Anadolu Agency: News in English, 99-04-24

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AA Daily

24 April 1999 Saturday

CONTENTS

[01] TURKEY-PRESS SCAN

[02] PRIME MINISTER ECEVIT LEAVES FOR TRNC

[03] PRESIDENT DEMIREL MEETS WITH CLINTON, THE U.S. PRESIDENT

[04] CANCELLATION OF LICENCE OF MED-TV - FOREIGN MINISTRY WELCOMES THE DECISION

[05] TURKEY-EU DISPUTE - POSITIVE DEVELOPMENT IN OVERCOMING DISPUTE IN NATO SUMMIT

[06] PRESIDENT DEMIREL SPEAKS TO CNN: ''THERE IS A SERIOUS PROBLEM IN FRONT OF NATO, LIKE THE KOSOVO QUESTION''

[07] EU EXPECTS ''TOLERANCE AND SUPPORT'' FROM TURKEY

[08] DEMIREL MEETS WITH CLINTON - CLINTON, THE U.S. PRESIDENT, THANKS TO DEMIREL DUE TO THE DETERMINED ROLE TURKEY PLAYED ON KOSOVO QUESTION

[09] COMMENTS OF DENKTAS, TRNC PRESIDENT, IN ''THE WASHINGTON TIMES'' - DENKTAS SETS UP A PARALLELISM BETWEEN KOSOVO AND NORTHERN CYPRUS

[10] POSITIVE DEVELOPMENT IN DEMIREL-BLAIR MEETING - TURKEY AND BRITAIN TO ISSUE A JOINT STATEMENT ON EUROPEAN DEFENSE IDENTITY

[11] SEA STAR 99 MANOEUVRE - ONE SUBMARINE, TWO FRIGATES AND THREE ASSAULT BOATS ANCHORED AT VARNA HARBOUR

[12] PRESIDENT DEMIREL HOLDS A COMPREHENSIVE MEETING WITH CLINTON

[13] PRESIDENT DEMIREL IN WASHINGTON - DEMIREL: ''THE STATEMENT ADOPTED DURING NATO SUMMIT REGARDING KOSOVO, REVEALS DETERMINATION OF THE ALLIANCE TOWARDS KOSOVO ONCE AGAIN''

[14] TALAY, CULTURE MINISTER, ARRIVES IN U.S. - TALAY TO ATTEND CEREMONY HELD FOR THE TRANSFER OF ELMALI TREASURIES AND FIVE PANELS OF ULU MOSQUE

[01] TURKEY-PRESS SCAN

HURRIYET (LIBERAL)

LAST AIRBUS OF THY ARRIVES IN TURKEY
The sixth airbus of Turkish Airlines (THY) arrived in Turkey. The airbus which is named ''Hakkari'' was brought from France by Oktay Oztekin, Deputy Director General who is responsible from flight management. Thus, the number of aircrafts in THY fleet reached 63.

MILLIYET (LIBERAL)

ELECTIONS ENDS AND PRICES OF GOODS INCREASES
The Monopoly (TEKEL) increased the prices of its goods by 8 to 20 percent on Friday. Thus, the price of one bottle of Raki increased to 1,425,000 Turkish liras.

CREDIT CARDS NOW IN TAXIS
The banks allocated credit card machines to the taxis in Istanbul. Thus, the difficulty in finding coins ended in the taxis.

SABAH (LIBERAL) 50TH VICTORY ANNIVERSARY OF NATO
President Suleyman Demirel, who is paying a visit to the U.S. for the celebration of the 50th anniversary of NATO, had the opportunity to meet with the leaders of the member countries. President Demirel said that there is a big problem like the Kosovo dispute in front of NATO this year.

BAHCELI, LEADER OF MHP, AGAINST GOVERNMENT FORMULAS EXCLUDING DSP
Devlet Bahceli, the leader of Nationalist Movement Party (MHP), said that the approach of Bulent Ecevit, the leader of the Democratic Left Party (DSP), noting that he finds Bahceli mild will help the parties understand each other and have a compromise. Bahceli noted that he is against a government formula which does not include DSP.

CUMHURIYET (LEFT) NEGATIVE RESPONSE FROM ECEVIT TO MHP
Bulent Ecevit, leader of Democratic Left Party (DSP), broke his silence upon the statements of Nationalist Movement Party (MHP) administrators who said they opposed to the eight years compulsory education. Ecevit said ''it is too late for some discussions, and too early for some others.'' Ecevit also said Turkey will not remain without government.

