Anadolu Agency: News in English, 00-07-21

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ANADOLU AGENCY

NEWS

21 JULY 2000

Friday

CONTENTS

[01] TURKEY-PRESS SCAN

[02] IN FIRST SIX MONTHS, 22.3 MILLION U.S. DOLLARS OF AGRICULTURAL EXPORTED TO EAST EUROPEAN COUNTRIES

[03] BANKS' CREDIT VOLUME INCREASES 255.9 TRILLION TL

[04] TOTAL DEPOSITS AT BANKS REDUCES TO 52 QUADRILLION TL

[05] WORLD TRADE CENTER TO BE ESTABLISHED IN TRABZON

[06] SECURITIES ACCOUNT AT BANKS INCREASES 141 TRILLION TL

[07] ADMIRAL ERDIL DEPARTS FROM TRNC

[08] SIX-MONTH ECONOMIC INDICATORS -TURKISH LIRA GAINS 3.2 PERCENT IN VALUE

[09] SECURITY FORCES INTERCEPT 233 ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS

[10] OPERATION AGAINST ILLICIT DRUG TRAFFICKING IN ADIYAMAN

[11] INCREASING INTEREST IN WIND POWER -A TOTAL OF 23 550-MW WIND FARMS TO BE INSTALLED IN THE MARMARA AND AEGEAN

[12] CAPACITY UTILIZATION IN MANUFACTURING INDUSTRY

[13] ''GAS AND POWER IN TURKEY'' CONFERENCE TO BE HELD IN ISTANBUL BETWEEN SEPTEMBER 26-28

[14] TRNC HOSTS WORLD RECTORS' MEETING

[15] PRIVATIZATION OF POAS FINALIZED

[16] GEORGIAN FOREIGN MINISTER MENAGARISHVILI DUE IN TURKEY

[17] APAYDIN, TURKISH AMBASSADOR TO UZBEKISTAN: -''WE HAVE LAUNCHED INITIATIVES IN UZBEK FOREIGN MINISTRY FOR RETURN OF CANCELLED LICENCES''

[18] AGREEMENT FOR 100 MILLION EURO PART OF 5-YEAR MATURITY 150 MILLION EURO LOAN TO HALKBANK SIGNED IN LONDON

[19] IRAQI TURCOMEN PROTEST ASSAULTS IN NORTHERN IRAQ

[20] SPORTS-CHAMPIONS LEAGUE -THIRD QUALIFYING ROUND DRAW -GALATASARAY TO PLAY AGAINST ST GALLEN OF SWITZERLAND

[21] TRNC PRESIDENT RECEIVES U.S. ASSISTANT STATE SECRETARY

[22] STATE MINISTER CAY RECEIVES KASAP, ACTING CHAIRMAN OF NORTHERN IRAQ TURCOMEN FRONT

[23] NIGARIAN PRESIDENT OBASANJO DUE IN TURKEY

[24] SERIF, MUFTI OF KOMOTINI, DONATES COMPENSATION TO GREEK QUAKE SURVIVORS

[25] INDICTMENT INITIATING ALTINBAS CASE PREPARED

[01] TURKEY-PRESS SCAN

HURRIYET (LIBERAL)

SUPREME COURT VISA TO ARBITRATION
The Constitutional Court has turned down a proposal to apply to arbitration in the solution of certain disagreements in public services and related accords and contracts. The Constitutional Court delegation discussed a proposal by the Virtue Party (FP) for the abolishment of a paragraph defining the term 'foreign', and the proposal was turned down by a majority.

ERCEL: WE SHALL HIT THE INFLATION TARGET WITH A 2-MONTH DELAY
Gazi Ercel, Governor of the Central Bank of Turkey said that the inflation rate will have been pulled down below 30 percent by the end of the year, but that there could be a two-month delay in hitting the inflation target. Ercel, who noted that there was still a considerable stiffness in economy although the fall in inflation rate was significant, added that they expected the economy to have overcome its stiffness by September or October this year.

MILLIYET (LIBERAL)

FEHRIYE'S HOPES END
Fehriye Erdal, one of the defendants of the Sabanci asassintion case, will be kept in prison until a third country to accept her is found. A Belgian Court ruled yesterday that Erdal be kept under detention until she is extradited to another country, with whom Turkey has not signed any accords or agreements pertaining to the extradition of criminals.

