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Anadolu Agency: News in English, 00-06-20Anadolu Agency: News in English Directory - Previous Article - Next ArticleFrom: The Anadolu Agency Home Page at <http://www.anadoluajansi.com.tr/>ANADOLU AGENCYNEWS 20 JUNE 2000 Tuesday CONTENTS
[01] TURKEY-PRESS SCANThese are some of the major headlines and their brief stories in Turkey's press on June 20, 2000. The Anadolu Ajansi does not verify these stories and does not vouch for their accuracy.HURRIYET (LIBERAL)'JUNE SNOW' TOPS ERCIYES, BOLU AND ILGAZ MOUNTAINSThe cold and wet weather wave, which swept across Turkey late last week and early this week, placed an untimely white cap of snow on Erciyes, Ilgaz, and Bolu mountains. Temperatures made a sharp plunge by 10-15 degrees centigrade over the week, bringing heavy rainshowers, and snow to high altitudes. In many town centers, houses were flooded by torrrential rains, particularly in the Western Black Sea Region, which had been the first to be struck by the cold and wet weather wave. FEHRIYE SHOCKED BY BELGIANS MILLIYET (LIBERAL)HISTORIC VICTORYWe have qualified to the quarter final in European Football Championships for the first time. The new rival of our national team which played a very good match with Belgium, is Portugal. Our national team will play with Portugal on June 24. Nearly 10,000 Turkish fans watched the match played in Belgium. Hakan Sukur, who could not score any goals in the last eight matches of the national team, scored two goals yesterday. PENSION FUND TO RENT ITS HOTELS SABAH (LIBERAL)THERE IS ENOUGH ROOM ON IMRALIBelgium is searching for a friendly country where it can send Fehriye Erdal, one of the suspects of Ozdemir Sabanci assassination. The scenario regarding Abdullah Ocalan, the head of the terrorist organization, which ended on Imrali Island, is being reiterated in Erdal case. Belgium rejected the asylum application of Erdal yesterday. Following this decision, Belgium started to search for ''a friendly country which is far and which will help solve the problem.'' The position of Erdal is similar to that of Ocalan. After Italy had decided to extradite Ocalan, a ''far and reliable'' country was tried to be find for Ocalan. Ocalan was sent to Kenya. When contacts with Kenya were underway, Ocalan was brought to Turkey by an operation of the National Intelligence Organization (MIT). CAKICI SENTENCED TO FIVE YEARS, OZ TO 15 YEARS CUMHURIYET (LEFT)NUCLEAR TENDER IS FULL OF DOUBTSNuclear lobby is determined on the power plant despite the questions which are still unanswered. New tricks are played on the tender of Akkuyu Nuclear Power Plant, which was postponed to July 24 as Treasury did not give loan guarantee. Everyday, new names are added to the elements that are included in this lobby. Who are included in this list? Mainly, Cumhur Ersumer, Minister of Energy, who strongly supports nuclear energy. Ersumer revealed his ordinary card once again before the new tender on July 24. He said, ''we are in energy shortage. There will be electricity cuts.'' However, nobody believes in these lies anymore. IMPRISONMENT SENTENCES TO CAKICI AND OZ RADIKAL (LEFT)ORAL: ''IF ONLY...''Finance Minister Sumer Oral declared the results of the implementation of the year 2000 Budgetary Program for the past five months, and said incomes had totalled to 12 quadrillion 879 trillion Turkish Liras, and that the non-interest budgetary surplus had reached 4 quadrillion 70 trillion Turkish Liras. Oral said that there was an increase by 109,7 percent in incomes as compared to the same period of the previous year, and an increase by 110,8 in taxes. Oral said that the figures were rather hope inspiring, and further beyond their expectations, adding, however, ''If only we could pull down the interest rates a little lower!'' ''WATER PURCHASE FROM TURKEY IS A MUST'' YENI BINYIL (LIBERAL)ANAP LEADER YILMAZ EXPECTS COMMON SENSEMesut Yilmaz, the leader of the Motherland Party (ANAP), said that he expects common sense from the voting that will take place in the parliament on Thursday. Yilmaz noted that he is not uneasy about the result. Emphasizing that all the reports will be discussed before the parliament recesses, Yilmaz said, ''ANAP will not support a censure motion which it did not prepare.'' MAKE-UP TO ANCIENT ZEUGMA SITE DUE TO ECEVIT'S VISIT TURKIYE (RIGHT)HISTORIC VICTORYTurkish national