Anadolu Agency: News in English, 00-05-22

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NEWS

22 MAY 2000 Monday

CONTENTS

[01] TURKEY-PRESS SCAN

[02] INTERROGATION OF 14 HEZBOLLAH TERRORISTS CONTINUE

[03] MUMCU AND KIRCALI ASSASSINATION

[04] AKBULUT LEFT ANKARA FOR EGYPT

[05] INTERIOR MINISTER TANTAN IN CAIRO:

[06] TRIAL OF 20 PEOPLE, CLAIMED TO GET INVOLVED IN

[07] EARTHQUAKE IN BALIKESIR AND AYDIN

[08] EU COMMISSION'S REPORT ON TURKISH ECONOMY:

[09] IMF TURKEY DESK CHIEF COTTARELLI

[10] TURKEY-SAUDI ARABIA MIXED ECONOMIC COMMISSION

[11] DRAFT LAW ON SO-CALLED GENOCIDE ON ARMENIANS

[12] WOLFENSOHN, WORLD BANK PRESIDENT, DUE IN TURKEY

[13] EGYPTIAN PRESIDENT MUBARAK RECEIVES INTERIOR MINISTER TANTAN

[14] VILLAGE GUARDS CLASH KILLING TWO AND INJURING SIX

[15] TURKEY-RUSSIA POLITICAL CONSULTATIONS START

[16] NARCOTICS OFFICIALS IMPOUND 187 KG OF HEROIN

[17] PRIME MINISTER ECEVIT RESPONDS TO QUESTIONS (1):

[18] PRIME MINISTER ECEVIT RESPONDS TO QUESTIONS (2):

[19] SECURITY FORCES DETAIN 19 PEOPLE WHO

[20] PRIVATIZATION OF TURK TELEKOM

[21] DENKTAS REACTS AGAINST PAPANDREOU'S STATEMENT

[22] ENVIRONMENT MINISTER AYTEKIN LEAVES FOR KENYA

[23] NARCOTICS OFFICALS IMPOUND 186 KG OF BASE MORPHINE

[24] STATE MINISTER ONAL RECEIVES IMF'S TURKEY DESK CHIEF

[25] COTTARELLI: ''THERE IS NO NEED FOR

[26] BOATING DISASTER IN COASTAL TOWN OF BESIKDUZU

[27] TUSIAD DELEGATION TO HOLD CONTACTS IN FRANCE AND BELGIUM

[28] IMF DELEGATION CONTINUES ITS CONTACTS

[29] TURKISH ARCHITECT GIVEN ''DISTINGUISHED PROFESSOR'' TITLE

[30] TANTAN: ''THERE IS NO IRANIAN CITIZEN KEPT IN CUSTODY IN ANKARA''

[31] EUROPEAN DEVELOPMENT BANK GIVES 39 MILLION U.S. DOLLARS LOAN

[32] TRIAL OF ILLEGAL ISLAMIC MOVEMENT ORGANIZATION

[01] TURKEY-PRESS SCAN

HURRIYET (LIBERAL)

NO HOLIDAY BEFORE THE ACQUITTAL OF YILMAZ
Coalition partners are planning to have the holiday of the parliament in the normal agenda. Parliament will have three months holiday if coalition partners don't change their ideas, after investigation commissions, set up against Mesut Yilmaz, conclude their work. The 15 investigation commissions, which were set up one by one because of the ''political scene'' in the previous period, are about to give their decisions. Mesut Yilmaz, leader of the Motherland Party (ANAP), was the main actor of the investigations. Yilmaz visited the investigation commissions one by one and gave his testimony. The commissions will conclude their studies on June 15, the latest.

MILLIYET (LIBERAL)

TURKISH WEEK IN NEW YORK
Federation of Turkish American Assemblies (TADF) held the 19th traditional Turkish March yesterday in New York in spite of the heavy rain. New York municipality declared 19-25 May as the ''Turkish-American Week.'' Baki Ilkin, the Turkish Ambassador to the U.S., New York Consul General Aytug Plumer, TADF Chairman Egemen BagiS and a crowded group participated in the March.

SABAH (LIBERAL)

WE CAN SET UP BANKS
Yenal Ansen, the Director General of Halbank said that ''we try to found banks in Krygysztan and Algeria.'' Ansen pointed out that China is a great importer country and they also think of founding a bank there. China has also great industry potential and three or four of the Turkish firms which got credits from Halkbank founded partnerships with China, he said. Ansen added that a representation can be open in China at first.

CUMHURIYET (LEFT)

HALKBANK TO SET UP A CHINA BRANCH
Yenal Ansen, Director General of Halkbank said that they were planning to establish a Halkbank branch in China, and that they could start first with a representative bureau in the first stage. Ansen said that similar efforts were underway for the establishment of branches in Kyrgyzistan and Algeria.

