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Anadolu Agency: News in English, 99-11-03
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CONTENTS
[01] AA Daily
[02] TURKEY-PRESS SCAN
[03] These are some of the major headlines and their brief stories in
Turkey's press on November 3, 1999. The Anadolu Ajansi does not verify
these stories and does not vouch for their occuracy.
[04] HURRIYET (LIBERAL) - ---------------- AMNESTY DEBATE The attempt to
make Haluk K�rc�, the chief actor regarding the killing of seven members of
the banned Turkish Labour Party (TIP) in Bahcelievler district of Ankara in
1978, benefit from amnesty law, shook seriously the coalition government.
Rahsan Ecevit, the deputy leader of the Democratic Left Party (DSP) said
that she would resist an amnesty for K�rc� even if the coalition is
spoiled.
[05] PKK'S WITHDRAWAL NOT ENOUGH General Huseyin K�vr�koglu, the Chief of
General Staff said that terrorists started to withdraw from Turkey, but
their surrender is more important. ''600-700 terrorists withdrew from
Turkey so far, but this is not enough because the one who withdrew has the
chance to return back. Their surrender and laying down arms is more
important,'' said K�vr�koglu.
[06] MILLIYET (LIBERAL) - ----------------- EVCIL:I AM VICTIM OF MY GREED
Erol Evcil, a businessman who is accused of inciting persons kill Nesim
Malki, another businessman, was questioned by security officials in Bursa.
Evcil confessed that he incited persons kill Malki and told police that he
was the victim of his greed. It is reported that the important notebook of
Malki, which was searched for, was found in the villa in which Evcil was
captured.
[07] AMNESTY SUSPENDED The article of the discussed Amnesty law which
foresaw amnesty for Haluk K�rc�, a suspect regarding the killing of seven
Turkish Labour Party (TIP) members in 1978, shook the coalition government.
The tension between the Democratic Left Party (DSP) and the Nationalist
Movement Party (MHP) escalated when the amnesty law was being discussed in
the parliamentary constitution commission yesterday. A consensus was
reached by the mediation of Mesut Y�lmaz, the leader of the Motherland
Party (ANAP) in the end and the discussion of the law was suspended.
[08] SABAH (LIBERAL) - --------------- NEW STEP IN KISLALI'S ASSASSINATION
The similar pictures of the three assailants who were involved in the
assassination of Prof. Ahmet Taner K�slal�, were drawn and later published.
Officials said that those who see these people should inform the police.
Saadettin Tantan, the Minister of Interior, said that he was surprised by
the bomb used in the killing of K�slal�, as he didn't see such a bomb
before.
[09] LAST ROUND FOR STAND-BY The International Monetary Fund (IMF)
delegation started its meetings in Ankara to discuss the stand-by
agreement. They will stay in Turkey for three weeks. Carlo Cottarelli, the
IMF Director of Turkey Desk said that ''I am hopeful about signing a stand-
by agreement with Turkey.''
[10] CUMHURIYET (LEFT) - ---------------- SUSURLUK SCANDAL STILL IN
DARKNESS Today is the anniversary of the Susurluk accident which revealed
the illegal relations among mafia, security and state. A mercedes car hit a
lorry on November 3, 1996 in Susurluk. Huseyin Kocadag, the former deputy
director general of security in Istanbul, Abdullah Catl�, a mafia leader
died and Sedat Bucak, a deputy of the True Path Party (DYP) was wounded.
However these surprising relations couldn't be clarified in three years.
[11] ALL EXPENDITURES TO BE LIMITED The colition government headed by Prime
Minister Bulent Ecevit, plans to limit all expenditures by the budget of
2000 upon the will of International Monetary Fund (IMF). Turkey's budget
for 2000 is 46.9 quadrillion liras. Yet 44.9 percent of the budget is
foreseen to be transferred to pay interest rates in the beginning. Turkey
has an interest payment of 185 billion dollars this year.
[12] RADD�KAL (LEFT) - -------------- GERMANY: ''OZBEY CAN BE EXTRADITED TO
TURKEY'' Christian Arns, the Spokesman of the German Interior Ministry,
said that Yalcin Ozbey, one of the suspects for the assasination of Abdi
Ipekci, a prominent journalist, could be extradited to Turkey. Arns noted
that the German Court rejected Ozbey's request to be granted political
refugee status. GENERAL KIVRIKOGLU CALLS ON TERRORISTS TO SURRENDER General
Huseyin Kivrikoglu, the Chief of General Staff, called on members of the
terrorists organization PKK to surrender to the security forces. General
Kivrikoglu stressed that terrorists have begun to withdraw from Turkish
territories to Northern Iraq and Iran. CEM IN EUROPE Ismail Cem, the
Foreign Minister, arrived in Strasbourg to attend the 105th meeting of the
Council of Europe Committee of Ministers. Cem is scheduled to meet with his
Finnish counterpart Tarja Hallonen. Latest developments regarding
announcement of Turkey's candidacy to the European Union (EU) at Helsinki
Summit will be discussed at the meeting. Cem will proceed to Moscow on
Thursday to accompany Prime Minister Bulent Ecevit during his official
visit to Russia. TURKIYE (RIGHT) - --------------- ECEVIT DUE TO RUSSIA
Prime Minister Bulent Ecevit's official visit to Russia will start
tomorrow. Ecevit's contacts in Russia will mainly focus on the ''Blue
Stream Project'', and the commercial relations between the two countries.
DEAD BODIES OF THREE TERRORISTS FOUND IN AGRI MOUNTAIN Security forces
found dead bodies of three male terrorists in a cave in Agri Mountain.
