REQUIRED HYGENIC CONDITIONS

Necati Turker, the Administration Council member of the Tourism Health Association told the A.A. that they developed a ''Safe Living Environment Project'' together with the World Health Organization (WHO). According to the project, the regions which reach the hygenic and safety standarts will be given a ''hygen flag'' by the WHO. Turker said many tourism areas have deserved this flag long time ago.

The WHO, the International Tourist Association (ITA) and Turkish Tourism Health Association will have a meeting in Sweden in May 1999. ''If we could bring this project into life together with the WHO, the regions which fulfil the requirements of traffic regulations, hygen, fire security, lifeguard, and hotel standards will be given a flag which will be a very prestigious element in that region's international promotion,'' Turker said.

[12] TURKEY HAS LESS SCIENTISTS AND ENGINEERS COMPARED TO COUNTRIES WITH LESS DEVELOPED ECONOMIES

In the study titled ''Turkish information technologies towards an information society,'' it was stated that even societies which are economically less developed than Turkey, are at a better point at research and development studies.

According to the World Bank's data of 1997, there are 209 scientists and engineers in every one million in Turkey.

The former Eastern Block countries have the highest number of scientists and engineers. Ukraine comes first with its 6 thousand 761 scientists and engineers in one million people. Russia and Bulgaria come after Ukraine.

The U.S. is the fourth on the list with its 3 thousand and 873 scientists and engineers in one million.

Benin, Sri Lanka, and Tailand, on the other hand, have fewer number of scientists and engineers than Turkey has.

[13] NATO'S AIR OPERATION AGAINST YUGOSLAVIA - TURKISH F-16 WAR PLANES STAY IN THE AIR FOR A TOTAL OF 405 HOURS IN ROLE OF DEFENSE AND PATROL

The General Staff Martyr Journalists Hasan Tahsin Press and Information Center issued a statement saying that Serbia's ethnic cleansing campaign continues in Kosovo, and number of Kosovanian people who were forced to leave their homes and have become refugees, increased up to 466 thousand.

The statement noted that the Turkish F-16 war planes deployed in Ghedi, Italy, participated at the operation in ''air defense role''. Within this scope, Turkish war planes served perpetually for 405 hours.

Meanwhile, more than six thousand Kosovonian people have arrived in Turkey since 22 March.

A total of six lorries carrying 110 tonnes of humanitarian aid that was provided by the Turkish Armed Forces, has arrived in Albania. At the same time, many clothes and several equipments requested by Albania were sent to this country by three airplanes. The Red Crescent has sent a total of 250 tents and 2,500 blankets to Macedonia for refugees.

Meanwhile, the Central Bank has decided to provide a financial aid worth of 200 billion Turkish Liras to Kosovanian refugees.

[14] A TOTAL OF 140.5 MILLION U.S. DOLLAR EXPORTS REALIZED FROM GAP REGION IN THREE MONTHS

An official from the Southeastern Anatolia Exporters Union (GAIB) told A.A correspondent that animal products worth of 7.2 million U.S. dollars, cereals worth of 22.5 million U.S dollars, nuts worth of 10.9 million U.S. dollars, textile products worth of 76.7 million U.S. dollars, and industrial products worth of 22.9 million U.S. dollars were exported in the first three months of 1999.

The official noted that the exports of the animal products decreased by 10.8 percent, exports of cereals dropped by 42.1 percent and exports of nuts recessed by 23.7 percent while the exports of the textile increased by 14.3 percent and exports of the industrial products rose by 84.2 percent in the first three months of 1999 when compared with the figures of the same period in 1998.

[15] ASLAN, CHAIRMAN OF GTO: ''HAVING COMMERCIAL RELATIONS WITH IRAQ WILL REVIVE THE REGIONAL ECONOMY''

Aslan told A.A correspondent that the trade between Turkey and Iraq, which was one of the most important places where Turkey used to export before the Gulf Crisis and Gulf War, is being realized at the minumum level for more than eight years due to the embargo.

