Anadolu News Agency: News in English, 00-05-10

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

10 May 2000 Wednesday

CONTENTS

[01] TURKEY-PRESS SCAN

[02] ''10 PROJECTS FOR GREEK CITIES'' EXHIBITION OPENS IN TURKEY

[03] PRESIDENT DENKTAS OF TRNC: ''WE HAVE TO RELY ON BANKS''

[04] ESDI CONFERENCE IN WASHINGTON D.C.

[05] PRESIDENT DEMIREL SENDS A CONGRATULATORY MESSAGE TO ISRAELI PRESIDENT WEIZMAN UPON ISRAELI NATIONAL DAY

[06] FOREIGN TRADE UNDERSECRETARY: ''WE CAN MAKE BETTER BUSINESS IF SYRIA LIFTS NON-TARIFF OBSTACLES''

[07] 132ND FOUNDATION ANNIVERSARY OF COUNCIL OF STATE

[08] AGRICULTURE MINISTER: ''THE MINISTRY'S WORKS ON AGRICULTURAL REFORM CONTINUE AHEAD OF SCHEDULE SET BY IMF AND WORLD BANK''

[09] TRADE DELEGATION'S CONTACTS IN SYRIA

[10] 132ND FOUNDATION ANNIVERSARY OF COUNCIL OF STATE

[11] SECURITY FORCES INTERCEPT 46 ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS

[12] COUNCIL OF STATE OBSERVES 132ND ANNIVERSARY OF ITS FOUNDATION

[13] GSM TENDER: THIRD STAGE

[14] MILD EARTHQUAKES JOLT DENIZLI PROVINCE

[15] FOREIGN MINISTRY: ''WE HAVE NOT RECEIVED YET AN OFFICAL DOCUMENT REGARDING A CHANGE IN BEGINNING DATE OF THIRD ROUND OF PROXIMITY TALKS''

[16] ATACANLI, FOREIGN MINISTRY DEPUTY SPOKESMAN: ''IT IS SATISFACTORY TO SEE TURKEY AND GREECE SIDE BY SIDE IN MILITARY MANOEUVRES IN THE AEGEAN SEA''

[17] ''TALE OF THREE SEAS'' CONFERENCE

[18] INVESTIGATION INTO MUMCU ASSASSINATION

[19] PRESIDENT DEMIREL LEAVES FOR ALBANIA

[20] PRESIDENT DENKTAS OF TRNC:

[21] ASLITURK TO STAND TRIAL

[22] PRESIDENT DEMIREL LEAVES FOR ALBANIA (2)

[23] VIOLATION OF BORDER IN DOGUBEYAZIT

[24] PAMUKBANK AND HISTORY FOUNDATION TO PUBLISH BOOK FOR TURKISH-GREEK PEACE

[25] FRENCH COURT TO TAKE UP TURKEY'S APPEAL

[26] YALCIN FROM ISTANBUL FISH PRODUCERS ASSOCIATION

[27] EU CANDIDATES AND NATO ALLIES TO HOLD MEETING WITH EU

[01] TURKEY-PRESS SCAN

HURRIYET (LIBERAL)

BAHCELI:THIS IS AN ISSUE OF HONOUR
Devlet Bahceli, the leader of the Nationalist Movement Party (MHP) and Deputy Premier said that the detention of Mumcu's killers is a very pleasing development.''Such an issue which couldn't be clarified for seven years had become an issue of honour for not only the Turkish police but also the Turkish state and the politics,'' told Bahceli in the MHP group meeting.

MILLIYET (LIBERAL)

FM:EVIDENCE IS NEEDED FOR WARNING IRAN
Foreign Ministry officials said that evidence proving the relation between Mumcu's killers and Iran is need to warn Iran. Diplomatic sources added that ''Iran can get free by saying those terrorists are telling lies.'' Turkey can ask Iran to try those Iranians after their identities are determined as a result of the investigation of the prosecution.