team won the right to play in the quarterfinal in EURO-2000. Turkey became a giant in its last match. For the first time, we have opened the gates in European Championship. Our team buried host country Belgium's team to the grass of King Baudouin Stadium. Hakan Sukur scored two goals in the 44th and 70th minutes; thus, we defeated Belgian soccer team. NO ASYLUM TO FEHRIYE ZAMAN (CONSERVATIVE)COMPULSORY SAVINGS TO BE PAID BACKRecep Onal, State Minister, pointed out that compulsory savings will be re-paid within the framework of a payment plan. Representatives of workers and public will convene again after the committee completes their work. The issue would be submitted to the government and later to the Parliament after a compromise has been reached. The issue will later become legalized. POLITICS WAIT FOR THURSDAY [02] JUSTICE MINISTER TURK: ''TURKEY HAS TO RESHAPE HER 75 YEAR JUDICIAL EXPERIENCE BY MAKING USE OF COMPARATIVE LAW DATA''ISTANBUL - Justice Minister Hikmet Sami Turk said on Monday that Turkey now had to reshape her 75-year judicial experience by making use of comparative law data. Speaking at the 120th foundation anniversary of the Istanbul University's Faculty of Law and the ceremony for the graduates of the 1999-2000 Academic Year at Istanbul's Hilton Hotel, Turk said that he had graduated from this same school 42 years ago. Turk said that Turkey had adopted a secular judicial system with the proclamation of the republic, and added, ''Now, we have to take this system one step further in order to make it able to meet the judicial requirements of the new millennium, of our changing times. Noting that his ministry had been working on a series of changes on all basic laws adopted in the 1920's, in the first yars of the republic, Turk said that the subcommission formed within the Parliament's Justice Commission had recently ratified a new draft Ciil Law prepared within this framework. ''I anticipate that the draft law will be taken up at tha Parliament's pleanery session, after being negotiated by the commission at the beginning of the forthcoming legislative term. The codes of Civil and Criminal Procedures are also soon to be changed. The Parliament made, last week, a number of important changes in administrative judiciary, and has extended the authorities of administrative courts. We would like do the same in judicial courts and thus, renew our structure. We are also planning to digitalise all judicial services, and maintain information flow among judicial organs on a computer network system,'' Turk said. He added that a Turkish Academy of Law wuld also be established, which would serve not only for educational but also for academic and scientific purposes, and especially for the constant development of the Turkish judiciary.[03] ''HUMAN RIGHTS AND WESTERN THRACE TURKS'' MEETING STARTED IN THE PARLIAMENTANKARA - ''Human Rights and Western Thrace Turks'' meeting, which will focus on problems of Western Thrace Turks and human rights, started in the Parliament on Tuesday. The meeting takes place under the chairmanship of Parliamentary Human Rights Investigation Chairperson Sema Piskinsut. ''EU citizenship,'' ''Ethnical Identity,'' ''Civilian Organization,'' and ''Global Rights,'' will be discussed in today's section. Wednesday's section, which will be closed to the press, will focus on ''Freedom of Religion and Conscience,'' ''Foundations and Cultural Heritage.' On Thursday, ''Equality of Education and Opportunity,'' and ''Social Life,'' will be taken up. Representatives of non-governmental organizations representing Western Thrace Turks, Mehmet Emin Aga, Mufti of Xhanti, and Galip Galip, Komotini Parliamentarian also attend the meeting.[04] AZERBAIJANI CULTURE MINISTER BULBULOV IN ANTALYAANTALYA - Azerbaijani Culture Minister Polat Bulbulov arrived in Antalya on Tuesday to watch the evening performance at Aspendos Amphi-theatre of the ''Maiden's Castle'' ballet suite, which will be staged within the framework of the International Aspendos Opera and Ballet Festival. Bulbulov will watch the ballet suite, to be performed by the Azerbaijani State Opera and Ballet Company, together with his Turksih counterpart Istemihan Talay. Bulbulov, who paid a visit on Tuesday to Governor Ertugrul Dokuzoglu of Antalya, told him that the Turkish world bred many talented artists, and that these talents had to be introduced to the whole world with joint efforts. Governor Dokuzoglu expressed contentment over hosting Bulbulov, and said that Bulbulov would be accompanied by his Turkish counterpart Istemihan Talay in the evening hours, to watch the performance.