Security forces said that the terrorists were shot dead, and buried with
their cloths. Officals noted that the terrorists might have been killed due
to a dispute in the terrorist organization PKK. Officials also added that
the terrorist organization PKK was using the cave between 1992-1996. EIGHT
MEMBERS OF PKK ARRESTED A total of eight members of terrorist organization
PKK who have surrendered to security forces on October 29, were arrested by
the Istanbul State Security Court (DGM) No:4. Haydar Ergul, Dilek Kurt,
Yusuf Kiyak, Ali Sukran Aktas, Aygul Bidav, Haci Celik, Imam Canpolat, and
Aysel Dogan were sent to the Gebze and Kartal prisons. ZAMAN (CONSERVATIVE)
- ------------------ KOH: ''FUNDAMENTALISM WAS EXAGGERATED'' Harold Koh,
the U.S. Assistant Secretary of State for Human Rights, gave a special
statament to the Zaman Newspaper. Koh eulogized media's and government's
consistent approach againts fundamentalist provocations in Kavakci and
Kislali affairs. Koh said that they understood Turkey's sensivity about the
Islamic fundamentalims. Koh stressed that nothing could be considered as a
social threat because it was exaggerated.
[13] FP'S APPROACH TOWARDS ISRAEL CHANGES Addressing the U.S. Woodrow
Wilson think-tank institution, Recai Kutan, the leader of the Virtue Party
(FP), said that their policy regarded with Israel has totaly changed. Kutan
stressed that they did not consider having cooperation with Israel as
inconvenient. Kutan added, ''Everybody knows that Israel has giant
opportunities in technology, especially in defense technology. Turkey can
have cooperation with Israel in this field as she has cooperation with the
western coutries.''
[14] TOURISM MINISTER MUMCU LEAVES FOR TUNISIA
[15] ISTANBUL, Nov 3 (A.A) - Erkan Mumcu, the Tourism Minister, left on
Wednesday for Tunisia to attend the 5th Joint Tourism Commission meeting
between Turkey and Tunisia. Addressing journalists at the Ataturk Airport,
Mumcu said that representatives of private sector would also attend the
meeting. Mumcu said that the meeting would mainly focus on promotion
activities, and cooperation in professional training. He told reporters
that a protocol would be signed between the two countries to further
improve all kind of tourism activities between Turkey and Tunisia. Mumcu,
and accompanying delegation are expected to return to Turkey on November 6.
[16] IMF DELEGATION'S CONTACTS IN ANKARA
[17] ANKARA, Nov 3 (A.A) - The International Monetary Fund (IMF) delegation
headed by Carlo Cottarelli, the Chief of IMF Turkey, continued on Wednesday
its contacts in Ankara. The delegation stressed that Turkey should not
abandon tax arrangements with regard to reach macro economic targets in the
budget for year 2000. The IMF noted that additional tax arrangements should
be done to reach tax revenue of 24 quadrillion Turkish Liras, and total
budget revenue of 32 quadrillion Turkish Liras in 2000. Meanwhile, IMF
experts emphasized that Turkey has carried out the social security reforms
with regard to provide public finance balance. The IMF experts pointed out
that Turkey's most important economic target should be privatization. They
stressed that the constitutional change related with international
arbitration would accelerate privatization initiatives in the field of
energy. The IMF experts stressed that Turkey should increase her
privatization revenues up to 6 billion U.S. dollars in 2000. The IMF
delegation is scheduled to hold talks with the officials of the
Undersecretariat of Treasury, State Planning Organization, Finance Ministry,
Privatization Management Board, Central Bank, and Capital Market Board. The
IMF delegation will proceed later to Istanbul to meet with the
representatives of private sector.
[18] JAPAN GRANTS 10,000 U.S. DOLLARS TO ITO'S CAMPAIGN
[19] ISTANBUL, Nov 3 (A.A) - Japanese Foreign Trade Organization (JETRO)
granted 10,000 U.S. dollars on Tuesday to the campaign opened by the
Istanbul Chamber of Commerce. The JETRO donated 10,000 U.S. dollars to
ITO's ''Four City Four School'' campaign which aims at constructing schools
to the quake-hit areas. Yoshihiro Terada, the Chief of Istanbul Branch of
JETRO, visited ITO and gave ITO the cheque on Wednesday. Terada said that
the aid was collected by the personnel of JETRO by the revenues of the
publications of JETRO.
[20] PRIME MINISTER ECEVIT'S VISIT TO MOSCOW
[21] ANKARA, Nov 3 (A.A) - Sermet Atacanli, Foreign Ministry Deputy
Spokesman, said on Wednesday that efforts will be underway to improve
relations between the two countries during Prime Minister Bulent Ecevit's
scheduled visit to Moscow, and noted Chechnya issue will also be discussed.
Addressing the weekly news conference, Atacanli evaluated scheduled visit
of Prime Minister Ecevit to Russia. He said existing positive relations
will be further improved with the visit. Pointing out that Turkey
attributed importance to the visit, Atacanli said the sides will exchange
views regarding the developments in the fields of politics, economy and
trade. When asked if a concrete agreement will be reached about Blue Stream
project or struggle against terrorism, Atacanli said preparations were
underway related with the visit, yet refrained from giving details. When
asked if Russian attacks against Chechnya will be discussed during Ecevit's
visit to Moscow, Atacanli said: ''Turkey is closely concerned in Chechnya
issue. The situation in the region becomes dangerous as incidents escalate.
We are concerned about it. We wish this will be solved within a political
framework, Russian Federation's territorial integrity and constitutional
order.'' Atacanli said this issue will be discussed during Ecevit's
contacts. Responding to a question related with Blue Stream project,
Atacanli said they regarded Turkmen natural gas and Russian natural gas not
as alternatives to each other, but complementary. Atacanli recalled that it
was impossible for Turkey to meet its natural gas need with its own
sources. Pointing out that Turkey's natural gas need will increase in the
next years, Atacanli said Turkey should diversify its sources to this end.
When asked about Caspian basin energy sources and Baku-Ceyhan oil pipeline,
Atacanli said they hoped to sign the final agreement during Organization
for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) summit.
