Anadolu Agency: News in English, 00-05-21

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NEWS

21 May 2000 Sunday

CONTENTS

[01] TURKEY-PRESS SCAN

[02] MILD EARTHQUAKE JOLTS BURSA

[03] ROWBOAT CALAMITY IN COASTAL TOWN OF BESIKDUZU

[04] TRNC COUNCIL OF MINISTERS' MEETING

[05] UMUT OPERATION

[06] JUSTICE MINISTER TURK: -''UMUT OPERATION CONTINUES SUCCESSFULLY''

[07] MINISTER TALAY IN PEOPLE'S REPUBLIC OF CHINA

[08] UMUT OPERATION -PROSECUTOR KELES INTERROGATES SEVEN SUSPECTS

[09] INTERIOR MINISTER TANTAN IN EGYPT

[10] ''TURKISH DAY PARADE'' HELD IN NEW YORK

[11] DEPUTY PRIME MINISTER BAHCELI: -''POLITICAL STABILITY HAS BEEN PROVIDED IN TURKEY''

[12] HEALTH MINISTER DURMUS IN GERMANY

[13] PHOTOGRAPHER KARADAG PRESENTED WITH STATE

[14] ROWBOAT CALAMITY IN COASTAL TOWN OF BESIKDUZU (2)

[15] ROWBOAT CALAMITY IN COASTAL TOWN OF BESIKDUZU (3)

[16] FOREIGN MINISTRY UNDERSECRETARY LOGOGLU IN MOSCOW

[17] UNEMPLOYMENT INSURANCE TO GO INTO EFFECT AS OF JUNE 1

[18] TURKEY-IMF

[19] TURKISH ELTEM COMPANY WINS TENDER FOR

[20] ROWBOAT CALAMITY IN COASTAL TOWN OF BESIKDUZU (4)

[21] NATIONAL DEFENSE MINISTER CAKMAKOGLU LEAVES FOR OMAN

[22] INTERIOR MINISTER TANTAN IN EGYPT

[23] HALKBANK GOVERNOR: ''WE CAN OPEN BRANCH

[24] TURKISH-GREEK FRIENDSHIP SERVES FISHERMEN

[25] CHINESE DEPUTY CHIEF OF GENERAL STAFF DEPARTS FOR TURKEY

[26] PRODUCTION OF NEW GENERATION TANKS

[27] STATE MINISTERS MIRZAOGLU AND KECE�ILER AND

[28] SPORTS - BOXING

[29] ''INTERNATIONAL MARMARA FOLK DANCES FESTIVAL''

[01] TURKEY-PRESS SCAN

HURRIYET (LIBERAL)

SHADOW HEAD OF HEZBOLLAH CAPTURED
Haci Inan, the shadow head of terrorist Hezbollah organization, was captured in Istanbul two days ago. Inan gave detailed information about addresses of hide-outs in Istanbul. Security forces raided these hide-outs. Four terrorists were killed while 15 others were captured in the operations.

THREE TERRORISTS KILLED IN ADANA
A total of three terrorists were killed while another one was injured in an operation launched against the terrorist Hezbollah organization in southern Adana province. Anti-Terrorism teams had raided a hide-out, and called on terrorists to surrender immediately. Clash erupted after terrorists refused to surrender and opened fire on security forces. Meanwhile, Ali Asker Gonca, a policeman who was involved in the operation lost his life as a result of a stray bullet fired by one of his colleagues in a police vehicle. A superintendent of police and three policemen were injured in his arm during the clash.

TANTAN: ''THESE ARE SEPARATE OPERATIONS''
When asked by journalists whether or not predawn operations launched in Istanbul and Adana provinces were linked with the Umut operation, Interior Minister Saadettin Tantan said at the Ataturk Airport in Istanbul prior to his departure for Egypt on a three-day official visit, ''they were separate operations.'' Tantan refranied from responding to questions about the Umut operation saying that it was too early to make a statement.

MILLIYET (LIBERAL)

PRESIDENT SEZER AND PRIME MINISTER ECEVIT OFFER THEIR CONDOLENCES
President Ahmet Necdet Sezer and Prime Minister Bulent Ecevit sent messages to Adil Yazar, the Governor of Trabzon, and expressed their profound sorrow over the boat calamity in which 24 people lost their lives. They offered their condolences and implored God's strength upon all who are grieving for their beloved ones.

