Anadolu Agency: News in English, 99-09-08

Anadolu Agency: News in English Directory - Previous Article - Next Article

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

AA Daily

08 Sept 1999 Wednesday

CONTENTS

[01] TURKEY-PRESS SCAN

[02] GOKALP, AGRICULTURE AND RURAL AFFAIRS MINISTER, IN ISRAEL - GOKALP: ''THE INFRASTRUCTURE FOR THE IMPROVEMENT OF THE AGRICULTURAL COOPERATION BETWEEN TURKEY AND ISRAEL IS PRESENT''

[03] ''ESDI AND TURKISH DEFENSE INDUSTRY'' MEETING IN NATO - AMBASSADOR OYMEN: ''TURKEY'S NOT BEING OUT OF THE DEVELOPMENTS IN DEFENSE INDUSTRY FIELD IS IMPORTANT''

[04] FREE TRADE AGREEMENT BETWEEN TURKEY AND MACEDONIA - TURKEY TO LIFT CUSTOMS TAXS IN INDUSTRIAL PRODUCTS IN PARALLEL WITH EU TARIFFS OF THESE PRODUCTS WHEN AGREEMENT TAKES EFFECT

[05] PRESIDENT DEMIREL: ''WE ARE STILL IN PAIN DUE TO QUAKE, BUT WE CAN'T GIVE UP LOOKING AT THE FUTURE''

[06] PRIME MINISTRY CRISIS ADMINISTRATION CENTER STATEMENT: - ''A TOTAL OF 139 TENT-SITES, INCLUDING 22 IN KOCAELI, 37 IN SAKARYA, 14 IN YALOVA, 22 IN GOLCUK, AND 44 IN BOLU HAVE BEEN SET UP UNTIL TODAY''

[07] GOKALP, AGRICULTURE AND RURAL AFFAIRS MINISTER, COMPLETES HIS CONTACTS IN ISRAEL

[08] INGUSHETIA GIVES 100,000 DOLLARS FOR QUAKE VICTIMS IN TURKEY

[09] DENKTAS, TRNC PRESIDENT: ''I WILL TELL ANNAN THAT THE CONDITIONS TO MEET CLERIDES ARE NOT PRESENT AND THAT MEETING HELD UNPREPARED WILL WORSEN THE PRESENT SITUATION''

[10] PRESIDENT DEMIREL RESPONDS TO QUESTIONS: ''I AM NOT IN A POSITION TO RESPOND TO CHIEF JUSTICE OF SUPREME COURT OF APPEALS''

[11] WORLD BANK AID TO TURKEY - WOLFENSOHN, PRESIDENT OF WORLD BANK: - ''WORLD BANK PREPARED ONE BILLION U.S. DOLLAR AID PACKAGE FOR TURKEY''

[12] STATE MINISTER IRTEMCELIK'S STATEMENT TO A.A - ''NOW, THERE IS NOT A SINGLE MISSING CARD ON THE TABLE BEFORE THE FORTHCOMING EU SUMMIT''

[13] RED CRESCENT HOLDS CONTACTS WITH VARIOUS COUNTRIES FOR PURCHASE OF 20, 000 TENTS WHICH COMPLY WITH INTERNATIONAL STANDARTS

[14] PRESIDENT DENKTAS OF TRNC: ''WE DO NOT HAVE TO ADOPT POSITION ACCORDING TO THE U.S.'' - ''I DO NOT SIT AT A NEGOTIATION TABLE WITH AN AUTHORITY CALLED CYPRUS GOVERNMENT''

[15] GREEK CHARGE D'AFFAIRES NOT PARTICIPATE IN DENKTAS' CONFERENCE AS CSIS USES TITLE OF ''PRESIDENT'' FOR TRNC PRESIDENT DENKTAS

[16] ATAK, MTA DIRECTOR GENERAL SAYS RESEARCH OF SISMIK-1 CAN END THIS WEEKEND

[17] MTA PREPARES ''PRELIMINARY OBSERVATION AND EVALUATION REPORT'' FOLLOWING MASSIVE QUAKE

[18] PREMIER ECEVIT: ''IT WAS REVEALED THAT THE REACTIONS OF SOME CIRCLES AGAINST THE SOCIAL SECURITY LAW WERE INAPPROPRIATE''

[19] U.S. ASSISTANT STATE SECRETARY AND U.S. PRESIDENT'S SPECIAL REPRESENTATIVE TO CYPRUS VISIT TRNC PRESIDENT DENKTAS

[20] FM CEM TO PARTICIPATE IN YALTA SUMMIT

[21] TURKISH CHIEF CONSULATE IN DUBAI COLLECTS 50,000 U.S. DOLLARS FOR SURVIVORS

[22] EARTHQUAKE IN ATHENS - ATACANLI, DEPUTY SPOKESMAN OF THE FM, EXPRESSES DEEP SORROW AT EARTHQUAKE IN NEIGHBOURING GREECE

[23] VURAL OGER, CHAIRMAN OF OGER TOUR EXECUTIVE BOARD, SPEAKS TO CNN: ''TURKEY IS A PART OF EUROPE''

[24] NUMBER OF COUNTRIES SENDING AID TO TURKEY, INCREASES TO 85

[25] COUNCIL OF EUROPE TO DISCUSS GRANTING BACK POLITICAL RIGHTS OF PERINCEK, FORMER LEADER OF WORKERS' PARTY

[26] PRIME MINISTER ECEVIT: - ''CONCESSION IS OUT OF QUESTION DURING MY VISIT TO U.S.'' - ''WE ARE DETERMINED TO DO OUT UTMOST TO HEAL GREECE'S WOUNDS''

[27] RELATIONS BETWEEN TURKEY AND THE EU - FOREIGN MINISTER CEM TO EXPLAIN WORKS AFTER QUAKE DISASTER, AND THE TURKEY-EU RELATIONS IN BRUSSELS

[28] MANAVGAT WATER PROJECT - FM: ''THE NECESSSARY INFRASTRUCTURAL WORKS FOR PROVIDING POTABLE WATER FROM MANAVGAT BROOK ARE COMPLETED''

[29] HUNGARIAN-TURKISH TRADE CHAMBER AWARDS MEMBERS OF THE HUNGARIAN SEARCH AND RESCUE TEAMS

[30] WESTON, U.S. COORDINATOR TO CYPRUS, IN ANKARA - GUREL, STATE MINISTER, RECEIVES WESTON

[31] INTERIOR MINISTRY PREPARES A DIRECTIVE REGARDING MANAGEMENT OF TENT SITES

[32] TURK, MINISTER OF JUSTICE: ''TURKEY WILL FURTHER IMPROVE ITS LEGAL REFORMS WHILE ENTERING TO 21ST CENTURY''

[33] THE U.S: ''WE WILL NOT GIVE UP DIPLOMACY EASILY IN CYPRUS''

[34] DENKTAS, TRNC PRESIDENT: ''THE ONLY WAY IS THE SHUTTLE DIPLOMACY''

[01] TURKEY-PRESS SCAN

HURRIYET (LIBERAL)

CEM PHONES FIRST
Foreign Minister Ismail Cem, was the first minister who phoned Papandreu, his Greek counterpart following the earthquake that hit Greece yesterday. Cem told him that ''we are with you and we are ready to help.'' President Suleyman Demirel and Premier Bulent Ecevit also sent messages to Greece due to the quake.