[22] PREMIER ECEVIT: ''CHECHNYA ISSUE IS THE INTERNAL PROBLEM OF RUSSIA''
[23] ANKARA, Nov 3 (A.A) - Premier Bulent Ecevit said on Wednesday that
Chechnya issue is the internal problem of Russia. Prior to his visit to
Russia, Ecevit evaluated the relations between Turkey and Russia in the
group meeting of the Democratic Left Party (DSP). Turkey is saddened and
concerned about the ongoing Russian military offensive in Chechnya and that
the military operation will harm the civilians, Ecevit noted. They decided
to start warning the other countries and the international organizations to
be ready for a possible refugee problem, Ecevit stated. Ecevit stressed
that they do not interfere with this problem and they attribute importance
to the territorial integrity of Russia as they attribute importance to the
territorial integrity of Turkey. Ecevit continued, '' we are saddened and
concerned that the military operation is causing considerable harm to
Chechen civilians. We are saddened in human terms and concerned about
possible migration. A group of refugees from Chechnya, mostly women and
children, had already arrived in Turkey.'' ''It will not be easy for us to
cope with a big wave of refugees while addressing the problems of our
people hit by the earthquake disaster,'' Ecevit said. ''To this end, we
have decided to warn other countries and international organizations to be
ready for a possible immigration,'' Ecevit added. Turkey's application to
send humanitarian aid to Chenchens by the Red Crescent was welcomed and
they consider this as a hopeful development, Ecevit emphasized. The joint
energy investments, especially the purchase of natural gas from Russia,
carry importance; Ecevit pointed out. Ecevit said that the Western Pipeline
will increase the flow of natural gas. He added that the Blue Stream
Project is on the agenda. Russia will lay down pipelines beneath the Black
Sea and Turkey will be responsible for the investments in her territory,
Ecevit noted. Ecevit stressed that Turkey needs both the natural gas of
Turkmenistan and Azerbaijan in the Blue Stream Project. Ecevit added that
the economic relations will carry importance during his contacts in Russia.
[24] 15TH ISEDAK MEETING TO START TOMORROW
[25] ISTANBUL, Nov 3 (A.A) - The high-ranking experts meeting of the 15th
Islamic Conference Organization Economic and Commercial Cooperation
Permanent Committee Meeting (ISEDAK) will start in Istanbul on Thursday. A
total of 56 countries have been invited to the meeting which will be hosted
and chaired by Turkey. Turkey will participate in the meetings with a
delegation headed by Devlet Bahceli, State Minister and Deputy Prime
Minister. The high-ranking experts of ISEDAK will convene under the
chairmanship of Akin Izmirlioglu, State Planning Institute (DPT)
Undersecretary, and will take up the necessary preparations regarding the
items on the agenda. The 15th ISEDAK meeting will start by the opening
session chaired by President Suleyman Demirel on November 6, 1999. The
agenda of the meeting will include the evaluation of the effects of the
global economic developments on the member countries, the developments
ragarding the implementation of Economic Cooperation Action Plan and the
developments regarding the World Trade Organizatino (WTO). The meetings
will end on November 7, 1999.
[26] GREEK AMBASSADOR CORANTIS SPEAKS AT 'TURKISH-GREEK RELATIONS MEETING'
[27] ESKISEHIR, Nov 3 (A.A) - Ioannis Corantis, the Greek Ambassador in
Ankara, said on Wednesday that the quake disaster created a solidarity
atmosphere between Turkey and Greece which will further grow in the future.
Corantis who spoke at ''Turkish-Greek Relations'' meeting organized by
Eskisehir Rotary Club noted that Turkish-Greek relations were at a
different level now then they were 7 months ago when he first came to
Turkey. ''There is a rule in economy. Evertything that goes down has to go
up. It was the same for Greek-Turkish relations. The foreign ministers of
both countries came together quietly and took decisions to solve the
problems. Drafts were prepared in Athens and Ankara to develop relations.
Agreements were initiated in tourism, anti-terrorism and maritime fields.
Greek people will not forget Turkey's sensitivity when the quake hit
Athens. Turks also were helped by Greeks during the Marmara quake. Great
solidarity and sacrifice were observed during these disasters. The people
of both countries are giving a message of peace,'' Corantis said. The Greek
Ambassador also noted that he wanted Turkey to enter the EU. Regarding the
Cyprus issue, Corantis said they want this problem to be solved. Turkey's
positive attitute will help to develop relations with Europe, he also
stressed.
[28] A TOTAL OF TWO MILLION TOURISTS VISIT ANTALYA IN TEN MONTHS
[29] ANTALYA, Nov 3 (A.A) - A total of two million tourists visited
southern Antalya province in the first ten months of 1999. The Antalya
Airport Directorate officials told A.A correspondent on Wednesday that a
total of 1.9 million foreign tourists arrived in Antalya between January 1
and October 31, 1999. The number of tourists coming to Antalya by plane
decreased 30 percent in the mentioned period when compared with the figures
of 1998, the officials said. A total of 200,000 tourists are expected to
visit Antalya in November and December, the officials noted. The number and
the nationality of the tourists arriving in Antalya via airway in October
are listed below:
[30] Germany: 165,742 Austria: 10,960 Russia: 14,599 Israel: 11,954 The
Netherlands: 10,859 Britain: 10,443 Belgium: 6,305 Sweden: 3,147 Other
countries: 23,127
[31] DEPUTY PRIME MINISTER BAHCELI SAYS STABILITY IN TURKEY IS ABOVE
EVERYTHING
[32] KIZILCAHAMAM, Nov 3 (A.A) - Commenting on the disagreements over the
amnesty law draft beween the coalition partners, Deputy Prime Minister
Devlet Bahceli said on Wednesday that ''the differences of opinion on any
law draft are not big enough to cause instability in Turkey.'' When asked
if the amnesty law has been suspended, Bahceli said it was too early to
make that comment and stressed that the law could still be passed. He said
the draft will be discussed at the Justice Commission and then at the
General Council according to the procedure. ''We must wait patiently,'' he
added. Bahceli responded to claims of ''cracks'' in the government caused
by the amnesty law draft, Bahceli said disagreements on any law were not
big enough to cause instability in Turkey. ''Stability in Turkey is above
everything,'' he stressed. ''Neither Democratic Left Party (DSP) nor
Nationalist Movement Party (MHP) is stepping back. What is going to happen?,
'' a reporter asked Bahceli. ''If nobody is stepping back, then you will
remove the problem. That's it,'' he responded.