SUSPECTS FERHAN OZMEN AND NECDET YUKSEL DO REENACTMENT
Ferhan Ozmen and Necdet Yuksel who confessed that they were involved in journalist-writer Ugur Mumcu's assasination on January 24, 1993, were asked to do reenactment in six places where Abdullah Hussein Gurabi, the Egyptian Press Attache, Ehud Sadan, the security chief at the Israeli Embassy in Ankara, U.S. Staff Sgt. Victor D. Marvick, a computer specialist at the Joint Turkish-U.S. Logistics group, Prof. Dr. Muammer Aksoy, the Chairman of Kemalist Thought Association, Prof. Dr. Ahmet Taner Kislali, former Culture Minister and a prominet journalist-writer, were killed. Ozmen and Yuksel gave detailed information how they had staged the bomb attack on Hamza Keles, the Prosecutor of the Ankara State Security Court (DGM). Residents reacted against the suspects by chanting slogans, ''Servants of Iran'' and 'Murderers''. Meanwhile, several journalists covering the story, were injured when they fell from walls.

SABAH (LIBERAL)

19TH TURKISH DAY PARADE HELD IN NEW YORK
The 19th Turkish Day Parade organized by the Turkish-American Associations' Foundation (TADF), was held in New York, the U.S. Baki Ilkin, the Turkish Ambassador to the U.S.; Mehmet N. Ezen, the Turkish Consul General in New York; Aytug Plumer, the Representative of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) in New York; and Egemen Bagis, the Chairman of TADF; were in attendance in the parade.

NEMRUT TO BE A SKIING CENTER
Preliminary works of the Bitlis Governor's Office for regional tourism and skiing centers were finalized. Keramettin Koksal, the Governor of Bitlis, said that they planned to construct a skiing center on Nemrut Mountain which is worldwide famous with its historical assets.

CUMHURIYET (LEFT)

FOUR TERRORISTS KILLED
Within scope of ''Second Operation against Hezbollah'', police killed four terrorists and captured eight others in Adana, Mersin and Kartal, Istanbul. In the operation in Adana, two policemen were wounded and another one lost his life with a stray bullet.

BOAT ACCIDENT IN BLACK SEA
Two overloaded rowing boats capsized and sank at about 03:00 p.m. yesterday, killing 24 people. Fifteen people were saved by rescue teams. Many people were reported missing while the skippers of boats were detained.

MEMBER OF FP COMMITTEE NOT ALLOWED TO ENTER ATATURK'S MAUSOLEUM
Following their Congress last week, Recai Kutan of the Virtue Party (FP) and the accompanying delegation visited Ataturk's Mausoleum. Gulten Celik, a member of FP General Administration Committee was not allowed to enter the Mausoleum as she was wearing Islamic style headscarf.

RADIKAL (LEFT)

EUROPEAN MORALE TO ECONOMY
The economies of eleven EU candidates were evaluted in a report namely ''Economic Reform Monitor'' of the EU Commission. The report estimated that the economic growth in Turkey would be 4.5 percent in 2000 and 5 percent in 2001. Showing the stability program as the cause for the growth, the report said the inflation target could be achieved at the end of the year.

YENI BINYIL (LIBERAL)

SEA HOLIDAY KILLS TENS OF PEOPLE
Two overloaded rowboats capsized due to northeast wind, killing 23 people including many women and children and injuring 15 others. Many people are missing. The Trabzon Governor said, ''the accident happened half mile from the coast. It is still not clear how many people were aboard.''

TURKIYE (RIGHT)

BLOODY NIGHT
In operations against terrorist Hezbollah organization in Istanbul and Adana, police killed four terrorists and captured 19 others including organization's shadow leader Haci Inan.

TURKISH WOMAN'S TRAGEDY
A Turkish woman living in Brussels lost her husband and two children, a seven-month old baby and three-year old son, in a fire broke out in their house.

CEM'S REACTION TO KHARRAZI
Foreign Minister Ismail Cem sent a letter saying, ''I don't agree with you'' to his Iranian counterpart Kamal Kharrazi who said, ''I don't like attitude of the Turkish press.''