SABAH (LIBERAL)

TURKEY SUCCEEDED IN 'THE IMPOSSIBLE'
Tourism Minister Erkan Mumcu said that Turkey succeeded in doing the impossible by increasing her market share by 35 percent in tourism, as all European countries lost. Noting that the 2000 season was the best season ever, Mumcu said that the figures of the first six months of the year were at record breaking levels, that the second six month period would be even better, and that all this success had in its background, intense efforts of promotion.

CUMHURIYET (LEFT)

TOXIC SHIP INSISTS ON NOT DEPARTING
The ship Ulla which had departed from the Aviles Port of Spain on December 5, 1999 with a 3,448 tons of nuclear power plant soot arrived at the Iskenderun Port with 2,200 tons of soot. The Customs Authority seized the ship on charges of smuggling. Five months ago, the Court ruled the ship to leave the territorial waters of Turkey together with its cargo. However, the ship has not departed from the Iskenderun Port yet.

RADIKAL (LEFT)

43 FOREST FIRES BREAK OUT IN A WEEK
A total of 43 forest fires broke out last week. Forestry Ministry said that 13,875 hectares of forested area was burnt down to ashes in fires in the first seven months of the year. The Ministry noted that most of the forest fires broke out in Aegean and Mediterranean regions.

ERDAL'S REQUEST FOR RELEASE REJECTED
Fehriye Erdal, a member of the illegal Revolutionary People's Liberation Party-Front (DHKP-C) and one of suspects of assasination of businessman Ozdemir Sabanci in 1996, lost the suit which she had filed against the Belgian Interior Ministry that prevented her release from prison on bail. Gent Appeals Court also Erdal's request for release. Meanwhile, a group of nearly 30 members of DHKP-C waited in front of the court house.

YENI BINYIL (LIBERAL)

SOLUTION TO PRIVATE AIRLINE COMPANIES
Officials from the Transportation and Communications Ministry, Tourism Ministry, Finance Ministry and Treasury signed a memorandum of understanding to solve the problems of private airline companies. The memorandum of understanding foresees extension of special condition incentive loan, a 35 percent decrease in fees for landing and stay at the airports, and 50 percent discount for fuel oil with aim of overcoming the crisis in tourism sector.

RATINGS ASSIGNED TO AKBANK BY FITCH IBCA
Fitch, the international rating agency, has assigned a foreign currency Long-term rating of 'BB-' (BB minus) to Akbank T.A.S. (Akbank). In April 2000 Fitch upgraded Turkey's Long-term foreign currency rating to 'BB-' (BB minus) from 'B+' and this acts as the country ceiling for all issuers domiciled in Turkey. The agency has also assigned Individual and Short-term ratings of 'B/C' and 'B', respectively, to the bank, together with a National rating of 'AA+'.

TURKIYE (RIGHT)

MEETING OF PARLIAMENTARIANS WITH TURKISH ORIGIN HELD IN TRNC
Meeting of parliamentarians with Turkish origin was held in the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) within framework of ceremonies to mark July 20 Peace and Freedom Day. The first meeting of parliamentarians with Turkish origin was held on November 18, 1999. Ertugrul Hasipoglu, Speaker of TRNC Parliament, and parliamentarians with Turkish origin were in attendance at the meeting. Addressing the meeting, Hasipoglu said that deputies with Turkish origin had launched initiatives to found a World Association. Hasipoglu noted that a Founder Convention Preparation Committee was formed at the meeting. He said, ''this association will consolidate communication and unity among the Turkish people living in different countries.'' The Founder Convention will convene in Lefkosa between November 13-14.

ZAMAN (CONSERVATIVE)

[02] IN FIRST SIX MONTHS, 22.3 MILLION U.S. DOLLARS OF AGRICULTURAL EXPORTED TO EAST EUROPEAN COUNTRIES

In the same period last year, the region exported 13 million 710 thousand U.S. dollars of agricultural products.

Officials at the Southeastern Anatolia Exporters' Union, told the A.A correspondent on Friday that in the first six months of the year, they exported 21 million 76 thousand U.S. dollars in textiles; 143 thousand U.S. dollars in grain-cereals; and 1 million 122 thousand U.S. dollars in dried fruits.

The Turkish goods in greatest demand were carpets, synthetic thread, cotton thread, dried apricot and plastic sacks.

[03] BANKS' CREDIT VOLUME INCREASES 255.9 TRILLION TL

The total credit volume at banks was 24 quadrillion 369.5 trillion TL on June 30.

The Central Bank data shows that the total credits in the system was composed of 1 quadrillion 401.4 trillion TL of loans given to financial sector and 23 quadrillion 223.9 trillion TL of loans given to non-financial sector as of July 7.