Defending that the cost of the embargo imposed on Iraq reaches 100 billion U.S dollars, Aslan claimed that the embargo is also being imposed on Turkey in this context.

Stressing that initiatives should effectively be carried out until the right given to Jordan is given to Turkey, Aslan stated that the UN and the allied forces should give a logical explanation about the reason of not giving the same right to Turkey, which is in the same condition with Jordan.

Emphasizing that not only the revenues from transit transportation from Kapikule Border Gate to Habur Border Gate, and the Kerkuk-Yumurtalik Oil Pipeline, but also the revenues of some service sectors including the hotels, buffets, repair shops, oil stations, souvenir shops and the spare part shops in the route from Kapikule to Habur decreased, Aslan said, ''thousands of people lost their jobs. The lorries which were bought to be used in exportation had to be parked and were left to decay.''

''While Turkey is facing economic problems during and after the Gulf Crisis, Jordan become rich by using a right which was not given to us. While Turkey tried to overcome the increasing amount of terrorism and the social problems arising from the economic problems in the region could not get the support which could ease her problems. To end this contradiction, the embargo should be lifted or Turkey should start having commercial relations with Iraq under the 50th article of the UN Charter as Jordan does,'' Aslan added.

[16] EXPORTS IN AUTOMOTIVE SECTOR INCREASES BY 27 PERCENT IN FIRST THREE MONTHS OF 1999

The exports in automobile sector, which was 41.8 million dollars in the first three months of 1998, reached 81,2 million dollars during the same period in 1999.

If Renault firm reaches its target of exporting ''at least 50,000'' cars and if TOFAS firm is successful in exporting ''Palio'' type cars at the desired level, the exports in automobiles will boom.

The increase of exports in tractors was the highest in the first three monts of 1999, the exports of tractors increased by 217 percent and it reached 8,4 million dollars.

The quantity of exports in the automotive sector realized in the first months of 1999 are as follows:

Goods Exports (Thousand dollars)

----- --------------------------
Tractor 8.425

Bus-midibus-minibus 81.922

Cars for animal 81.273

Vehicle for special aims 805

Work machines 1.212

Ships 23.288

Aerospatial vehicles 49.194

Railway cars 72

Bicycle, motorbike 3.537

Agricultural vehicle 812

Tank and armoured vehicle 3.277</PRE>

[17] AID FROM TURKISH FEDERATION OF BAKERS TO KOSOVARS

Yusuf Eksi told A.A correspondent that they are ready to do their best in order to help those refugees coming from Yugoslavia by the mediation of chambers in 80 provinces.

Noting that the basic need of the human beings is bread, Eksi said that ''we've applied to the Red Crescent in order to give bread to refugees coming from Yugoslavia to Turkey. We request the municipalities and Red Crescent to distribute breads. The teams organized by the Red Crescent can distribute bread to refugees. We wish to contribute the efforts to ease the human tragedy in Kosovo.''

[18] PRIME MINISTER ECEVIT : - ''TURKEY HAS PROVIDED SHELTER FOR 50 THOUSAND KOSOVANIANS''

Prime Minister Ecevit is expected to pay a visit to Kirklareli province and make observations in the camp-site prepared for refugees.

Responding to questions of journalists, Ecevit reminded that a total of 1 thousand 130 Kosovanian refugees were brought from Macedonia to Turkey by seven airplanes yesterday.

Noting that the Red Crescent will provide temporary housing opportunities for 20 thousand Kosovanian refugees both in Albania and in Macedonia, Ecevit told the reporters, ''Turkey has provided shelters for 50 thousand Kosovanian people on her territories, in Macedonia, and Albania.''

Noting that he held talks with the Office of General Staff early today, Ecevit stressed that there was not any resolution to send land forces.