MILLIYET (LIBERAL)

BAHCELI ALSO SUPPORTS IDEA OF NEW CONSTITUTION
Firstly, the Chairman of the Supreme Court of Appeals mentioned the need of a new constitution, the same day Premier Bulent Ecevit told Milliyet that time has come to change the Constitution. Devlet Bahceli, the deputy leader of the Nationalist Movement Party (MHP) said yesterday that he wishes a constitution which is based on national reconciliation.

SABAH (LIBERAL)

ECEVIT TO GET RESULTS FROM HIS VISIT TO U.S
Premier Bulent Ecevit is preparing for his visit to the U.S. The visit will start on September 26 and the most important trump card of Turkey in this visit will be the respect of Premier Ecevit. The free trade model proposed by Madeleine Albright, the U.S. State Secretary will also come to the agenda of Clinton-Ecevit meeting. The model which was firstly implemented in Jordan, provides entrance of goods produced in one region of Turkey to the U.S. without duties and quotas.

CUMHURIYET (LEFT)

Foreign Minister Ismail Cem is expected to make long and impressive remarks at the EU General Affairs Council meeting.

ECEVIT TO MEET WITH IMF
The conditions of the stand-by with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) will be determined during the Prime Minister's visit to the U.S. at the end of this month. The structural accordance loans of the World Bank will also be discussed within the framework of the Prime Minister's talks with the IMF.

RADIKAL (LEFT)

CRIMINALS POWERFUL
The contractor which constructed the illegal floor of Omur hospital belonging to Ersoy Ozcan from Nationalist Movement Party (MHP) and the owners of the hospital are free, but the two engineers who warned the officials that the hospital was not constructed legally, are in prison.

T�RK�YE (RIGHT)

FORMER DEPUTY OF BANNED RP PUT INTO PRISON
Hasan Huseyin Ceylan, a former deputy of the closed Welfare Party (RP), was put into the Cubuk Prison to serve his one-year imprisonment sentence.

CELLULAR PHONE KILLS MHP DEPUTY
Kadir Gormez, a Nationalist Movement Party (MHP) deputy from Kutahya, was killed in a traffic accident when the brake-system of his car was locked by his cellular phone which he was talking while driving.

SENSITIVE DISCUSSION
The remarks of Sami Selcuk saying, ''the Constitution must be changed and a reform in law should be made,'' led to a new discussion. Almost every circle from the politicians to the non-governmental organizations, thinks that the remarks of Selcuk should be taken into consideration. President Suleyman Demirel said, ''his remarks should be considered important.''

ZAMAN (CONSERVATIVE)

Many Supreme Court of Appeals members conveyed messages to Selcuk saying, ''we congratulate you for this dignified statement.'' The leading academicians and jurists stressed that the statement of Selcuk was a manifest of democracy.

ECEVIT: ''CONCRETE STEPS ARE COMING''
Prime Minister has been extending the greatest support to Chief Justice Sami Selcuk of the Supreme Court of Appeals since his striking remarks. Recalling the important amendments they made, the Prime Minister said the Parliament can function as a constituent assembly. The opposition promised to support the government's preparations for a change. A Virtue Party (FP) Deputy Ertan Yulek said, ''we will support the change.'' Tansu Ciller of the True Path Party (DYP) said, ''we are ready to discuss the restructuring of the state, and to contribute to the government.''

[02] GOKALP, AGRICULTURE AND RURAL AFFAIRS MINISTER, IN ISRAEL - GOKALP: ''THE INFRASTRUCTURE FOR THE IMPROVEMENT OF THE AGRICULTURAL COOPERATION BETWEEN TURKEY AND ISRAEL IS PRESENT''

The Agriculture and Rural Affairs Ministry statement said that Gokalp who was paying an official visit to Israel, had a meeting with Haim Oron, Israeli Agriculture and Rural Development Minister, on Monday evening.

Emphasizing that the relations between Turkey and Israel are very positive and that it carries importance to improve the relations in every field for the sake of the two countries and the region, Gokalp noted that the agricultural cooperation between the two countries should be improved and that the two countries have the necessary infrastructure for this.

Stressing that Turkey has provided significant developments in agricultural productivity, Gokalp stated that Turkey and Israel have similar climates due to their geographical position.

Noting that the agricultural experiences, the technics and the technologies will be shared by the two countries by the agricultural cooperation, Gokalp stressed that this will make a significant contribution to the agricultural development of the two countries.

Gokalp said, ''the two countries can have cooperation in the fields like cattle-breeding, sheep and goat, animal health, artificial insemination, greenhouse production, seed production, agricultural researches, biotechnology and economical irrigation technics. The two countries can transfer experts, technical know-up, publications, documents and research materials.''

Stating that it will be for the benefit of the two countries to sign ''Plant Protection Agreement'', the statement said that Gokalp submitted a draft agreement which was prepared by Turkey to the Israeli Agriculture and Rural Development Minister and that this agreement can be signed in a later date if the two sides agree upon.

[03] ''ESDI AND TURKISH DEFENSE INDUSTRY'' MEETING IN NATO - AMBASSADOR OYMEN: ''TURKEY'S NOT BEING OUT OF THE DEVELOPMENTS IN DEFENSE INDUSTRY FIELD IS IMPORTANT''

Onur Oymen, Turkey's Permament Representative to NATO; officials at Turkey's Permanent Representation to NATO, and the National Defense Ministry experts participate in the meeting which will last for two days.

Speaking in the opening ceremony of the meeting, Oymen said that it becomes obligatory for the European countries to improve their military activities for the European Union (EU) to have an important role in the European security and defense and for the U.S. to act independently.

Drawing the attention that the European defense industry should be restructured and that the technological gap between Europe and the U.S. should be overcome, Oymen noted that some of the problems in this issue are the Europe's being technologically underdeveloped, the endurance of the companies, the unprivatized companies, and the decrease in the defense sector expenditures.

Stressing that the EU countries allocate 1.7 percent of their Gross National Product (GNP) for the defense sector while the U.S.allocate 3.2 percent of her GNP for the defense sector, Oymen stated that the European defense industry companies carried out initiatives to unite to compete with the U.S.

Noting that the European defense industry carried out efforts to restructure, the European countries plan to increase their defense expenditures and that they hold wide-scale meetings for this, Oymen stressed that it carries importance that Turkey and Turkish defense industry should not become out of these developments and that Turkey is a significant defense industry market.

Stating that Turkey spent nearly 8.3 billion U.S. dollars for the defense industry in 1998, Oymen said, ''Turkey is the sixth countries which spends the most for the defense industry between the NATO countries. She follows the U.S. which spends 269 billion U.S. dollars, France which spends 40 billion U.S. dollars, Britain which spends 36 billion U.S. dollars, Germany which spends 33 billion U.S. dollars, and Italy which spends 23 billion U.S. dollars.''

Pointing out that Turkey becomes the second in the list of the NATO countries which spend the most for the defense sector in proportion to their GNP, following Greece; Oymen emphasized that the rate of Greek industry expenditures in proportion to her GNP is 4.9 percent and that of Turkey is 4.7 percent.