[05] HEALTH MINISTER DURMUS DUE TO TUNISIAANKARA - Health Minister Osman Durmus is leaving on Wednesday for Tunisia, as the official guest of his Tunisian counterpart Hedi Mhenni, a Health Minstry statement said on Tuesday. According to the statement, durmus will carry out talks with various officials on health and medical issues, and will put signature on a number of agrements in these fields on behalf of Turkey. Completing his contacts in Tunisia, Durmus will return home on June 25.[06] GERMAN AMBASSADOR SCHMIDT SPEAKS TO A.A: ''TURKEY'S EU MEMBERSHIP DEPENDS NOT ONLY ON DECISIONS TAKEN UNTIL TODAY, BUT ALSO ON DECISIONS WHICH WILL BE TAKEN FROM NOW ON''ANKARA - Rudolf Schmidt, the German Ambassador to Turkey, said on Tuesday that Turkey's European Union (EU) membership depends not only on the decisions taken until today, but also on the decisions which will be taken from now on. Schmidt told A.A correspondent that the Copenhagen criteria are valid for all the candidate countries and especially, the political criteria are considered as the basic condition in launching the negotiations. He saw that the Turkish officials are aware of political shortcomings during his contacts, Schmidt said. Schmidt noted that Turkey is trying to overcome these shortcomings and that Turkey is also trying to achieve most of the basic economic criteria. Turkey has launched some economic policies, signed agreements with the International Monetary Fund (IMF), and implemented privatization projects, Schmidt stated. Schmidt stressed that besides all these, Turkey has to adopt the regulation which is valid for the EU, prior to the full membership. He thinks it is early to see the results of all these initiatives, and the membership process depends on the decisions and steps taken by Turkey, Schmidt emphasized. Schmidt said that some part of the EU regulation is being implemented in Turkey for some time within the framework of the customs union and that this is an advantage for Turkey. German President Johannes Rau's visit to Turkey was very positive, Schmidt noted. Schmidt stated that Rau visited a friendly country and was hosted as a friend. When asked whether or not President Ahmet Necdet Sezer will visit Germany, Schmidt said that a visit has not been scheduled but they will be very pleased to host Sezer in Germany. When A.A correspondent reminded him the uneasiness about the European Security and Defense Initiative (ESDI), Schmidt said that Turkey's role in NATO and Turkey's contributions on European defense have always been appreciated. If it takes place in an initiative undertaken by the EU, Turkey can contribute to the decisions which will be taken, Schmidt stressed. He added that the consultation mechanism formed under the auspices of ESDI, also covers Turkey. Schmidt emphasized that although Turkey basically support the ESDI, it declared that it does not find the EU resolutions on security satisfactory and that he thinks that the implementations should be taken into consideration. Schmidt said that Turkey's having the same status with the EU countries in the ESDI, is not possible yet. Turkish people are very friendly, Schmidt noted. Schmidt stated that Turkey and Germany have close connection, the roots of which go back to old days, and that efforts should be exerted to further improve the relations and mutal understanding. He had the opportunity to see several provinces of Turkey, including Istanbul, and he was astonished by the cultural heritage, Schmidt added.[07] WHO EUROPE DIRECTOR CONGRATULATES TURKEY ON ERADICATING POLIOANKARA - Marc Danzon, Europe Director of World Health Organisation (WHO) congratulated Turkey on her success in eradicating polio within her borders. Danzon, who is in Turkey upon the invitation of Health Minister Osman Durmus, paid a visit to Durmus on Tuesday at his office. Durmus said that he would inform Danzon about the health reform program and the studies underway within this framework. He added that he would also ask for support from Danzon for Turkey's projects against epidemics and tropical diseases. Noting that he and Danzon had already reached accord over the establishment of the WHO Europe Representation's Regional Office in Turkey, Durmus said that this plan would soon be translated into life. Danzon said that he had come to Turkey to learn more about the health policies and the health reform of the Turkish government, and expressed readiness to provide Turkey with the necessary support in her implementation of the health reform program. He also congratulated Turkey on her successful eradication of polio. Danzon will get together with Health Ministry officials to make an assessment of Turkey-WHO joint projects, and will conclude his visit on June 22.