Ecevit also added, ''the NATO plans to form a small military unit in order to contribute to the organization of the humanitarian aids in Albania. But it will not be a combatant unit.''

[19] CONTACTS OF GENERAL ATES, THE COMMANDER OF LAND FORCES, IN PEOPLE'S REPUBLIC OF CHINA

Addressing the meeting, Haotian said that further improvement of relations between Turkey which has a significant position between Europe and Asia, and People's Republic of China, one of the biggest developing countries of the world, will be beneficial for both countries.

Stressing that improvement of the relations will also assist the protection of regional peace and stability, Haotian expressed satisfaction over friendship and cooperation between two countries.

General Atilla Ates reminded that Turkey attributes great importance to the China's role in region and in the world.

He added that they aim at improving the cooperation between the armies of the two countries.

[20] ELECTION PROPAGANDA PERIOD AND BANS REGARDING THIS PERIOD TAKE EFFECT ON APRIL 8

The Higher Election Council (YSK) said that the parties can make election propaganda only as directed by Article 298 of the election law during the period between April 8 and one day before the election day.

During this period, administrations with a state budget, provincial private administrations, municipalities, and municipal institutions, and state economic enterprises cannot organize ceremonies, including foundation laying ceremonies. These institutions are not allowed to deliver propaganda speeches as well.

The Prime Minister, ministers, and deputies cannot go on propaganda trips by the official government vehicles. They also have to obey the election regulations in their election activities and speeches.

It is also not allowed to make group propagandas on main roads, public buildings, and mosques.

Meetings can be held on behalf of political parties or independent candidates in closed places except for mosques, schools, barracks, or other public buildings.

Usage of loudspeakers for propaganda reasons is allowed on the condition that it should not disturb the public and the loudspeakers should not be placed in mosques, barracks, or schoools. The law also bans the usage of Turkish flag and any religious symbols on the fliers or other printed material.

[21] EDITORS OF LEADING CERAMICS MAGAZINES ARRIVE IN TURKEY

The Directorate General of the Central Anatolia Exporters Unions issued a statement saying that the editors were invited to Turkey by the Ceramics Sector Promotion Committee.

Editors from Belgium, Hungary, Ukraine, France, Russia, Poland, Czech Republic, People's Republic of China, Finland, and Austria will be informed about the ceramics sector in Turkey during the visit.

The group will also visit the International Ceramics and Bathroom Products'99 Fair organized by the TUYAP.

Guest editors are scheduled to hold talks with representatives of the Turkish ceramics sector.

[22] PRIME MINISTER ECEVIT : - ''NATO PLANS TO FORM A SMALL MILITARY UNIT IN ORDER TO CONTRIBUTE TO THE ORGANIZATION OF THE HUMANITARIAN AIDS IN ALBANIA''

Addressing journalists, Prime Minister Ecevit reminded that a total of 1, 138 Kosovanian refugees were brought from Macedonia to Turkey by seven airplanes yesterday. He continued, ''one of the refugees died, five others were taken to the Corlu State Hospital for medical treatment.''

Noting that the Red Crescent will provide temporary housing opportunities for 20 thousand Kosovanian refugees both in Albania and in Macedonia, Ecevit told the reporters, ''Turkey has provided shelters for 50 thousand Kosovanian people on her territories, in Macedonia, and Albania.''

Stressing that a great deal of first aid equipment were sent to Macedonia yesterday by two military transport airplane, Prime Minister Ecevit added that rest of the equipments will be sent to the region by 13 lorries on Thursday.

Prime Minister Ecevit is expected to pay a visit to Kirklareli province and make observations in the camp-site prepared for refugees.

Noting that he held talks with the Office of General Staff early today, Ecevit stressed that there was not any resolution to send land forces.

Ecevit also added, ''the NATO plans to form a small military unit in order to contribute to the organization of the humanitarian aids in Albania. But it will not be a combatant unit. It is not clear yet whether or not Turkey will contribute to this unit.''

