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Anadolu Agency: News in English, 99-10-04
AA Daily
4 October 1999 Monday
CONTENTS
[01] TURKEY-PRESS SCAN
[02] These are some of the major headlines and their brief stories in
Turkey's press on Oct 4, 1999. The Anadolu Ajansi does not verify these
stories and does not vouch for their accuracy.
[03] HURRIYET (LIBERAL) - ------------------ ''OUR RELATIONS TO BLOSSOM''
Greek Foreign Minister Yorgo Papandreu, who is in Turkey said in his speech
which he dedicated to earthquake survivors in Turkey that ''our relations
will blossom soon.'' ''EU membership is a process; democracy, progress in
human rights, economic and political reforms are necessary for it. We will
be vanguard for your full membership to the EU. There are politicians in
both Turkey and Greece who founded their political career on hostility.
Turkey, which we couldn't determine her targets, is an element of threat on
Cyprus. Premier Bulent Ecevit's statement saying that Turkey does not have
territorial claims in Aegean are positive. The active participation of
international actors for security in Aegean is necessary,'' the guest
foreign minister said.
[04] ECEVIT THINKS DIFFERENT Prime Minister Bulent Ecevit informed
President Suleyman Demirel about his visit to the U.S. yesterday. Noting
that he is in consensus of opinion with President Demirel in many issues,
Ecevit said that ''but regarding the issue of election of the President, I
have different opinions.''
[05] MILLIYET (LIBERAL) - ----------------- FISH QUAKE The fish which
poisoned 150 persons in Istanbul, was hunted offshore Yalova and Golcuk,
which were devastated by the massive earthquake on August 17. It is guessed
that there is metal in fish flesh. Samples of fish are being examined in
laboratories.
[06] WARM MESSAGES FROM PAPANDREU Visiting the Greek town built in Derince
after the massive earthquake, Yorgo Papandreu, the Greek Foreign Minister
spoke at ''Taksim Meetings'' in the evening. Papandreu gave messages like
''no fault line can divide the friendship between the two countries, we
won't be slaves of our history. The time of Turkey's membeship to the
European Union (EU) has to be clearly specified.''
[07] SABAH (LIBERAL) - -------------- UNDERGROUND SPECIAL TEAM The coal
miners of Turkish Coalmine Institution (TTK) in Zonguldak province won't be
secret heros from now on, but will be the rival of voluntary search and
rescue team AKUT by the rescue team they set up.
[08] INFLATION RATE HIGH IN SEPTEMBER AGAIN The inflation rate in September
is high this year again. The consumer prices increased by 5.9 percent,
while wholesale prices increased by 5.9 percent. The annual inlfation rate
increased to 54.4 percent.
[09] CUMHURIYET (LEFT) - ---------------- MAJOR DAMAGE AT UMRANIYE PRISON
Journalists were allowed to enter into the Umraniye E-Type Prison after the
uprising ended. Journalists observed that mutineers caused major financial
damage at the prison. Meanwhile, 14 of 69 people who were taken into
custody during the funeral of Ciftci, who was killed in the riot at Ankara
Main Covered Prison, were released.
[10] A TOTAL OF 14,837 FOREIGNERS CAPTURED IN 10 MONTHS A total of 14,837
illegal immigrants were captured in ten months in Edirne province, as they
were tying to proceed to Greece illegally. Officials at the Edirne Security
Department said that most of them were brought to the region in return of
money. Iraqis and Iranians are the highest in number who want to pass the
border. RADIKAL (LEFT) - --------------- ONE TONE OF HEROIN CONFISCATED
Security officials confiscated one tone of heroin having a market price of
nearly 20 trillion Turkish Liras (TL), which was hidden in in a lorry
loaded with garlics, at the Gurbulak Border Gate in Turkish-Iranian border.
Lutfi Yigenoglu, Agri Governor, said that Mehmet Ali Ozlent, driver of the
lorry, was taken into custody in connection with the incident.
[11] ECEVIT NOT TO SUPPORT PRESIDENT DEMIREL Prime Minister Bulent Ecevit
said that he shared President Suleyman Demirel's opinions in many fields,
but he had different thoughts on the issue of election of President by
people directly. President Demirel received Prime Minister Ecevit at the
Presidential Palace. Prime Minister Ecevit informed President Demirel about
his contacts in the U.S.
[12] T�RK�YE (RIGHT) - ---------------- TANK WAR Five firms including
Italian Iveco, French Giat, U.S. General Dynamic, German Krauss-Maffei, and
Ukranian Ukrspetseksport, will bid for the tender of Turkey's Main Battle
Tank Project till November 30. The project is expected to cost 3
quadrillion Turkish Liras.
[13] SCHOOLS IN YALOVA TO REOPEN A total of 44 primary and high schools
will start education in Istanbul and Yalova provinces today. The schools
had earlier started on September 13, however they were closed the same day
due to an aftershock measuring 5.8 on the Richter scale.
[14] ZAMAN (CONSERVATIVE) - -------------------- NO BODY CAN STAND ANYMORE
The prices of oil and electricity made everybody uneasy. This increase is
beyond the inflation rate. Even if the monthly inflation rate is zero, 5
percent of increase is made in the price of oil every month.
[15] DEMIREL'S SECRET SURVEY President Suleyman Demirel ordered some of his
assistants to carry out a secret survey before the opening of the
parliamentary legislation term. Turkish Armed Forces has been the most
trusted institution due to the results of the survey. The Presidency comes
the second, while the support extended to the parliament, the government
and the leaders is below 30 percent.
[16] PRESIDENT DEMIREL: - ''EARTHQUAKE'S RUIN WILL BE REMOVED TILL THE NEW
YEAR'' - ''NO ONE WILL SPEND THE WINTER IN TENTS''
[17] ANKARA, Oct 4 (A.A) - President Suleyman Demirel said on Sunday that
no one would spend the winter in tents in northwestern Turkey which was
devastated by a 7.4-magnitude earthquake, adding, ''we will heal all
physical wounds of the earthquake disaster till next year.'' Addressing a
television programme named ''Pulse of Politics'' on the state-run TRT-1
channel, President Demirel pointed out that the quake had hit a huge and
populous area. President Demirel expressed condolences, and implored God's
strength upon all who are grieving. He also wished quick recovery for those
who were injured in the quake. Describing the quake as a grave disaster,
Demirel underlined the importance of solidarity among the Turkish people.
Referring to the criticisms, Demirel said, ''Earthquake caught us
unprepared. We could not reach the area as quickly as the residents wanted.
I do not want to discuss whether or not we could be well prepared. We tried
to rescue people who were trapped under rubble of collapsed buildings, and
all injured people were treated. Makeshift houses were provided by erecting
tents. Quake affected a huge and populous area, therefore, criticisms were
normal. It is not difficult to understand sentimentality of people who were
left homeless and destitute.'' Recalling that criticisms began to target
the state, Demirel said, ''It was a catastrophe. People who encounter such
a disaster, wanted to see the state besides them. This was what happened in
Turkey. We understood people's complaints about important or unimportant
disorganizations. Meanwhile I want to express my profound sorrow over the
fact that these criticisms began to damage the image of the state.''
Reminding that he had visited the disaster zone three times, Demirel said,
''the state was in the disaster area with its full strength. More than 65
thousand soldiers are still working to heal the wounds of quake victims. A
total of 115 thousand tents have been erected, 200 thousand people have
been provided meals, all measures have been taken to prevent outbreak of
epidemics. I am telling you as the head of Turkish State, that the state
has done its utmost.'' Giving information about the financial damage caused
by the quake, Demirel said, ''we established new cities in Erzincan and
Dinar which were also devastated by quakes in the last decade. We also
built new houses in Merzifon and Adana for those who were left homeless.