Emphasizing that the NATO's infrastructure projects and tenders put forward significant opportunities for Turkey's defense industry, Oymen said that the Alliance will spend 10 billion U.S. dollars for the infrastructure programs in the following decade and that all the Turkish institutions and organizations should carry out joint efforts to have the possible biggest share from the NATO defense industry expenditures.

[04] FREE TRADE AGREEMENT BETWEEN TURKEY AND MACEDONIA - TURKEY TO LIFT CUSTOMS TAXS IN INDUSTRIAL PRODUCTS IN PARALLEL WITH EU TARIFFS OF THESE PRODUCTS WHEN AGREEMENT TAKES EFFECT

Macedonia will complete the reduction procedures in the customs tax imposed against Turkey in 10 years within the framework of three separate schedules.

When Turkey's existence in the Balkans and her relations with the Balkan countries are taken into consideration, the Free Trade Agreement carries importance for Turkey, and Macedonia can became the base of Turkey in the Balkans. Thus, the commercial ties with republics of former Yugoslavia can be improved.

When the fact that Turkey realized 68 million U.S. dollar exports to Macedonia and realized 13 million U.S. dollar imports from Macedonia is taken into consideration, the agreement which was signed between Turkey and Macedonia on Tuesday will have positive effects on this process.

[05] PRESIDENT DEMIREL: ''WE ARE STILL IN PAIN DUE TO QUAKE, BUT WE CAN'T GIVE UP LOOKING AT THE FUTURE''

President Demirel received the delegation headed by Talha Camas, the Chairman of the Turkish Travelling Agencies Union (TURSAB), and Orhan Silier, the Secretary General of History Foundation.

President Demirel said that ''we have been launching efforts to activate the tourism sources of Turkey and to promote Turkey abroad. However, the quake hit Turkey and we are in pain. Our sorrow is so great and this caused us to change our programmes.''

Noting that the 700th foundation ceremonies of the Ottoman Empire would be celebrated in September and 70 countries were invited, President Demirel pointed out that UNESCO regarded this occasion as a cultural activity.

''We wanted to show to the whole world that Turks didn't only conquer the continents, but they were also the owner of a great civilization. But we postponed it to next April,'' said Demirel, adding that the celebrations of the 2000th birthday of Jesus is also an important opportunity for Turkey.

''Totally 65 countries extended help to Turkey due to the quake disaster, rescue teams of even not well-known countries are still in Turkey,'' added Demirel.

[06] PRIME MINISTRY CRISIS ADMINISTRATION CENTER STATEMENT: - ''A TOTAL OF 139 TENT-SITES, INCLUDING 22 IN KOCAELI, 37 IN SAKARYA, 14 IN YALOVA, 22 IN GOLCUK, AND 44 IN BOLU HAVE BEEN SET UP UNTIL TODAY''

The Prime Ministry Crisis Administration Center statement said that a total 126,664 people are settled in 99,651 tents in these tent-sites.

Emphasizing that the infrastructural works in the tent-sites continue, the statement noted that a total of 1774 mobile showers, 1449 mobile toilets, five laundries, 85,000 beds, and 140,000 blankets are current needs of the disaster zone.

Stressing that a total of 40,000 transitory prefabricated huts are planned to be constructed in the disaster zone, the statement emphasized that after the prefabricated hut donations of the foreign countries and the domestic organizations become definite, the companies which can construct 500 huts a month will be charged to construct the 30 square metre huts that were earlier proposed by the Public Works and Settlement Ministry.

The statement stressed that a total of 427-member foreign aid team, including 178 in Sakarya, 116 in Kocaeli and 133 in Golcuk is present in Turkey.

The statement added that it has been determined that a total of 27,634 buildings were collapsed while a total of 31,379 buildings were slightly damaged.

[07] GOKALP, AGRICULTURE AND RURAL AFFAIRS MINISTER, COMPLETES HIS CONTACTS IN ISRAEL

Gokalp participated in the Agri-Tech 99 Fair and met with the Israeli officials.

Gokalp met with Ron Kohen, Israeli Industry and Trade Minister, and Haim Oron, Agriculture and Rural Development Ministry, and thanked these two ministers for their interest and efforts to collect aid for the quake survivors in Turkey.

Gokalp and Kohen discussed the participation of Israeli companies in Southeastern Anatolia Project (GAP).

Kohen said that the Israeli companies should be given the opportunity to carry out initiatives in GAP region while Gokalp said that Turkey started to encourage the foreign investments in GAP region.

Noting that he knows the interest of the Israeli companies in GAP, Gokalp said that he will be very pleased if these companies participate in the projects and bring finance to the region.

Gokalp and Oron discussed the improvement of the agricultrual cooperation between the two countries.

Meanwhile, a total of 250-member Turkish delegation, including mostly the representatives of the private sector, participated in the Agri-Tech 99 Fair.

Gokalp said that the aim of his visit was to encourage the cooperation between the Turkish private sector and Israel.

Gokalp will return to Turkey on Wednesday afternoon.

[08] INGUSHETIA GIVES 100,000 DOLLARS FOR QUAKE VICTIMS IN TURKEY

President Suleyman Demirel received the same day Mete Bora, a Turkish businessman working in Ingushetia.

Noting that they participated in the opening ceremony of a television studio which they constructed in Ingushetia this week, Bora said that Ruslan Aushev, the President of Ingushetia was also there. Aushev gave 100, 000 U.S. dollars to Bora to be given to President Demirel to heal the wounds of the massive quake that shook Marmara region of Turkey on August 17, Bora said.

Mete Bora added that Aushev told him that 50 Turkish children can take therapy in a hospital in Ingushetia each month for a term of 12 months.

Thanking for the aid, President Demirel said that ''my nation and I are very pleased about the interest of President Aushev in us although they have many problems in the Caucasus. We are grateful.''

''I appreciate this generous behaviour of President Aushev,'' said Demirel, adding valuable aid continue to come to Turkey following the massive earthquake in Turkey.

[09] DENKTAS, TRNC PRESIDENT: ''I WILL TELL ANNAN THAT THE CONDITIONS TO MEET CLERIDES ARE NOT PRESENT AND THAT MEETING HELD UNPREPARED WILL WORSEN THE PRESENT SITUATION''

Speaking in the conference held in the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS), Denktas noted that the ground for meetings between the two sides should be prepared by shuttle diplomacy and that unprepared meetings will worsen everything.

Stressing that the U.S. forces the two sides on Cyprus for a solution, Denktas stated that the biggest country of the world should not press on them and that this will be injustice.

Denktas said, ''we appreciate the words of U.S. President Bill Clinton saying that Cyprus has two owners. Clinton wants to do something before his term in office is over. Behaving as Cyprus has only one owner has no meaning. Only the inter-state meetings can bring peace and satisfaction.''

Noting that the U.N. has been trying to solve this problem for a long time and that they could not even diagnose the problem, Denktas stressed that they have to make the correct diagnosis before they write a recipe.

About the criticisms saying that the Turkish Cypriots do not want any solution, Denktas said, ''we want the solution on Cyprus very much. There is only one proposal for the solution and that is, the confederation solution which is based on realities.''