INTERROGATIONS OF HEZBOLLAH MASTERMINDS CONTINUE
The interrogations of 13 Hezbollah terrorists, among whom are also Haci Inan, Melle Enver Kilicarslan, and Haci Bayancik, the masterminds of the outlawed orgnisation, all captured within the framework of operations in Kartal Istanbul, are being continued. The terror organisation was understood to have entered a stage of 'restructuring'.

RADIKAL (LEFT)

UNEMPLOYMENT INURANCE READY IN JUNE
The 'Unemployment Insurance', introduced by the Social security Law Article no. 4447 will be enforced as of June. The first payments within the framework of the insurance will be made from March 1, 2002 onwards. According to the law, the workers and the state will pay a premium over two percent, and the employers will pay three percent of insured workers' monthly gross income.

TWO TURKS VICTIMISED BY FIREWORKS EXPLOSION
Among the victims of the fireworks factory explosion in Enschede, Holland, were two Turks, Dutch officials said. One of the victims, whose identities were not revealed, was a four year old kid.

YENI BINYIL (LIBERAL)

IN PURSUIT OF HEZBOLLAH'S TOP NAME: ALTSOY
The interrogations of the 14 Hezbollah terrorists, captured within the framework of the Malazgirt operation are being continued. The police is now after Isa Altsoy, one of the leading names of the outlawed organisation. So far, the Mediterranean, Marmara, Aegean, and Istanbul regional 'chiefs' of Hezbollah have been seized.

KHARRAZI RECEIVES CEM'S LETTER
The reply made by Foreign Minister Ismail Cem in return to the message sent by his Iranian counterpart Kamal Kharrazi, pertaining to certain political assassinations in Turkey, has been conveyed to the Iranian Foreign Minister. Turan Morali, Turkey's Ambassador in Tehran said he had talks on Sunday with Iranian Foreign Ministry's Turkey Director Muhib Ali, and that the sides had displayed a rather cautious attitude so as not to pave the way for misunderstandings.

TURKIYE (RIGHT)

for evidence regarding the accusations on Motherland Party (ANAP)

BLACKSEA IN MOURNING
Rescue teams searched on Sunday for survivors of a weekend pleasure boating disaster off Black Sea Coast in which 34 people died. Anxious relatives and friends at the quayside in the port town of Besikduzu, watched coastguard vessels and fishing boats scouring the waters for bodies or survivors from two rowing boats that capsized and sank during a water festival on Saturday afternoon. Prosecutors in Besikduzu had questioned the two captains about the number of people allowed to put to sea in the two small boats.

ZAMAN (CONSERVATIVE)

Hazret Dilli, the 14 year old child who rescued from the accident said, ''a very big wave has come. First the big boat and later the small one capsized. I can still hear the screams.''

Military helicopters, coastal security teams, gendarme, and citizens continued search and rescue efforts day and night.

TANTAN: A BOMB MAY EXPLODE IN ANKARA
Sadettin Tantan, Minister of Interior, speaking about the Umut Operation, which helped the clarification of a series of assasiations against intellectuals including Ugur Mumcu, Bahriye Ucok, Muammer Aksoy, and Ahmet Taner Kislali, said, ''a bomb may explode in Ankara nowadays. Very important developments are taking place.''

[02] INTERROGATION OF 14 HEZBOLLAH TERRORISTS CONTINUE

It was determined that the leading terrorists of the illegal organization were in an effort to re-structure the organization following the killing of Huseyin Velioglu, leader of the terrorist organization on January 17, 2000, and capture of Edip Gumus and Cemal Tutar, the administrators of the organization.

Police officials said Isa Altsoy undertook responsibility for the leadership of the organization after killing of Velioglu in ''Beykoz Operation,'' adding that efforts were underway to capture Sulhittin Uruk, who was responsible for the finance of the organization.

Officials said investigations will continue following the interrogations of Inan, Kilicarslan, and Kutulman, who were captured in ''Malazgirt'' operation.

[03] MUMCU AND KIRCALI ASSASSINATION

Ferhan Ozmen, Necdet Yuksel, Musa Koca, Mehmet Gurova, Mehmet Kasap, Celal Aytufan and Hakk� Selcuk Sanl� who had a medical examination at Forensic Medicine in Kecioren district of Ankara the same day, were later brought to the court.

Cevdet Volkan, the DGM Chief Prosecutor; Hamza Keles and Semsettin Ozcan, the DGM Prosecutors took the testimonies of the suspects.