Earthquake's ruin will be removed till the New Year. No one will spend the
winter in tents. We have begun to erect 30 thousand prefabricated houses.''
President Demirel thanked to all countries who rushed to Turkey in a bid to
heal her wounds after the quake disaster. Recalling that Turkish people
made a considerable contribution by donating great amounts of money,
President said, ''these donations must continue. Turkish people have
collected nearly 200 million U.S. dollars so far. This number must increase
up to 1 billion U.S. dollars. All provinces which were hit by the quake,
will be re-constructed. Within this framework, a total of 60 thousand
dwellings will be built, and all dwellings which were damaged by the quake,
will be restored, and this needs a great mobilization. These dwellings
should be put out to tender till February, and their construction should be
finalized till October, 2000. And this will cost between 5 and 10 billion
U.S. dollars.''
[18] PRESIDENT DEMIREL: - ''CYPRUS QUESTION IS NOT A MATTER BETWEEN TURKEY
AND THE U.S., AND IT SHOULD NOT BE'' - ''PRIME MINISTER ECEVIT'S VISIT TO
THE U.S. WAS VERY SUCCESSFUL''
[19] ANKARA, Oct 4 (A.A) - President Suleyman Demirel said on Sunday,
''Cyprus question is not a matter between Turkey and the U.S., between
Turkey and the European Union (EU), and between Turkey and Greece. And it
should not be.'' Addressing a television programme named ''Pulse of
Politics'' on the state-run TRT-1 channel, President Demirel said, ''Cyprus
question cannot be solved without taking into consideration the de facto
situation on the island. There are two nations, and two states on Cyprus.
One of them is not the state of whole island. If the world recognizes the
Southern Cyprus as the state of whole island, this will be a great mistake.
Cyprus question cannot be solved without recognizing the Turkish Republic
of Northern Cyprus (TRNC).'' Demirel noted, ''We approach to the end of the
20th century. One of the most important events in the 20th century was
foundation of the Republic of Turkey. After the Ottoman Empire collapsed,
the Republic of Turkey was founded by the genius, heroism and great
statesmanship of Mustafa Kemal Ataturk. Turkey had a population of 13
million, 80 percent of it had been farmers. There were no factories,
electricity, telephone lines, or tractors. Nearly 10 thousand teachers had
educated more than 300 thousand children. Now, Turkey has 600 thousand
teachers and 15 million students. There was only one university in those
days. Turkey has 72 universities in 1999. Turkey's population increased up
to 65 million. Turkey became the 16th country having one of the biggest
economies in the world. Her gross domestic production climbed to 400
billion U.S. dollars. Turkey has become an industrialized country in 75
years. She has begun to export industrial products to 135 countries. How
can you dare to say that Turkey has done nothing? This is nothing but a
denial.'' Pointing out that Turkey has become a world state, President
Demirel recalled that Turkey was one of ten great economies in the world
according to the U.S. Commerce Department's data. President Demirel said,
''Turkey has been a member of the NATO for 50 years. We have close
relations with the EU, Eurasia, the Middle East, the Balkans, and Russia.
Having regard to Kosovo, Bosnia-Herzegovina, the Balkans, and the Middle
East peace process, we are one of the most leading countries. We have been
associate member of the EU since 1963. We are a full member of the Customs
Union. We are selling 70 percent of products to the EU countries. Turkey
will continue to further develop in coming years.'' ''Turkey has been
struggling against terrorism for 15 years. There is not a second country
struggling against terrorism within democracy. Those who were involved in
terrorism, are aware of the fact that it is not possible to cope with
Turkey. They aim at setting at loggerheads among the Turkish people. But
they could not trick our people. We have plenty of things to do. As we
approach to the 21st century, we must become more operational, and more
transparent. We must purify ourselves from all bribes, and misuses,''
Demirel added. Evaluating Prime Minister Bilent Ecevit's official visit to
the U.S., Demirel described the U.S. as one the best friends of Turkey.
Stressing that Prime Minister Ecevit's visit to the U.S. was very
successful, Demirel said that the U.S. extended full support to Turkey on
the issues of membership to the EU, struggle against terrorism, economy,
energy, and the Baku-Ceyhan oil pipeline project.
[20] PAPANDREU, GREEK FOREIGN MINISTER VISITS FENER GREEK ORTHODOX
PATRIARCHATE: - ''WE WISH SOLUTION OF PROBLEMS BETWEEN TURKEY AND GREECE,
WE EXERT EFFORTS TO THIS END''
[21] ISTANBUL, Oct 4 (A.A) - Yorgo Papandreu, the Greek Foreign Minister
visited Fener Greek Orthodox Patriarchate in Istanbul and met with
Patriarch I. Bartolomeos on Monday. Visiting the Patriarchate in Balat
district of Istanbul in the morning, Papandreu prayed in the Patriarchate
church. Papandreu told I. Bartolomeos that he brought the best wishes of
Costas Simitis, the Greek Prime Minister to him, adding ''we wish solution
of problems between Turkey and Greece like you and we launch efforts to
this end. Certainly there are problems between the two countries. But we
have to launch efforts to install peace in the region and for friendship
and peace of peoples, by the good will and patience of the both sides.''
''We hope that the recent positive atmosphere and climate between Turkey
and Greece to be permanent and long term,'' said the Patriarch I.
Bartolomeos in his part. Noting that this positive atmosphere between the
two countries will also help in overcoming certain problems of the
Patriarchate, I. Bartolomeos hoped that cooperation in all fields can be
set up between Turkey and Greece. ''We are particularly pleased about your
support to Turkey's membership to the European Union (EU),'' said I.
Bartolomeos to Papandreu, adding ''this will not only be to the interest of
Turkey and Greece, but to the whole region. Turkey is geographically a
European country. But she shouldn't be impeded from membership to the EU as
she is a muslim country.'' Meanwhile Papandreu said that he conveyed the
problems the patriarchate faces to Turkish officials. Upon these words, I.
Bartolomeos requested Papandreu to help in opening the clergy school in
Heybeliada, which is closed for 30 years, defending the view that opening
this school will also serve the interests of Turkey. Papandreu visited on
Sunday the 150 prefabricated huts which were constructed by Greece in
Derince hamlet of Izmit province which was devastated by the massive
earthquake that hit Marmara region of Turkey on August 17.
[22] PRIME MINISTRY CRISIS MANAGEMENT CENTER ANNOUNCES DEATH TOLL AS 15,820
[23] ANKARA, Oct 4 (A.A) - The Prime Ministry Crisis Management Center
announced death toll as 15,820 as of 11:00 local time on Monday in the wake
of the 7.4-magnitude earthquake which devastated Marmara Region on August
17. A total of 43,953 people were injured in the quake. Officials at the
Prime Ministry Crisis Management Center told the A.A correspondent that a
total of 112,445 tents have been distributed in the disaster area so far.
Works to haul away rubble of 3,738 collapsed buildings were finalized, and
888 buildings which were seriously damaged in the quake, were demolished. A
total of 66,441 dwellings and 10,901 business places were seriously damaged,
and a total of 80,160 dwellings and 9,712 business places were slightly
damaged while moderate damage were determined in a total of 67,242
dwellings and 9,927 business places. Construction of prefabricated houses
is continuing in the disaster zone. Meanwhile, a total of 65 trillion 28
billion 766 million Turkish Liras in the bank account opened at the Ziraat
Bank as of September 29, 1999.