SABAH (LIBERAL)

ECEVIT PRAISES TANTAN
Premier Bulent Ecevit praised Saadettin Tantan, the Minister of Interior in a press briefing yesterday and said that the success of the recent operations depends on ''resolution, expertise and consistency'' of Tantan. Tantan said in his part that there was both the government and parliament support behind the security forces, which were succesful.

CUMHURIYET (LEFT)

''WE'LL BE IN EUROPE IN TEN YEARS''
President Suleyman Demirel said that Turkey will be a full member of the European Union (EU) in the first ten years of the 21st century. Speaking in the ''European Day'' meeting held in the Presidential Residence, Demirel said that Turkey will work with its partners in EU to be a full member of EU. Demirel added that ''I regard certain circles' still questioning Turkey's belongingness to Europe as an unhealthy attitude.''

RADIKAL (LEFT)

YEN� B�NYIL (LIBERAL)

HEZBOLLAH TERRORISTS ARE IRANIAN SPIES
The documents of Hezbollah revealed the connection between Hezbollah terrorists and Iranian Intelligence Service SAVAMA. It was understood that Iranians got information from Hezbollah terrorists on military units in the East and Southeast, and directed Hezbollah terrorists from Tehran.

TURKIYE (RIGHT)

SECOND FEHRIYE TRAP
Police detained 17 people in operations in Istanbul. Yasemin Atar, one of those detainees, was working as a maidservant for distinguished professor Sulhi Donmezer. Police revealed that Atar was sending information about Donmezer to the terrorist DHKP-C organization, and she was planning to assasinate Prof. Donmezer.

TRAINING CAMP IN IZMIT
It was revealed that Arif Tari, one of the suspects of Ugur Mumcu assasination, was using his dwelling in Servetiye village in Izmit as a training camp. His mother and sister said, ''the people whom they call students were staying there and making shooting exercises every day. They were receiving packages of equipment sent from Istanbul. Kalashnikov rifles, military clothings and guns had been confiscated there.'' Tari had been taken into custody two years ago with charges of being a member of terrorist Hezbollah organization and collecting protection money on behalf of terrorist PKK organization.

ZAMAN (CONSERVATIVE)

KARAKUS AND CELIK IDENTIFIED
It was revealed that Yusuf Karakus and Abdulhamit Celik, the suspects of assasination of Ugur Mumcu, had come to Ankara from Istanbul three days before the assasination, and stayed in a hotel together with Iranian spies. Karakus and Celik were identified by the hotel personnel.

KUTLULAR SENTENCED TO TWO-YEAR IMPRISONMENT
Mehmet Kutlular, the owner of Yeni Asya newspaper, was sentenced to two-year in prison with charges of inciting hatred among people with his speech at the Kocatepe Mosque in Ankara on the earthquakes. ''I shoulder the sentence with my honor. However, those who handed down this sentence can't say that I deserved it,'' he said.

[02] ''10 PROJECTS FOR GREEK CITIES'' EXHIBITION OPENS IN TURKEY

Five Greek and five Italian architects prepared projects for five separate regions in four Greek cities for the exhibition which was brought to Turkey after Greece. The ten projects are presented in the exhibition to contribute to the solution of environmental identity problems which arose due to urbanization and harmonization of the mentioned cities to the their future's roles.

METU Architecture Faculty Dean Prof. Y�ld�r�m Yavuz, who opened the exhibition, hoped that the project, which served the ''reconstruction of the environment'' would also contribute to Turkish, Greek and Italian friendship.

The exhibition will be open till May 21.

[03] PRESIDENT DENKTAS OF TRNC: ''WE HAVE TO RELY ON BANKS''

Responding to questions of reporters during his meeting with Svein O. Saether, the Norwegian Ambassador to Tel Aviv who is also acredited to the Greek Cypriot side, Denktas said banks were operated with current or time deposits obtained from people.

Noting that people withdrew their money from banks in case of a discredit, Denktas said the crisis increased when this was understood.