The credits given to financial sector were composed of 734.6 trillion TL of loans given by deposit banks, and 666.8 trillion TL of loans given by development and investment banks.

[04] TOTAL DEPOSITS AT BANKS REDUCES TO 52 QUADRILLION TL

The Central Bank data shows that the total deposit which was 53 quadrillion 955.3 trillion TL on June 30 decreased to 52 quadrillion 82.5 trillion TL on July 7.

When the inter-banks deposits are not considered, the total deposit, which was 47 quadrillion 289.1 trillion TL on June 30, decreased 708.1 trillion TL to 46 quadrillion 580.9 trillion TL on July 7.

The total TL deposit decreased 837.4 trillion TL to 22 quadrillion 726.8 trillion TL on July 7. The total TL deposit was 23 quadrillion 564.2 trillion on June 30.

As of July 7, the total TL deposit was composed of 14 quadrillion 714 trillion TL deposits at public banks, 7 quadrillion 755.1 trillion TL of deposits at private deposit banks and 113.5 trillion TL of deposits at foreign banks.

The foreign exchange accounts at banks increased 129 trillion TL to 23 quadrillion 854.1 trillion TL on July 7.

[05] WORLD TRADE CENTER TO BE ESTABLISHED IN TRABZON

Yazici said Trabzon had always been an important trade center throughout the history.

''The foundation of the trade center will be laid this year. Trabzon will have a very important function regarding commercial cooperation especially among the Black Sea littoral states,'' the Trabzon Governor added.

[06] SECURITIES ACCOUNT AT BANKS INCREASES 141 TRILLION TL

The total securities account at banks was 11 quadrillion 627.3 trillion TL on June 30.

The Central Bank data shows that there were a total of 11 quadrillion 502.8 trillion TL of securities including 8 quadrillion 205.6 trillion TL of securities, and 3 quadrillion 297.2 trillion TL of securities over foreign currency at the deposit banks portfolio.

The securities over TL at deposit banks are composed of 429.5 trillion TL in treasury bonds, 7 quadrillion 7 trillion TL in state debenture bonds and 581.4 trillion TL in stocks.

A total of 626.2 trillion TL of foreign currency securities at these banks are abroad while there is a total of 1 quadrillion 835.5 trillion TL of state debenture bonds among the domestic securities.

The total securities account at the development and investment banks was 276.2 trillion TL.

[07] ADMIRAL ERDIL DEPARTS FROM TRNC

Addressing journalists at the Ercan Airport prior to his departure, Admiral Erdil said, ''peace provided on the island is a result of the Turkish Cypriot's devotion to peace, confidence and freedom.''

Meanwhile, Ertugrul Hasipoglu, the Speaker of the TRNC Parliament, expressed the Turkish Cypriot's gratification to Turkey and the Turkish Armed Forces.

Hasipoglu added, ''Admiral Erdil's attendance at ceremonies gave us confidence and morale.''

Meanwhile, the Turkish war ships that came to the TRNC on July 18 within scope of the celebrations to mark July 20 Peace and Freedom Day, departed from Girne Port.

[08] SIX-MONTH ECONOMIC INDICATORS -TURKISH LIRA GAINS 3.2 PERCENT IN VALUE

The average maturity in domestic borrowing auctions in the first six months of the year became 435 days, and the domestic debt interest rates which fluctuated over 100 percent in 1999 decreased to average of 38.9 percent in the those auctions.

The increase in currency basket (1 U.S. dollar+0.77 Euro) became 11.95 percent as it was targeted for the first half of 2000.

[09] SECURITY FORCES INTERCEPT 233 ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS

The immigrants including Afghans, Syrians, Bangladeshis, Iranians, Egyptians, Palestinians, Moroccans, Pakistanis and Sierra Leonians were taken into custody for violating the Turkish borders and the passport law.

Officials told the A.A correspondent on Friday that the immigrants would be deported once the legal proceedings were completed.

[10] OPERATION AGAINST ILLICIT DRUG TRAFFICKING IN ADIYAMAN

Acting on a tip-off, security forces launched an operation in Kayali hamlet in Adiyaman province.

In the operation, 13 kg of unprocessed hashish was confiscated and two people were taken into custody.

Suspect Hasan Kolkelikaya was arrested by court while other suspect Cevdet Ozkara was released to be tried without detention.