[24] PRIME MINISTER ECEVIT: ''I AM NOT SO MUCH SUPRISED OVER THE INFLATION
FIGURES THAT WERE DISCLOSED''
[25] ANKARA, October 4 (A.A) - Prime Minister Bulent Ecevit said on Monday
that he was not so much suprised over the rate of inflation that was
disclosed at the weekend, adding that ''its a little high.'' Responding to
a question how he evaluated inflation figures of September which was
disclosed on Sunday, Ecevit said ''I am not so much suprised, it is a
little high. It is known that Turkish economy is going through the narrow
straits. The quake also negatively affected this. We will try to recover
from now on.'' A journalist recalled that Greek war planes' landing in the
Baf Base was in question for suppling within the framework of Greek-Greek
Cypriot joint military exercise, and asked if this will affect Turkish-
Greek relations negatively, Ecevit said ''I hope Greek planes will not land
in Baf. They have not landed in the Base up to this time as far as I
know.'' Responding to another question related with (F) type prisons,
Ecevit said construction of six prisons are under way to build room type
prisons. Ecevit said construction of same type five other prisons will
start before the end of this year, adding that arrangements continue to
build room system in several other prisons.
[26] GAP'99 SECOND INTERNATIONAL INDUSTRY AND TECHNOLOGY FAIR
[27] SANLIURFA, Oct 4 (A.A) - The stand of the Machinery and Chemical
Industry (MKE) at the Southestern Anatolia Project (GAP) '99 International
Industry and Technology Fair, which was organized in Sanliurfa, drew great
attraction and interest, it was reported on Monday. The light and military
weapons and every kind of accessories are exhibited at this stand of the
MKE. Metin Filizay, an official at the MKE, said they were pleased with the
interest in their stand which was comoposed of completely domestic weapons.
''We explain all special features of these weapons, of which prices are
between 150 million and 1.5 billion Turkish Liras, to visitors,'' he said.
Speaking to the A.A correspondent, Filizay said the aim of their stand was
only exhibition and promotion, and they introduced all light and military
arms including the Black Sea group. ''All of the weapons exhibited in our
stand are domestic products. We are exhibiting 9 mm-caliber pistols namely
Sahin, Atmaca, Kobra, Kanuni, Canik, Gumusay, Yavuz, Fatih; military
weapons like MG-3 machine gun, G-3, MP-5, MP-5 K, and bomb launcher, supe-
pose double-barreled shotgun, sword bayonet, other accessories and
equipment,'' he said.
[28] ISTANBUL UNIVERSITY'S NEW ACADEMIC YEAR OPENING CEREMONY - PAPANDREU,
GREEK FOREIGN MINISTER: ''PEACE WILL BE BROUGHT FOR THE NATIONS IN THE
REGION BY PEOPLE''
[29] ISTANBUL, October 4 (A.A) - Yorgo Papandreu, Greek Foreign Minister,
participated in the opening ceremony of the new academic year of the
Istanbul University on Monday. Papandreu, who gave a lecture during the
ceremony, said he will devote all his sources for the peace of Turkish and
Greek peoples. Pointing out that he considered peace as a process,
Papandreu said ''last point of this process in the Balkans and in the
Middle East is peace. Its meaning in Turkish-Greek relations is cooperation
and re-rapproachement.'' Noting that politicians may play an important role
in peace process, Papandreu said ''many of them helped, we are pleased over
this. Yet, Turkish and Greek peoples will be the ones who will do it. There
is not so much place for the third people. Even if their intentions are
good, their methods can be limited. Peace will be brought for the peoples
in the region by people. I am so hopeful about the new generations. The new
generations have not experienced tragic incidents of our century.'' The
guest minister pointed out that several people defined the things happening
in Turkish and Greek relations as ''fairy tale'', adding that this was not
so because the things which were experienced were the demands of the two
peoples. Papandreu said ''it is the time to venture the impossible'' to
this end. Recalling that they begin to study on a dialogue together with
Foreign Minister Ismail Cem a few months ago to determine issues of joint
interest, the guest minister pointed out that several people called them as
''low diplomacy'' as if cultural heritage and environment were unimportant,
yet that he preferred to call it as ''less exciting.'' Noting that Greek
shared a vision with its neighbours, Papandreu said ''this vision is the
United Southeastern Europe extending from Cyprus to Romania and from Turkey
to Bosnia, where the borders are respected and protected and that nobody
investigates them.'' Papandreu said ''we will be a nations-family. We will
be a bouquet of cultures'', and also noted that ''double standards should
not be implemented. For example, Greece will demand for only one standard
on the issue of Turkey's membership to the European Union (EU).'' Stressing
that several people claimed that ''peace will come by calling for different
states for different ethnic groups'', Papandreu said ''I say no to this.
Because there is not short ways in our region going to peace. Also, there
are not quick and easy ways. European nations and EU are a multi-ethnic
structure region and it is proud of this. We, together with Turkey, share
the basic principle that borders should not be changed according to
minorities. All our efforts should be intensified on preservation of them
within the borders they are in. There are two things which I think you will
understand. ''Let us break the last Berlin Wall. Let us save Cyprus from
this burden. Let us save all of us from this burden.'' Papandreu noted that
entrance of Cyprus to EU will be for the benefit of the two communities,
adding that Greece believed that Turkey will have a future within EU. He
also said it was for Turkey's benefit to be the full member of the most
successful, politic and economic regional union. Noting that the definition
of security was changed after cold war, Papandreu said security was focused
on the factors that were not military. Recalling that Turkey was located in
a geography surrounded by Caucasus, the Middle East and the Balkans,
Papandreu said Turkey had to face the subsidiary effects of the clashes in
the region. Papandreu said to this end, Turkey's decision to follow the way
of developed European countries should be applauded, adding that Greece
supported Turkey to be a country applying joint values of Europe. Pointing
out that European Union (EU) was not a closed ''Christian Club'', Papandreu
said on the contrary EU based on mutual reciprocal interests. Noting that
there were several practices which should be applied, Papandreu said the
countries should create democratic institutions, multinational education,
competitive business atmosphere, and free media groups. Greek Foreign
Minister also said the countries should be willing to solve the problems
within the framework of international laws. Stressing that they wanted
Turkey in the EU, Papandreu said ''we want Turkey to share all rights and
responsibilities.'' The guest minister said basic word of dialogue
developed between the two countries was the ''peoples'', adding that this
dialogue will reveal a base on which peoples of the two countries will
stand and that this base will rapproach them further more. Papandreu said
the ideas will be invalid if they can not be developed by the peoples.
Pointing out that search and rescue teams of Turkey and Greece, AKUT and
EMAK, broke the concretes which separated the two peoples for years,
Papandreu said ''Greek volunteers started working in rubbles in Turkey
before us. This is the core of civilian participation and diplomacy.''
Noting that voice of the peoples should be strong, Papandreu said time came
for students, professors, universities in Turkey and Greece to play an
indispensable role.
[30] TURKEY'S EMBASSY IN ROME REJECTS CALL OF SUPPORTERS OF TERRORIST PKK
ORGANIZATION FOR A MEETING
[31] ROME, October 4 (A.A) - Turkey's Embassy in Rome on Monday rejected
the call of supporters of terrorist PKK organization for a meeting and
wanted Italian Foreign Ministry to take precautions. The document which was
sent by supporters of terrorist organization to Italian press said
supporters of terrorist PKK organization in Italy would go to Embassy
building on Tuesday to meet with Necati Utkan, Turkey's Ambassador to Rome.
The delegation included Domenico Gallo, former senator and prosecutor, Tom
Bebettolo, Chairman of National Cultural and Social Activities Association
(ARCI), Dino Frisullo, the person who staged anti-Turkish demonstrations in
Italy, and Bishop Pietro Bona. The statement issued by Turkey's Embassy in
Rome said the situation was conveyed to Italian Foreign Ministry, and noted
that allowing such intiatives of the supporters of terrorist organization
will cast shadow over the relations between Turkey and Italy.