Stating that the crisis was inflamed with sudden deposit withdrawals due to recent rumors, Denktas said the most steady and respectable banks couldn't stand against such flaming up.

Noting that the crisis had been excalated with deliberate rumors which targeted some banks, Denktas said economy became the side which was damaged.

Denktas added that he believed the banks could be floated.

The TRNC Council of Ministers decided on Monday to seize control of Kibris Endustri Bankasi and Kibris Kredi Bankasi which were suffering from liquidity shortage and weak financial structure.

The TRNC state appointed managers to these banks on Tuesday.

[04] ESDI CONFERENCE IN WASHINGTON D.C.

Turkey's concerns about the ESDI were discussed in a conference held in Washinton D.C., the U.S. jointly by Association of Turkish Industrialists and Businessmen (TUSIAD) and Institute of Turkey Etudes.

Onur Oymen, Walter Andrusyszyn, the U.S. State Department European Security and Political Affairs Director; Philippe Errera, the Undersecretary of the French Embassy in Washington D.C., and Stephen Larrabee, a member of the think-tank organization Rand Corporation, attended the conference.

Addressing the conference, Oymen stressed that Ankara did not want a secondary role in the ESDI, explaining Turkey's services for the NATO during the Cold War period.

Recalling that almost all of the clashes that occurred after Cold War and could concern the NATO had erupted in Turkey's region, Oymen said the possible decision of the ESDI on those issues would affect Turkey's security so Ankara could not be excluded from this decision mechanism.

''As it is stressed in the NATO documents, the NATO is the organization responsible for security of Europe. It is impposible to accept creation of two separate security areas in Europe within the NATO through the ESDI,'' he stated.

Noting that the ESDI would feel the need for making use of NATO facilities in Europe after its foundation, Oyman said that allocation of those facilities to ESDI depended on Turkey's approval.

The decision mechanism of the ESDI that the EU has been trying to develop for 18 months is still foreseen to be composed of only EU members.

Recalling that Hungary, Czech Republic and Poland before their memberships to the NATO had been allowed to attend important NATO meetings during the expansion process, Oymen said also the EU had to adopt same attitude and give place to Turkey in the ESDI.

Walter Andrusyszyn said in his part that existence of two opponent security organizations in Europe would separate NATO, damage transatlantic tie, remove the atmosphere of effective intervention in crises and become more dangerous.

Philippe Errera said that the ESDI wanted to use NATO's facilities in Europe, adding that they would try to find a solution that can satisfy Turkey.

Stephen Larrabee said that the U.S. had several concerns about the ESDI, and that the EU should not seek a security organization in Europe which could be an opponent of the NATO.

[05] PRESIDENT DEMIREL SENDS A CONGRATULATORY MESSAGE TO ISRAELI PRESIDENT WEIZMAN UPON ISRAELI NATIONAL DAY

Presidential Press Centre said President Demirel noted in the message that the relations between Turkey and Israel depend on close cooperation and reciprocal understanding.

Demirel added that the installation of a just and comphensive peace in the region will present broad opportunities both for the cooperation between Turkey and Israel and among regional countries.

[06] FOREIGN TRADE UNDERSECRETARY: ''WE CAN MAKE BETTER BUSINESS IF SYRIA LIFTS NON-TARIFF OBSTACLES''

Speaking to reporters in Damascus, Syria, Tuzmen said Syria which had adopted an economic policy close to abroad until recent years carried out very important works on new banking regulations and its economic policy.

''The current economic situation in Syria is very similar to the situation in Turkey in 1980s. This country will make a great leap forward and at that time, we can't find a place for us in this market. Now, we are in the right place at the right time,'' he said.

''The meetings continuing since Monday are very positive. Such a cooperation is being made for the first time. Syria responded Turkey's sincerity with sincerity. There are no problems between the Turkish and Syrian peoples. The reflex actions of the past in relations has been removed. There can be reflex acts in bureaucracy and politics for some more time, of course. They understood our sincere approach, and they accepted their mistake. There is a need for a mechanism which can develop trade between these two neigboring countries. The most reasonable way is to develop economies together, creating a permanent and natural market,'' he said.