ITC REVOKES MED TV�S LICENCE
The British Independent Television Commission (ITC) served a notice on Friday revoking the licence of satellite channel MED-TV, the mouthpiece of the terrorist organization PKK. The notice takes effect in 28 days, as the statute requires. The service meanwhile remains suspended. Med TV�s licence was suspended on 22 March by the ITC under Section 45A of the 1990 Broadcasting Act, following four broadcasts which included inflammatory statements encouraging acts of violence in Turkey and elsewhere.

RADIKAL (LEFT)

A BOMBER CAPTURED
A bomber who was a member of the terrorist organization PKK and who wanted to turn the April 23 Children Festival celebrations into a bloodshed, was captured in Istanbul. Seven hand grenades and one gun was also seized in the operations.

YEN� Y�ZYIL (LIBERAL)

ULUGBAY TO GIVE STABILITY MESSAGE TO IMF
Hikmet Ulugbay, Deputy Prime Minister, who arrived in Washington to participate in spring term meetings of International Monetary Fund (IMF) and World Bank, will give the ''political-economic stability'' message to international finance circles.

T�RK�YE (RIGHT)

MHP'S PROGRAM IS READY
The projects prepared by the Nationalist Movement Party (MHP), the suprise party of the elections, in the fields of education, culture, economy, religious services and Institution of Higher Education (YOK), will be put into practice one by one if they come to ruling.

ZAMAN (CONSERVATIVE)

ITC REVOKES MED TV�S LICENCE
The British Independent Television Commission (ITC) served a notice on Friday revoking the licence of satellite channel MED-TV, the mouthpiece of the terrorist organization PKK. The notice takes effect in 28 days, as the statute requires. The service meanwhile remains suspended. Med TV�s licence was suspended on 22 March by the ITC under Section 45A of the 1990 Broadcasting Act, following four broadcasts which included inflammatory statements encouraging acts of violence in Turkey and elsewhere.

[02] PRIME MINISTER ECEVIT LEAVES FOR TRNC

Speaking to reporters in his arrival to TRNC's Ercan airport Ecevit said it was a private visit and that he will meet with Rauf Denktas, TRNC President, and will get information about the developments on Cyprus question.

Ecevit said they will evaluate the level of economic relations between the two countries and discuss expectations of TRNC from Turkey.

Ecevit said he will stay in TRNC for some days. Sukru Sina Gurel, Minister of State accompanies Ecevit during the visit.

[03] PRESIDENT DEMIREL MEETS WITH CLINTON, THE U.S. PRESIDENT

Diplomatic sources did not issue a statement so far regarding the meeting.

Clinton, the U.S. President, also held bilateral meeting with Kostas Simitis, the Greek Prime Minister.

Meanwhile, it was also reported that Simitis held a brief meeting with President Suleyman Demirel whom he met following his meeting with the U.S. President Clinton.

[04] CANCELLATION OF LICENCE OF MED-TV - FOREIGN MINISTRY WELCOMES THE DECISION

A Foreign Ministry statement said that it welcomed the right and correct decision of ITC although it is a late decision.

The statement noted that the Ministry expects that this responsible stance and understanding will constitute an example for the other European countries where the similar situations are faced.

The British Independent Television Commission (ITC) served a notice revoking the licence of satellite channel MED-TV, the mouthpiece of the terrorist organization PKK.

The notice takes effect in 28 days, as the statute requires. The service meanwhile remains suspended. Med TV�s licence was suspended on 22 March by the ITC under Section 45A of the 1990 Broadcasting Act, following four broadcasts which included inflammatory statements encouraging acts of violence in Turkey and elsewhere. These were judged by the ITC as ''likely to encourage or incite to crime or lead to disorder''. This is against UK law, as set out in the 1990 and 1996 Broadcasting Acts.

[05] TURKEY-EU DISPUTE - POSITIVE DEVELOPMENT IN OVERCOMING DISPUTE IN NATO SUMMIT

Diplomatic sources told A.A correspondent that the bargainings on the issue continue but that the point the parties reached today is better than the earlier ones.

The ESDI initiative which was formed by the EU countries, especially Britain, France and Germany, foresees giving new roles to the EU in the defense of Europe. Within this framework, the EU wants to mobilize the power and opportunities of NATO authomatically in some cases which it considers as necessary. However, Turkey, which is not a member of the EU, opposes to this initiative since she will be excluded by the EU in such a case.

Turkey, which indirectly participates in the decision-making organs of the West European Union (WEU), which is in the position of the defense field of the EU at the moment since she is a member of NATO, does not want to be in a worse situation but warns the members that she will use her right to veto within the auspices of NATO in a negative development.