[11] INCREASING INTEREST IN WIND POWER -A TOTAL OF 23 550-MW WIND FARMS TO BE INSTALLED IN THE MARMARA AND AEGEAN

Durak's survey showed that companies, making feasibility calculations in the Aegean and the Marmara region to install wind farms, found their results to prove these regions to be highly suitable for wind energy facilities, and submitted their projects to the State Planning Organisation and the Ministry of Energy and Natural Resources.

According to Durak's survey, the total power of global wind farms rate at around 13 thousand 463 MW; 9,1051 of which is provided by wind farms in europe, 2,918 MW by windfarms of U.S.A, and the remainder from windfarms in Asia. Germany produces the greatest amount of electricity from wind farms, with 4,442 MW.

Wind energy is preferable against all other sources, because it is environment friendly, clean, risk-free, and free, with each kWh of electrical power produced at a cost of 6 cents.

According to Durak's survey, the windfarms at the stage of project are as follows:

Farm   				Power (MW)
-----------------              	---------
Kocadag Wind Ind.(Izmir)        50,4
Canakkale W.I. (�anakkale)      30
Mazidagi W.I. (Izmir)           39
Datca W.I.    (Mugla)           28,8
Yalikavak W.I. (Mugla)          7,9
Intepe W.I. (Canakkale)         30
Akhisar W.I.  (Manisa)          12
Bandirma W.I. (Balikesir)       15
Beyoba W.I.  (Manisa)           7,9
Cesme W.I. (Izmir)              12
Karaburun W.I. (Izmir)          22,5
Gokceada W.I. (Canakkale)       7
Kocadag W.I. (Cesme)            43,5
Yaylakoy  W.I.  (Izmir)         15
Lapseki W.I. (Canakkale)        15
Senkoy W.I. (Hatay)             12
Haciomerli W.I. (Izmir)         45
Belen W.I. (Hatay)              20-30
Kapidag W.I. (Balikesir)        20-35
Kumkale W.I. (Canakkale)        12,6
Karabiga W.I. (�anakkale)       15-50
Mazidagi W.I. (Izmir)           39,6
Yellice Belen W.I. (Izmir)      70-10

[12] CAPACITY UTILIZATION IN MANUFACTURING INDUSTRY

According to the statement of the DIE, rate of capacity utilization that is weighted by production value, increased from 76.4 percent in June 1999 to 76.6 percent in June 2000, from the primarily provisional result of 566 large-scale manufacturing industrial establishments.

Comparison of the reasons for not working in full capacity to the same month of the previous year is summarized below:

June 1999          June 2000
(percent)          (percent)
---------          --------
64.1                55.0  Shortage of demands in domestic market
14.7                18.8  Shortage of demands in foreign market
2.4                 2.0  Financial problems
4.3                 3.6  Shortage of raw domestic materials
2.6                 2.8  Labor problems
1.2                 1.3  Shortage of raw imported materials

''At the evaluation;

When the weighted average view of the establishments for June 2000 compare to the same month of the previous year, establishments have thought that their production, sale prices and raw material prices decreased, domestic sales increased.

When the weighted average expectation of the same establishments for July 2000 compare to the same month of the previous year establishments have thought that their production will increase, and domestic sales, sale prices and raw material prices will decrease.

Percentage distributions of establishments on production are;

While answer of increasing was 47.1 percent and decreasing was 31.9 percent in June 1999, in June 2000 answer of increasing is 50.0 percent and decreasing is 35.4 percent.

While answer of increasing expectation was 39.8 percent and decreasing expectation was 30.3 percent in July 1999, in July 2000 answer of increasing expectation is 46.7 percent and decreasing expectation is 17.1 percent.

Percentage distributions of establishments on domestic sales;

While answer of increasing was 40.0 percent and decreasing was 38.5 percent in June 1999, in June 2000 answer of increasing is 51.8 percent and decreasing is 29.9 percent.

While answer of increasing expectation was 44.7 percent and decreasing expectation was 26.2 percent in July 1999, in July 2000 answer of increasing expectation is 46.3 percent and decreasing expectation is 16.0 percent.

Percentage distributions of establishments on sale prices;

While answer of increasing was 68.3 percent and decreasing was 1.9 percent in June 1999, in June 2000, answer of increasing is 60.4 percent and decreasing is 5.6 percent.

While answer of increasing expectation was 57.4 percent, decreasing expectation was 1.6 percent in July 1999, in July 2000 answer of increasing expectation is 53.2 percent and decreasing expectation is 3.4 percent.