Noting that many Syrian businessmen attended Tuesday's meetings between trade delegations, Tuzmen said Turkish businessmen could find appropriate infrastructure in Syria as a result of relative relations and liguistic and cultural ties.

Stating that they encountered documented credit and banking problems although contracts were signed in the talks, Tuzmen stressed that they wanted a Turkish bank carry out activities in Syria in case of a change in Syrian regulations.

Tuzmen stated that the guarantees extended by Turkish banks were sometimes not accepted as satisfactory in trade with Syria, the trucks carrying fresh fruit and vegetable were kept at the border and transit passings for live-strock trading were banned with the pretext of ''diseases''.

''We can make better trade and business if Syria removes non-tariff obstacles. Syria will take positive steps especially after the Joint Economic Commission meetings. The important thing is to increase trade volume with our neighbors from five to 10-15 percent. We attach great importance to trade with Iraq, Iran, Syria, and Greece,'' he said.

Noting that Syria constituted a new market for the contractors in investments, Tuzmen added that he believed the current 600 million U.S. dollars trade volume would increase to 1-1.5 billion U.S. dollars in a short time.

[07] 132ND FOUNDATION ANNIVERSARY OF COUNCIL OF STATE

President Demirel sent a message to Erol C�rakman, the Chairman of Council of State for the 132nd foundation anniversary of the Council of State and the Administrative Judiciary Day.

Presidential Press Centre said that Demirel pointed out that the Turkish state which was founded under the pioneership of Mustafa Kemal Ataturk, is a secular and democratic constitutional state.

Article 155 of the Constitution which regulates the basic structure, organization and functioning of the state also mentions the task of the Council of State, said Demirel.

Council of State which functions as a higher court in adiministrative judiciary also enables the proper functioning of the state as a consultation organ.

''The necessary arrangements which will make the Council of State work faster should be undertaken as soon as possible,'' said Demirel.

[08] AGRICULTURE MINISTER: ''THE MINISTRY'S WORKS ON AGRICULTURAL

Speaking to reporters, Gokalp said all of the projects that would be put into practice within framework of the agricultural reform were ready, and they were waiting for the source extended by the World Bank.

Noting that those projects would be implemented in 2000, Gokalp said those projects were ''Alternative Product Project, Compensatory Payment System, Farmer Registration System and Direct Income Support in Target Areas''.

[09] TRADE DELEGATION'S CONTACTS IN SYRIA

Particularly southeastern businessmen who were among the Turkish delegation which came to Syria to participate in the Turkish Industry Products Fair and the Turkey-Syria Joint Economic Commission (JEC) meetings, stress that political problems shouldn't be kept on the agenda. Businessmen believe that this makes Turkey lose money and time and if trade improves, political relations will also enter into a positive process.

Syria should adopt a foreign exchange system and conclude its laws for carrying out commercial relations at the international level by respecting international rules, businessmen say, adding that the agreements on prevention of double taxation and encouragement of reciprocal investments should be concluded as soon as possible.

Construction firms representatives stress that Syria and Iraq will be very important markets for Turkey in the future, adding Turkey should set up relations with them without being too late.

[10] 132ND FOUNDATION ANNIVERSARY OF COUNCIL OF STATE

The 132nd foundation anniversary of the Council of State and the Administrative Judiciary Day was celebrated in the Constitutional Court on Wednesday.

''I also congratulate President Demirel who has been the first President of the Turkish Republic in the 21st century,'' Cirakman said and noted that the two draft laws which foresee the conclusion of cases pending before the Council of State in a reasonable period of time is at the agenda of the parliament,'' he said.

If Turkey is a considered and accepted as a part of Europe today, this is due to its secular and democratic order, he said.

Cirakman pointed out that the non-implementation of judiciary verdicts which are disliked by the administration means a threat to the independence of the judiciary.