ZAMAN (CONSERVATIVE)

GOLDEN YEAR IN PUBLIC OFFERING
The companies except the Tupras had their shares quoted and transacted at the Istanbul Stock Exchange (IMKB) through public offering this year and obtained 578 million 216 thousand U.S. dollars yield. This amount was the highest public offering yield in all times except 1990.

[02] MILD EARTHQUAKE JOLTS BURSA

Officials at Istanbul-based Kandilli Observatory Seismology Institute told the A.A correspondent that the earthquake was centered on Orhaneli township of Bursa province.

Meanwhile, two aftershocks measuring 3.5 and 3.0 on the Richter scale were recorded in Izmit province and Goynuk township of Bolu province in quake-stricken Marmara Region at 06:37 a.m. and 05:08 p.m. on Saturday.

[03] ROWBOAT CALAMITY IN COASTAL TOWN OF BESIKDUZU

Officials told the A.A correspondent that 29 people, most of them women and children, who set sail to mark a locally celebrated sea festivity, drowned when two rowboats capsized in rough waters.

In the accident, 15 people were injured. They were hospitalized in Trabzon province.

Adil Yazar, the Governor of Trabzon, said that 14 people were reported missing.

He added that the small boats which were overloaded, had overturned by the wave.

Local fishermen, rescue ships and military helicopters are still searching for the missing people.

Meanwhile, President Ahmet Necdet Sezer; Yildirim Akbulut, the Speaker of Parliament; Prime Minister Bulent Ecevit; Devlet Bahceli, the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of State; Hikmet Sami Turk, the Justice Minister; Tansu Ciller, the leader of the True Path Party (DYP); and Mesut Yilmaz, the leader of the Motherland Party (ANAP); sent messages of condolence to Adil Yazar, the Governor of Trabzon.

They expressed profound sorrow over loss of lives in the accident, and implored God's strength upon all who are grieving for their beloved ones.

[04] TRNC COUNCIL OF MINISTERS' MEETING

Speaking to reporters following the meeting, Public Works and Transportation Minister Salih Miroglu said the economic package targeted to overcome the current difficult economic situation.

Miroglu said they couldn't explain the content of the package before they informed President Rauf Denktas, Prime Minister Deris Eroglu who was currenty resting in his residence due to an illness, political parties, labor unions and economy sectors on the package.

Miroglu stated that the package included the methods to overcome the economic bottleneck and foresaw a reform in administrative activities of the government.

Noting that they targeted to keep the TRNC stand on its feet out of trouble, Miroglu said the coalition government had provided a full harmony concerning the package.

Miroglu said they would be in close cooperation and solidarity with the Turkish officials.

Miroglu added that the economic package would be publicly announced on Monday.

The economic package includes changes in social security and tax systems, increase in value added tax rates and income tax and encouragement of foreign investors.

[05] UMUT OPERATION

Ozmen and Yuksel gave detailed information to Hamza Keles, the Prosecutor of the Ankara State Security Court (DGM) on how they had staged the bomb attacks.

The first reenactment was done in front of house of journalist-writer Ugur Mumcu who was killed when a bomb went off under his car on January 24, 1993.
Tight security measures were taken in and around Ugur Mumcu Street, and the street was closed to traffic during the reenactment.

The second reenactment was done in Sedat Simavi Street where Abdullah Hussein Gurabi, the Egyptian Press Attache, was seriously injured in a bomb attack on October 28, 1991.

Later Ozmen and Yuksel were taken to the place in which Ehud Sadan, the security chief at the Israeli Embassy in Ankara, was killed on March 7, 1992.

The fourth reenactment was done in Tomurcuk Street where U.S. Staff Sgt. Victor D. Marvick, a computer specialist at the Joint Turkish-U.S. Logistics group, was assasinated in a bomb attack on October 28, 1991.

Another reenactment was done in front of house of Prof. Dr. Muammer Aksoy, the Chairman of Kemalist Thought Association, who was shot dead on January 31, 1990 in Bahcelievler district of Ankara.

Ozmen confessed that he had shot dead Prof. Dr. Aksoy in front of his house with a suppressor gun. He said that Necdet Yuksel was in the scene of attack to watch out the street.