How and in what way the Turkish-EU dispute which was the most problematic issue in the Washington summit of NATO, can be solved will be clarified on Saturday.

[06] PRESIDENT DEMIREL SPEAKS TO CNN: ''THERE IS A SERIOUS PROBLEM IN FRONT OF NATO, LIKE THE KOSOVO QUESTION''

Speaking to CNN television President Suleyman Demirel said they came to Washington D.C. to celebrate 50th anniversary of the foundation of NATO.

Demirel said ''there is a serious problem in front of NATO. That is Kosovo. There is an ongoing human crime in Kosovo'', adding that NATO intervened because that was the joint decision of the ally countries.

Noting that this summit proved that NATO was in unity and solidarity, President Demirel said every country and nation approached the problem from the same point of view.

Demirel pointed out that ''NATO should be successful and will be successful.''

Responding to a question about the air operation of NATO against Yugoslavia, Demirel said ''This is a war. You can not get a result from the war whenever you want. This will take time.''

Demirel said during the NATO summit which took place in Washington they did not take up the issue of sending land troops to Kosovo. Demirel said ''nobody proposed sending land troops to the region so far.''

Demirel noted that they decided to follow the same path following the information given by the military officials. Responding to a question if Turkey would contribute to the land troops that will be send to Kosovo, Demirel said ''Turkey is a respectable member of NATO, We believe in the views of NATO. We have confidence in NATO. We have fulfilled every decision of the Alliance since 1952, thetime we became a member.''

Pointing out that the government will decide to send soldiers to Kosovo, Demirel said Turkey has air and naval forces within the context of NATO's air operation against Yugoslavia.

Demirel said Turkey will not oppose if NATO decides that land forces are needed.

Responding to a question how oil embargo application will be implemented against Yugoslavia, Demirel said ''people will know how to do it when they want to implement it.''

When asked if Turkey was ready to take more refugees, Demirel said ''Yes'', adding that ''we have 10,000 refugees at the moment. We will accept 10,000 others. We have a camp in Albania for 10,000 refugees. There is also another camp in Macedonia for 10,000 refugees.'' Demirel also pointed out that there is a human tragedy in the region.

Recalling that he visited Albania and Macedonia 10 days ago, Demirel said ''I have seen the tragedy. There are 300,000 refugees in Albania and 100, 000 in Macedonia. They live under very hard conditions. International community should extend aid to those people. I am calling on the international community to help those poor people.''

[07] EU EXPECTS ''TOLERANCE AND SUPPORT'' FROM TURKEY

Cook held a briefing with George Robertson, British Defense Minister, in Washington D.C. within the framework of the 50th anniversary celebrations of NATO.

Responding to a question on what the position of the countries which are not the members of the EU, including Turkey and Norway, will be in the European security and defense identity; Cook noted that they will welcome the full support and participation of these countries in the European security identity.

Cook added that they do not only want the tolerance of these countries but the support of them in their initiative.

Stressing that they set up a dialogue with the related countries on this issue, Cook stated that nobody should feel himself under threat due to their initiative.

[08] DEMIREL MEETS WITH CLINTON - CLINTON, THE U.S. PRESIDENT, THANKS TO DEMIREL DUE TO THE DETERMINED ROLE TURKEY PLAYED ON KOSOVO QUESTION

Sermet Atacanli, Foreign Ministry Deputy Spokesman, said Clinton held meetings with three statesmen namely, President Suleyman Demirel, Jacques Chirac, the French President and Costas Simitis, the Greek Prime Minister.

Atacanli said situation in Kosovo, bilateral relations between Turkey and the U.S., cooperation in struggle against terrorism, the Balkans, Caucasia, pipelines, the Middle East peace process, Iraq, Turkish-Greek relations and Cyprus question were discussed during the meeting between Demirel and Clinton.

President Demirel mentioned about the importance of revealing NATO's determination regarding Kosovo in the summit and stressed that ethnic cleasing in Kosovo should be ended and the refugees, who were forced to leave their houses, should be provided to return. Demirel said NATO should be successful and pointed out that NATO should preserve its esteem and that it was vital to get a result till winter by taking into consideration the position of the refugees.

In the meeting the U.S. President Clinton thanked to President Demirel due to the resolved role Turkey played on Kosovo question and the personal attitude Demirel presented to this end.

Noting that NATO will conclude the work it started, Clinton said a bloody handed dictator like Milosevic will not be allowed to form a threat on the mutual values of Europe.