[32] ITALIAN COURT GRANTS OCALAN, THE HEAD OF THE TERRORIST ORGANIZATION,
POLITICAL ASYLUM
[33] ROME, October 4 (A.A) - Rome Appeals Court no:2 on Monday decided to
grant Abdullah Ocalan, the head of the terrorist organization, political
asylum. Italian official news agency Ansa reported Luigi Saraceni, deputy
of Greens Party and Ocalan's lawyer, as saying ''Rome Appeals Court no:2
granted Ocalan political asylum who is under the risk of execution in
Turkey.''
[34] FM CEM HOSTS LUNCH IN GREEK FM PAPANDREU'S HONOUR
[35] ISTANBUL, Oct 4 (A.A) - Ismail Cem, the Foreign Minister, hosted an
unofficial lunch in the honour of Yorgo Papandreu, the Foreign Minister of
Greece, at the Foreign Ministry's Representation in Istanbul on Monday.
Speaking to reporters following the lunch which lasted nearly 2.5 hours,
Yorgo Papandreu said they had started a process a few months ago, adding,
''this does not mean that we solved the problems. We are in the very
beginning of a long process.'' Noting that he had explained Greece's
position towards the problems between Turkey and Greece during his contacts
in Istanbul, Papandreu said the ways for negotiations, discussions and
understanding were opened. Stressing that he thought the understanding
between the Turkish and Greek peoples was very important and would
constitute the basis for peace, Papandreu defined his visit to Turkey as
''a very fruitful visit''. Responding to a quesiton, Ismail Cem said Turkey
and Greece had their own positions towards the Cyprus question, and this
was a reality, adding that they were trying to recover the relations
between the two countries. Emphasizing that they were trying to take a step
in right direction to this end, Cem expressed his pleasure over hosting
Greek Foerign Minister Papandreu in Turkey. Stressing that his counterpart
and he had held unofficial contacts, Cem said, ''I believe we understood
each other better.''
[36] VISITS BETWEEN TURKISH-GREEK UNIVERSITIES
[37] ANKARA, Oct 4 (A.A) - Prof. Dr. Suha Sevuk, the Rector of the Middle
East Technical University (ODTU), said on Monday that a group of Turkish
rectors would leave for Athens on October 14 upon the invitations of the
universities in Greece. Prof. Dr. Sevuk and Prof. Dr. Spyros Kyritsis, the
Chairman of the Greek Rectors' Committee, who had attended the opening
ceremony of the ODTU's new academic year, staged a joint press briefing at
the Congress and Culture Center. Prof. Dr. Sevuk mentioned that important
developments had been recorded between the Turkish and Greek universities
in last one month in parallel to the recently warming relations between the
Turkish and Greek peoples, and a serious rapprochement had started. Prof.
Dr. Sevuk said they had talks with the Athens University in accordance with
those developments, and as a result of those talks, Prof. Dr. Kyritsis came
to Turkey and made a speech at the opening ceremony. Noting that a group of
Turkish rectors would leave for Athens on October 14 upon an invitation of
the universities in Greece, Prof. Dr. Sevuk said also the university
students would pay mutual visits. ''I think that firstly the Greek students
will visit Turkey in October, and later the Turkish students will leave for
Greece. We will do our utmost to help in this atmosphere of rapprochement
and solidarity,'' he said. Prof. Dr. Spyros Kyritsis said the duty of the
academicians was to ''try to continue the positive climate'' appeared after
the quakes, and the issues beyond this interested the diplomatic and
political circles. Prof. Dr. Kyritsis academicians had already good
relations, and they would do their best to contribute to the positive
atmosphere. Responding to a question, Prof. Dr. Sevuk stressed that The
Turkish and Greek governments should put forward a political will for
further development of relations between the universities, and the
political will should be supported economically. When asked whether some
expressions in the Turkish and Greek history books would be removed, Prof.
Dr. Kyritsis said the expressions in those books did not affect the
feelings of the two peoples, stressing that the negative expressions should
be removed. Prof. Dr. Sevuk said, ''history can not be changed but it can
be expressed very painstakingly.''
[38] JAPANESE AMBASSADOR TOYAMA SAYS JAPAN TRANSFERRED 600,000 U.S. DOLLARS
PORTION OF 3,000,000 U.S. DOLLARS DONATION
[39] ANKARA, October 4 (A.A) - Prime Minister Bulent Ecevit said that the
Japanese Ambassador in Ankara, Atsuko Toyama, told him that the Japanese
government transferred the 600,000 U.S. dollars portion of a total 3,000,
000 U.S. dollars donation which will be given to Turkey to build schools
after the quake disaster. Japan also opened a credit of 200 million U.S.
dollars for the reconstruction of quake hit regions and will send 1,000
prefabricated dwellings for quake survivors. Half of these dwellings will
arrive in Istanbul on a ship on October 19. Ambassador Toyama who has
served 3.5 years in Ankara visited Ecevit at the Prime Ministry to bid
farewell as his term office in Ankara ended. Toyama has been appointed to a
post in Tokyo. Ecevit said Toyama, during his term office, had great
contributions to the development of friendly relations between Turkey and
Japan. In the meantime, Prime Minister Ecevit will give detailed
information to the leaders of coalition parties about his U.S. visit at a
meeting.
[40] TOURISM MINISTER MUMCU:''WE ARE THE BEST BUT WE CAN NOT MARKET IT AS
WE ARE SUPPOSED TO''
[41] ISTANBUL, October 4 (A.A) - Erkan Mumcu, the Tourism Minister said on
Monday that Turkey possessed the best tourism products. ''We are the best
but we don't market it as we are supposed to,'' Mumcu said. Mumcu spoke
about new tendencies in world tourism and tourism in Turkey at a conference
organized by the Economic Research Foundation on Monday. The Minister said
Turkey needed a serious revision in its tourism field. ''There are some
prejudices against those who work in tourism field. Nobody is aware that
people in tourism invest 35 billion U.S. dollars and tourism is the best
instrument to increase the national income per capita. There is a mentality
which is scared to invest,'' Mumcu said. The biggest obstacle in tourism
field is to scare investors and enterpreneurs, he noted. ''Turkey currently
gets a share of 1.8 percent from the world tourism. I strongly believe that
in the next ten years, Turkey can increase its annual tourism income to 100
billion U.S. dollars. All we need is to realize tourism's importance.
Turkey should make tourism work for 12 months,'' Mumcu explained. The
Minister said people were bored of sterile ideological fights and stressed
that politicians and intellectuals should focus on Turkey's development.
''The more democracy, the more development. If Turkey creates a freedom
environment, believes in itself and gets rid of its inferiority complexes,
it could become one of the best 20 nations of the world in the next 20
years. It has this potential,'' Mumcu continued. The Minister said there
was a 25 percent drop in the number of tourists who visited Turkey in 1999
compared to 1998. ''We were expecting a 30 percent increase. However anti-
Turkey campaigns which started in Europe after the arrest of the head of
the terrorist organization, Ocalan resulted in the cancellation of
reservations. This created some worries about tourist safety in Turkey
while there is no such threat,'' the Minister concluded.
[42] FOREIGN MINISTRY'S STATEMENT ABOUT ''NIKIFOROS'' MILITARY EXERCISE
[43] ANKARA, Oct 4 (A.A) - The Foreign Ministry said on Monday that the
''Nikiforos'' military exercise staged by Greece and the Greek Cypriot
administration, was worrysome concerning the security and stability on
Cyprus and in Eastern Mediterranean. Issuing a statement, the Foreign
Ministry said, ''Turkey's taking every kind of measure against the military
preparations, which constitute a direct threat against the security of
Turkey and the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC), is very
natural.'' Stressing that the military exercise in question, which was
staged with the participation of Greek warplanes and military vessels, ran
counter to the positive atmosphere that was tried to be formed on Cyprus,
the statement said the military exercise in question, which also included
attack scenarios against the Turkish side, proved the TRNC's confidence and
security concerns on Cyprus to be right. The statement said Turkey hoped
the international community would evaluate that negative and provocative
development as they should. The Nikiforos military exercise started on
October 2 and will continue till October 7.