After taking the testimonies, the prosecutors transferred Necdet Yuksel and Ferhan Ozmen to the court for planning and taking part in seven assassinations. The five others were accused of being members of the illegal organization ''Jerusalem Warriors'' or abetting the organization.

Rustem Ciloglu, the alternate judge of Ankara DGM No. 1 on duty questioned the suspects and decided to arrest Ferhan Ozmen, Necdet Yuksel, Mehmet Gurova, Mehmet Kasap and Hakk� Selcuk Sanl� and release Musa Koca and Celal Aytufan.

The suspects were later put in Eskisehir Maximum Security Prison.

[04] AKBULUT LEFT ANKARA FOR EGYPT

Akbulut, who is to attend the 2nd Meeting of the European-Mediterranean Parliament Speakers in Alexandria, held a press conference before taking off from Ankara's Esenboga Airport.

Akbulut told reporters that the participants would be taking up means of interparliamentary cooperation between their countries, establishing peace and stability in the region, and fighting against terrorism and organised crimes, as well as incentives for investments, and the effects of globalisation on cultures, and added:

''Turkey's presentation topic will be 'the immigration waves and creation of employment opportunities'. I shall convey my views to my counterparts at a personal level, too, during my bilateral talks with them.''

Akbulut was seen off from Esenboga Airport by Acting Speaker of the Parliament Murat Sokmenoglu.

Within the framework of the conference, general negotiations on four topics will be held, after the ''Mid-East Peace Parliamentary Dialogue Meeting''.

In the first session, which is due to take place on May 23, the participants will exchange views on 'Regional Peace and Stability, Fighting Against Terrorism and Organised Crimes'. The second session is to stage talks on 'Technology Transfer, Export Incentives, Liberalisation of Trade, and the Implementation of GATT Agreements'. The following day, the participants will have talks on 'Change and Strengthening Dialogue, and the Effects of Globalisation on Cultures'. That same day, in the afternoon session, Parliament Speaker Yildirim Akbulut will make a presentation within the framework of the topic 'Creation of Employment Opportunities and Immigration Waves'.

A final communique will be issued at the end of the conference, and Parliament Speaker Akbulut and the delegation accompanying him will return home on May 26, in the morning hours.

[05] INTERIOR MINISTER TANTAN IN CAIRO:

Saadettin Tantan, who concluded the same day his meeting with Egyptian Minister of Interior talked to journalists.

'''Why did you come to Egypt?'' asked a journalist to Tantan who said that ''this visit was earlier planned. There are similarities between the incidents taking place here and in Turkey. Those criminals go to the west from Egypt and Turkey and have the opportunity to live there.''

''Do operations against Hezbollah continue?'' asked another journalist to Tantan who said that ''I had earlier told you that the operations against Hezbollah started recently. We have a difficult and long way in front of us. Please be patient. The terrorists come and surrender one by one.''

''Some people say that there is a contradiction in Ugur Mumcu Operation. What is the reason for that?'' asked journalists to Tantan. He said that ''there are great scenarists. This question must be asked to them. Don't get confused, we are on the right track. The investigation is carried out by prosecutors. If they are not convinced, they can release the suspects.''

[06] TRIAL OF 20 PEOPLE, CLAIMED TO GET INVOLVED IN

The indictment prepared by Beyoglu Republican Prosecutorship said a street clash erupted between the hooligans of British Leeds United soccer team, and supporters of Galatasaray soccer team in Taksim Square on May 5, 2000, around 21:00 local time.

The indictment said Christopher John Loftus and Kevin Speight, the two British fans, were stabbed to death, and that Gerrard Headey, Poul Jefferies, Mark Colins, David Elin, Steven White and Paul Mundy were injured by knives, sticks, chairs and fists.

It said Ali Umit Demir, Ozkan Balci, Suleyman Aydin, Suleyman Gokhan Guven, and Yilmaz Tutas got involved in intentional killing.

The indictment called for imprisonment terms up to 15 years against five defendants.

Also, imprisonment terms up to 3 years 9 months were demanded against Kazim Dalga, Hasan Altun, Murat Yahsi, Ibrahim Emrah Kaygisiz, and Zafer Yildirim on grounds that they involved in the street clash.

The indictment said imprisonment terms up to 4.5 months was demanded against Savas Altay, Ugur Yevsukof, Gokhan Oba, and Burak Savucu on charges of getting involved in street clash which ended in killing.

Imprisonment terms up to three months was demanded against S.C.I., U.O., M.E., S.C., and H.A., who are less than 18 years old.

Also, imprisonment terms up to four years was demanded against Cetin Demirkiran, who did not get involved in the incidents, yet hid the tools used in the killings.