Demirel said Turkey also appreciated the resolved attitude of the U.S. on the issue of international cooperation in struggle against terrorism, and expressed regret over the support expended by Greece, a neighbouring and ally country, to terrorism.

Meanwhile, it was reported that a bilateral private meeting did not take place between Demirel and Simitis, as it was claimed in Greek media. Atacanli, Foreign Ministry Deputy Spokesman, said the two leaders held a very brief talk during the meetings but did not discuss any issue.

Ismail Cem, Foreign Minister, held a meeting with Boris Sihmuradov, Turkmenistan's Foreign Minister, in the first day of NATO summit and evaluated latest developments regarding Turkmen gas project.

[09] COMMENTS OF DENKTAS, TRNC PRESIDENT, IN ''THE WASHINGTON TIMES'' - DENKTAS SETS UP A PARALLELISM BETWEEN KOSOVO AND NORTHERN CYPRUS

Making a comment in the article, Denktas noted that the thing that the U.S. and the NATO do today in Yugoslavia resembles the Turkish peace operation on Cyprus in 1974.

Denktas stated that the Kosovar Albanians try to protect themselves from the ethnical cleansing and genocide by the help of NATO and the U.S., like Turkey saved the Turkish Cypriots from the ethnical cleansing and genocide of the Greek Cypriots.

Denktas recalled that Archbishop Makarios, the leader of the Greek Cypriot side in 1963, tried to take the rights of the Turks living on the Island and to eliminate them; like Slobodan Milosevic, the leader of Yugoslavia, is doing now.

[10] POSITIVE DEVELOPMENT IN DEMIREL-BLAIR MEETING - TURKEY AND BRITAIN TO ISSUE A JOINT STATEMENT ON EUROPEAN DEFENSE IDENTITY

Sermet Atacanli, the Foreign Ministry Deputy Spokesman, said that Demirel told Blair that Turkey welcomed the cancellation of the sattellite licence of Med-tv, which is the broadcasting organ of terrorist organization PKK.

Responding the questions of the journalists, Atacanli noted that Demirel told Blair that Turkey is not against the European Security and Defense Identity in principle but that this position of the draft will cause a loss in Turkey, which is not a member of the European Union (EU).

Atacanli stated that Blair said that Turkey is right in her worries and uneasiness and gave an instruction to his delegation that it should launch joint efforts with the Turkish delegation to remove the worries and uneasiness of Turkey.

This stance of Blair increased the possibility of solving this dispute. The initiative of the EU countries, especially Britain, France and Germany, foresees that the EU will be imposed a new and special role in the defense of Europe.

This initiative of the EU countries plans using the power and the opportunities of NATO authomatically in the mission which the EU considers as appropriate. However, in case this draft is adopted, Turkey will not be included in this process since she is not a member of the EU. To this end, Ankara government defends the view that the ratification of NATO is necessary in the EU's initiative of using the opportunities of NATO in order to maintain the control.

Atacanli stressed that Turkey disclosed her uneasiness to the EU on this inititative in the level of her high-ranking authorities, adding that her contacts with Norway and Iceland, which are the members of NATO but not the members of the EU, are underway.

Atacanli emphasized that Blair gave information to Demirel about the closure of Med-tv, the broadcasting organ of the terrorist organization of PKK, by the British Independent Television Council (ITC), adding that Demirel expressed the pleasure of Turkey on the cancellation of the broadcasts of Med-tv, which incited people to crimes.

Demirel and Blair evaluated the latest developments in Kosovo issue and Northern Iraq but that the Cyprus issue was not discussed in the meeting.

The bargainings on the European Security and Defense Identity are expected to continue until the very last moment of the Washington summit of NATO while the parties should have a full agreement to include the issue in the final joint statement.

[11] SEA STAR 99 MANOEUVRE - ONE SUBMARINE, TWO FRIGATES AND THREE ASSAULT BOATS ANCHORED AT VARNA HARBOUR

''Atilay'' submarine, ''Ege''and ''Adatepe'' frigates and ''Gurbet'', ''Firtina'' and ''Yildiz'' assault boats anchored at Varna Harbour of Bulgaria on Friday.

Turkish war planes will stay in Varna harbour till Monday and will leave for Romania afterwards.

Command cadres of Turkish war planes will visit military installations belonging to Bulgarian Naval Forces.