Later, suspects were taken to Cayyolu district where Prof. Dr. Ahmet Taner Kislali, former Culture Minister and a prominet journalist-writer, was killed in a car-bomb attack last year.

Ozmen who was identified as the specialized bomber of the trigger organization that calls itself as ''Jerusalem Warriors'' or ''Jerusalem Commandos'', told Keles, ''the organization carried out a detailed intelligence about Kislali, and decided to assasinate him in front of his house. We went to Kislali's house in Cayyolu district of Ankara together with Necdet Yuksel and Oguz Demir whose code name was Cihan. I prepared the bomb in our car, and gave it to Necdet. As Necdet was placing the bomb on Kislali's automobile, we watched out the street.''

Kemal Iskender, the Director of Ankara Security Department, and Cevdet Volkan, the Republican Chief Prosecutor of Ankara DGM, watched the reenactments.

Residents reacted against the suspects by chanting slogans, ''Servants of Iran'' and 'Murderers''.

After the reenactments, the suspects were taken back to Anti-Terrorism Brach of Ankara Security Department. They are expected to be taken to the Ankara State Security Court (DGM) on Sunday.

[06] JUSTICE MINISTER TURK: -''UMUT OPERATION CONTINUES SUCCESSFULLY''

Turk who came to Bodrum township of Aegean Mugla province to visit the Bodrum Courthouse and Mayor, answered the A.A correspondent's question about the ''Umut Operation''.

Noting that the nationwide operation was under way, Turk said, ''intorrogation of people who were detained, continues at the Ankara State Security Court. I believe that almost all of the unsolved murders will be revealed. An operation was launched against Hezbollah in Istanbul yesterday night. Also this was a very important operation. It is clear that Turkey is struggling against a serious threat.''

[07] MINISTER TALAY IN PEOPLE'S REPUBLIC OF CHINA

Later, Talay watched the State Folk Dances Company's performance together with Meng Xiaosi, Chinese Deputy Culture Minister; and Daryal Batibay, Turkish Ambassador to China.

Talay and accompanying delegation will proceed to ancient city of Xian on Sunday.

Talay is expected to return to Turkey on May 25 after holding contacts in Guilin and Shanghai.

[08] UMUT OPERATION -PROSECUTOR KELES INTERROGATES SEVEN SUSPECTS

Hamza Keles, the Prosecutor of the Ankara DGM, is interrogating Necdet Yuksel, Ferhan Ozmen, Musa Koca, Mehmet Gurova, Mehmet Kasap, Celal Aytufan, Hakki Selcuk Sanli.

Meanwhile, Cevdet Volkan, the Republican Chief Prosecutor of the Ankara DGM, arrived at Ankara DGM to watch the interrogation.

[09] INTERIOR MINISTER TANTAN IN EGYPT

Tantan who arrived in Cairo as the guest of his Egyptian counterpart General Habib Al-Adli answered the questions of Turkish journalists.

When asked whether confessions of Yusuf Karakus were in contradiction with the confessions of Ferhan Ozmen, Tantan said, ''three of them can speak Persion language very well.''

Karakus confessed that Iranians had planted the bomb under Mumcu's car while Ozmen confessed that he had left a C-4 bomb under Mumcu's car.

Tantan said police had found very interesting books, magazines and documents in the house of one of those suspects.

When asked whether those murders could have been solved if there had not been operations against Hezbollah, Tantan said, ''we had formed separate teams and they were closely investigating the assasinations.''

Responding to a question about Turkey's relations with Iran after the operations, Tantan said, ''this does not concern me.''

Responding to another question, Tantan said that the Higher Security Committee meetings between the Interior Ministries of Turkey and Iran would not be affected.

[10] ''TURKISH DAY PARADE'' HELD IN NEW YORK

The parade took place in the Dag Hammarskjold Park near the Turkish House on Madison Avenue.

Baki Ilkin, the Turkish Ambassador to the U.S.; Mehmet N. Sezen, the Turkish Consul General in New York; Aytug Plumer, the Representative of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) in New York; Egemen Bagis, the Chairman of the TADF; and a number of Turkish people living in the U.S. were in attendance in the parade.