[07] EARTHQUAKE IN BALIKESIR AND AYDIN

Bogazici University Kandilli Observatory and Seismology Centre recorded one tremor measuring 3.0 on the Richter scale in Savastepe, Bal�kesir at 14.04 local time on Sunday, and two others measuring 3.1 in Kusadas�, Ayd�n at 01.29 and 01.31 local time on Monday.

Meanwhile, an aftershock measuring 3.0 on the Richter scale shook Adapazar� at 04.33 local time this morning.

[08] EU COMMISSION'S REPORT ON TURKISH ECONOMY:

The Commission which prepares reports on the financial and economic situations of EU candidate countries, said the economic programme gives opportunity to the Turkish economy to recover.

Turkey takes important steps to win the fight against the inflation, which is one of the biggest problems, it decreases public expenditures and gives priority to savings, said the Commission in the report underlining its belief in the success of the struggle carried out against the inflation.

The report noted that the inflation rate can decrease to 20 percent in 2001 welcoming the results taken in privatization.

The EU Commission noted that Turkey was negatively affected from the economic crisis in Russia, Kosovo crisis last year like other candidate countries and the big quake disasters that took place in the country.

The Turkish economy recovers faster than expected, said the report which foresaw a 4.5 percent growth rate for Turkey this year and more than 5 percent next year. Foreign investments will strengthen the Turkish economy and the big revival in West European economy will be reflected in Turkey, it noted.

The unemployment will continue in Turkey, added the report.

[09] IMF TURKEY DESK CHIEF COTTARELLI

Cottarelli paid a visit on Monday to Treasury Undersecretary Selcuk Demiralp within the framework of his contacts in Ankara.

He told reporters that he would be paying a number of visits to various economic bodies and organisations, and have talks with officials on the latest developments in Turkish economy, adding that the performance criteria would also be taken up in detail during these talks.

Treasury Undersecretary Selcuk Demirelp said that the official talks with the IMF delegation started on Monday, that they had got together with the IMF officials over the weekend to take up the general outlook of Turkish economy, and that Monday's talks would concentrate more on the context and the program of the following days of contacts between Turkish and IMF officials. He said that the IMF delegation would carry out talks on such issues as consolidated budget, funds, and national banks within the framework of their contacts with the related ministers.

Demirelp said that the IMF delegation's previous visit had been in the month of Febuary, adding that they were expecting the delegation in August one more time.

[10] TURKEY-SAUDI ARABIA MIXED ECONOMIC COMMISSION

According to the DTM statement, State Minister Mehmet Kececiler will head the Turkish delegation, and the Saudi delegation will be chaired by Minister of Trade Usama Bin Jaajar Faqih.

The sides will focus on the reasons behind the regression recorded in the trade volume between the two countries, and means by which bilateral commercial relations could be diversified and improved.

They will also exchange views on means of setting up a business council in order to encourage participation in fairs and exhibitions, in an effort to further develop the relations between Turkish and Saudi business circles.

The Turkish and Saudi delegations will also seek means of further developing cooperation relations, particularly in the field of contractorship.

The minutes of accord on the topics of agreement will be signed on May 24, the second, and final day of the meetings.

[11] DRAFT LAW ON SO-CALLED GENOCIDE ON ARMENIANS

The draft law was prevented from being adopted by the efforts of the organization namely ''Young Turks.'' The members of the organization sent e-mail messages to New Jersey senators and assembly members explaining the views of Turks living in the U.S. about the issue.

The draft law prepared by M. Doria, a deputy had a political aim and it makes fun of the pain other people suffered, said the organization in the messages.

The organization asked in the messages why the names of any Turks were not included in the draft law, although Armenians killed three million Turks.

''The Turks living in the U.S. have been the targets of Armenians' racist murders and terrorist attacks for years. The hatred Armenians developed within themselves caused them to attack everything that is Turkish. This attitude is totally contrary to the principles of American people. New Jersey general assembly is one of the assemblies which Armenians impose pressure for the adoptation of the draft law on the so-called genocide on Armenians. Such kind of draft laws were prepared in the past, but they have been unsuccessful. The attempt of Armenians to compare their pain by the Jewish Holocaust was rejected by serious Jewish institutions.''

The messages also reminded the senators and members of the assembly that Murat Topalyan, Chairman of one of the biggest Armenian institutions of the U.S. was arrested by FBI for producing bombs and forming terrorist camps.

''The mentality of the Armenian society is contrary to the modern age. It is unfounded to take revenge today of the incidents that took place in 1915. Such kind of an attitude won't be useful other than encouraging the hatred feelings between societies. If you permit the passage of the draft law on the so-called genocide on Armenians, you can also be hold responsible for the hatred crimes that can take Turks as target,'' the messages warned.