[12] PRESIDENT DEMIREL HOLDS A COMPREHENSIVE MEETING WITH CLINTON

Presidential Press Center statement said situation in Kosovo, bilateral relations between Turkey and the U.S., cooperation in struggle against terrorism, the Balkans, Caucasia, pipelines, the Middle East peace process, Iraq, Turkish-Greek relations and Cyprus question were discussed during the meeting between Demirel and Clinton.

President Demirel mentioned about the importance of revealing NATO's determination regarding Kosovo in the summit and stressed that ethnic cleasing in Kosovo should be ended and the refugees, who were forced to leave their houses, should be provided to return safely. Demirel said NATO should be successful and pointed out that NATO should preserve its esteem and that it was vital to get a result till winter by taking into consideration the position of the refugees.

In the meeting the U.S. President Clinton thanked to President Demirel due to the resolved role Turkey played on Kosovo question and the personal attitude Demirel presented to this end.

Noting that NATO will conclude the work it started, Clinton said a bloody handed dictator like Milosevic will not be allowed to form a threat on the mutual values of Europe.

Demirel said Turkey also appreciated the resolved attitude of the U.S. on the issue of international cooperation in struggle against terrorism, and expressed regret over the support expended by Greece, a neighbouring and ally country, to terrorism.

Presidential Press Center said the two Presidents held beneficial and fruitful talks on other issues taken up during the meeting.

[13] PRESIDENT DEMIREL IN WASHINGTON - DEMIREL: ''THE STATEMENT ADOPTED DURING NATO SUMMIT REGARDING KOSOVO, REVEALS DETERMINATION OF THE ALLIANCE TOWARDS KOSOVO ONCE AGAIN''

Presidential Press Center statement said Demirel received Tony Blair, British Prime Minister, following ceremonies held for the 50th anniversary of the foundation of NATO, adding that ''situation in Kosovo, bilateral relations between Turkey and Britain, cooperation in struggle against terrorism, Iraq and European Security and Defense Identity were discussed during the meeting.

The statement said President Demirel, during the meeting, pointed out that the statement adopted during NATO summit revealed the determination of the Alliance regarding Kosovo question and that NATO should be successful in Kosovo. Demirel also stressed that ethnic cleasing in Kosovo should be ended and the refugees, who were forced to leave their houses, should be provided to return.

According to the statement, Blair, British Prime Minister, attributed importance to the role of Turkey on Kosovo question and its contributions to the realization of NATO operation in a successful way. Blair said they appreciated personal role of President Demirel and that Milosevic should not have doubt that NATO will succeed on this issue.

The statement said Blair also mentioned about European Security and Defense Identity concept, adding that President Demirel pointed out that European Security and Defense Identity should be developed within NATO and that Turkey should be included in both decision mechanisms and application mechanisms of this formation. Demirel also noted that they expected the support of Britain to conclude the issue in a way that can overcome the concerns of all sides.

Presidential Press Center statement said Blair, British Prime Minister, said he was in the same opinion with Turkey that European Security and Defense Identity should be realized within NATO structure. Noting that he could understand Turkey's views that Turkey should have equal rights in decision and application mechanisms of this new formation, Blair said he will give required directives to their own authorities to conclude the summit with an understanding that can overcome Turkey's concerns.

The statement also said President Demirel told Blair that Turkey welcomed the cancellation of the satellite licence of Med-tv, which is the broadcasting organ of terrorist organization PKK and mentioned about the importance of international cooperation in struggle against terrorism. Blair in his part said Britain will fulfil its responsibilities to this end and will be in cooperation with Turkey.

The statement said British Prime Minister said he will pay an official visit to Turkey soon.

[14] TALAY, CULTURE MINISTER, ARRIVES IN U.S. - TALAY TO ATTEND CEREMONY HELD FOR THE TRANSFER OF ELMALI TREASURIES AND FIVE PANELS OF ULU MOSQUE

Addressing a statement prior to his departure from Ataturk Airport, Talay noted that Turkey has been struggling against the most wealthy groups of the U.S. for over a decade to get the Elmali Treasuries and recalled that Turkey had the opportunity to get back this cultural wealth in the end of the trial on this issue.

Talay stated that this result carries great importance for the transfer of the historical wealth and values of Turkey which were smuggled abroad throught illegal ways.

Stressing that they have agreed upon the transfer of one of the five panels of Ulu Mosque which were smuggled abroad to Turkey in the end of their initiatives, Talay thanked the U.S. government for helping Turkey on this issue.

Talay said, ''our government is protecting all the historical and cultural wealth of Anatolia without regarding to which historical period they belong. Our efforts will continue.

A.A

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