Stating that they are the government of TRNC whether the countries recognize them or not, Denktas emphasized that as long as the Greek Cypriots say that they are 'the government', the separation on the Island becomes more lasting. He added that the TRNC is following a path for the unity.

Emphasizing that the Greek Cypriot side is defending the federation thesis now, Denktas said that Clerides is applying to new tactics and that the federation Clerides mentions does not mean the unification of the two states in an equal, independent, and recognized central government.

Denktas said, ''we will have talks and cooperation from state to state, but we won't talk as a minority on Cyprus. The embargo imposed on Northern Cyprus and the wrong definitions should be lifted.''

Denktas said that the TRNC exists as a government and as a state and it is necessary to be patient until the right diagnosis is made.

Responding a conferee who said that it is necessary to put forward the differences between the confederation and federation thesis, Denktas said, ''I do not have the time to continue these discussions. We have to have a different agreement than the 1960 agreement. The Greek Cypriots ceased a government which was established by an international agreement. They never accepted the federation thesis. The world should understand that this is a matter of establishing a confederation.''

Responding the questions about the attitude of the Turkish Cypriots on the European Union (EU) membership, Denktas said that the application of the Greek Cypriot side is not legal because it does not represent the whole Island and recalled Annan's words saying that a solution should be reached on the Island for the EU membership.

When asked what the reflections of the relations between Turkey and Greece following the quake disaster question will be on Cyprus, Denktas noted, ''these are constructive developments. They prepare the position to discuss the problems, But, if Greece makes humanitarian aid to gain some privileges in the Aegean issue, she has miscalculations. I do not think that Greece thinks like this. Greece only wants to help Turkey in such a tragedy.''

When asked what the stance of TRNC will be if Turkey is granted the right to integrate with the EU, Denktas said, ''then, the TRNC is ready to evaluate the initiatives to enter into the EU. We will put forward all our problems and will discuss them with the Greek Cypriots within the framework of the EU. The full membership of a Turkey whose rights on Cyprus are protected to the EU will be a very positive development.''

Responding a question on whether or not the TRNC will participate in the membership talks between Turkey and the EU if the talks start, Denktas noted that the TRNC will not directly participate in the talks.

Denktas said, ''if Greek Cypriot side integrates with the EU, we will integrate with Turkey. We do not want to be left in the hands of the Greek Cypriot side.''

Denktas is expected to go to New York after the conference and to meet Kofi Annan, U.N. Secretary General, and Tom Weston, U.S. Department of State Special Coordinator to Cyprus.

[10] PRESIDENT DEMIREL RESPONDS TO QUESTIONS: ''I AM NOT IN A POSITION TO RESPOND TO CHIEF JUSTICE OF SUPREME COURT OF APPEALS''

Responding to questions of journalists, President Demirel said that ''the Chief Justice of Supreme Court of Appeals is a very important person in Turkey. The things he said are important. But I am not in a position to be a party in this discussion.''

''I can't accept anybody's talking against the Armed Forces, besides no citizen of this country should accept it. The armed forces belong to all nation. When our children came to the age of 20, they join this organization. The armed forces protect the border of state, when there is uneasiness internally, it deals with it. Quake hits the country, forests burn, flood takes place; the armed forces launches efforts to solve the problems. If everybody sleeps in comfort, we owe this to these heros. What will we do by destroying all institutions?''

''How do you evaluate the terrorist organization PKK's giving up arms by September 1?'' asked journalists to President Demirel, who said that ''there is no news saying that it laid down arms, but it is said that the terrorists try to leave the borders of Turkey. An armed organization is certainly a terrorist organization. If it decided to give an end to bloodshed and leave Turkey, this is its own business. But I would like to stress that protecting the borders of Turkey and security of territory and people don't depend on demand of anybody. This only depends on the will of the state of the Turkish Republic.''

Noting that Red Crescent has been the honour of Turkey for 131 years, President Demirel said that the Red Crescent is a national and voluntary institution. ''Everybody knows that 60,000 tents out of 90,000 tents were pitched by the Red Crescent in the disaster areas. I think people should criticize one institution in a moderate way, what will we do after destroying all the institutions of Turkey? I don't protect anybody's deficiency, but listing the deficiencies of one institution is different than eradicating an institution.''

Noting that the quake that hit Turkey is the biggest event of the century, President Demirel pointed out that the wounds of the quake will be healed stage by stage, adding that ''now we are at the stage of tents. At the same time we are still shifting rubble. It seems that we need 100,000 new flats. Firstly winter is coming and it is not possible for sufferers to spend the winter in tents. Some projects can meet both the temporary and permanent housing need of sufferers. The place where the new settlement units will be constructed is very important. Construction systems is very important. We have to build new houses by taking into consideration the underground.''

[11] WORLD BANK AID TO TURKEY - WOLFENSOHN, PRESIDENT OF WORLD BANK: - ''WORLD BANK PREPARED ONE BILLION U.S. DOLLAR AID PACKAGE FOR TURKEY''

Wolfensohn expressed his great sorrow over the quake which hit Turkey last month and noted that their support to the reconstruction programme in Turkey will continue to increase.

Emphasizing that the World Bank will grant a total of one billion U.S. dollars to Turkey, including then current 300 million U.S. dollar loan provided for the reconstruction and rehabilitation, and a further long-term loan of 750 million U.S. dollars, Wolfensohn stated that the World Bank will give advices to Turkey concerning the issues like the improvement of the construction standards, the construction and quake insurances, and all the urgent aid.

Noting that the 1.050 billion U.S. dollar loan which was planned to be given to Turkey can be granted in three months, Wolfensohn stressed that they will make the necessary aid to meet the reconstruction spendings of Turkey.

Stressing that they are aware that the total reconstruction spendings of Turkey will be much more higher than their aid, Wolfensohn emphasized that they are working together with the countries and the international organizations to meet all the expenditures of Turkey.

Recalling that two delegations set up by the World Bank experts carried out joint efforts with the government about the damages of the quake, Wolfensohn said that one of the delegations carried out efforts for the costs of the reconstruction and the establishment of the service systems while the other delegation made observations about the effects of the quake on the economy and its rehabilitation.

Wolfensohn added that the results of the observations of the those delegations can be announced after September 14, 1999.

[12] STATE MINISTER IRTEMCELIK'S STATEMENT TO A.A - ''NOW, THERE IS NOT A SINGLE MISSING CARD ON THE TABLE BEFORE THE FORTHCOMING EU SUMMIT''

Irtemcelik, the Minister of State for relations with the EU, evaluated the the latest situation in the Turkey-EU relations and the expectations from the Helsinki Summit in December.

Speaking to the A.A correspondent, Irtemcelik recalled that the relations between Turkey and the EU suffered a serious blow at the enlargement summit at Luxembourg, saying, ''unfortunately, the EU adopted a discriminatory attitude at Luxembourg, and the relations entered a crisis period. The credibility of its texture was harmed, and Turkey showed the reaction that would be shown by every self-respecting state.''

Noting that this determined and clear attitude of Turkey urged the EU members to ''think better'', Irtemcelik said, ''recently, the term president, Germany deployed efforts to put the relations on the normal track at the Cologne Summit, but these were inconclusive.''