Percentage distributions of establishments on raw material prices;

While answer of increasing was 70.5 percent and decreasing was 2.8 percent in June 1999, in June 2000, answer of increasing is 70.7 percent and decreasing is 4.0 percent.

While answer of increasing expectation was 57.1 percent, decreasing expectation was 1.8 percent in July 1999, in July 2000 answer of increasing expectation is 54.6 percent and decreasing expectation is 4.9 percent,'' the DIE said.

[13] ''GAS AND POWER IN TURKEY'' CONFERENCE TO BE HELD IN ISTANBUL BETWEEN SEPTEMBER 26-28

The IBC Global Conferences Ltd which organized the conference said on Friday that Energy and Natural Resources Minister Cumhur Ersumer would be one of the key speakers.

The representatives of the World Bank, Alarko, Transbalkan, TotalFinaElf, PricewaterhouseCoopers, Chase Manhattan Bank, Black Sea Trade & Development Bank, Ankara University, Caspian Finance Centre, Council of State, ECGD, TPAO, National Power, InterGen, BPAmoco, Tekfen, IBS Research & Consultancy, Shell EP and Gas Business Development Turkey BV, IGDAS, and BOTA would attend the congress.

The higlights at the congress will be ''Current opportunities in the Turkish gas and power sector, Turkish Government energy policy update, In depth pipeline projects: Bluestream Pipeline, Baku Ceyhan Pipeline, Trans Caspian Pipeline, Case study reviews of LNG projects, Critical analysis of supply chain and distribution across Turkey and Looking to the future: proposed privatisation for 2000 and beyond.''

The IBC said, ''Turkey is Europe's fastest growing energy market which needs an estimated 4.5 billion U.S. dollars per year over the next ten years in order to keep up with demand. Turkey's attractiveness for foreign investors is thus increasing at a rapid pace for a number of reasons: Turkeys strategic position, constitutional changes allowing international arbitration, proposed privatisation program, increasing energy demands and Turkey's official candidacy for membership to the EU.''

''IBC is the premier provider of events in Turkey. With over 200 participants attending IBC�s Gas and Power in Turkey 99 this annual event again underlined its position as the leading international forum on Gas and Power in Turkey. This year�s summit will be held in Istanbul (Turkey�s most important trading and distribution centre and main port) and will include new and exciting developments providing you with: Extensive networking opportunities in the heart of Istanbul, a platform in which to meet potential local and international partners and In depth discussions addressing the key issues and opportunities available in this rapidly expanding sector,'' it added.

[14] TRNC HOSTS WORLD RECTORS' MEETING

More than 50 academicians and scientists from Turkey, Azerbaijan, the U.S., Germany, Albania, Belarus, Czech Republic, South Korea, Britain, Hungary, Uzbekistan, Pakistan, Russia, and Ukraine are attending the meeting at the Dome Hotel in Girne.

The meeting aims at developing cooperation among universities.

Rectors and scientists from five universities in the TRNC are also in attendance at the meeting.

Meanwhile, TRNC National Education and Culture Ministry wants to sign cooperation protocols with representatives of foreign universities.

These protocols aim at exchanging academic personnel, students, information and publication, and organizing mutual academic and art activities.

[15] PRIVATIZATION OF POAS FINALIZED

The Privatization Administration Board (OIB) and the Is Bankasi-Dogan Holding consortium signed the contract for the block sale the same day at the Ankara Sheraton Hotel.

Addressing the signing ceremony, Yuksel Yalova, the Minister of State for Privatization, said that block said of POAS was a turning point in privatization, and that they would continue privatizations with determination.

OIB Chairman Ugur Bayar said that the consortium deposited in cash its 1 billion 260 million U.S. dollars bid.

The tender for privatization of POAS had been held on November 17, 1999 and the Is Bankasi-Dogan Holding consortium won the tender with its 1.26 billion U.S. dollars bid at the final auction on March 3, 2000.

Meanwhile, sources said that 750 million U.S. dollars of the 1.26 billion U.S. dollars would be transferred to Treasury's account at the beginning of next week.

[16] GEORGIAN FOREIGN MINISTER MENAGARISHVILI DUE IN TURKEY

Releasing a statement, the Foreign Ministry said on Friday that Menagarishvili's contacts in Turkey would focus on latest international and regional developments.

The statement noted that Turkey aimed at further improving relations with Georgia.

The contacts of Menagarishvili will take place in Trabzon province in Black Sea Region.