Meanwhile, President Ahmet Necdet Sezer sent a message to the Turkish community living in the U.S. to mark the 19th Turkish Day Parade.

In his message, President Sezer said, ''we are continuing to further advance in every field as a result of your works both in Turkey and abroad. We are taking important steps to take the place in the world we deserved. A brilliant future is awating us. Traditional relations between Turkey and the U.S. based on democracy, individual rights and freedoms and free market economy, improve successfully. Unity and solidarity among Turkish people living in the U.S., have made a valuable contribution to further improvement of these relations.''

U.S. President Bill Clinton also sent a congratulatory message, and the Turkish people living in the U.S. for their contribution to the American people's national culture and daily life.

Stressing that he was deeply impressed with the hospitaliy he enjoyed during his official visit to Turkey in November last year, President Clinton noted he believed that they would create a more peaceful and prosperous world altogether.

President Rauf Denktas of the TRNC sent a message to mark the 19th Traditional Turkish Day Parade.

Meanwhile, Rudolf Giuliani, the Mayor of New York, declared May 19-25 as the ''Turkish-American Week''.

[11] DEPUTY PRIME MINISTER BAHCELI: -''POLITICAL STABILITY HAS BEEN PROVIDED IN TURKEY''

Addressing residents of Mut township of southern Icel province, Bahceli noted, ''the parliament has become more productive and influencial. We have started to pass important laws which are necessary to seize great opportunities in the new century. As a government working in compromise and harmony, we have entered a new era of great progresses. Coming years will be scene of reform movements in Turkey.''

Pointing out that a considerable part of the population is employed in the agricultural sector, Bahceli said, ''when we take into consideration that an important part of the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) is being provided from the agriculture, it was necessary to submit draft law regarding reconstruction of agriculture, to the parliament. The Agriculture and Rural Affairs Ministry has finalized the required preparations to carry out the agricultural reform in Turkey.''

''The government has the sufficient support at the parliament to overcome all problems in Turkey. The key word is political posture. As long as the political rule can determine a certain political posture, all problems can be resolved. As a matter of fact, security forces have achieved great success recently in revealing the unsolved homicides as a result of their determined and disciplined works,'' Bahceli stressed.

He enumerated Turkey's biggest problems as unemployment, imbalance among the regions, inflation, unfair distribution of income, longstanding poverty, corruption and bribery.

''Having regard to all these, we have plenty of things to do in Turkey. The government is expending efforts to this end. It has prepared an economic measures package and put it into practice. We have recorded a small decrease in the inflation. This decrease will continue,'' he said.

[12] HEALTH MINISTER DURMUS IN GERMANY

Addressing the meeting, Durmus stressed that they had taken a series of steps to improve health conditions in Turkey.

He emphasized that Turkey became a country which could offer all kinds of services in the field of health.

He added that the 57th government was working in harmony.

Durmus is expected to return to Turkey on Sunday.

[13] PHOTOGRAPHER KARADAG PRESENTED WITH STATE

Karadag was given his award by Lubomir Bazant, the Czech Consul in Ankara.

Responding to questions of the A.A correspondent, Karadag noted that Czech Republic was one of the countries that inspired him.

Karadag said, ''I went to Czech Republic in 1998. I had worked 14 hours a day for 10 days to take photos of charming places in Prague. Later, I proceeded to Hungarian capital of Budapest to take photos.''

Karadag's works were displayed in Germany, France, Britain, Spain, Belgium, the U.S., Italy, Denmark, the Netherlands, Poland, Hungary, Romania and all Mediterranean countries.

[14] ROWBOAT CALAMITY IN COASTAL TOWN OF BESIKDUZU (2)

Officials told the A.A correspondent that 30 people, most of them women and children, who set sail to mark a locally celebrated sea festivity, drowned when two rowboats which were overloaded, capsized in rough waters.

In the accident, 15 people were injured. They were hospitalized in Trabzon province.

Meanwhile, 8 people are still missing.

Search and rescue operations are continuing with the participation of local fishermen, rescue ships and military helicopters.

[15] ROWBOAT CALAMITY IN COASTAL TOWN OF BESIKDUZU (3)

Officials told the A.A correspondent that 32 people, most of them women and children, who set sail to mark a locally celebrated sea festivity, drowned when two rowboats which were overloaded, capsized in rough waters.