[11] SECURITY FORCES INTERCEPT 46 ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS

Immigrants were taken into custody for violating the Turkish borders and the passport law.

Officials told the A.A correspondent that the illegal immigrants would be deported once the legal proceedings are completed.

[12] COUNCIL OF STATE OBSERVES 132ND ANNIVERSARY OF ITS FOUNDATION

Speaking at a ceremony marking the 132nd anniversary of foundation of the Council of State, Ozgen expressed contentment over the election of Ahmet Necdet Sezer, the Chairman of the Constitutional Court, as the new president of Turkey, and thanked Pesident Suleyman Demirel for his loyalty to the principles of state of law and to the secular republic during his term of office.

Ozgen touched on various issues of current importance, ranging from the difficulties that the judiciary is faced with to the elements posing a threat against the secular, democratic republic, and received a prolonged applause at the end of his speech.

President Suleyman Demirel, Prime Minister Bulent Ecevit, and Deputy Prime Minister Husamettin Ozkan were among the guests who observed the ceremony.

[13] GSM TENDER: THIRD STAGE

Speaking at a press conference in Bursa, Oksuz said that talks pertaining to the network were continuing with Is Bank and Telecom Italia consortium offcials, and that the forthcoming days were to stage important developments.

''There are certain circles who do not want this much of money influx into Turkey. There are certain circles who cannot stand, who are jealous of this success. I do not think that such big companies as Is Bank of Turkey and Telecom Italia will play the trickester, but there are certain circles who do so, who do not want Turkey to enjoy better days. This tender is the most transparent in the country's history, and this is the source of its success. And I shall not let anyone overshadow this success,'' Oksuz said.

[14] MILD EARTHQUAKES JOLT DENIZLI PROVINCE

Officials at Istanbul-based Kandilli Observatory Seismology Institute told the A.A correspondent that the earthquakes which occurred at 00:42 p.m. and at 01:17 p.m., were centered on Denizli province.

[15] FOREIGN MINISTRY: ''WE HAVE NOT RECEIVED YET AN OFFICAL DOCUMENT REGARDING A CHANGE IN BEGINNING DATE OF THIRD ROUND OF PROXIMITY TALKS''

Addressing a weekly press conference, Atacanli told reporters that the third round of proximity talks were envisaged to start on May 23.

Atacanli noted that the beginning date of the proximity talks could be changed due to the latest developments on the island.

The third round of talks which were planned to start on May 23 in New York, were jeopardized after Glafcos Clerides, the leader of the Greek Cypriot Administration, underwent colon surgery last week to remove a polyp.

[16] ATACANLI, FOREIGN MINISTRY DEPUTY SPOKESMAN: ''IT IS SATISFACTORY TO SEE TURKEY AND GREECE SIDE BY SIDE IN MILITARY MANOEUVRES IN THE AEGEAN SEA''

Speaking on Wednesday at his weekly press conference, Atacanli said that Greece had long been absent in NATO manoeuvres conducted in the Aegean, and described Greece's participation in the ''Dynamic Mix 2000'' as a promising development.

''Dynamic Mix 2000'' has been aimed at improving the allied forces' capabilities of crisis administration and humanitarian aid activities in the southern flank, within the framework of the new command structure and strategies of the alliance.

Turkey, Greece and Italy will be hosting the manoeuvres.

[17] ''TALE OF THREE SEAS'' CONFERENCE

Speaking at the international conference ''Tale of Three Seas: Eurasian Energy at the Crossroads'' organized jointly by the Foreign Economic Affairs Commission (DEIK), Black Sea Economic Cooperation Business Council, and U.S Energy Consultation Company CERA, Wolf said, ''I am here today not only to express my full confidence in this project, but also announce that the prroject will have been completed by the year 2004.''
Noting that a change of authority after the presidential elections in the U.S would not have any adverse effects on the project, Wolf said that the U.S would continue to fully support the project so as to protect the common interests of the countries involved.