[12] WOLFENSOHN, WORLD BANK PRESIDENT, DUE IN TURKEY

Wolfensohn is scheduled to meet with the representatives of private sector on May 25 in Istanbul, and will exchange views regarding daily and economic sitution of Turkey.

Wolfenson, who will also meet with the representatives of non-governmental organizations during his stay in Istanbul, will at the same time will make a speech on global financial reforms in Turkish Banking Union.

World Bank President will go to quake region on May 26, and visit tent sites in Golcuk.

Wolfensohn will proceed to Ankara on May 26 in the afternoon, and meet with Prime Minister Bulent Ecevit, and several government officials. He is expected to exchange views about the economic reform implementations.

Other dimensions of the support, extended by the World Bank to Turkey, will be discussed during the talks.

Within the framework of his program in Ankara, Wolfensohn will visit the Parliament and meet with the parliamentarians.

Wolfensohn will fly to southeastern Malatya province on May 27 to observe Southeastern Basin Projuct, will return to Ankara the same day, and will stage a news conference in Sheraton Hotel.

World Bank President will also hold contacts with the representatives of the foreign institutions who extended support to Turkey.

Johannes Linn, World Bank's Deputy Chairman, responsible for Europe and Central Asia, will accompany Wolfensohn, who will depart from Turkey on May 28.

[13] EGYPTIAN PRESIDENT MUBARAK RECEIVES INTERIOR MINISTER TANTAN

The meeting which was held in Presidential Residence lasted half an hour.

Speaking after the meeting which was close to the press, Tantan told reporters that the meeting was friendly, adding ''I conveyed the greetings of our President Ahmet Necdet Sezer and Prime Minister Bulent Ecevit to Mubarak. I also told Mr. Mubarak that the two extend support to the meetings which we'll hold in the fields of security and cooperation. Mr. Mubarak welcomed that.''

After his meeting with Mubarak, Tantan visited Egyptian Police Academy.

[14] VILLAGE GUARDS CLASH KILLING TWO AND INJURING SIX

An armed clash started among temporary village guards due to an unknown reason in Akburc village on Monday morning.

Ali Aslan and Suleyman Golge died immediately in the scene and six others were injured. The injured were hospitalized.

Selami Ayd�n, the head official of Gercus told A.A that 20 people were taken into custody in connection with the incident.

[15] TURKEY-RUSSIA POLITICAL CONSULTATIONS START

The contacts which are being held within framework of the regular political consultations between Turkey and Russia, are expected to focus on bilateral relations and international issues.

Turkish delegation headed by Faruk Logoglu, the Undersecretary of Foreign Ministry, met with 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.

Sources close to Turkish delegation told the A.A correspondent that the two sides would exchange opinions during the meetings on bilateral relations along with regional and international issues.

The Foreign Ministry delegation is the first official delegation visiting Russia after President Vladimir Putin came to power.

Earlier President Putin had sent a congratulary message to Ahmet Necdet Sezer who was elected as the 10th President of Turkey.

In his message, Putin had stressed that relations with Turkey was among priorities of Russian foreign policy.

He had noted that he was ready to extend efforts to further improve relations between the two countries.

Russian administration had prioritized to relations with the Western countries, the People's Republic of China, India and Iran during President Boris Yeltsin's term in office.

During his prime ministry period, Putin had met with Prime Minister Bulent Ecevit who paid an official visit to Turkey, and told him that he attributed great importance to relations with Turkey.

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

[16] NARCOTICS OFFICIALS IMPOUND 187 KG OF HEROIN

Acting on a tip-off, the narcotics officials launched an operation in the district, and impounded 187 kg of heroin in a house.

Three people were taken into custody in the operation.

They confessed that the drug was brought in from Iran, and would be marketed in Britain.

Narcotics officials confiscated two automatic weapons, 10 thousand German marks, and two automobile in the operation.

Meanwhile, narcotics officials impounded 1.2 ton of heroin, 103 kg of hashish, 1.2 kg cocaine, 15 kg of opium, 4.4 litres of acid anhydride, one of the row materials of heroin, and 309,892 drug pills in operations launched in the last five months.

In the operations, 757 people were taken into custody.

[17] PRIME MINISTER ECEVIT RESPONDS TO QUESTIONS (1):

Responding to questions of journalists, Prime Minister Ecevit said, ''Russia and Turkmenistan have not signed such an agreement. Relations between Russia and Turkmenistan do not concern us directly. We have perfect relations both with Turkmenistan and Russia. We are ready to purchase Turkmen natural gas. Signing of a natural gas agreement between Turkmenistan and Russia will not affect the Baku-Ceyhan oil pipeline project. As I said earlier, there are perfect relations between Turkey and Turkmenistan. Meanwhile, President Vladimir Putin of Russian Federation had sent a congratulary message to President Ahmet Necdet Sezer. His message was a sign of friendly will. We do not need to worry.''