In the accident, 15 people were injured. They were hospitalized in Trabzon province.

Search and rescue operations are continuing for the missing with the participation of local fishermen, rescue ships and military helicopters.

Meanwhile, some of those were killed in the accident, were laid to rest after the midday prayer.

[16] FOREIGN MINISTRY UNDERSECRETARY LOGOGLU IN MOSCOW

Logoglu and accompanying delegation will start consultations with the Russian delegation headed by Aleksandr Avdeyev, Russian Deputy Foreign Minister on Monday morning.

Logoglu will be received by Igor Ivanov, Russian Foreign Minister, later in the same day.

Logoglu's contacts are expected to focus on bilateral relations and international problems.

Logoglu and accompanying delegation are expected to return to Turkey on Tuesday.

[17] UNEMPLOYMENT INSURANCE TO GO INTO EFFECT AS OF JUNE 1

The first unemployment insurance payment will be made as of March 1, 2002.

Those who had worked as insured for 600 days in last three years and paid insurance premium continually for 120 days before their contracts were cancelled will benefit from the unemployment insurance.

In accordance with the law, those who deposited premium at the unemployment fund for at least 600 days in last three years will be paid 180-day (6-month) unemployment insurance.

Those who deposited premium at the unemployment fund for 900 days in last three years will be paid 240-day (8-month) unemployment insurance.

Those who deposited premium at the unemployment fund for at 1080 days in last three years will be paid 300-day (10-month) unemployment insurance.

The unemployment insurance for those who gain the right will be 50 percent of their net salary before they quitted their jobs while the amount of payment will not exceed monthly minimum wage.

[18] TURKEY-IMF

Speaking to the A.A correspondent, Cottarelli said the first four-month developments had been positive, and continuation of the program in the same way would increase Turkey's attractiveness for investments.

Noting that one of the statements he had made in Istanbul was misunderstood, Cottarelli said, ''I did not say that I was worried about salaries of private sector workers. I said that we were closely interested in this issue. I believe that this price policy will be solved by the sides.''

Stating that his visit would continue till end-May and his next visit would be in August, Cottarelli said he would pay his next visit in August to review for the third time the economic program carried out within framework of stand-by deal.

The IMF's Turkey Desk Chief added that we was planning to meet with World Bank Chief James Wolfensohn who would come to Turkey early next week.

[19] TURKISH ELTEM COMPANY WINS TENDER FOR

Eltem won the tender with its 62.5 million U.S. dollars bidding price.

The contract for the rehabilitation in question was approved by Turkmen President Saparmurat Turkmenbasi.

The Turkish Eximbank will finance the project which was planned to be finalized in three years.

According to the statement issued by Eltem Elektrik A.S., the projects it will carry out in Turkmenistan are as follows:

''Installation and rehabilitation of Turkmenistan Energy Distribution and System and the system which will transfer electricity energy to Turkey, installation and rehabilitation of power distribution system in Ashkhabad, and construction of Turkmen Energy and Industry Ministry's new building.''

Eltem will also construct high-voltage transformer centers, supply technical equipment and carry out assembling works in Turkmenistan.

[20] ROWBOAT CALAMITY IN COASTAL TOWN OF BESIKDUZU (4)

Victims, most of them women and children, who set sail to mark a locally celebrated sea festivity, drowned when two rowboats which were overloaded, capsized in rough waters.

Search and rescue operations are continuing for the missing with the participation of local fishermen, rescue ships and military helicopters.

[21] NATIONAL DEFENSE MINISTER CAKMAKOGLU LEAVES FOR OMAN

Addressing a press conference at the Etimesgut Military Airport in Ankara prior to his departure, Cakmakoglu said that he would exchange opinion with El-Busaidi on regional and international issues.

''My visit to Oman aims at further improving bilateral relations in every field. Defense industry cooperation and military training cooperation will be high on my agenda,'' he said.

Cakmakoglu told reporters that Turkey welcomed Oman's support to Yasar Yakis who has been nominated as the Secretary General of the Organization of Islamic ConFerence.