[23] TURKISH RED CRESCENT TEAM GOES TO ALBANIA TO BUILD TENT CITY FOR FIVE THOUSAND REFUGEES

Fatih Evren, the General Director of Red Crescent stated that their team will take 13 trucks of aid equipment for refugees who escaped the atrocities in Kosovo. Eight of these trucks are full of equipments donated by people.

Evren said 400 tents and 800 blankets have already been sent to Albania by a military plane. The Health Ministry also contributed to the Red Crescent team with two doctors, two nurses, and one ambulance which will form a small health unit in the tent city.

The financial worth of ten thousand tents, five thousand sleeping bags, two water tanks, one thousand kitchen sets, various kinds of food and medical equipments reach to 18 billion Turkish liras. Other equipments are worth of 157 billion Turkish liras.

Another team from Red Crescent will go to Macedonia within a few days to build a tent city with a capacity of five thousand people in Macedonia.

Saimir Baza, the Albanian Ambassador expressed gratitude for Turkish help and said, ''Albania will never forget Turkey.''

[24] TURKS DONATE TRUCK FULLS OF AID EQUIPMENT FOR KOSOVAR REFUGEES

On the other hand, Hasan Gemici, the State Minister stated that 100 billion Turkish Liras has been sent to the refugees to meet their most urgent needs from Social Help and Solidarity Fund. The financial aid sent for the Kosovars reach to 155 billion Turkish liras, including the 55 billion previously collected.

The Samsun Trade Stock Exchange (STB) also started a campaign and announced that they will send 25 trucks of food to the Kosovar refugees. Recep Sipahioglu, the Chairman of STB Administration Board said they want everybody to support this campaing to help ease the Kosova tragedy. The 25 trucks will leave within a few days.

[25] KOSOVO LETTER FROM DEMIREL TO CLINTON

President Suleyman Demirel sent a letter to Bill Clinton, the U.S. President, regarding the developments in Kosovo.

In the letter Demirel said: ''I would like to mention that we appreciate your resolved attitude on the issue of taking joint attitude against one of the most violent massacres in European history. I share your idea that the ideal to create a stable Europe within peace is an obligation we have undertaken against our children. This is what we do today.''

''I believe that we should urgently take measures to lighten the sorrows of those innocent people who suffer from the those crimes'' Demirel added.

In the letter Demirel pointed out that ''Turkish Republic, on April 4, 1999 announced to the whole world that it is ready to accept 20.000 immigrants to Turkey. I hope this step will be followed by other ally countries.''

Demirel said ''Nevertheless, this humane step should not be understood as a support to the evil intentions of Belgrade regime to eradicate Kosovars from Kosovo. The things which they do in Kosovo will not be left unpunished. Milosevic should know that the murderers will account for what they did and Kosovars will return to their houses without fear.''

Demirel also said ''We should carry out our efforts against this inhumane violence in solidarity. The foundation principle of NATO is the preservation of freedoms. This is a holy goal. NATO, which is the last hope of millions of people who long for freedom, should carry out its strong and resolved attitude to fulfil its goal wholly.

[26] GEORGIAN CHIEF OF GENERAL STAFF IN ANKARA

Gen. John Pirtshalaisvili, Georgian Chief of General Staff and Minister of Defense, visited Turk.

Turk responded to the questions of reporters before the meeting.

When asked ''you have said in your statement made in the Black Sea Trabzon province that 30,000 soldiers will go to Kosovo border. This statement was not confirmed by Prime Minister Bulent Ecevit'', Turk said ''my statements should not be misunderstood. I said a 30,000 people peace force will be formed if solution is found to Kosovo question and that Turkey will attend this force with a batallion. An 12,000 people force has already been deployed in Macedonia.''

[27] OPENING OF MARAS TO KOSOVON IMMIGRANTS - TRNC FOREIGN MINISTRY TO LAUNCH INITIATIVES TO THE U.N.