[08] TRIAL OF TWO PKK MEMBERS STARTS IN GERMANYBERLIN - The trial of two members of the terrorist organization PKK started in the German capital Berlin on Tuesday. Head Prosecutor's Office in Karlsruhe said the two suspects are the 28 year old Zeynep H. who was in charge of the PKK's so called women's organization in Europe and the 43 year old Hasan B. who was responsible for the organization's logistic center. The suspects are being tried for being members of an illegal organization and making false documents.[09] AUSTRALIAN GOVERNMENT PREPARES FILM TO CURB ILLEGAL IMMIGRATION TO COUNTRYSYDNEY - Australian federal government prepared an ''intimidating'' film to deter illegal immigrants from entering Australia. The film will be broadcast on Turkish television channels as well as in Iran, Jordan, Syria and Pakistan. The film is a part of the campaign started by the Australian government to prevent immigrants who seek asylum from entering Australia through illegal ways. Australia Immigration Minister Philip Ruddock said their government assigned funds for the film's broadcast in countries from which the highest number of illegal immigrants are attempting to come to Australia. The film will be shown on television channels which have a wide audience. The film underlines the risks of illegal entrance to Australia. It includes striking images of the world's most agressive sharks, giant waves measuring 40 meters in the ocean and 7-8 meter long crocodiles surrounding the island. Prisons set up in the middle of the desert under the blazing sun and heavily equipped policemen surrounding them are also shown in the film.[10] PROSECUTOR KILIC ASKS IMPRISONMENT OF CAKICI UP TO 7,5 YEARS FOR HIS INVOLVEMENT IN ARMED ATTACK AGAINST HINCAL ULUCISTANBUL - Republic Prosecutor Mehmet Kilic on Tuesday requested the court to sentence head of the organized crime organization Alaattin Cakici from 2 years 8 months to 7,5 months in prison for his involvement in an armed attack against journalist-writer Hincal Uluc.[11] PRESIDENT SEZER DUE TO TRNCANKARA - President Ahmet Necdet Sezer will leave for the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) on Thursday on an official visit. The Foreign Ministry said on Tuesday that President Sezer would pay an official visit to the TRNC between June 22-23 upon an invitation of TRNC President Rauf Denktas. The Ministry stated that President Sezer would be accompanied by Foreign Minister Ismail Cem and State Minister Sukru Sina Gurel.[12] DE SOTO MEETS WITH FOREIGN MINISTER CEM (2)ANKARA - UN Secretary General's Cyprus Special Representatie Alvaro De Soto said on Tuesday that Turkey and Greece should work harder to reach a comprehensive solution on Cyprus problem during the third round of talks which are expected to start in Geneva on July 5. He also said that he hoped the latest developments would not negatively affect UN Secretary General Annan's efforts. Following a 45 minute meeting with Foreign Minister Ismail Cem, De Soto answered reporters' questions. Noting that he had a very constructive meeting with Cem, De Soto said he conveyed to Cem Annan's expectations from the proximity talks. Both sides in Cyprus should find solutions to the basic problems that ''divide them'', De Soto said and added that their priority will be to help both sides agree on a solution. De Soto said the developments which took place in the last few days created suspicion over the talks' atmosphere and added that he hoped these would not negatively affect Annan's efforts to reach a solution on the Cyprus issue. He also added that the problems on the island can be only solved through dialogue. When asked if he had an impression from the Turkish side that they will attend the third round of talks in Geneva, De Soto said ''they hoped the Turkish side would attend