Explaining the reasons which were conveyed to Turkey for the failure of Germany's efforts before the Cologne Summit in giving products, Irtemcelik said, ''at first, they said that the Cologne Summit was not an enlargement summit. Secondly, some EU member countries said, 'Germany has made great efforts for giving the candidate status to Turkey but she did not inform us on time; we couldn't think about it in detail.' Thirdly, they showed the upcoming EU parliamentary elections as a pretext and said, 'in such a period, the relations with Turkey could reflect on domestic politics. So lets not deal with them now.' Lastly, they said, 'there is a new government in Turkey. What will be this government's point of view towards the EU and Turkey's domestic problems? Let's wait and see. Later, we will determine a position.' Now, all of these reasons lost their validity.''

''The Helsinki Summit is an enlargement summit. Today, there is not a single missing card on the table. Turkey's will on her relations with the EU is very clear. Turkey will advance in the way to full scale modernization with resolute steps, and this with or without the EU. However, the clear preference of Turkey is to walk this road along with the EU,'' he said.

''The question is what the EU's will is? Now, it is time for the EU to clearly put forward its will concerning relations with Turkey. We expect that Turkey will be given the candidacy status which is actually her due,'' he said.

When reminded of the opinions about a road map in return for the candidacy status, Irtemcelik said, ''of course, there will be roads that have to be walked on, and stages that will have to be overcome after that status is granted. We know that some criteria are in question. We don't have any problem with these. We accept all objective criteria that are put forth towards candidates.''

Stressing that such a road map is already required, Irtemcelik said, ''but this map will be a two way street with one single direction. In the candidacy process, candidate countries have to fulfill certain conditions. The EU also takes certain commitments. This is a way to walk through hand in hand.''

When asked whether or not the Aegean and Cyprus questions will be included in the road map, Irtemcelik noted, ''no, because this would mean a repetition of Luxembourg.''

Irtemcelik said, ''we want to solve the disputes between Turkey and Greece. But the settlement of the disputes in favour of Greece, should not be offered to Turkey as a condition. Recognition of Turkey's candidacy status will be helpful to deepen the existing positive atmosphere between Turkey and Greece, and would reflect favorably on efforts to bring about mutually acceptable solutions to existing differences.''

Evaluating Foreign Minister Ismail Cem's statement, ''we will not apply for candidacy any more if Helsinki Summit will not result in positive consequences,'' Irtemcelik said, ''I certainly agree with what Mr. Cem meant to say.''

Stressing that the Helsinki Summit will be a very significant enlargement summit which will mostly focus on the relations with Turkey, Irtemcelik noted, ''Everything is clear, and there is enough time. There is no element preventing the EU to put forward its will clearly. We wish that this will be positive. If it is not positive, Turkey will have to draw the necessary conclusions and act accordingly.''

Evaluating the attitudes of Sweden and Denmank towards Turkey's candidacy, Irtemcelik said that the Scandinavian countries have a special sensivity about the human rights issue, and every one should show respect to their sensivity.

''But their suggestions will not lead anywhere. They were also unacceptable to the majority of EU countries. We want the same conditions as other candidates. We do not ask for any favour, and we cannot accept any discrimination,'' Irtemcelik added.

Recalling that Turkey's objection is being shared by many EU countries, Irtemcelik noted, ''I am of the view that Sweden and Denmark will not insist on their position in coming days. We should not consider it as an attitude against Turkey. I think that they can be convinced.''

Referring to the positive attitude of Greece, Irtemcelik said, ''Helsinki Summit will help us understand the depth of Greece's sincerity and good- will which created recently a positive and encouraging atmosphere between the two countries.''

[13] RED CRESCENT HOLDS CONTACTS WITH VARIOUS COUNTRIES FOR PURCHASE OF 20, 000 TENTS WHICH COMPLY WITH INTERNATIONAL STANDARTS

The Red Crescent General Directorate statement said that these tents will be used in the disaster zone and that the contacts will be concluded as soon as possible; adding that the tents will be sent to the region in the shortest time.

Emphasizing that the Red Crescent allocated 60,000 tents, 100,000 blankets, many beds, and sleeping bags for the survivors, the statement noted that 31 kitchens which were set up in the disaster zone cook hot meal for three times a day for the survivors of the massive earthquake.

The statement added that the foreign aid materials are handed over to the crisis desk administrators by the Red Crescent officials after the customs procedures are completed.

[14] PRESIDENT DENKTAS OF TRNC: ''WE DO NOT HAVE TO ADOPT POSITION ACCORDING TO THE U.S.'' - ''I DO NOT SIT AT A NEGOTIATION TABLE WITH AN AUTHORITY CALLED CYPRUS GOVERNMENT''

The TRNC President, who is in Washington D.C. to attend a conference at the Center of Strategical and International Studies (CSIS), answered the questions of the Turkish journalists.

''The U.S. has own interests. We don't have to determine a position according to the U.S. Our duty is to explain our position and interests with their reasons,'' he stated.

Denktas, who will proceed to New York after wrapping up contacts in Washington D.C., said he will request U.N. Secretary General Kofi Annan not to make an invitation by explaining that the basis was still not ready.

''Then, the Secretary General will either announce the results by making the invitation or request time to prepare the basis by cosidering our statement important. I do not sit at a negotiation table with an authority called (Cyprus government),'' he said.

Noting that there was a parallelism between the ethnic cleansing policy of Yugoslavian Head of State Slobodan Milosevic against the Kosovar Albanians and the genocide on the Turkish Cypriots by the Greeks Cypriots, Denktas said, ''some American, British, and German diplomats told me that they had done the same thing to Macarios if the 1963 incidents on Cyprus would have happened today.''

Responding to questions about the plans that were claimed to be prepared by the U.S., Denktas said the Greek Cypriot press had been the circle that was firstly aware of these news.

Stressing that it was understood that those plans had been prepared together with the Greek lobby as Greek Cypriot press had put forward new factors about which the Turkish side had no information, Denktas said, ''and this is a reason that such plans should be paid attention. We can't accept such plans that were prepared together with the Greek lobby.''

Denktas emphasized that the the Greek-Greek Cypriot lobby was a ''hindrance'' that is gradually intensifying in the policies of the U.S.

Regarding the news that Richard Holbrooke, who was appointed as the U.S. Permanent Representative to the U.N., had an opinion that Turkey should be regarded as the interlocutor in spite of him, the TRNC President said, ''it was revealed that Mr. Holbrooke did not make such a statement.''

Stressing that it is impossible for Turkey to accept such an approach and this will mean denying the existence of the Turkish Cypriots, Denktas said the side, which is interested in Cyprus, can't abstain from holding talks with the Turkish Cypriots, adding that the Cyprus question is a four-legged issue.

Responding to another question, Denktas said Holbrooke did not request an appointment during his visit to the U.S., and he did not make such a demand.

''The U.S. proposed to withdraw the U.S.-made weaponry from Cyprus. This was a Greek-Cypriot trick. However, it was revealed that the Greek-Cypriots have much more weapons than us. They failed in accounting the number. They were obliged to withdraw the weapons,'' he said.