He noted, ''STFA, a leading Turkish firm, won the tender for the third phase of Sohar Port Project. This will make a valuable contribution to our bilateral relations with Oman.''

Cakmakoglu will be received by Omani Sultan Qabus bin Said.

[22] INTERIOR MINISTER TANTAN IN EGYPT

Inter-delegationary meeting presided by Tantan and El-Adhi was held in Cairo.

Addressing journalists following the meeting, Tantan said, ''the Egyptian parliament has not approved yet the Cooperation in Struggle Against Crimes Agreement which was signed by Turkey and Egypt on July 26, 1999. Turkish and Egyptian security forces should cooperate to provide security in the Middle East and Mediterranean. None of the countries can deal with cross-border crimes on its own. Therefore, international cooperation is necessary. Turkey has been struggling against extreme leftist and seperatist terrorism for years. In recent years, we have been struggling against fundamentalist terrorists.''

Tantan added, ''Turkish security forces have succeeded in capturing suspects of bomb attack in which Abdullah Hussein Gurabi, the Egyptian Press Attache, was seriously injured on October 28, 1991.''

[23] HALKBANK GOVERNOR: ''WE CAN OPEN BRANCH

Ansen said they were launching initiatives to open banks in Kyrgyzstan and Algeria.

Speaking to journalists, Ansen said three or four Turkish firms to which the Halkbank gave credits set up joint ventures with Chinese companies.

''With this respect, we are planning to open a brach office or representation in China,'' Ansen said.

Recalling that they were one of the Turkish, Austrian, Italian, German, Hungarian shareholders of a bank in Hungary, Ansen said they had also stakes in banks in the Neherlands and Turkmenistan.

Ansen said that they wanted to open branch offices in Kyrgyzstan and Algeria.

[24] TURKISH-GREEK FRIENDSHIP SERVES FISHERMEN

The officials at the Kusadasi Fishermen's Chamber told the A.A correspondent on Sunday that the Turkish fishing boats were not harrassed in the Aegean by the Greek coast guard boats, and the Turkish and Greek fishermen were generally helping each other.

''Most of the fishermen in Kusadasi speak Greek language. The fishermen of the two countries are enjoying the friendship and peace in the sea extremely. Since the Turkish fishermen are carrying out activities in accordance with the circular and warnings of the Turkish authorities, the Greek coast guard authorities do not harrass them,'' officials said.

[25] CHINESE DEPUTY CHIEF OF GENERAL STAFF DEPARTS FOR TURKEY

The Chinese delegation which will arrive in Turkey as the guests of the General Staff will also visit Egypt.

[26] PRODUCTION OF NEW GENERATION TANKS

Sources said on Sunday that the project for 1000 pieces of tanks was under way within the schedule set by the Defense Industy Undersecretariat.

The preliminary evaluation of the bids of four consortia was concluded, but the consortia were given time to prepare their licence agreement drafts by May 30.

The consortia will present their final bids in accordance with the Undersecretariat's criteria by May 30.

The consortia and their tank models are as follows:

1-Iveco-Oto Brieda (Italy) : CI Ariete

2-Glat (France) : Leclerc

3-Ukrspetseksport (Ukraine): T-800

4-Krauss-Maffei (Germany): Leopard-2A6

5-General Dynamic (U.S.) : MA2 Abrams

[27] STATE MINISTERS MIRZAOGLU AND KECE�ILER AND

Mirzaoglu, Kececiler and Oksuz attended the ceremony held on the occasion of launching Akdeniz (Mediterranean), the first of the six ro-ro vessels.

The Ministers also inaugurated the Mevlana Mosque in Kiel, and met with Turkish people at the Turkish Federation Association in Hamburg.

[28] SPORTS - BOXING

Phaliani beat Boris Georgiev of Bulgaria in his final match, and became European champion.

Number of gold medals Turkey won at the 33rd European Men's Boxing Championships, increased to three.

[29] ''INTERNATIONAL MARMARA FOLK DANCES FESTIVAL''

Speaking to journalists, Ali Serdaroglu, the Chairman of the Association, said the aim of the festival was to introduce Turkish hospitality and have the people of different nations make cultural exchange.

The Turkish, Chinese, Slovakian and Argentine companies performed folk dances in the festival.

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