[01] TURKEY-PRESS SCAN
[02] These are some of the major headlines and their brief stories in
Turkey's press on Oct 4, 1999. The Anadolu Ajansi does not verify these
stories and does not vouch for their accuracy.
[03] HURRIYET (LIBERAL) - ------------------ ''OUR RELATIONS TO BLOSSOM''
Greek Foreign Minister Yorgo Papandreu, who is in Turkey said in his speech
which he dedicated to earthquake survivors in Turkey that ''our relations
will blossom soon.'' ''EU membership is a process; democracy, progress in
human rights, economic and political reforms are necessary for it. We will
be vanguard for your full membership to the EU. There are politicians in
both Turkey and Greece who founded their political career on hostility.
Turkey, which we couldn't determine her targets, is an element of threat on
Cyprus. Premier Bulent Ecevit's statement saying that Turkey does not have
territorial claims in Aegean are positive. The active participation of
international actors for security in Aegean is necessary,'' the guest
foreign minister said.
[04] ECEVIT THINKS DIFFERENT Prime Minister Bulent Ecevit informed
President Suleyman Demirel about his visit to the U.S. yesterday. Noting
that he is in consensus of opinion with President Demirel in many issues,
Ecevit said that ''but regarding the issue of election of the President, I
have different opinions.''
[05] MILLIYET (LIBERAL) - ----------------- FISH QUAKE The fish which
poisoned 150 persons in Istanbul, was hunted offshore Yalova and Golcuk,
which were devastated by the massive earthquake on August 17. It is guessed
that there is metal in fish flesh. Samples of fish are being examined in
laboratories.
[06] WARM MESSAGES FROM PAPANDREU Visiting the Greek town built in Derince
after the massive earthquake, Yorgo Papandreu, the Greek Foreign Minister
spoke at ''Taksim Meetings'' in the evening. Papandreu gave messages like
''no fault line can divide the friendship between the two countries, we
won't be slaves of our history. The time of Turkey's membeship to the
European Union (EU) has to be clearly specified.''
[07] SABAH (LIBERAL) - -------------- UNDERGROUND SPECIAL TEAM The coal
miners of Turkish Coalmine Institution (TTK) in Zonguldak province won't be
secret heros from now on, but will be the rival of voluntary search and
rescue team AKUT by the rescue team they set up.
[08] INFLATION RATE HIGH IN SEPTEMBER AGAIN The inflation rate in September
is high this year again. The consumer prices increased by 5.9 percent,
while wholesale prices increased by 5.9 percent. The annual inlfation rate
increased to 54.4 percent.
[09] CUMHURIYET (LEFT) - ---------------- MAJOR DAMAGE AT UMRANIYE PRISON
Journalists were allowed to enter into the Umraniye E-Type Prison after the
uprising ended. Journalists observed that mutineers caused major financial
damage at the prison. Meanwhile, 14 of 69 people who were taken into
custody during the funeral of Ciftci, who was killed in the riot at Ankara
Main Covered Prison, were released.
[10] A TOTAL OF 14,837 FOREIGNERS CAPTURED IN 10 MONTHS A total of 14,837
illegal immigrants were captured in ten months in Edirne province, as they
were tying to proceed to Greece illegally. Officials at the Edirne Security
Department said that most of them were brought to the region in return of
money. Iraqis and Iranians are the highest in number who want to pass the
border. RADIKAL (LEFT) - --------------- ONE TONE OF HEROIN CONFISCATED
Security officials confiscated one tone of heroin having a market price of
nearly 20 trillion Turkish Liras (TL), which was hidden in in a lorry
loaded with garlics, at the Gurbulak Border Gate in Turkish-Iranian border.
Lutfi Yigenoglu, Agri Governor, said that Mehmet Ali Ozlent, driver of the
lorry, was taken into custody in connection with the incident.
[11] ECEVIT NOT TO SUPPORT PRESIDENT DEMIREL Prime Minister Bulent Ecevit
said that he shared President Suleyman Demirel's opinions in many fields,
but he had different thoughts on the issue of election of President by
people directly. President Demirel received Prime Minister Ecevit at the
Presidential Palace. Prime Minister Ecevit informed President Demirel about
his contacts in the U.S.
[12] T�RK�YE (RIGHT) - ---------------- TANK WAR Five firms including
Italian Iveco, French Giat, U.S. General Dynamic, German Krauss-Maffei, and
Ukranian Ukrspetseksport, will bid for the tender of Turkey's Main Battle
Tank Project till November 30. The project is expected to cost 3
quadrillion Turkish Liras.
[13] SCHOOLS IN YALOVA TO REOPEN A total of 44 primary and high schools
will start education in Istanbul and Yalova provinces today. The schools
had earlier started on September 13, however they were closed the same day
due to an aftershock measuring 5.8 on the Richter scale.
[14] ZAMAN (CONSERVATIVE) - -------------------- NO BODY CAN STAND ANYMORE
The prices of oil and electricity made everybody uneasy. This increase is
beyond the inflation rate. Even if the monthly inflation rate is zero, 5
percent of increase is made in the price of oil every month.
[15] DEMIREL'S SECRET SURVEY President Suleyman Demirel ordered some of his
assistants to carry out a secret survey before the opening of the
parliamentary legislation term. Turkish Armed Forces has been the most
trusted institution due to the results of the survey. The Presidency comes
the second, while the support extended to the parliament, the government
and the leaders is below 30 percent.
[16] PRESIDENT DEMIREL: - ''EARTHQUAKE'S RUIN WILL BE REMOVED TILL THE NEW
YEAR'' - ''NO ONE WILL SPEND THE WINTER IN TENTS''
[17] ANKARA, Oct 4 (A.A) - President Suleyman Demirel said on Sunday that
no one would spend the winter in tents in northwestern Turkey which was
devastated by a 7.4-magnitude earthquake, adding, ''we will heal all
physical wounds of the earthquake disaster till next year.'' Addressing a
television programme named ''Pulse of Politics'' on the state-run TRT-1
channel, President Demirel pointed out that the quake had hit a huge and
populous area. President Demirel expressed condolences, and implored God's
strength upon all who are grieving. He also wished quick recovery for those
who were injured in the quake. Describing the quake as a grave disaster,
Demirel underlined the importance of solidarity among the Turkish people.
Referring to the criticisms, Demirel said, ''Earthquake caught us
unprepared. We could not reach the area as quickly as the residents wanted.
I do not want to discuss whether or not we could be well prepared. We tried
to rescue people who were trapped under rubble of collapsed buildings, and
all injured people were treated. Makeshift houses were provided by erecting
tents. Quake affected a huge and populous area, therefore, criticisms were
normal. It is not difficult to understand sentimentality of people who were
left homeless and destitute.'' Recalling that criticisms began to target
the state, Demirel said, ''It was a catastrophe. People who encounter such
a disaster, wanted to see the state besides them. This was what happened in
Turkey. We understood people's complaints about important or unimportant
disorganizations. Meanwhile I want to express my profound sorrow over the
fact that these criticisms began to damage the image of the state.''
Reminding that he had visited the disaster zone three times, Demirel said,
''the state was in the disaster area with its full strength. More than 65
thousand soldiers are still working to heal the wounds of quake victims. A
total of 115 thousand tents have been erected, 200 thousand people have
been provided meals, all measures have been taken to prevent outbreak of
epidemics. I am telling you as the head of Turkish State, that the state
has done its utmost.'' Giving information about the financial damage caused
by the quake, Demirel said, ''we established new cities in Erzincan and
Dinar which were also devastated by quakes in the last decade. We also
built new houses in Merzifon and Adana for those who were left homeless.
Earthquake's ruin will be removed till the New Year. No one will spend the
winter in tents. We have begun to erect 30 thousand prefabricated houses.''