The U.S. proposal in question included the weaponry which were deployed on the island after 1987. Turkey withdrew all of those weapons before June 15.

[15] GREEK CHARGE D'AFFAIRES NOT PARTICIPATE IN DENKTAS' CONFERENCE AS CSIS USES TITLE OF ''PRESIDENT'' FOR TRNC PRESIDENT DENKTAS

Hristopoulos wrote a letter to CSIS administration last week asking the CSIS to take out the title of ''President'' adding if this was the case, he would participate in the conference.

CSIS officials didn't take out this title from invitations and Hristopoulos didn't participate in the conference.

Sources in Washington said that no Greek official participates in any conference as they think this will mean recognition of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus, adding the statement of the Charge D'Affaires is interesting as he put forward a condition even to participate in a conference.

Besides the Greek Cypriot representation in Washington D.C. also applied to CSIS last week asking them to take out the title of ''President'' used for Rauf Denktas, the TRNC President, but CSIS rejected this demand.

[16] ATAK, MTA DIRECTOR GENERAL SAYS RESEARCH OF SISMIK-1 CAN END THIS WEEKEND

Noting that the results of the ship's research will later be evaluated, Atak told A.A correspondent that the report of the research can be completed within 15-20 days.

Pointing out that the ship tries to determine whether or not the fault line in Marmara was broken or not, Cengiz Atak said that ''if the fault line is broken, it means the energy has been released. Thus, the probability of a quake in Marmara region is low. But if there is not a break in the fault line, it means that the potential danger continues.''

[17] MTA PREPARES ''PRELIMINARY OBSERVATION AND EVALUATION REPORT'' FOLLOWING MASSIVE QUAKE

The main reason of the casualties and damage is the fact that the constructions were built on the geological formation which is very weak against the danger of quakes, the report noted.

MTA published a ''Preliminary Observation and Evaluation Report about August 17 East Marmara Quake.''

The report stressed that the quake potential of the region was earlier known, adding that the buildings were damaged as they were constructed on the formation of new alluvion composed of pebble, and sand.

''Adapazari is a good example showing us that houses built on foundations which aren't strong and not resistant to quakes, cause many people to die, besides constructions which were remote to the fault lines are seriously damaged due to weak foundation,'' noted the report.

''More than one part of the North Anatolian Fault Line moved and this caused a massive quake. Ignorant city planning and construction mistakes which don't abide with the foundation parameters should be considered as the main reason of the death toll and collapsed buildings,'' stressed the report, adding that the planning and implementations of public works to be carried out in the disaster area must be based on results of the geological studies.

[18] PREMIER ECEVIT: ''IT WAS REVEALED THAT THE REACTIONS OF SOME CIRCLES AGAINST THE SOCIAL SECURITY LAW WERE INAPPROPRIATE''

When a journalist reminded him that President Suleyman Demirel approved the Social Security Law, Ecevit noted that he was very pleased about this development.

Ecevit said, ''this is a very important law. I want it to be beneficial for our country. The unemployment insurance was included in this reform for the first time. Putting this insurance in practice in Turkey for the first time is an important step. It was revealed that the reactions of some circles against the Social Security Law were inappropriate.''

[19] U.S. ASSISTANT STATE SECRETARY AND U.S. PRESIDENT'S SPECIAL REPRESENTATIVE TO CYPRUS VISIT TRNC PRESIDENT DENKTAS

The meeting at the Madison Hotel, which was not included in the schedule of Rauf Denktas's programme, lasted 1 hour and 20 minutes.

Speaking to reporters following the meeting, Marc Grossman said, ''as we earlier stated that we think progress can be recorded in solution of Cyprus question. We did not talk in detail with Mr. Denktas, but we conveyed our opinion that there are opportunities in Cyprus question, and it should be approached open-mindedly.''

Grossman, U.S. Assistant State Secretary for Affairs with Europe, said the call of the D-8 in June for a meeting of the two leaders on Cyprus was important, adding that the U.S. supports that call.

''For us, it was a successful meeting. Also Mr. Moses, who was newly appointed as the U.S. President's Special Representative to Cyprus, has met with Mr. Denktas,'' he said.

Noting that Thomas Pickering, the Assistant U.S. State Secretary, wanted to attend the meeting, Grossman said Pickering couldn't participate in the meeting as he had missed the plane departed from New York.

TRNC President Denktas said, ''we were plased with this visit. We found the opportunity to explain our position that is already known. We were pleased with explaining our position.''

[20] FM CEM TO PARTICIPATE IN YALTA SUMMIT

The diplomatic sources told A.A correspondent that the European security issues will be discussed within the framework of the cooperation of the Baltic States and the Black Sea during the Yalta summit.

The sources said that President Suleyman Demirel earlier planned to participate in the summit but after the quake disaster, Cem was considered more suitable to participate in the summit rather than Demirel.

The summit held in the level of presidents and prime ministers, will be held in Yalta city of Crimea Peninsula of Ukraine on Friday and Saturday.

[21] TURKISH CHIEF CONSULATE IN DUBAI COLLECTS 50,000 U.S. DOLLARS FOR SURVIVORS

Bulent Gokay, Turkey's Chief Consul in Dubai, said that seven tons of aid which were granted by the Turkish society in Dubai and the Dubai World Trade Center were sent to Turkey and that the aid included surgeon gloves, medicines, baby food, diapers, blankets, and plastic bags.

Gokay noted that a total of five military planes carrying humanitarian aid was sent to Turkey by the Sheik Bin Rasid Al Maktum Humanitarian Aid Fund, adding that four more planes carrying aid will be sent to Turkey in the following days.

Meanwhile, the ''Dubai Victory'' team which became the first in the Offshore Speed Boats World Championship in Istanbul donated its 100,000 U.S. dollar award to the Red Crescent.

[22] EARTHQUAKE IN ATHENS - ATACANLI, DEPUTY SPOKESMAN OF THE FM, EXPRESSES DEEP SORROW AT EARTHQUAKE IN NEIGHBOURING GREECE

Addressing a weekly press conference, Atacanli said, ''President Suleyman Demirel, Prime Minister Bulent Ecevit, and Ismail Cem, Foreign Minister, have sent messages of condolences to their Greek counterpants. In their messages, they offered aid, and stressed that Turkey is ready to do her utmost in a bid to assist Greece.''

Recalling that they held a meeting at the Foreign Ministry overnight, and held contacts with officials from the Greek Embassy in Ankara, Atacanli said, ''as we could not obliterate memories of quake disaster yet, our friendly neighbour Greece has also come face to face with a disaster. We feel very sorry.''

Recalling that Greece has given priority to save lives of those who were trapped under toppled buildings, Atacanli told reporters that a 20-member search and rescue team from the AKUT left for Greece early this morning.

Stressing that a delegation also left for Athens this morning to attend the second round talks of the dialogue process between Turkey and Greece, Atacanli noted that the talks will continue in Turkey in coming days.

When asked about the agenda of the meetings, Atacanli pointed out that the negotiations are being held in two groups. Atacanli said, ''the first group includes issues of tourism, environment, and trade. These issues will be taken up at the meetings which will start tomorrow. Issues such as culture, regional cooperation, struggle against international terrorism, and smuggling, take place in the second group. Talks on these issues will be held in Ankara between September 15-16.''