(To be continued)

[18] PRIME MINISTER ECEVIT RESPONDS TO QUESTIONS (2):

When recalled, ''suspects who confessed that they had assasinated journalist-writer Ugur Mumcu, were wearing ski-masks during Saturday's reenactment. This aroused suspicions among people,'' Prime Minister Ecevit said, ''there is nothing to suspect of. Security forces are naturally sensitive about security of the suspects.''

Ferhan Ozmen who was identified as the specialized bomber of the trigger organization that calls itself as ''Jerusalem Warriors'' or ''Jerusalem Commandos'', and Necdet Yuksel had done reenactment in six separate places where journalist-writer Ugur Mumcu was killed when a bomb went off under his car on January 24, 1993; Abdullah Hussein Gurabi, the Egyptian Press Attache, was seriously injured in a bomb attack on October 28, 1991; Ehud Sadan, the security chief at the Israeli Embassy in Ankara, was killed on March 7, 1992; 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; Prof. Dr. Muammer Aksoy, the Chairman of Kemalist Thought Association, was shot dead on January 31, 1990; and Prof. Dr. Ahmet Taner Kislali, former Culture Minister and a prominet journalist-writer, was killed in a car-bomb attack last year.

Meanwhile, Prime Minister Ecevit refrained from responding to questions of journalists about removal of the army in Aegean.

[19] SECURITY FORCES DETAIN 19 PEOPLE WHO

A group of students who are members of the University of Istanbul Students Confederation, attempted to march to the U.S. Consul General in Beyoglu district of Istanbul.

Security forces who have taken tight measures in front of the U.S. Consul General, intervened in the group chanting sloganst against the IMF, and detained 19 of them.

[20] PRIVATIZATION OF TURK TELEKOM

Sources said the administrative and technical specifications were about to be finalized.

Sources said the issue was also expected to be taken up during IMF's Turkey Desk Chief Carlo Cottarelli's contacts in Ankara.

Officials who say that Turk Telekom's market value before the sale will be increased as it has a GSM licence are now working on the financing method and a formula which will not constitute a borden on public financingof the GSM network that the turk Telekom will purchase.

One the formulas is to have the Turk Telekom purchase the GSM network in return for its receivables in accordance with an ''accounting'' contract to be signed between Turk Telekom and public institutions.

Another formula is the Turk Telekom's borrowing money from international markets.

Officials said the Treasury could extend guarantee to the Turkish Telekom in its external borrowing.

[21] DENKTAS REACTS AGAINST PAPANDREOU'S STATEMENT

Denktas said this statement would greatly damage the third round of proximity talks which will start in Geneva on July 5.

Denktas said Greece has been feeding the illegal administration in Cyprus by claiming that it is the ''legal government'' for 37 years. He noted that Greece sent weapons to the island and finally attempted to occupy it. ''And now, as if Cyprus problem is no longer Greece's problem, Greece is claiming that implementing EU laws in Cyprus will help to resolve problems,'' Denktas said.

Denktas noted that he is going to Geneva not to enter the EU, but to solve the Cyprus problem. He said ignoring the realities in Cyprus and having EU membership as the sole target is avoiding the solution of the problem. He asserted that EU membership can only come after reaching a resolution in Cyprus.

Denktas reminded his listeners that Greek Cypriot leader Glafkos Clerides had earlier said ''When we enter the EU, Turkey's guarantee over TRNC will be removed and all immigrants will return their homes.''

''Papandreou's statement is like putting a dynamite to talks in Geneva,'' he added.

The confederation solution is an agreement which foresees sustainable peace, and protects Turkey's rights, Denktas stressed and asked the Greek side to accept the confederation. He also repeated once again that they would never give up Turkey's guarantee over TRNC.

[22] ENVIRONMENT MINISTER AYTEKIN LEAVES FOR KENYA

Addressing a press conference at the Ataturk Airport in Istanbul prior to his departure, Aytekin recalled that two-week meetings started on May 15.

Representatives of the ministries of Environment, Foreign Affairs, Forestry, and Agriculture are accompanying Aytekin.

Aytekin will attend the Ministers and Chairmen of Delegations Meeting on May 24.

He will also sign the Biosafety Protocol that aims at minimizing the potential risks posed by the international trade in and cross-border movements of living, or genetically modified organisms, on behalf of Turkey.

Some 1,500 delegates from 177 countries are attending the conference that ends May 26.