[33] PREMIER ECEVIT DUE TO RUSSIA ON THURSDAY
[34] ANKARA, Nov 3 (A.A) - Premier Bulent Ecevit will go to Russia for an
official visit on Thursday. A statement of Prime Ministry Press Center said
on Wednesday that Ecevit and an accompanying delegation including some
ministers, bureaucrats, businessmen and journalists will leave for Moscow
on Thursday. Ecevit will meet with the Turkish businessmen on Thursday
evening, the statement noted. The statement stressed that Ecevit will meet
with Vladimir Putin, the Russian Prime Minister, on the second day of his
visit. Some agreements will be signed between Russia and Turkey following
the interdelegationary meetings, the statement emphasized. Ecevit will meet
with the speaker of Duma, which is the lower chamber of the Russian
parliament, after attending the luncheon given in the honour of himself by
Putin, the statement pointed out. The statement said that Ecevit will visit
the Moscow Mayor in the third day of his visit. Ecevit will participate in
the laying foundation ceremony of the Turkish Union of Chambers and
Commodity Exchanges (TOBB)-Turkish Exporters' Center (TIM) Trade Center,
the statement noted. The statement emphasized that Ecevit will return to
Turkey after being interviewed by the Russian television channel ITAR-TASS.
Ecevit and the accompanying delegation are expected to arrive in Ankara on
November 6, 1999, the statement stressed. The statement added that Ecevit
will stage a press conference on Thursday prior to his departure.
[35] FINANCE MINISTER ORAL SPEAKS AT PARLIAMENT'S BUDGET COMMISSION
[36] ANKARA, Nov 3 (A.A) - The Finance Minister Sumer Oral said the foreign
exchange reserve of the Central Bank was 24,8 billion U.S. dollars as of
October 22, 1999. Oral who spoke at the Parliament's Planning and Budget
Commission reminded that the financial crisis which started in 1998 caused
investers to lose confidence in the economies of developing countries. The
world did not have a positive economic conjucture in 1998 but the recovery
started in 1999, he explained. The avarage growth rate of the world in 2000
is expected to be 3.5 percent while developing countries will have a growth
rate of 4.8 percent next year. The economic crisis caused the world economy
to focus on the reconstruction of international and global finance systems,
Oral said. He also added that Turkey took place in G-20 group which brings
Turkey new opportunities as well as new respons�b�l�t�es. Turkey targeted
to permanently drop inflation in 1998 and create stability in macro
economic balances, however the financial crisis which started in Russia
also affected Turkey. However the economic measures helped Turkey to keep
these negative effects at a minimum level, he explained. The earthquake
disaster hit the Marmara region which had a very high level of Gross
National Product, therefore the quake affected the economy in general. A 2
percent drop is estimated in Gross National Product (GNP) in 1999. Turkey's
export rate increased by 2.7 percent in 1998 compared to 1997 while the
import rate dropped by 5.4 percent. The foreign trade deficit also
decreased by 15 percent and became 18.9 b�ll�on U.S. dollars. Turkey's
international reserve in 1998 which is consisted of gold and foreign
currency exchange increased 2.3 billion U.S. dollars and reached 29.5 U.S.
dollars and the foreign currency exhange of the Central Bank was 24.8
billion U.S. dollars as of 22 October, 1999, Oral said. The 91 percent
increase in wholesale prices in 1997 dropped to 54.3 percent in 1998 and
this trend continued until April of 1999. After April, 1999 the inflation
in Turkey also rose because of the increasing crude oil prices in the
world. In 1999, the avarage annual increase in wholesale prices is expected
to be 57 percent and consumer prices are estimated as 64 percent. Turkey's
domestic borrowing stock reached 20 quadrillion Turkish Liras in 1999
September, he explained. Since 1991, Turkey has always paid foreign debts
except 1993 and 1997. The consolidated budget expenses in 1998 increased by
94 percent and reached 15.6 quadrillion TL while the income increased by
103.1 percent and became 11.8 quadrillion TL compared to 1997. The 1999
budget, compared to 1998 figures, increased by 73.8 percent and became 27.1
quadrillion and the budget's income increased by 52.7 percent and reached
18 quadrillion TL. The budget defict at the end of 1999 is estimated to be
9.8 quadrillion, Minister Oral explained.
[37] PREMIER ECEVIT RECEIVES U.S. AMBASSADOR PARRIS AND WOLF, CLINTON'S
SPECIAL ENVOY TO CASPIAN BASIN
[38] ANKARA, Nov 3 (A.A) - Premier Bulent Ecevit on Wednesday received Mark
Parris, U.S. Ambassador to Ankara, and John Wolf, U.S. President Bill
Clinton's Special Envoy to Caspian Basin. Some energy projects were
discussed during the meeting prior to Ecevit's visit to Russia. Cumhur
Ersumer, the Energy and Natural Resources Minister, also participated in
the meeting.
[39] THE PUBLIC WORKS AND SETTLEMENT PROVINCIAL DIRECTORATE DECIDES
EVACUATION OF 216 HOUSES OF SEBINKARAHISAR
[40] GIRESUN, Nov 3 (A.A) - The Public Works and Settlement Provincial
Directorate decided on Wednesday to evacuate 216 houses in Sebinkarahisar
county of northwestern Giresun province. The Giresun Governorship statement
said that the teams from the Public Works and Settlement Provincial
Directorate decided to evacuate 216 houses in Sebinkarahisar which is under
landslide threat. Efforts to evacuate three districts in the centrum of
Giresun and 58 houses in two villages continue, the statement noted. A
total of 900 people are living in the houses which are under the landslide
threat, the statement stressed. The statement continued, ''the houses are
big threats for the life and property security. Also, the other settlements
of the country are under the landslide threat. A report concerning the
solution of the problem was prepared under the auspices of the Black Sea
Technical University Landslide Research Center Directorate.'' ''The efforts
carried out by the officials from the Rural Works Provincial Directorate
and Sebinkarahisar Municipality continue in Muftu, Kutkut and Fatih
districts,'' the statement added.