[17] APAYDIN, TURKISH AMBASSADOR TO UZBEKISTAN: -''WE HAVE LAUNCHED INITIATIVES IN UZBEK FOREIGN MINISTRY FOR RETURN OF CANCELLED LICENCES''

He noted that following the meeting, he had launched initiatives in the Uzbek Foreign Ministry for return of cancelled licences.

Apaydin told the A.A correspondent, ''I told Georgian Deputy Foreign Minister Isan Mustafayev that Turkish firms in Uzbekistan had revived economic relations between the two countries. I think that it was not a movement against only the Turkish firms. Licences of other foreign firms were also cancelled.''

Meanwhile, Enver Akbarov, the Undersecretary of Uzbek Labour Ministry, told the A.A correspondent that all domestic and foreign firms were being inspected once in three months by the Interior Ministry, the National Intelligence Organization, the Tax Department and the Labour Ministry.

Saidkamil Saidnezirhanov, the Chairman of International Economic Relations Department of Uzbek Labour Ministry, stressed that licences of 21 Turkish, nearly 20 Afghan, 18 Pakistani, 10 Indian, 10 American, 6 British and 15 Iranian firms were cancelled.

Saidnezirhanov noted that the firms in question had been warned at least three or four times since the beginning of 1999.

[18] AGREEMENT FOR 100 MILLION EURO PART OF 5-YEAR MATURITY 150 MILLION EURO LOAN TO HALKBANK SIGNED IN LONDON

The loan has a five-year maturity and Euribor+3.90 percent interest.

Halkbank has raised more than 500 million U.S. dollars through syndicated loans, securitization and bond issues at foreign markets in last three years.

Addressing the signing ceremony, Halkbank General Director Yenal Ansen said that Halkbank's balance sheet had increased to 15 billion U.S. dollars in 1999 and the total deposits reached 10.3 billion U.S. dollars.

Ansen added that Halkbank came second in the Turkish banking system.

[19] IRAQI TURCOMEN PROTEST ASSAULTS IN NORTHERN IRAQ

Nearly 150 Turcomen carrying placards and chanting slogans gathered in Segmenler Part.

They first marched to the British Embassy.

Sabah Ketene, the Chairman of Iraqi Turcomen's Association, said that the Iraqi Kurdistan Democratic Party (KDP) which became dominant over Northern Iraq as a result of foreign powers' support, could not endure existence of other ethnic and political groups in the region.

Ketene said, ''those organizations stained with terrorism, have assumed a hostile attitude towards the Turcomen. They seek opportunities to erupt clash in every occasion. KDP which owed its existence to the U.S., Britain, Turkey and the United Nations that intervened in the region with the aim of protecting human rights and creating a region far away from chaos, aims at dragging the region into a chaos atmosphere.''

The Turcomen demonstrators laid a black wreath to the British Embassy, and then marched to the U.S. Embassy and the United Nations Headquarters.

The demonstrators laid black wreaths to the U.S. Embassy and the United Nations Headquarters.

The Turcomen chanted slogans condemning attacks on them.

Security measures have been tightened in and around the embassy buildings and the United Nations Headquarters.

The party headquarters of Iraq Turcoman Front in Irbil was attacked last week and two people were killed. Turcoman Front held KDP responsible from the attack. Following the incident, Safeen Dizai from KDP was summoned to the Foreign Ministry which called for immediate capture of those who are responsible from the attack.

[20] SPORTS-CHAMPIONS LEAGUE -THIRD QUALIFYING ROUND DRAW -GALATASARAY TO PLAY AGAINST ST GALLEN OF SWITZERLAND

The first leg of the second qualfying round between Besiktas and Levski Sofia will be played on July 26 in Istanbul, and the second leg in Sofia on August 2.

The draw for the third qualifying round of the Champions League:

-St Gallen (Switzerland) v GALATASARAY

-BESIKTAS or Levski Sofia (Bulgaria) v Lokomotiv Moscow (Russia)

-Tirol Innsbruck (Austria) v Valencia (Spain)

-Zimbru Chisinau (Moldova) or Maribor Teatanic (Slovenia) v Sparta Prague (Czech Republic)

-Brondby (Denmark) or KR Reykjavik (Iceland) v Hamburg SV (Germany)

-Inter Milan (Italy) v Helsingborg (Sweden) or BATE Borisov (Belarus)

-Haka Valkeakoski (Finland) or Inter Bratislava (Slovakia) v Olympique Lyon (France)

-Anderlecht (Belgium) or Anorthosis Famagusta (Greek Cypriot administration) v Porto (Portugal)