[23] NARCOTICS OFFICALS IMPOUND 186 KG OF BASE MORPHINE

Acting on a tip-off, narcotics officials launched an operation in Durakli village in the township.

They found 186.7 kg of base morphine in houses belonged to Cevdet Saygi and Abdulvahap Saygi.

Two people were taken into custody in the operation.

A full investigation into drugs, are underway.

[24] STATE MINISTER ONAL RECEIVES IMF'S TURKEY DESK CHIEF

State Minister Onal received International Monetary Fund's (IMF) Turkey Desk Chief Carlo Cottarelli.

Speaking to journalists during to meeting, Onal said that economic targets did not necessitate revision, and the second three-month results would confirm them.

Onal said they had prepared a booklet on first three-month economic implementations and submitted it to the Council of Ministers, adding that the booklet would be submitted also to President Anmet Necdet Sezer.

Responding to a question about public banks, State Minister Onal said they would soon focus on works on banking sector as they had given priority to economic reform loan.

''Officials are in close dialogue with the Ziraat Bankasi, Halk Bankasi and Emlak Bankasi. The reports on these banks will be sent to the concerned institutions and organizations this week. Our target is to pass the drafts before July 1. However, there is a problem here. Treasury is planning to privatize 55 percent of Vakiflar Bankasi while the Bank is believing that only 20 percent can be privatized,'' he said.

Responding to a question, IMF's Turkey Desk Chief Cottarelli said the current account deficit did not constitute a danger.

Noting that the production had been low and there had not been a growth in first quarter of 1999, Cottarelli said production had increased in first three months of 2000.

Cottarelli stated that developments in agriculture were positive and an important amount of income was expected from tourism.

[25] COTTARELLI: ''THERE IS NO NEED FOR

Cottarelli answered questions of journalists following his meeting with State Minister Recep Onal for Economic Affairs.

Responding to the A.A correspondent's question about revision, Cottarelli said some targets except main targets could be rewieved within framework of the program's process although there was no need for change in main targets.

Cottarelli said the figures of consumer prices index in March and April had indicated that 25 percent inflation target for end-2000 could be achieved.

Responding to a question about inflation indices, Cottarelli said that they did not want current inflation indices changed but a detailed statement by State Institute of Statistics would be beneficial for evaluation of inflation.

Wher reminded of that exporters wanted a change in foreign exchange basket, Cottarelli said there was a need for a change in the basket.

Cottarelli said increase in amount of imports was natural as the Turkish economy started to grow.

[26] BOATING DISASTER IN COASTAL TOWN OF BESIKDUZU

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 three people who are reported missing with the participation of local fishermen, rescue ships and military helicopters.

[27] TUSIAD DELEGATION TO HOLD CONTACTS IN FRANCE AND BELGIUM

Releasing a statement, the TUSIAD's Representation in Brussels said on Monday that the TUSIAD delegation would scheduled to meet with Jean-Michel Casa and Daniel Lequartier, the Undersecretaries of European Union (EU) Ministry and Foreign Affairs Ministry of France which will take over the EU Term Presidency at the end of June, in Paris later on Monday.

The delegation will come together with MEDEF that represents the French private sector.

At the meeting, the issues of French investments in Turkey, Turkey's export to France and tourism will be taken up.

Yucaoglu is expected to address a conference at the French International Relations Institute.

Later, the TUSIAD delegation will proceed to Belgium on Wednesday.

A conference on ''Turkey's EU Membership Process'' will be organized at the European Policies Center (EPC).

[28] IMF DELEGATION CONTINUES ITS CONTACTS

At the Treasury, IMF experts discussed non-budget accounts and funds and they were briefed about year 2000 macro-economic projections at DPT.

IMF experts discussed bank credits, borrowings, subsidy rates and profibility in new banking rules at Agriculture Bank.

At the Treasury in the afternoon, the experts were briefed about the money put aside from the budget for unexpected needs and the compansations of public banks.

Another group of IMF experts went to the Finance Ministry where they discussed materialization of income in the first quarter of 2000 and income projections for the whole year with executives of Income General Directorate.

An IMF expert was briefed about the bank's credit costs, profitibility and privatization at Halk Bank.

On the other hand, IMF Head of Turkey Desk Carlo Cottarelli went to the Central Bank and received information about the banks which were transferred to Savings Account Insurance Fund.

Meanwhile, OECD delegation also started its contacts in Ankara on Monday. The delegation which arrived in Ankara on May 21 started its official contacts at the Treasury and DPT. The OECD delegation will stay in Turkey until May 31 and delegation members will meet with representatives of private sector in Istanbul.

The delegation will later prepare a ''Turkey Report'' on the developments and progress made in Turkish economy.