''Russia is yet another important element in this cooperation project. The U.S. wishes to further cooperation between Russian and U.S. companies in energy projects in the Caspian Basin. We anticipate that such Russian companies as Lukoil will export Russian oil via the Baku-Tbilisi-Ceyhan pipeline,'' Wolf said, and added that competition among the regional countries would be positive so long as it remained within a friendly framework.

[18] INVESTIGATION INTO MUMCU ASSASSINATION

''There is an investigation underway, carried out by Interior Ministry officials and the Police Department, and this, as the laws necessitate, is a confidential process at this very stage. As the Foreign Ministry, we are observing the developments closely, and we shall do as necessary as the process continues,'' Sermet Atacanli, Foreign Ministry Deputy Spokesman said at his weekly press conference.

In reply to a question on whether any contacts have been made with Iran or not, Atacanli said, ''We have not made any contact with Iranian officials as yet, and at this stage, we are only monitoring and evaluating the developments.''

[19] PRESIDENT DEMIREL LEAVES FOR ALBANIA

Plane carrying President Demirel and his entourage took off from the Esenboga Airport in Ankara at 02:55 p.m.

[20] PRESIDENT DENKTAS OF TRNC:

President Denktas received Ertugrul Hasipoglu, the Speaker of TRNC Parliament.

Addressing the meeting, President Denktas said that suspension of setting a definite date for the third round of proximity talks was an unfairness to the Turkish Cypriots.

''I cannot implement my own program due to uncertainty about the beginning date of the third round of proximity talks. I expect a certain response from the United Nations today about beginning date for the third round of proximity talks in New York. In my opinion, the third round of proximity talks should not start on May 23,'' Denktas stressed.

The third round of talks which were planned to start on May 23 in New York, were jeopardized after Glafcos Clerides, the leader of the Greek Cypriot Administration, underwent colon surgery last week to remove a polyp.

[21] ASLITURK TO STAND TRIAL

Thursday's hearing is expected to stage the bringing up by Asliturk's lawyers the ''agreement on preparing for the case and maintaining missing documents''.

The Bow Street Court is expected to adjourn the hearing upon a request by the defendant for extra time.

Officials say that the case is very likely to be adjourned to septemer 18th, and is to last for 3 even 4 days of intense sessions.

The Bow Street Court will be able t file a case of appeal if it reaches a conclusion that there exist a judicial basis to Asliturk's extradition to Turkey.

The Court might as well appeal to the House of Lords judges if it reaches that same conclusion.

Whatever the ruling of the court may be, it will be announced by Home Secretary Jack Straw.

[22] PRESIDENT DEMIREL LEAVES FOR ALBANIA (2)

Addressing journalists at the Esenboga Airport in Ankara prior to his departure for Albania, President Demirel said that he would pay a visit to Albania as guest of his Albanian counterpart Rexhep Mejdani.

Noting that he would visit Albania for the fourth time, President Demirel said that Albanian President Mejdani came to Turkey four times within the last three years.

President Demirel told reporters that historical relations between Turkey and Albania continued at the highest level.

He said that his contacts with President Mejdani would focus on bilateral relations, international and regional problems including the latest developments in Kosovo.

''I believe that my visit to Albania would further strengthen our relations with Albania.

President Demirel will be decorated with the State Medal of Honor by President Mejdani during his visit to Albania.

[23] VIOLATION OF BORDER IN DOGUBEYAZIT

Issuing a written statement, the Interior Ministry said, ''nine illegal immigrants were killed while five others were wounded when security forces opened fire on a group of immigrants who were trying to enter Turkey illegally from the Turkish-Iranian border in Dogubeyazit township of Agri province at about 11:30 p.m. on Tuesday despite warnings of the security forces. 139 illegal immigrants were captured.''

The statement noted, ''the wounded immigrants including 2 Afghans, 2 Bangladeshis and one Pakistani were taken to hospital for medical treatment. 139 illegal immigrants including 50 Afghans, 37 Pakistanis and 52 Bangladeshis were taken into custody. Efforts are continuing to determine identities of those who were killed in the incident.''