the talks.'' He said the talks are continuing according to the schedule and added that they hoped no changes would occur in this schedule. Responding to another question, De Soto said he will convey his meeting with Cem to Annan, but he declined to tell the content of his message for Annan. De Soto said the atmosphere for a comprehensive solution has become more favourable in the last one year. There could be some obstacles on the way, he noted. He stated that there may even be some circles who do not want a solution. He said they are hoping that the sides on the island would continue their dialogue and they would ignore the views of the circles which do not want a solution. When a reporter asked if the Greek Cypriot side is getting closer to the confederation idea, De Soto declined to make a comment by saying this is the most critical point of the matter.[13] U.S. AMBASSADOR PARRIS IN CANAKKALECANAKKALE - U.S. Ambassador to Turkey Mark Parris said on Tuesday that Turkey is not consisted of only Ankara. Parris and the accompanying delegation visited Canakkale Governor Ekrem Ozsoy and Mayor Ismail Ozay in Canakkale. Noting that he has been touring different regions in Turkey, Parris said his visits are aiming to form stronger ties between Turkey and the U.S. Later, Parris and his delegation left for Guzelyali village, 15 kilometers away from Canakkale, to attend the meeting of Canakkale Trade and Industry Chamber's board members. U.S. Consular in Istanbul Frank Urbancic is also accompanying Parris in Canakkale while Parris' wife Joan Parris is visiting Gelibolu Peninsula.[14] PKK SUPPORTERS REVENGEFUL OVER BELGIUM'S DEFEAT BY TURKEYBERLIN - A group of PKK supporters attacked Turkish people with bottles who were celebrating Turkey beating the Belgian football team. A Turkish citizen Mustafa C. was wounded on his leg during the incidents which took place in Marxloh neighbourhood which is mostly inhabited by Turks. Mustafa said they were celebrating the Turkish team's victory with Turkish flags while a group of PKK supporters shouted at them and told them to put the flag down. At the same moment somebody from the group threw a bottle at him wounding him on his leg.[15] ADNAN AGCA, VISITS HIS BROTHER, MEHMET ALI AGCAISTANBUL/KADIKOY - Adnan Agca, the brother of terrorist Mehmet Ali Agca, who was extradited to Turkey by Italy visited him in Kartal Special Type Maximum Security Prison on Tuesday. Adnan Agca issued a statement to press members after visiting his brother in the prison. He discussed the lawyers who can be Agca's lawyers with his brother, said Adnan Agca and noted that they focused on 3-4 names. He will send notary public to the prison, he added. Adnan Agca said that Mehmet Ali Agca is very happy to be in Turkey, adding ''I thank Can Atacanl�, Can Ozbay, Mr. Armagan and Mr. Mehmet as they are interested in us. We can't prefer all the lawyers. Agca sends his regards to you. There are very very important evidence about Ipekci murder. I will stage a press conference by showing these documents tomorrow. I will also respond to questions about extradition of Agca at the meeting.'' Adnan Agca said that the health of Mehmet Ali Agca is very good, adding ''he thanks the Vatican government. He says he is very pleased about the Italian-Turkish relations and relations with the west. He says that Pope will come to Turkey. He says he can also go and visit him when he is released.'' Adnan Agca added that the other members of Agca family can't visit him as they are far away.[16] FOREIGN MINISTRY TO HOST CONSULTATION MEETINGS WITH AMBASSADORS TO CAUCASIAN AND CENTRAL ASIAN REPUBLICSANKARA - The Foreign Ministry will host two-day consultation meetings with The Turkish Ambassadors to Caucasian and Central Asian countries. The ministry issued Tuesday a statement saying that necessary steps aiming at strengthening relations with those countries would be tried to be determined in the consultation meetings that would take place between June 22-23. It said problems of the region and bilateral and multilateral cooperation opportunities would be discussed in the meetings. After attending the opening session of the meetings on Thursday, Foreign Minister Ismail Cem will accompany President Ahmet Necdet Sezer during his official visit to the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC).
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