[29] TURKISH ARCHITECT GIVEN ''DISTINGUISHED PROFESSOR'' TITLE

The ninth general meeting of INTERRARCH started in Sofia on Monday. At the meeting, Prof. Alp, alongwith other 11 architects, was given ''distinguished professor'' title which made him the first Turkish architect with this title.

After the ceremony, Alp said with his title, he will represent Turkey in the world in science and art field.

The academy members will promote the architectural projects that they designed in various regions of the world at the meeting. Prof. Alp will promote Turkish Embassy building in Riyadh which he designed. The Turkish Embassy in Riyadh is the biggest embassy building of Turkey all around the world.

[30] TANTAN: ''THERE IS NO IRANIAN CITIZEN KEPT IN CUSTODY IN ANKARA''

Tantan who is currently in Egypt on a three-day official visit as the guest of his Egyptian counterpart General Ibrahim Habib El-Adli, responded to question of journalists.

When asked about news reports claiming that Zakir Selvi, a friend of Mahmut Yildirim whose code name is ''Yesil'', was captured in Ankara, Tantan indirectly confirmed the news reports and said, ''I don't have detailed information about this issue.''

When asked, ''did Yesil die?'', Tantan said, ''press is claiming that he was dead, but I do not know whether he is dead or alive.''

When asked, ''does state want to capture Yesil?'' Tantan said, ''all wanted suspects are being captured.''

Tantan refranied from responding to questions about the Umut (Hope) Operation in which suspects of assasinations of journalists-writer Ugur Mumcu, Prof. Dr. Ahmet Taner Kislali, former culture minister and journalist-writer, theologian Bahriye Ucok, and Prof. Dr. Muammer Aksoy, former Chairman of Kemalist Thought Association, were caught.

[31] EUROPEAN DEVELOPMENT BANK GIVES 39 MILLION U.S. DOLLARS LOAN

In accordance with the agreement that was signed in Paris on December 16, 1999, 26 million U.S. dollars part of the loan will be used to finance Emlak Bankasi's Beylikduzu project, 7 million U.S. dollars part of the loan will be used in health investments in Baskent University Campus and the remaining 6 million U.S. dollars part of the loan will be used to finance State Water Works' (DSI) dam and irrigation projects in Gumushane and Erzincan Plain.

The repayment of the loan which has a 7.36 percent annual interest rate will be concluded in 2009.

The agreement will be considered to take effect as of December 17, 1999.

[32] TRIAL OF ILLEGAL ISLAMIC MOVEMENT ORGANIZATION

Suspects Mehmet Okatan, Ziver Kartal, Cengiz Sarikaya, Mehmet Kaya and Husnu Yazgan attended the court session.

Abdurrahman Sarioglu, lawyer of Irfan Cagrici, one of the leading names of the illegal organization, submitted the court a petition saying that they wanted to await results of the Umut (Hope) Operation to prepare an appropriate defense.

The court rejected Sarioglu's request, and adjourned the session to a further date to enable the suspects to prepare their last defense.

Meanwhile, relatives of the suspects gathered outside the Istanbul DGM Building, and chanted slogans.

Indictment prepared by the Istanbul DGM Republican Chief Prosecutor's Office, sought capital punishment to suspects Irfan Cagrici, Tamer Arslan and Mehmet Ali Seker with of ''attempting to change the constitutional order by using force and committing homicide to this end''.

The indictment sought imprisonment terms of 22 years to suspects Ekrem Baytap, Husnu Yazgan, Mehmet Kaya and Necmi Arslan with charges of ''undertaking a special mission in an illegal organization''.

It sought imprisonment term from 15 years to 22 years to suspects Gudbettin Gok, Mehmet Zeki Yildirim, Mehmet Zeki Deniz, Mehmet Sahcinar, Abdulaziz Ocakhanoglu, Fahrettin Baytap, Mehmet Can Direk, Yasuf Altun, Adnan Gunayd�n, Serdar Altun, Ayhan Usta, Adil Ates, Abdurrahim Aksoy, Mehmet Okatan, Ziver Kartal, Gul Arslan, Cengiz Sarikaya and Ridvan Cagrici with charges of ''being a member of a terrorist organization''.

The indictment sought imprisonment terms from 4,5 years to 7,5 years to Abdulkerim Yagmur, Sadullah Bas, Veysel Polat, Abdullah Bas, Abdullah Demir, Abdullah Arpa, Halit Bilen, Ali Akyuz, Sait Engin, Nazli Baytap, Hasine Yagmur, Muhittin Yildirim, Habip Yildiz, Mehmet Sait Ekmen, Ihsan Deniz and Feyzullah Oktay with charges of ''aiding and abitting to an illegal organization''.

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