[41] A.A
[01] AA Daily
03 November 1999 Wednesday
[02] TURKEY-PRESS SCAN
[03] These are some of the major headlines and their brief stories in
Turkey's press on November 3, 1999. The Anadolu Ajansi does not verify
these stories and does not vouch for their occuracy.
[04] HURRIYET (LIBERAL) - ---------------- AMNESTY DEBATE The attempt to
make Haluk K�rc�, the chief actor regarding the killing of seven members of
the banned Turkish Labour Party (TIP) in Bahcelievler district of Ankara in
1978, benefit from amnesty law, shook seriously the coalition government.
Rahsan Ecevit, the deputy leader of the Democratic Left Party (DSP) said
that she would resist an amnesty for K�rc� even if the coalition is
spoiled.
[05] PKK'S WITHDRAWAL NOT ENOUGH General Huseyin K�vr�koglu, the Chief of
General Staff said that terrorists started to withdraw from Turkey, but
their surrender is more important. ''600-700 terrorists withdrew from
Turkey so far, but this is not enough because the one who withdrew has the
chance to return back. Their surrender and laying down arms is more
important,'' said K�vr�koglu.
[06] MILLIYET (LIBERAL) - ----------------- EVCIL:I AM VICTIM OF MY GREED
Erol Evcil, a businessman who is accused of inciting persons kill Nesim
Malki, another businessman, was questioned by security officials in Bursa.
Evcil confessed that he incited persons kill Malki and told police that he
was the victim of his greed. It is reported that the important notebook of
Malki, which was searched for, was found in the villa in which Evcil was
captured.
[07] AMNESTY SUSPENDED The article of the discussed Amnesty law which
foresaw amnesty for Haluk K�rc�, a suspect regarding the killing of seven
Turkish Labour Party (TIP) members in 1978, shook the coalition government.
The tension between the Democratic Left Party (DSP) and the Nationalist
Movement Party (MHP) escalated when the amnesty law was being discussed in
the parliamentary constitution commission yesterday. A consensus was
reached by the mediation of Mesut Y�lmaz, the leader of the Motherland
Party (ANAP) in the end and the discussion of the law was suspended.
[08] SABAH (LIBERAL) - --------------- NEW STEP IN KISLALI'S ASSASSINATION
The similar pictures of the three assailants who were involved in the
assassination of Prof. Ahmet Taner K�slal�, were drawn and later published.
Officials said that those who see these people should inform the police.
Saadettin Tantan, the Minister of Interior, said that he was surprised by
the bomb used in the killing of K�slal�, as he didn't see such a bomb
before.
[09] LAST ROUND FOR STAND-BY The International Monetary Fund (IMF)
delegation started its meetings in Ankara to discuss the stand-by
agreement. They will stay in Turkey for three weeks. Carlo Cottarelli, the
IMF Director of Turkey Desk said that ''I am hopeful about signing a stand-
by agreement with Turkey.''
[10] CUMHURIYET (LEFT) - ---------------- SUSURLUK SCANDAL STILL IN
DARKNESS Today is the anniversary of the Susurluk accident which revealed
the illegal relations among mafia, security and state. A mercedes car hit a
lorry on November 3, 1996 in Susurluk. Huseyin Kocadag, the former deputy
director general of security in Istanbul, Abdullah Catl�, a mafia leader
died and Sedat Bucak, a deputy of the True Path Party (DYP) was wounded.
However these surprising relations couldn't be clarified in three years.
[11] ALL EXPENDITURES TO BE LIMITED The colition government headed by Prime
Minister Bulent Ecevit, plans to limit all expenditures by the budget of
2000 upon the will of International Monetary Fund (IMF). Turkey's budget
for 2000 is 46.9 quadrillion liras. Yet 44.9 percent of the budget is
foreseen to be transferred to pay interest rates in the beginning. Turkey
has an interest payment of 185 billion dollars this year.
[12] RADD�KAL (LEFT) - -------------- GERMANY: ''OZBEY CAN BE EXTRADITED TO
TURKEY'' Christian Arns, the Spokesman of the German Interior Ministry,
said that Yalcin Ozbey, one of the suspects for the assasination of Abdi
Ipekci, a prominent journalist, could be extradited to Turkey. Arns noted
that the German Court rejected Ozbey's request to be granted political
refugee status. GENERAL KIVRIKOGLU CALLS ON TERRORISTS TO SURRENDER General
Huseyin Kivrikoglu, the Chief of General Staff, called on members of the
terrorists organization PKK to surrender to the security forces. General
Kivrikoglu stressed that terrorists have begun to withdraw from Turkish
territories to Northern Iraq and Iran. CEM IN EUROPE Ismail Cem, the
Foreign Minister, arrived in Strasbourg to attend the 105th meeting of the
Council of Europe Committee of Ministers. Cem is scheduled to meet with his
Finnish counterpart Tarja Hallonen. Latest developments regarding
announcement of Turkey's candidacy to the European Union (EU) at Helsinki
Summit will be discussed at the meeting. Cem will proceed to Moscow on
Thursday to accompany Prime Minister Bulent Ecevit during his official
visit to Russia. TURKIYE (RIGHT) - --------------- ECEVIT DUE TO RUSSIA
Prime Minister Bulent Ecevit's official visit to Russia will start
tomorrow. Ecevit's contacts in Russia will mainly focus on the ''Blue
Stream Project'', and the commercial relations between the two countries.
DEAD BODIES OF THREE TERRORISTS FOUND IN AGRI MOUNTAIN Security forces
found dead bodies of three male terrorists in a cave in Agri Mountain.