-Herfolge (Denmark) v Rangers (Scotland) or Zalgiris Kaunas (Lithuania)

-Dynamo Kiev (Ukraine) v Red Star Belgrade (Yugoslavia) or Torpedo Kutaisi (Georgia)

-Dinamo Bucharest (Romania) or Polonia Warsaw (Poland) v Panathinaikos (Greece)

-Leeds United (Britain) v TSV 1860 Munich (Germany)

-Sturm Graz (Austria) or Hapoel Tel Aviv (Israel) v -Feyenoord (Netherlands)

-Hajduk Split (Croatia) or Dunaferr (Hungary) v -Shelbourne (Ireland) or Rosenborg Trondheim (Norway)

-AC Milan (Italy) v Dinamo Zagreb (Croatia)

-Shaktar Donetsk (Ukraine) or Levadia Maardu (Estonia) v -Slavia Prague (Czech Republic) or Samkir (Azerbaijan)

First legs will be played on August 8 or 9, and the second legs will take place on August 22 or 23.

[21] TRNC PRESIDENT RECEIVES U.S. ASSISTANT STATE SECRETARY

Dobbins who was accompanied by U.S. Ambassdor to the Greek Cypriot administration Donald Bandler in the meeting said that he was pelased with visiting the TRNC.

Dobbins said he had interested in the Cyprus issue for 26 years but it was his first visit to the island.

Dobbins stated that they would seek what kind of contributions they could made to solution of Cyprus issue in their contacts.

TRNC President Denktas also received Britain's High Commissioner in Greek Cypriot side Edward Clay.

No statement was issued on the meeting between the TRNC President and Clay.

[22] STATE MINISTER CAY RECEIVES KASAP, ACTING CHAIRMAN OF NORTHERN IRAQ TURCOMEN FRONT

Cay received Seran Kasap, Acting Chairman of Northern Iraq Turcomen Front, and accompanying delegation.

Addressing the meeting, Cay expressed his profound sorrow over killing of two people in an attack on the party headquarters of Turcoman Front in Irbil last week.

Cay said, ''two groups led by Jalal Talabani, the leader of the Iraqi Kurdistan Democratic Party (KDP), and Massaud Barzani, the leader of the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan (PUK), were almost turned into factors that would determine regional status quo as a result of Iraqi President Saddam Hussein's policies, the Gulf War and implementations regarding 36th parallel. Turkey should not allow foundation of a state that will became a source of trouble in the region. We are against granting the state status neither to Barzani nor to Talabani.''

Recalling that Safeen Dizai from KDP was summoned to the Foreign Ministry following the attack on party headquarters of Iraq Turcoman Front in Irbil, Cay stressed, ''in fact, even presence of these groups' representations in Turkey was inconvenient. We will bring this issue to the agenda.''

Cay said, ''in the wake of the World War I, imperialist Britain tried first Nestorians and then Kurds. After it failed, Britain decided to found an Arab state in the region. When Iraqi state was first founded, the Turcomen that were one of the three groups forming the state, were tried to be assimilated among Arabs or Kurds.''

Stressing that a political solution which would not resolve problems of Turcomen in the region, could not be acceptable, Cay said that the U.S. and Europe should take this issue into consideration .

''The Turcomen should be ready against such attacks. They are bandits who have not the characteristics of state and nation yet.''

Meanwhile, Kasap said that the Turcomen who respected to the laws, expected support from Turkish government and media.

Responding to a question, Cay said, ''efforts to found a Kurdish state in the region have escalated during the last decade. There is a report issued by Edan Nadin in 1978. It says that Kurdistan would be founded over one or several states within a ten-year period. But conditions in the region did not allow foundation of a Kurdish state. One can easily see that Iraqi President Saddam Hussein was a puppet of the U.S. The U.S. did not initiate a land war on Iraq. Because it needs Saddam Hussein as a threat against Iran and Saudi Arabia.''

Cay said that existence of the Turcomen which had been ignored so far, should be brought onto agenda.

Responding to another question about developments in Kosovo, Cay said, ''there is a hostility against Turkey that is identical with the hatred against Serbs. Bosnians, Albanians, and Turks who are Muslims, should cooperate with each other. If Albanians maintain their unrespectful attitude, Turkey will take measures against them.''

Cay accused the United Nation Force in the region of invite developments against the Turkish factor.

[23] NIGARIAN PRESIDENT OBASANJO DUE IN TURKEY

Releasing a statement, the Foreign Ministry said on Friday that President Obasanjo and his entourage would pay an official visit to Turkey between July 23-25.