Responding to the questions of reporters Denktas said ''There are people suffering in the middle of civilized Europe in winter. We may shelter 200- 300 of those people. We propose empty buildings in Maras to be repaired quickly and to shelter some of those people there.''

Denktas said he talked to Dervis Eroglu, the TRNC Prime Minister, in this respect and wanted Foreign Ministry to launch an initiative to the U.N. to this end.

Denktas pointed out that Kosovon immigrants can be brought to TRNC with planes belonging to the U.N. and U.S., adding that TRNC can sent a plane. ''Our people annouce that they may shelter those people in their houses till the houses in Maras are repaired. We can also host some of them in the hotels.''

Denktas said ''if there is a problem about Maras, it should be discussed when the problem is solved politically. We don't listen to those oppositions. Authorities and rights of Greek Cypriots end in our borders. We are authorized in our borders.''

[28] FOREIGN MINISTRY DENIES NEWS REPORT OF ANA: ''TURKEY IS NOT UNDER PRESSURE OF THE U.S. TO ACCEPT KOSOVON IMMIGRANTS''

A Foreign Ministry statement, speaking about the news report of ANA, which was attributed to Yorgo Papandreu, Greek Foreign Minister, said ''it is clear that this is an unreal and intentional news report. Turkey does not act under the pressure of a country. Turkey acts with the conscious of humanity and proud to help to Kosovars. Turkey will continue help as far as it can and will make self sacrifice.''

The statement also noted that the allegation that a telephone line was established between Turkish and Greek Foreign Ministers was ''Unreal''.

Foreign Ministry statement said ''Greek Foreign Minister called our Foreign Minister on the phone for three times and the talks were limited with the humane part of Kosovo question. The news report which appeared in Greek media proves that several circles in Greece try to expoit the issues against Turkey, which should be discussed with the most humane feelings.''

[29] PRIME MINISTER ECEVIT: ''LIVING OF KOSOVON ALBANIANS UNDER SERBIAN ADMINISTRATION FROM NOW ON SEEMS TO ME IMPOSSIBLE''

Ecevit arrived in NTV's studios to participate in ''Lary King-Live'' program that will be broadcasted in CNN at 04:00 in local time.

Responding to a question how he evaluated unilateral ceasefire of Serbs that was announced because of Easter, Ecevit said he did not know the details at that moment, adding that ''what will be the position of the Kosovars, that is important.''

''Will they be able to return to their houses in security? A new arrangement should be done. I mean there is not a problem that can be solved with the ceasefire'' Ecevit pointed out.

When a journalist said NATO did not find the ceasefire serious, Ecevit said ''I also say the same thing. The important thing is the position of Kosovo afterwards. What will be its status? A just solution should be found which will give certain assurances to Kosovars. Otherwise, the ceasefire will be meaningless.''

[30] TRNC PARLIAMENT CONDEMNS SERBIAN CRUELTY

The decision proposal, which was taken with the confirmation of all the parties, called on Serbian administration to peace.

The decision expressed the anger felt over the ethnic cleansing policy which was started by Serbian leadership in Bosnia-Herzegovina and continued in Kosovo. The decision called on Serbian leadership to put an end to barbarous actions.

The decision also called on international community to intensify its initiatives to transport humanitarian aid to the ones who were forced to leave their houses, and demanded return of Kosovon immigrants to be provided.

The decision defined decision of Greek Cypriot side Representatives assembly, which supported Serbs, as ''shameful for humanity'' and condemned all the initiatives and activities of Greek Cypriot side expending support to the Serbian murderers.

Pointing out that Turkish Cypriot people suffered the same sorrows a short time ago, the decision said Turkish Cypriot people were ready to do their best and expend every kind of aid and support to Kosovars.

Meanwhile, it was reported that the interest shown to the humanitarian aid campaign, opened in TRNC, increases gradually.

A.A

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