Security forces said that the terrorists were shot dead, and buried with
their cloths. Officals noted that the terrorists might have been killed due
to a dispute in the terrorist organization PKK. Officials also added that
the terrorist organization PKK was using the cave between 1992-1996. EIGHT
MEMBERS OF PKK ARRESTED A total of eight members of terrorist organization
PKK who have surrendered to security forces on October 29, were arrested by
the Istanbul State Security Court (DGM) No:4. Haydar Ergul, Dilek Kurt,
Yusuf Kiyak, Ali Sukran Aktas, Aygul Bidav, Haci Celik, Imam Canpolat, and
Aysel Dogan were sent to the Gebze and Kartal prisons. ZAMAN (CONSERVATIVE)
- ------------------ KOH: ''FUNDAMENTALISM WAS EXAGGERATED'' Harold Koh,
the U.S. Assistant Secretary of State for Human Rights, gave a special
statament to the Zaman Newspaper. Koh eulogized media's and government's
consistent approach againts fundamentalist provocations in Kavakci and
Kislali affairs. Koh said that they understood Turkey's sensivity about the
Islamic fundamentalims. Koh stressed that nothing could be considered as a
social threat because it was exaggerated.
[13] FP'S APPROACH TOWARDS ISRAEL CHANGES Addressing the U.S. Woodrow
Wilson think-tank institution, Recai Kutan, the leader of the Virtue Party
(FP), said that their policy regarded with Israel has totaly changed. Kutan
stressed that they did not consider having cooperation with Israel as
inconvenient. Kutan added, ''Everybody knows that Israel has giant
opportunities in technology, especially in defense technology. Turkey can
have cooperation with Israel in this field as she has cooperation with the
western coutries.''
[14] TOURISM MINISTER MUMCU LEAVES FOR TUNISIA
[15] ISTANBUL, Nov 3 (A.A) - Erkan Mumcu, the Tourism Minister, left on
Wednesday for Tunisia to attend the 5th Joint Tourism Commission meeting
between Turkey and Tunisia. Addressing journalists at the Ataturk Airport,
Mumcu said that representatives of private sector would also attend the
meeting. Mumcu said that the meeting would mainly focus on promotion
activities, and cooperation in professional training. He told reporters
that a protocol would be signed between the two countries to further
improve all kind of tourism activities between Turkey and Tunisia. Mumcu,
and accompanying delegation are expected to return to Turkey on November 6.
[16] IMF DELEGATION'S CONTACTS IN ANKARA
[17] ANKARA, Nov 3 (A.A) - The International Monetary Fund (IMF) delegation
headed by Carlo Cottarelli, the Chief of IMF Turkey, continued on Wednesday
its contacts in Ankara. The delegation stressed that Turkey should not
abandon tax arrangements with regard to reach macro economic targets in the
budget for year 2000. The IMF noted that additional tax arrangements should
be done to reach tax revenue of 24 quadrillion Turkish Liras, and total
budget revenue of 32 quadrillion Turkish Liras in 2000. Meanwhile, IMF
experts emphasized that Turkey has carried out the social security reforms
with regard to provide public finance balance. The IMF experts pointed out
that Turkey's most important economic target should be privatization. They
stressed that the constitutional change related with international
arbitration would accelerate privatization initiatives in the field of
energy. The IMF experts stressed that Turkey should increase her
privatization revenues up to 6 billion U.S. dollars in 2000. The IMF
delegation is scheduled to hold talks with the officials of the
Undersecretariat of Treasury, State Planning Organization, Finance Ministry,
Privatization Management Board, Central Bank, and Capital Market Board. The
IMF delegation will proceed later to Istanbul to meet with the
representatives of private sector.
[18] JAPAN GRANTS 10,000 U.S. DOLLARS TO ITO'S CAMPAIGN
[19] ISTANBUL, Nov 3 (A.A) - Japanese Foreign Trade Organization (JETRO)
granted 10,000 U.S. dollars on Tuesday to the campaign opened by the
Istanbul Chamber of Commerce. The JETRO donated 10,000 U.S. dollars to
ITO's ''Four City Four School'' campaign which aims at constructing schools
to the quake-hit areas. Yoshihiro Terada, the Chief of Istanbul Branch of
JETRO, visited ITO and gave ITO the cheque on Wednesday. Terada said that
the aid was collected by the personnel of JETRO by the revenues of the
publications of JETRO.
[20] PRIME MINISTER ECEVIT'S VISIT TO MOSCOW
[21] ANKARA, Nov 3 (A.A) - Sermet Atacanli, Foreign Ministry Deputy
Spokesman, said on Wednesday that efforts will be underway to improve
relations between the two countries during Prime Minister Bulent Ecevit's
scheduled visit to Moscow, and noted Chechnya issue will also be discussed.
Addressing the weekly news conference, Atacanli evaluated scheduled visit
of Prime Minister Ecevit to Russia. He said existing positive relations
will be further improved with the visit. Pointing out that Turkey
attributed importance to the visit, Atacanli said the sides will exchange
views regarding the developments in the fields of politics, economy and
trade. When asked if a concrete agreement will be reached about Blue Stream
project or struggle against terrorism, Atacanli said preparations were
underway related with the visit, yet refrained from giving details. When
asked if Russian attacks against Chechnya will be discussed during Ecevit's
visit to Moscow, Atacanli said: ''Turkey is closely concerned in Chechnya
issue. The situation in the region becomes dangerous as incidents escalate.
We are concerned about it. We wish this will be solved within a political
framework, Russian Federation's territorial integrity and constitutional
order.'' Atacanli said this issue will be discussed during Ecevit's
contacts. Responding to a question related with Blue Stream project,
Atacanli said they regarded Turkmen natural gas and Russian natural gas not
as alternatives to each other, but complementary. Atacanli recalled that it
was impossible for Turkey to meet its natural gas need with its own
sources. Pointing out that Turkey's natural gas need will increase in the
next years, Atacanli said Turkey should diversify its sources to this end.
When asked about Caspian basin energy sources and Baku-Ceyhan oil pipeline,
Atacanli said they hoped to sign the final agreement during Organization
for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) summit.