Emphasizing that Turkey has welcomed friendship and solidarity feelings of the Greek people and the Greek government in the wake of the quake disaster which struck Marmara region on August 17, Atacanli added, ''we should wait and see what will happen now. The future of the relations will become clear at the Helsinki Summit.''

[23] VURAL OGER, CHAIRMAN OF OGER TOUR EXECUTIVE BOARD, SPEAKS TO CNN: ''TURKEY IS A PART OF EUROPE''

Oger responded the questions of the CNN television channel correspondent.

When asked whether the Turkish nation wants Turkey to be a full member of the EU, Oger said, ''you should not ask this question. You should ask the stance against Turkey.''

Emphasizing that Turkey is a part of Europe since the 14th century, Oger noted that 85 percent of the Turkish nation wants the EU full membership and that Turkey should become a full member of the EU without any conditions.

Oger stated that when Turkey becomes a full member of the EU, she will economically develop and will solve all her problems resulting from human rights and democracy which are continuously criticized.

Responding a question on the adaptation of the Turkish citizens in Germany, Oger said that firstly the German government should accept that this country is a country of immigrants.

Drawing the attention to the preparation of the necessary legal ground for the Turks in Germany, Oger noted that the rights granted to the German citizens should be granted to the Turkish citizens who have been living in this country for a long time.

Oger requested that the dual citizenship right should be granted for the adaptation.

[24] NUMBER OF COUNTRIES SENDING AID TO TURKEY, INCREASES TO 85

Addressing a weekly press conference, Sermet Atacanli, Deputy Spokesman of the Foreign Ministry, said that the Ministry's efforts to coordinate the foreign aid, are continuing.

Recalling that number of planes carrying humanitarian aid to the quake victims, increased to 343, Atacanli said, ''We are gratefull to all countries which sent aid to the disaster zone.''

Atacanli also added that financial aid which was collected in the bank accounts opened by the Foreign Ministry, has been deposited to the account at the Ziraat Bank in accordance with the Prime Ministry's directives.

Noting that a total of 28,250 tents were sent to the disaster area by foreign countries, Atacanli told reporters that more than 18 thousand tents will be dispatched to Turkey in the coming days.

Meanwhile, the number of military and civilian planes which came to Turkey to bring in humanitarian aid, increased to 343 as of Wednesday.

Officials at the Foreign Ministry told the A.A correspondent that 15 of these planes carried fire-retardant chemicals and fire-fighting teams to quell the fire at the TUPRAS oil refinery while 328 others brought in humanitarian aid.

A total of 10 other planes from Austria, Kuwait, Britain, and United Arab Emirates, are expected to arrive in Turkey in coming days.

Meanwhile, the Turkish Armed Forces have assigned a total of 7 planes to transport the humanitarian aid from Italy and Germany to disaster area.

[25] COUNCIL OF EUROPE TO DISCUSS GRANTING BACK POLITICAL RIGHTS OF PERINCEK, FORMER LEADER OF WORKERS' PARTY

The Delegations Committee will put on the agenda the issue of cancellation of the lawsuit opened against Perincek and granting back his rights which will enable him to deal with the politics again.

The European Court of Human Rights decided on May 28, 1999 that Turkey violated the Article 11 of the European Convention of Human Rights which is about the right of organization and that Turkey should pay compensation to Perincek.

[26] PRIME MINISTER ECEVIT: - ''CONCESSION IS OUT OF QUESTION DURING MY VISIT TO U.S.'' - ''WE ARE DETERMINED TO DO OUT UTMOST TO HEAL GREECE'S WOUNDS''

Addressing journalists, Ecevit recalled that he is scheduled to come together with the U.S. President Bill Clinton, and will hold contacts with representatives of several circles.

When reminded that there were news reports claiming that the U.S. would ask for concessions from Turkey, Ecevit said, ''please, do not make such comments. High-level contacts will take place between two friendly and allied countries. Any concession is out of question during my visit to the U.S. There are many points which are beneficial for both countries.''

Referring to yesterday's quake which hit Greek capital Athens, Ecevit said that the quake claimed many lives, and caused major damage on the contrary of the first news reports.

Expressing profound sorrow at the loss of lives, Ecevit said, ''Greece had shared our grief in the wake of the quake disaster which devastated Marmara region on August 17. Now, it is our turn to help Greece. We are determined to do our utmost to heal Greece's wounds. We consider it as a humanitarian and neighbourhood task.''

Recalling that the Prime Ministry, the Turkish Armed Forces, the Foreign Ministery, and the Interior Ministry have worked in coordination, and taken all necessary measures to sent the AKUT, the Search and Rescue Association, to Greece, Prime Minister Ecevit told the reporters that an AKUT team left for Greece at 04:40 local time this morning.

Noting that a civil defense unit will also go to Greece, Ecevit said that the Red Crescent will dispatch two truckloads of foodstuff and aid equipment to Athens.

Ecevit said, ''nature reminded us once again the shared destiny between the two neighbouring countries.''

[27] RELATIONS BETWEEN TURKEY AND THE EU - FOREIGN MINISTER CEM TO EXPLAIN WORKS AFTER QUAKE DISASTER, AND THE TURKEY-EU RELATIONS IN BRUSSELS

Addressing a weekly press conference, Sermet Atacanli, the Deputy Spokesman of the Foreign Ministry, said that Cem will make a speech at the EU foreign ministers' meeting in Brussels.

Atacanli told reporters that Cem's speech will be about works in the wake of the quake disaster, and about the relations between Turkey and the EU.

Cem is also expected to exchange opinions with his counterparts at the meeting.

When asked whether this meeting will be a beginning in Turkey-EU relations, Atacanli said, ''this is not the first participation of Turkey to the EU meetings. We had joined similar meetings on various levels before.''

When asked whether Turkey's candidacy was brought onto agenda of the EU foreign ministers' unofficial meeting, Atacanli noted that there wasn't an official text about the issue, but the meeting mainly focused on urgent aid to Turkey in the aftermath of quake disaster.

Atacanli told reporters that significant progress has been recorded at the EU foreign ministers' unofficial meeting about the financial aid and bank loans to Turkey which were postponed earlier. Responding to another question, Atacanli said that Cem plans to pay a visit to the Scandinavian countries, and added that the certain date of Cem's visit has not been determined yet.

Atacanli said that Lamberto Dini, Italian Foreign Minister, will pay an official visit to Turkey in September.

When reminded about the news reports claiming that the U.S. wants to be a guarantor state on the issue of Cyprus question, and has prepared a Cyprus Plan, Atacanli said that he has no detailed information about the claims, and said that Turkey's attitude concerning Cyprus is clear.

[28] MANAVGAT WATER PROJECT - FM: ''THE NECESSSARY INFRASTRUCTURAL WORKS FOR PROVIDING POTABLE WATER FROM MANAVGAT BROOK ARE COMPLETED''

Addressing the weekly press conference, Sermet Atacanli, Foreign Ministry Deputy Spokesman, said that a great deal of water can be sold from the Manavgat brook and that the necessary infrastructural works are completed.

When asked about the meetings with Israel for the selling of potable water and the schedule of the selling, Atacanli noted that they are ready to sell water.