[24] PAMUKBANK AND HISTORY FOUNDATION TO PUBLISH BOOK FOR TURKISH-GREEK PEACE

The book which will be published by the name ''Istanbul-Athens; Across the Coast with a Photographer's Eye'' will be prepared by photography historian Engin Ozendes and it will be available in Greek, Turkish, and English languages.

A statement from Pamukbank said Turkish photographers Ara Guler, Izzet Keribar, Arif Asci, Cem Turgay and Sinan Kocaslan will take photographs of Athens from May 7 to 14. Similarly, Greek photographers Nikos Ikonomopoulos, Niki Tipaldou, Alkis Ksantakis, Nikos Desilas and Statis Efstatiadis will take photographs in Istanbul from May 21 to 28.

The photographs of Greek and Turkish photographers are also expected to be exhibited at art galleries in Istanbul and Athens.

[25] FRENCH COURT TO TAKE UP TURKEY'S APPEAL FOR CAKICI'S EXTRADITION

France had extradited Cakici to Turkey on condition of his trial on charges other than those demanding his execution.

Turkey had later appealed to the French Ministry of Justice for Cakici's trial on 6 more charges.

Cakici's trial on these additional charges requires the approval of the French court.

The Aix-En Provence Court had accepted on April 6 Cakici's lawyers' request for extra time, and had adjourned the hearing to May 18.

Meanwhile, Jean Louis Pascal, Aix-En Provence Court Prosecutor will reportedly accept Turkey's request for the extension of the extradition file.

Cakici had been tried by the Nice Court on September 24, 1998 on the charge of entering France with a fake passport, and had been sentenced to 6 months in prison.

However, he had to spend 15 months behind bars due to Turkey's appeal to the French justice for his extradition, and had been extradited to Turkey after the request had been accepted and ratified by Justice Minister Elizabeth Guigou and Prime Minister Lionel Jospin.

[26] YALCIN FROM ISTANBUL FISH PRODUCERS ASSOCIATION SAYS ROMANIAN

Yalcin told A.A that the Turkish fishermen were fishing in Black Sea 24 nautical miles away from the Turkish coast. ''The fishermen anchored at night but the boats were dragged to Romanian territorial waters because of bad weather conditions. Upon this, Romanian Coast Guard boats started firing in the air to warn the Turkish fishermen. After a short chase, Turkish boats returned to international territorial waters. There are no injuries or casulties in the incident. They did not seize any boats. Turkish fishermen are continuing to fish in international waters after the incident,'' Yalcin explained.

Coast Guard Commandership authorities said they have not yet received any official information about the incident.

[27] EU CANDIDATES AND NATO ALLIES TO HOLD MEETING WITH EU

Turkey will be represented by Ambassador Omer Orhun, director of Foreign Ministry International Security Affairs Department. The first meeting will take place on Thursday morning with the participation of 15 EU members, 13 EU candidates and two NATO allies, Iceland, and Norway.

The second meeting will be attended by EU members and non-EU member NATO allies which are Poland, Hungary, Czech Republic, Turkey, Iceland, and Norway.

EU term president Portugal is developing two initiatives which are to expand cooperation mechanisms with non-EU members in Europe, and to regulate EU-NATO relations. Thursday's meetings will focus on the former point.

Portugal is also continuing efforts to form four study groups whichn is in the field of EU-NATO relations.

At the meeting, Ambassador Omer Orhun will explain Turkey's expectations regarding its participation in the EU as an EU candidate and a NATO ally.

EU has taken some steps in its Common Foreign Policy and Security Policy and it is also developing European Security and Defense Initiative (EDSI) to develop relations with NATO. Turkey is a member of the Western Europe Union (WEU) which might integrate with the EU in the future. Therefore, Turkey wants to be included in any initiative or decision mechanism that concerns Europe's security.

The meetings will end on Thursday night.

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