[22] PREMIER ECEVIT: ''CHECHNYA ISSUE IS THE INTERNAL PROBLEM OF RUSSIA''
[23] ANKARA, Nov 3 (A.A) - Premier Bulent Ecevit said on Wednesday that
Chechnya issue is the internal problem of Russia. Prior to his visit to
Russia, Ecevit evaluated the relations between Turkey and Russia in the
group meeting of the Democratic Left Party (DSP). Turkey is saddened and
concerned about the ongoing Russian military offensive in Chechnya and that
the military operation will harm the civilians, Ecevit noted. They decided
to start warning the other countries and the international organizations to
be ready for a possible refugee problem, Ecevit stated. Ecevit stressed
that they do not interfere with this problem and they attribute importance
to the territorial integrity of Russia as they attribute importance to the
territorial integrity of Turkey. Ecevit continued, '' we are saddened and
concerned that the military operation is causing considerable harm to
Chechen civilians. We are saddened in human terms and concerned about
possible migration. A group of refugees from Chechnya, mostly women and
children, had already arrived in Turkey.'' ''It will not be easy for us to
cope with a big wave of refugees while addressing the problems of our
people hit by the earthquake disaster,'' Ecevit said. ''To this end, we
have decided to warn other countries and international organizations to be
ready for a possible immigration,'' Ecevit added. Turkey's application to
send humanitarian aid to Chenchens by the Red Crescent was welcomed and
they consider this as a hopeful development, Ecevit emphasized. The joint
energy investments, especially the purchase of natural gas from Russia,
carry importance; Ecevit pointed out. Ecevit said that the Western Pipeline
will increase the flow of natural gas. He added that the Blue Stream
Project is on the agenda. Russia will lay down pipelines beneath the Black
Sea and Turkey will be responsible for the investments in her territory,
Ecevit noted. Ecevit stressed that Turkey needs both the natural gas of
Turkmenistan and Azerbaijan in the Blue Stream Project. Ecevit added that
the economic relations will carry importance during his contacts in Russia.
[24] 15TH ISEDAK MEETING TO START TOMORROW
[25] ISTANBUL, Nov 3 (A.A) - The high-ranking experts meeting of the 15th
Islamic Conference Organization Economic and Commercial Cooperation
Permanent Committee Meeting (ISEDAK) will start in Istanbul on Thursday. A
total of 56 countries have been invited to the meeting which will be hosted
and chaired by Turkey. Turkey will participate in the meetings with a
delegation headed by Devlet Bahceli, State Minister and Deputy Prime
Minister. The high-ranking experts of ISEDAK will convene under the
chairmanship of Akin Izmirlioglu, State Planning Institute (DPT)
Undersecretary, and will take up the necessary preparations regarding the
items on the agenda. The 15th ISEDAK meeting will start by the opening
session chaired by President Suleyman Demirel on November 6, 1999. The
agenda of the meeting will include the evaluation of the effects of the
global economic developments on the member countries, the developments
ragarding the implementation of Economic Cooperation Action Plan and the
developments regarding the World Trade Organizatino (WTO). The meetings
will end on November 7, 1999.
[26] GREEK AMBASSADOR CORANTIS SPEAKS AT 'TURKISH-GREEK RELATIONS MEETING'
[27] ESKISEHIR, Nov 3 (A.A) - Ioannis Corantis, the Greek Ambassador in
Ankara, said on Wednesday that the quake disaster created a solidarity
atmosphere between Turkey and Greece which will further grow in the future.
Corantis who spoke at ''Turkish-Greek Relations'' meeting organized by
Eskisehir Rotary Club noted that Turkish-Greek relations were at a
different level now then they were 7 months ago when he first came to
Turkey. ''There is a rule in economy. Evertything that goes down has to go
up. It was the same for Greek-Turkish relations. The foreign ministers of
both countries came together quietly and took decisions to solve the
problems. Drafts were prepared in Athens and Ankara to develop relations.
Agreements were initiated in tourism, anti-terrorism and maritime fields.
Greek people will not forget Turkey's sensitivity when the quake hit
Athens. Turks also were helped by Greeks during the Marmara quake. Great
solidarity and sacrifice were observed during these disasters. The people
of both countries are giving a message of peace,'' Corantis said. The Greek
Ambassador also noted that he wanted Turkey to enter the EU. Regarding the
Cyprus issue, Corantis said they want this problem to be solved. Turkey's
positive attitute will help to develop relations with Europe, he also
stressed.
[28] A TOTAL OF TWO MILLION TOURISTS VISIT ANTALYA IN TEN MONTHS
[29] ANTALYA, Nov 3 (A.A) - A total of two million tourists visited
southern Antalya province in the first ten months of 1999. The Antalya
Airport Directorate officials told A.A correspondent on Wednesday that a
total of 1.9 million foreign tourists arrived in Antalya between January 1
and October 31, 1999. The number of tourists coming to Antalya by plane
decreased 30 percent in the mentioned period when compared with the figures
of 1998, the officials said. A total of 200,000 tourists are expected to
visit Antalya in November and December, the officials noted. The number and
the nationality of the tourists arriving in Antalya via airway in October
are listed below:
[30] Germany: 165,742 Austria: 10,960 Russia: 14,599 Israel: 11,954 The
Netherlands: 10,859 Britain: 10,443 Belgium: 6,305 Sweden: 3,147 Other
countries: 23,127
[31] DEPUTY PRIME MINISTER BAHCELI SAYS STABILITY IN TURKEY IS ABOVE
EVERYTHING
[32] KIZILCAHAMAM, Nov 3 (A.A) - Commenting on the disagreements over the
amnesty law draft beween the coalition partners, Deputy Prime Minister
Devlet Bahceli said on Wednesday that ''the differences of opinion on any
law draft are not big enough to cause instability in Turkey.'' When asked
if the amnesty law has been suspended, Bahceli said it was too early to
make that comment and stressed that the law could still be passed. He said
the draft will be discussed at the Justice Commission and then at the
General Council according to the procedure. ''We must wait patiently,'' he
added. Bahceli responded to claims of ''cracks'' in the government caused
by the amnesty law draft, Bahceli said disagreements on any law were not
big enough to cause instability in Turkey. ''Stability in Turkey is above
everything,'' he stressed. ''Neither Democratic Left Party (DSP) nor
Nationalist Movement Party (MHP) is stepping back. What is going to happen?,
'' a reporter asked Bahceli. ''If nobody is stepping back, then you will
remove the problem. That's it,'' he responded.