President Demirel thanked to all countries who rushed to Turkey in a bid to
heal her wounds after the quake disaster. Recalling that Turkish people
made a considerable contribution by donating great amounts of money,
President said, ''these donations must continue. Turkish people have
collected nearly 200 million U.S. dollars so far. This number must increase
up to 1 billion U.S. dollars. All provinces which were hit by the quake,
will be re-constructed. Within this framework, a total of 60 thousand
dwellings will be built, and all dwellings which were damaged by the quake,
will be restored, and this needs a great mobilization. These dwellings
should be put out to tender till February, and their construction should be
finalized till October, 2000. And this will cost between 5 and 10 billion
U.S. dollars.''
[18] PRESIDENT DEMIREL: - ''CYPRUS QUESTION IS NOT A MATTER BETWEEN TURKEY
AND THE U.S., AND IT SHOULD NOT BE'' - ''PRIME MINISTER ECEVIT'S VISIT TO
THE U.S. WAS VERY SUCCESSFUL''
[19] ANKARA, Oct 4 (A.A) - President Suleyman Demirel said on Sunday,
''Cyprus question is not a matter between Turkey and the U.S., between
Turkey and the European Union (EU), and between Turkey and Greece. And it
should not be.'' Addressing a television programme named ''Pulse of
Politics'' on the state-run TRT-1 channel, President Demirel said, ''Cyprus
question cannot be solved without taking into consideration the de facto
situation on the island. There are two nations, and two states on Cyprus.
One of them is not the state of whole island. If the world recognizes the
Southern Cyprus as the state of whole island, this will be a great mistake.
Cyprus question cannot be solved without recognizing the Turkish Republic
of Northern Cyprus (TRNC).'' Demirel noted, ''We approach to the end of the
20th century. One of the most important events in the 20th century was
foundation of the Republic of Turkey. After the Ottoman Empire collapsed,
the Republic of Turkey was founded by the genius, heroism and great
statesmanship of Mustafa Kemal Ataturk. Turkey had a population of 13
million, 80 percent of it had been farmers. There were no factories,
electricity, telephone lines, or tractors. Nearly 10 thousand teachers had
educated more than 300 thousand children. Now, Turkey has 600 thousand
teachers and 15 million students. There was only one university in those
days. Turkey has 72 universities in 1999. Turkey's population increased up
to 65 million. Turkey became the 16th country having one of the biggest
economies in the world. Her gross domestic production climbed to 400
billion U.S. dollars. Turkey has become an industrialized country in 75
years. She has begun to export industrial products to 135 countries. How
can you dare to say that Turkey has done nothing? This is nothing but a
denial.'' Pointing out that Turkey has become a world state, President
Demirel recalled that Turkey was one of ten great economies in the world
according to the U.S. Commerce Department's data. President Demirel said,
''Turkey has been a member of the NATO for 50 years. We have close
relations with the EU, Eurasia, the Middle East, the Balkans, and Russia.
Having regard to Kosovo, Bosnia-Herzegovina, the Balkans, and the Middle
East peace process, we are one of the most leading countries. We have been
associate member of the EU since 1963. We are a full member of the Customs
Union. We are selling 70 percent of products to the EU countries. Turkey
will continue to further develop in coming years.'' ''Turkey has been
struggling against terrorism for 15 years. There is not a second country
struggling against terrorism within democracy. Those who were involved in
terrorism, are aware of the fact that it is not possible to cope with
Turkey. They aim at setting at loggerheads among the Turkish people. But
they could not trick our people. We have plenty of things to do. As we
approach to the 21st century, we must become more operational, and more
transparent. We must purify ourselves from all bribes, and misuses,''
Demirel added. Evaluating Prime Minister Bilent Ecevit's official visit to
the U.S., Demirel described the U.S. as one the best friends of Turkey.
Stressing that Prime Minister Ecevit's visit to the U.S. was very
successful, Demirel said that the U.S. extended full support to Turkey on
the issues of membership to the EU, struggle against terrorism, economy,
energy, and the Baku-Ceyhan oil pipeline project.
[20] PAPANDREU, GREEK FOREIGN MINISTER VISITS FENER GREEK ORTHODOX
PATRIARCHATE: - ''WE WISH SOLUTION OF PROBLEMS BETWEEN TURKEY AND GREECE,
WE EXERT EFFORTS TO THIS END''
[21] ISTANBUL, Oct 4 (A.A) - Yorgo Papandreu, the Greek Foreign Minister
visited Fener Greek Orthodox Patriarchate in Istanbul and met with
Patriarch I. Bartolomeos on Monday. Visiting the Patriarchate in Balat
district of Istanbul in the morning, Papandreu prayed in the Patriarchate
church. Papandreu told I. Bartolomeos that he brought the best wishes of
Costas Simitis, the Greek Prime Minister to him, adding ''we wish solution
of problems between Turkey and Greece like you and we launch efforts to
this end. Certainly there are problems between the two countries. But we
have to launch efforts to install peace in the region and for friendship
and peace of peoples, by the good will and patience of the both sides.''
''We hope that the recent positive atmosphere and climate between Turkey
and Greece to be permanent and long term,'' said the Patriarch I.
Bartolomeos in his part. Noting that this positive atmosphere between the
two countries will also help in overcoming certain problems of the
Patriarchate, I. Bartolomeos hoped that cooperation in all fields can be
set up between Turkey and Greece. ''We are particularly pleased about your
support to Turkey's membership to the European Union (EU),'' said I.
Bartolomeos to Papandreu, adding ''this will not only be to the interest of
Turkey and Greece, but to the whole region. Turkey is geographically a
European country. But she shouldn't be impeded from membership to the EU as
she is a muslim country.'' Meanwhile Papandreu said that he conveyed the
problems the patriarchate faces to Turkish officials. Upon these words, I.
Bartolomeos requested Papandreu to help in opening the clergy school in
Heybeliada, which is closed for 30 years, defending the view that opening
this school will also serve the interests of Turkey. Papandreu visited on
Sunday the 150 prefabricated huts which were constructed by Greece in
Derince hamlet of Izmit province which was devastated by the massive
earthquake that hit Marmara region of Turkey on August 17.
[22] PRIME MINISTRY CRISIS MANAGEMENT CENTER ANNOUNCES DEATH TOLL AS 15,820
[23] ANKARA, Oct 4 (A.A) - The Prime Ministry Crisis Management Center
announced death toll as 15,820 as of 11:00 local time on Monday in the wake
of the 7.4-magnitude earthquake which devastated Marmara Region on August
17. A total of 43,953 people were injured in the quake. Officials at the
Prime Ministry Crisis Management Center told the A.A correspondent that a
total of 112,445 tents have been distributed in the disaster area so far.
Works to haul away rubble of 3,738 collapsed buildings were finalized, and
888 buildings which were seriously damaged in the quake, were demolished. A
total of 66,441 dwellings and 10,901 business places were seriously damaged,
and a total of 80,160 dwellings and 9,712 business places were slightly
damaged while moderate damage were determined in a total of 67,242
dwellings and 9,927 business places. Construction of prefabricated houses
is continuing in the disaster zone. Meanwhile, a total of 65 trillion 28
billion 766 million Turkish Liras in the bank account opened at the Ziraat
Bank as of September 29, 1999.