President Obasanjo is scheduled to meet with President Sezer.

He will receive Yildirim Akbulut, the Speaker of Parliament, and Prime Minister Bulent Ecevit.

President Obasanjo will proceed to Istanbul on Tuesday after wrapping up his contacts in Ankara.

He will come together with representatives of private sector in Istanbul.

The Foreign Ministry stressed that President Obasanjo's visit to Turkey would form an important chain of Turkey's policy towards African countries, adding that Turkey aimed at further improving political, economic and commercial relations with Nigeria, one of the most important countries of Africa.

President Obasanjo will be the fist foreign guest of Sezer who was sworn in as the 10th President of Turkey on May 16.

President Obasanjo is expected to depart from Turkey later on Tuesday.

Within framework of President Obasanjo's visit to Turkey, ''Military Cooperation Agreement'', ''Military Training Cooperation Agreement'', ''Cooperation Protocol'' envisaging holding political consultations between the foreign ministries of both countries, and a memorandum of understanding including a Action Plan for further improvement of bilateral relations will be signed between Turkey and Nigeria.

[24] SERIF, MUFTI OF KOMOTINI, DONATES COMPENSATION TO GREEK QUAKE SURVIVORS

Serif said, ''our intention was not complaining about Greece and getting financial benefit from it. But it was inevitable to carry the rightful case of the Turkish minority in Western Thrace to the European courts after Greece's negative attitude. Athens should scrutinize its policy about muftiship after the ECHR's decision. International agreements signed by Greece envisage election of religious leader by the Muslim Turkish minority.''

Serif was elected by the Turkish minority in Western Thrace as the mufti of Komotini in 1995 after predecessor's demise.

Athens that did not recognize Turkish minority's election, filed a lawsuit against Serif on charges of ''usurping an official authority''.

Serif applied to the ECHR after the conviction verdict against him.

[25] INDICTMENT INITIATING ALTINBAS CASE PREPARED

Prosecutor Salk sought imprisonment terms from 5 years and ten months up to 28 years to suspect Yasin Altinbas on charges of ''setting up a gang for profiteering and preparing fake documents for exports''.

The Prosecutor sought same imprisonment terms to suspects Fatih Agcakala, Kemal Ozsonmez and Mehmet Emin Altinbas in accordance with the same charges.

In his indictment, Salk sought 3.5 years in prison to suspects Melahat Ozyurek, Recep Kaynar, Mustafa Kemal Akay, Remzi Horzum, Aydin Gunes, Servet Sukuti Altinbas, Ayvaz Canpolat, Mehmet Dogan, Dondu Celik, Atilla Zengel, Abdullah Altinbas and Semih Donmez in accordance with 1/1 Article of the Law no: 4422.

The Prosecutor sought imprisonment terma from six months to one year to other suspects Toksal Keskin, Mehmet Unlu, Cetin Kaya, Huseyin Senocak, Huseyin Gencay, Ertugrul Aydin, Mehmet Polat, Ahmet Polat, Mustafa Bozkurt, Abidin Yildiz, Ismail Yildiz, Omer Faruk Yilmaz, Umit Murat Kalaycioglu and Ahmet Eroglu on charges of ''aiding the gang set up for profiteering''.

The indictment said that the suspects had committed the crimes of ''smuggling, violation of the Law on Taxes and preparing fake documents to help the gang which was set up for profiteering''.

It said it was revealed that Yasin Altinbas bribed the bureaucrats who were responsible of preventing crimes.

The indictment said that it was understood that Yasin Altinbas had good relations with Kilis Governor G�ner Ozmen, and the travel costs and telephone bills of the Governor and his family had been paid by Yasin Altinbas.

It was understood that the travel costs and telephone bills of Habur Customs Director Mehmet Unlu and his family had been paid by the Altinbas Holding, the indictment said.

It said that it was revealed that a Honda Accord type automobile had been presented to Mehmet Unlu's wife as a gift by Yasin Altinbas.

The indictment said that it was revealed that 25 billion Turkish Liras had been transferred to Troop Commander Colonel Toksal Keskin's wife Tulay Keskin's account in accordance with the instructions of Yasin Altinbas.

It said that it was understood that the companies of Altinbas Holding had brought tons of sugar into Turkey, and put it on the domestic market but they had prepared fake documents as if they had exported those sugar.

It said that the suspects were putting onto the domestic market the tea of poor quality that they had brought from Syria as if the tea was of first class.

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