[33] PREMIER ECEVIT DUE TO RUSSIA ON THURSDAY
[34] ANKARA, Nov 3 (A.A) - Premier Bulent Ecevit will go to Russia for an
official visit on Thursday. A statement of Prime Ministry Press Center said
on Wednesday that Ecevit and an accompanying delegation including some
ministers, bureaucrats, businessmen and journalists will leave for Moscow
on Thursday. Ecevit will meet with the Turkish businessmen on Thursday
evening, the statement noted. The statement stressed that Ecevit will meet
with Vladimir Putin, the Russian Prime Minister, on the second day of his
visit. Some agreements will be signed between Russia and Turkey following
the interdelegationary meetings, the statement emphasized. Ecevit will meet
with the speaker of Duma, which is the lower chamber of the Russian
parliament, after attending the luncheon given in the honour of himself by
Putin, the statement pointed out. The statement said that Ecevit will visit
the Moscow Mayor in the third day of his visit. Ecevit will participate in
the laying foundation ceremony of the Turkish Union of Chambers and
Commodity Exchanges (TOBB)-Turkish Exporters' Center (TIM) Trade Center,
the statement noted. The statement emphasized that Ecevit will return to
Turkey after being interviewed by the Russian television channel ITAR-TASS.
Ecevit and the accompanying delegation are expected to arrive in Ankara on
November 6, 1999, the statement stressed. The statement added that Ecevit
will stage a press conference on Thursday prior to his departure.
[35] FINANCE MINISTER ORAL SPEAKS AT PARLIAMENT'S BUDGET COMMISSION
[36] ANKARA, Nov 3 (A.A) - The Finance Minister Sumer Oral said the foreign
exchange reserve of the Central Bank was 24,8 billion U.S. dollars as of
October 22, 1999. Oral who spoke at the Parliament's Planning and Budget
Commission reminded that the financial crisis which started in 1998 caused
investers to lose confidence in the economies of developing countries. The
world did not have a positive economic conjucture in 1998 but the recovery
started in 1999, he explained. The avarage growth rate of the world in 2000
is expected to be 3.5 percent while developing countries will have a growth
rate of 4.8 percent next year. The economic crisis caused the world economy
to focus on the reconstruction of international and global finance systems,
Oral said. He also added that Turkey took place in G-20 group which brings
Turkey new opportunities as well as new respons�b�l�t�es. Turkey targeted
to permanently drop inflation in 1998 and create stability in macro
economic balances, however the financial crisis which started in Russia
also affected Turkey. However the economic measures helped Turkey to keep
these negative effects at a minimum level, he explained. The earthquake
disaster hit the Marmara region which had a very high level of Gross
National Product, therefore the quake affected the economy in general. A 2
percent drop is estimated in Gross National Product (GNP) in 1999. Turkey's
export rate increased by 2.7 percent in 1998 compared to 1997 while the
import rate dropped by 5.4 percent. The foreign trade deficit also
decreased by 15 percent and became 18.9 b�ll�on U.S. dollars. Turkey's
international reserve in 1998 which is consisted of gold and foreign
currency exchange increased 2.3 billion U.S. dollars and reached 29.5 U.S.
dollars and the foreign currency exhange of the Central Bank was 24.8
billion U.S. dollars as of 22 October, 1999, Oral said. The 91 percent
increase in wholesale prices in 1997 dropped to 54.3 percent in 1998 and
this trend continued until April of 1999. After April, 1999 the inflation
in Turkey also rose because of the increasing crude oil prices in the
world. In 1999, the avarage annual increase in wholesale prices is expected
to be 57 percent and consumer prices are estimated as 64 percent. Turkey's
domestic borrowing stock reached 20 quadrillion Turkish Liras in 1999
September, he explained. Since 1991, Turkey has always paid foreign debts
except 1993 and 1997. The consolidated budget expenses in 1998 increased by
94 percent and reached 15.6 quadrillion TL while the income increased by
103.1 percent and became 11.8 quadrillion TL compared to 1997. The 1999
budget, compared to 1998 figures, increased by 73.8 percent and became 27.1
quadrillion and the budget's income increased by 52.7 percent and reached
18 quadrillion TL. The budget defict at the end of 1999 is estimated to be
9.8 quadrillion, Minister Oral explained.
[37] PREMIER ECEVIT RECEIVES U.S. AMBASSADOR PARRIS AND WOLF, CLINTON'S
SPECIAL ENVOY TO CASPIAN BASIN
[38] ANKARA, Nov 3 (A.A) - Premier Bulent Ecevit on Wednesday received Mark
Parris, U.S. Ambassador to Ankara, and John Wolf, U.S. President Bill
Clinton's Special Envoy to Caspian Basin. Some energy projects were
discussed during the meeting prior to Ecevit's visit to Russia. Cumhur
Ersumer, the Energy and Natural Resources Minister, also participated in
the meeting.
[39] THE PUBLIC WORKS AND SETTLEMENT PROVINCIAL DIRECTORATE DECIDES
EVACUATION OF 216 HOUSES OF SEBINKARAHISAR
[40] GIRESUN, Nov 3 (A.A) - The Public Works and Settlement Provincial
Directorate decided on Wednesday to evacuate 216 houses in Sebinkarahisar
county of northwestern Giresun province. The Giresun Governorship statement
said that the teams from the Public Works and Settlement Provincial
Directorate decided to evacuate 216 houses in Sebinkarahisar which is under
landslide threat. Efforts to evacuate three districts in the centrum of
Giresun and 58 houses in two villages continue, the statement noted. A
total of 900 people are living in the houses which are under the landslide
threat, the statement stressed. The statement continued, ''the houses are
big threats for the life and property security. Also, the other settlements
of the country are under the landslide threat. A report concerning the
solution of the problem was prepared under the auspices of the Black Sea
Technical University Landslide Research Center Directorate.'' ''The efforts
carried out by the officials from the Rural Works Provincial Directorate
and Sebinkarahisar Municipality continue in Muftu, Kutkut and Fatih
districts,'' the statement added.
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