[24] PRIME MINISTER ECEVIT: ''I AM NOT SO MUCH SUPRISED OVER THE INFLATION
FIGURES THAT WERE DISCLOSED''
[25] ANKARA, October 4 (A.A) - Prime Minister Bulent Ecevit said on Monday
that he was not so much suprised over the rate of inflation that was
disclosed at the weekend, adding that ''its a little high.'' Responding to
a question how he evaluated inflation figures of September which was
disclosed on Sunday, Ecevit said ''I am not so much suprised, it is a
little high. It is known that Turkish economy is going through the narrow
straits. The quake also negatively affected this. We will try to recover
from now on.'' A journalist recalled that Greek war planes' landing in the
Baf Base was in question for suppling within the framework of Greek-Greek
Cypriot joint military exercise, and asked if this will affect Turkish-
Greek relations negatively, Ecevit said ''I hope Greek planes will not land
in Baf. They have not landed in the Base up to this time as far as I
know.'' Responding to another question related with (F) type prisons,
Ecevit said construction of six prisons are under way to build room type
prisons. Ecevit said construction of same type five other prisons will
start before the end of this year, adding that arrangements continue to
build room system in several other prisons.
[26] GAP'99 SECOND INTERNATIONAL INDUSTRY AND TECHNOLOGY FAIR
[27] SANLIURFA, Oct 4 (A.A) - The stand of the Machinery and Chemical
Industry (MKE) at the Southestern Anatolia Project (GAP) '99 International
Industry and Technology Fair, which was organized in Sanliurfa, drew great
attraction and interest, it was reported on Monday. The light and military
weapons and every kind of accessories are exhibited at this stand of the
MKE. Metin Filizay, an official at the MKE, said they were pleased with the
interest in their stand which was comoposed of completely domestic weapons.
''We explain all special features of these weapons, of which prices are
between 150 million and 1.5 billion Turkish Liras, to visitors,'' he said.
Speaking to the A.A correspondent, Filizay said the aim of their stand was
only exhibition and promotion, and they introduced all light and military
arms including the Black Sea group. ''All of the weapons exhibited in our
stand are domestic products. We are exhibiting 9 mm-caliber pistols namely
Sahin, Atmaca, Kobra, Kanuni, Canik, Gumusay, Yavuz, Fatih; military
weapons like MG-3 machine gun, G-3, MP-5, MP-5 K, and bomb launcher, supe-
pose double-barreled shotgun, sword bayonet, other accessories and
equipment,'' he said.
[28] ISTANBUL UNIVERSITY'S NEW ACADEMIC YEAR OPENING CEREMONY - PAPANDREU,
GREEK FOREIGN MINISTER: ''PEACE WILL BE BROUGHT FOR THE NATIONS IN THE
REGION BY PEOPLE''
[29] ISTANBUL, October 4 (A.A) - Yorgo Papandreu, Greek Foreign Minister,
participated in the opening ceremony of the new academic year of the
Istanbul University on Monday. Papandreu, who gave a lecture during the
ceremony, said he will devote all his sources for the peace of Turkish and
Greek peoples. Pointing out that he considered peace as a process,
Papandreu said ''last point of this process in the Balkans and in the
Middle East is peace. Its meaning in Turkish-Greek relations is cooperation
and re-rapproachement.'' Noting that politicians may play an important role
in peace process, Papandreu said ''many of them helped, we are pleased over
this. Yet, Turkish and Greek peoples will be the ones who will do it. There
is not so much place for the third people. Even if their intentions are
good, their methods can be limited. Peace will be brought for the peoples
in the region by people. I am so hopeful about the new generations. The new
generations have not experienced tragic incidents of our century.'' The
guest minister pointed out that several people defined the things happening
in Turkish and Greek relations as ''fairy tale'', adding that this was not
so because the things which were experienced were the demands of the two
peoples. Papandreu said ''it is the time to venture the impossible'' to
this end. Recalling that they begin to study on a dialogue together with
Foreign Minister Ismail Cem a few months ago to determine issues of joint
interest, the guest minister pointed out that several people called them as
''low diplomacy'' as if cultural heritage and environment were unimportant,
yet that he preferred to call it as ''less exciting.'' Noting that Greek
shared a vision with its neighbours, Papandreu said ''this vision is the
United Southeastern Europe extending from Cyprus to Romania and from Turkey
to Bosnia, where the borders are respected and protected and that nobody
investigates them.'' Papandreu said ''we will be a nations-family. We will
be a bouquet of cultures'', and also noted that ''double standards should
not be implemented. For example, Greece will demand for only one standard
on the issue of Turkey's membership to the European Union (EU).'' Stressing
that several people claimed that ''peace will come by calling for different
states for different ethnic groups'', Papandreu said ''I say no to this.
Because there is not short ways in our region going to peace. Also, there
are not quick and easy ways. European nations and EU are a multi-ethnic
structure region and it is proud of this. We, together with Turkey, share
the basic principle that borders should not be changed according to
minorities. All our efforts should be intensified on preservation of them
within the borders they are in. There are two things which I think you will
understand. ''Let us break the last Berlin Wall. Let us save Cyprus from
this burden. Let us save all of us from this burden.'' Papandreu noted that
entrance of Cyprus to EU will be for the benefit of the two communities,
adding that Greece believed that Turkey will have a future within EU. He
also said it was for Turkey's benefit to be the full member of the most
successful, politic and economic regional union. Noting that the definition
of security was changed after cold war, Papandreu said security was focused
on the factors that were not military. Recalling that Turkey was located in
a geography surrounded by Caucasus, the Middle East and the Balkans,
Papandreu said Turkey had to face the subsidiary effects of the clashes in
the region. Papandreu said to this end, Turkey's decision to follow the way
of developed European countries should be applauded, adding that Greece
supported Turkey to be a country applying joint values of Europe. Pointing
out that European Union (EU) was not a closed ''Christian Club'', Papandreu
said on the contrary EU based on mutual reciprocal interests. Noting that
there were several practices which should be applied, Papandreu said the
countries should create democratic institutions, multinational education,
competitive business atmosphere, and free media groups. Greek Foreign
Minister also said the countries should be willing to solve the problems
within the framework of international laws. Stressing that they wanted
Turkey in the EU, Papandreu said ''we want Turkey to share all rights and
responsibilities.'' The guest minister said basic word of dialogue
developed between the two countries was the ''peoples'', adding that this
dialogue will reveal a base on which peoples of the two countries will
stand and that this base will rapproach them further more. Papandreu said
the ideas will be invalid if they can not be developed by the peoples.
Pointing out that search and rescue teams of Turkey and Greece, AKUT and
EMAK, broke the concretes which separated the two peoples for years,
Papandreu said ''Greek volunteers started working in rubbles in Turkey
before us. This is the core of civilian participation and diplomacy.''
Noting that voice of the peoples should be strong, Papandreu said time came
for students, professors, universities in Turkey and Greece to play an
indispensable role.
[30] TURKEY'S EMBASSY IN ROME REJECTS CALL OF SUPPORTERS OF TERRORIST PKK
ORGANIZATION FOR A MEETING
[31] ROME, October 4 (A.A) - Turkey's Embassy in Rome on Monday rejected
the call of supporters of terrorist PKK organization for a meeting and
wanted Italian Foreign Ministry to take precautions. The document which was
sent by supporters of terrorist organization to Italian press said
supporters of terrorist PKK organization in Italy would go to Embassy
building on Tuesday to meet with Necati Utkan, Turkey's Ambassador to Rome.
The delegation included Domenico Gallo, former senator and prosecutor, Tom
Bebettolo, Chairman of National Cultural and Social Activities Association
(ARCI), Dino Frisullo, the person who staged anti-Turkish demonstrations in
Italy, and Bishop Pietro Bona. The statement issued by Turkey's Embassy in
Rome said the situation was conveyed to Italian Foreign Ministry, and noted
that allowing such intiatives of the supporters of terrorist organization
will cast shadow over the relations between Turkey and Italy.
[32] ITALIAN COURT GRANTS OCALAN, THE HEAD OF THE TERRORIST ORGANIZATION,
POLITICAL ASYLUM
[33] ROME, October 4 (A.A) - Rome Appeals Court no:2 on Monday decided to
grant Abdullah Ocalan, the head of the terrorist organization, political
asylum. Italian official news agency Ansa reported Luigi Saraceni, deputy
of Greens Party and Ocalan's lawyer, as saying ''Rome Appeals Court no:2
granted Ocalan political asylum who is under the risk of execution in
Turkey.''