Stressing that Turkey can sell water to many other countries which also demand water, Atacanli stated that they have not received a concrete demand from any other countries yet.

When asked whether or not the pipeline project is on the agenda for the transfer of the potable water, Atacanli said that they are still discussing this issue.

[29] HUNGARIAN-TURKISH TRADE CHAMBER AWARDS MEMBERS OF THE HUNGARIAN SEARCH AND RESCUE TEAMS

Csaba Hegedus, Chairman of the Hungarian Wrestling Federation; Josef Elek, Hungarian former Consul General in Istanbul; Suat Karakus, Representative of the Aegean Ceramics in Hungary; Mehmet Imre, the Deputy Chairman of Hungarian Water Affairs Administration; Altan Demirdere, Chairman of the Novartis Medicine Company in Hungary; Bilgin Atala, Undersecretary of Turkish Embassy in Budapest; Monad Balkan, Trade Undersecretary of the Turkish Embassy in Budapest; Necla Aksop, Deputy Director General of the Volksbank; and Metin Erim, Director of the Turkish Airlines Office in Hungary, were in attendance at the ceremony.

The members of the two search and rescue teams were awarded with plaques. Meanwhile, sniffer dogs which joined the efforts to search for survivors trapped under rubble of collapsed buildings, were also given medals.

The Hungarian state has also awarded the life-saver teams.

[30] WESTON, U.S. COORDINATOR TO CYPRUS, IN ANKARA - GUREL, STATE MINISTER, RECEIVES WESTON

Responding to questions of journalists after the meeting which lasted for nearly one hour, Weston described his contacts in Ankara as productive.

He said that the Cyprus question was taken up in detail during his meeting with Gurel.

Recalling that he will return to the U.S. on Thursday to continue his contacts on the Cyprus question, Weston told reporters that he will come together with President Rauf Denktas of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) on Sunday to this end.

When reminded about the news reports claiming that the U.S. has prepared a Cyprus Plan, and that he came to Ankara to submit the plan to Turkish officials, Weston said that he has not any plans with him.

Stressing that he belives that the Cyprus question can be solved only by a reconciliation between communities, Weston told reporters that neither the U.S. nor another one intends to impose certain plans on the sides.

Describing Cyprus question as a very complicated issue, Weston recalled that many sides were included in the Cyprus question.

Weston underlined that the U.S. will strive to find a peaceful solution to the question.

Meanwhile, diplomatic sources said that any plan prepared by the U.S. was not brought onto agenda of Gurel-Weston meeting.

[31] INTERIOR MINISTRY PREPARES A DIRECTIVE REGARDING MANAGEMENT OF TENT SITES

Interior Ministry prepared a ''Directive Regarding the Management of Tent Sites'', for the administration of tent sites, meeting the needs of people who live there, arragement of relations with public institutions and organizations and to carry out public services.

Premiership Crisis Management Center statement said management of all tent sites will be arraged within the framework of principles mentioned in this directive and will be implemented immediately.

According to the directive, people living in tent sites will elect a representative among them and form ''Representatives Committee''.

Adequate telephones will be allocated to provide communication needs of people living in tent sites and nourishment needs of the people will be met in mobile kitchens.

[32] TURK, MINISTER OF JUSTICE: ''TURKEY WILL FURTHER IMPROVE ITS LEGAL REFORMS WHILE ENTERING TO 21ST CENTURY''

Turk responded to the questions of reporters related with the issues which top the agenda.

Turk said it was the primary assignment of all the governments and the 57th government to provide priority of law and realize legal state as a whole, noting that ''I don't see any difference between the concept of priority of law and the concept of legal state. Both of them express the same thing. It is the duty of all of us to realize priority of law in our country and to implement the principle of legal state, which is one of the unchangeable qualities of Turkish republic.''

Turk, Minister of Justice, said legislation and judgement organs have separate duties to this end. He said ''Constitutional change is under the authority of the Parliament, yet the government will fulfil its duty in this respect. The government will do its best as it happened in other constitutional changes.''

Noting that Turkey continued a development which started in 19th century and made a legal reform following the declaration of Republic in the year 1920, Turk pointed out that time came to make radical changes in legal system. Turk said several laws should be renewed according to the understanding of the day and briefed about the latest studies of Justice Ministry.

Turk said studies were underway on criminal and legal procedure laws, meanwhile, appeals courts will turn into a part of our legal system.

Minister of Justice said they were also working on establishment of a justice academy to give facilities to judges, procutors and all jurists to cover contemporary developments. ''A commission meeting will hold its first meeting on Thursday to this end.''

Turk said Chief of Appeals Court mentioned about the same things, adding that ''Turkey will take the legal reforms of the 1920s forward and reshape our laws, in particular the basic codes, to conform with modern principles.''

Responding to a question related with the Amnesty Law which President Suleyman Demirel returned to Parliament to be reconsidered again, Turk said they will focus on the points mentioned by Demirel.

[33] THE U.S: ''WE WILL NOT GIVE UP DIPLOMACY EASILY IN CYPRUS''

Responding to a question if the U.S. believed in a progress in Cyprus question, Rubin said the U.S. wanted to work together with Turkey and all the concerned sides to record a progress in peace process in Cyprus.

Rauf Denktas, President of Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC), who visited the U.S., issued a statement and wanted the U.S. not to put pressure on Turkish side and warned that this would give damage to Turkish- American relations.

Marc Grossman, the Assistant Secretary of State, who spoke after meeting with Denktas, said that the U.S. believed that it found an opportunity about a solution in Cyprus and noted that G-8 was after the effort of bringing the two leaders in Cyprus together.

[34] DENKTAS, TRNC PRESIDENT: ''THE ONLY WAY IS THE SHUTTLE DIPLOMACY''

Denktas also said he will also call on Secretary General to meet with himself and Glafcos Clerides, Greek Cypriot leader, separately within the context of shuttle diplomacy and to find a mutual ground.

Addressing a conference staged in an institution namely ''Middle East Brifings'' in New York, Denktas explained the reasons why the two nations can not come together at the present conditions in the island.

Denktas said the most important obstacle they experienced in intercommunal talks was that international community regarded Turkish and Greek Cypriot sides as equal politically in negotiation table yet defined himself as the leader of Turkish side and Clerides as the Cyprus president afterwards.

Denktas said Turkish side understood that it was impossible for itself to make its rights to be adopted under these conditions so stated to the U.N. Secretary General that the talks can only be carried out state to state.

Pointing out that this principle was also adopted by Turkey, Denktas said neither G-8 nor Security Council took this issue into consideration despite this open warning and recalled that they assigned Annan to bring together the two leaders in the fall.

Denktas said ''we are ready to live in good neighborhood relations with the Greek cypriots on the island. Yet, this can only take place within a confederation.''

''It is our right to be recognized as a state'' said Denktas, adding that ''Security Council will not do this. The Council, in resolutions it adopted, calls on member countries not to recognize TRNC''.

Denktas said this fact was under the failure to find a solution to Cyprus question, and noted that ''there can not be a solution on the island without overcoming this problem. Security Council should lift this obstacle if it wants a solution.''

A.A

Anadolu Agency: News in English Directory - Previous Article - Next Article