[34] FM CEM HOSTS LUNCH IN GREEK FM PAPANDREU'S HONOUR
[35] ISTANBUL, Oct 4 (A.A) - Ismail Cem, the Foreign Minister, hosted an
unofficial lunch in the honour of Yorgo Papandreu, the Foreign Minister of
Greece, at the Foreign Ministry's Representation in Istanbul on Monday.
Speaking to reporters following the lunch which lasted nearly 2.5 hours,
Yorgo Papandreu said they had started a process a few months ago, adding,
''this does not mean that we solved the problems. We are in the very
beginning of a long process.'' Noting that he had explained Greece's
position towards the problems between Turkey and Greece during his contacts
in Istanbul, Papandreu said the ways for negotiations, discussions and
understanding were opened. Stressing that he thought the understanding
between the Turkish and Greek peoples was very important and would
constitute the basis for peace, Papandreu defined his visit to Turkey as
''a very fruitful visit''. Responding to a quesiton, Ismail Cem said Turkey
and Greece had their own positions towards the Cyprus question, and this
was a reality, adding that they were trying to recover the relations
between the two countries. Emphasizing that they were trying to take a step
in right direction to this end, Cem expressed his pleasure over hosting
Greek Foerign Minister Papandreu in Turkey. Stressing that his counterpart
and he had held unofficial contacts, Cem said, ''I believe we understood
each other better.''
[36] VISITS BETWEEN TURKISH-GREEK UNIVERSITIES
[37] ANKARA, Oct 4 (A.A) - Prof. Dr. Suha Sevuk, the Rector of the Middle
East Technical University (ODTU), said on Monday that a group of Turkish
rectors would leave for Athens on October 14 upon the invitations of the
universities in Greece. Prof. Dr. Sevuk and Prof. Dr. Spyros Kyritsis, the
Chairman of the Greek Rectors' Committee, who had attended the opening
ceremony of the ODTU's new academic year, staged a joint press briefing at
the Congress and Culture Center. Prof. Dr. Sevuk mentioned that important
developments had been recorded between the Turkish and Greek universities
in last one month in parallel to the recently warming relations between the
Turkish and Greek peoples, and a serious rapprochement had started. Prof.
Dr. Sevuk said they had talks with the Athens University in accordance with
those developments, and as a result of those talks, Prof. Dr. Kyritsis came
to Turkey and made a speech at the opening ceremony. Noting that a group of
Turkish rectors would leave for Athens on October 14 upon an invitation of
the universities in Greece, Prof. Dr. Sevuk said also the university
students would pay mutual visits. ''I think that firstly the Greek students
will visit Turkey in October, and later the Turkish students will leave for
Greece. We will do our utmost to help in this atmosphere of rapprochement
and solidarity,'' he said. Prof. Dr. Spyros Kyritsis said the duty of the
academicians was to ''try to continue the positive climate'' appeared after
the quakes, and the issues beyond this interested the diplomatic and
political circles. Prof. Dr. Kyritsis academicians had already good
relations, and they would do their best to contribute to the positive
atmosphere. Responding to a question, Prof. Dr. Sevuk stressed that The
Turkish and Greek governments should put forward a political will for
further development of relations between the universities, and the
political will should be supported economically. When asked whether some
expressions in the Turkish and Greek history books would be removed, Prof.
Dr. Kyritsis said the expressions in those books did not affect the
feelings of the two peoples, stressing that the negative expressions should
be removed. Prof. Dr. Sevuk said, ''history can not be changed but it can
be expressed very painstakingly.''
[38] JAPANESE AMBASSADOR TOYAMA SAYS JAPAN TRANSFERRED 600,000 U.S. DOLLARS
PORTION OF 3,000,000 U.S. DOLLARS DONATION
[39] ANKARA, October 4 (A.A) - Prime Minister Bulent Ecevit said that the
Japanese Ambassador in Ankara, Atsuko Toyama, told him that the Japanese
government transferred the 600,000 U.S. dollars portion of a total 3,000,
000 U.S. dollars donation which will be given to Turkey to build schools
after the quake disaster. Japan also opened a credit of 200 million U.S.
dollars for the reconstruction of quake hit regions and will send 1,000
prefabricated dwellings for quake survivors. Half of these dwellings will
arrive in Istanbul on a ship on October 19. Ambassador Toyama who has
served 3.5 years in Ankara visited Ecevit at the Prime Ministry to bid
farewell as his term office in Ankara ended. Toyama has been appointed to a
post in Tokyo. Ecevit said Toyama, during his term office, had great
contributions to the development of friendly relations between Turkey and
Japan. In the meantime, Prime Minister Ecevit will give detailed
information to the leaders of coalition parties about his U.S. visit at a
meeting.
[40] TOURISM MINISTER MUMCU:''WE ARE THE BEST BUT WE CAN NOT MARKET IT AS
WE ARE SUPPOSED TO''
[41] ISTANBUL, October 4 (A.A) - Erkan Mumcu, the Tourism Minister said on
Monday that Turkey possessed the best tourism products. ''We are the best
but we don't market it as we are supposed to,'' Mumcu said. Mumcu spoke
about new tendencies in world tourism and tourism in Turkey at a conference
organized by the Economic Research Foundation on Monday. The Minister said
Turkey needed a serious revision in its tourism field. ''There are some
prejudices against those who work in tourism field. Nobody is aware that
people in tourism invest 35 billion U.S. dollars and tourism is the best
instrument to increase the national income per capita. There is a mentality
which is scared to invest,'' Mumcu said. The biggest obstacle in tourism
field is to scare investors and enterpreneurs, he noted. ''Turkey currently
gets a share of 1.8 percent from the world tourism. I strongly believe that
in the next ten years, Turkey can increase its annual tourism income to 100
billion U.S. dollars. All we need is to realize tourism's importance.
Turkey should make tourism work for 12 months,'' Mumcu explained. The
Minister said people were bored of sterile ideological fights and stressed
that politicians and intellectuals should focus on Turkey's development.
''The more democracy, the more development. If Turkey creates a freedom
environment, believes in itself and gets rid of its inferiority complexes,
it could become one of the best 20 nations of the world in the next 20
years. It has this potential,'' Mumcu continued. The Minister said there
was a 25 percent drop in the number of tourists who visited Turkey in 1999
compared to 1998. ''We were expecting a 30 percent increase. However anti-
Turkey campaigns which started in Europe after the arrest of the head of
the terrorist organization, Ocalan resulted in the cancellation of
reservations. This created some worries about tourist safety in Turkey
while there is no such threat,'' the Minister concluded.
[42] FOREIGN MINISTRY'S STATEMENT ABOUT ''NIKIFOROS'' MILITARY EXERCISE
[43] ANKARA, Oct 4 (A.A) - The Foreign Ministry said on Monday that the
''Nikiforos'' military exercise staged by Greece and the Greek Cypriot
administration, was worrysome concerning the security and stability on
Cyprus and in Eastern Mediterranean. Issuing a statement, the Foreign
Ministry said, ''Turkey's taking every kind of measure against the military
preparations, which constitute a direct threat against the security of
Turkey and the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC), is very
natural.'' Stressing that the military exercise in question, which was
staged with the participation of Greek warplanes and military vessels, ran
counter to the positive atmosphere that was tried to be formed on Cyprus,
the statement said the military exercise in question, which also included
attack scenarios against the Turkish side, proved the TRNC's confidence and
security concerns on Cyprus to be right. The statement said Turkey hoped
the international community would evaluate that negative and provocative
development as they should. The Nikiforos military exercise started on
October 2 and will continue till October 7.
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