Anadolu Agency: News in English, 00-09-07

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ANADOLU AGENCY

NEWS

07

SEPTEMBER 2000 Thursday

CONTENTS

[01] TURKEY-PRESS SCAN

[02] PRESIDENT SEZER MEETS WITH WORLD LEADERS ON FIRST DAY OF UN MILLENNIUM SUMMIT

[03] U.N. MILLENNIUM SUMMIT -FM CEM: ''THE OBSTACLE THAT STANDS IN FRONT OF THE DEVELOPMENT OF TURKISH-GREEK RELATIONS IS POLITICIANS''

[04] PRESIDENT SEZER MEETS WITH RUSSIAN, PAKISTANI, JORDANIAN, UKRANIAN AND MACEDONIAN LEADERS

[05] MINOR EARTHQUAKE SHAKES ADANA

[06] REASONED VERDICT OF CASE ON ''SIVAS INCIDENTS'' ANNOUNCED

[07] 240 TRAVEL AGENCIES FROM 43 COUNTRIES BRING TOURISTS TO ANTALYA

[08] COTTARELLI VISITS PRIVATIZATION ADMINISTRATION (1)

[09] TURKEY AND CZECH REPUBLIC SIGN COOPERATION AGREEMENT IN AGRICULTURE AND FOOD INDUSTRY

[10] MINISTER OF ENVIRONMENT AYTEKIN IN JAPAN

[11] COUNCIL OF MINISTERS CONVENES

[12] COTTARELLI VISITS PRIVATIZATION ADMINISTRATION (2)

[13] STATE MINISTER CAY RECEIVES OECD SECRETARY GENERAL JOHNSTON

[14] NATO MILITARY COMMITTEE TO CONVENE IN ATHENS AND ISTANBUL

[15] IMF'S TURKEY DESK CHIEF COTTARELLI MEETS WITH WORLD BANK'S TURKEY DIRECTOR CHHIBBER IN LUNCHEON

[16] COTTARELLI VISITS PRIVATIZATION ADMINISTRATION (3)

[17] MEETING OF PRESIDENT SEZER WITH KING ABDULLAH

[18] SEVEN STARS-2000 MANOEUVRES -PARTNERSHIP FOR PEACE MANOEUVRES TO TAKE PLACE IN BULGARIA IN SEPTEMBER 17-30

[19] FINANCE MINISTER ORAL: -''RESULTS OF ECONOMIC PROGRAMME INDICATE THAT THE IMPLEMENTATIONS ARE IN CONSONANT WITH TARGETS OF PROGRAMME''

[20] COTTARELLI VISITS PRIVATIZATION ADMINISTRATION (4)

[21] FOREIGN EXCHANGE RESERVES OF CENTRAL BANK INCREASE BY 181 MILLION U.S. DOLLARS

[22] TREASURY UNDERSECRETARY DEMIRALP: -''THE CONTACTS WITH IMF WILL BE GIVEN FINAL SHAPE ON MONDAY''

[23] PRIME MINISTER ECEVIT RECEIVES JOHNSTON, OECD SECRETARY GENERAL

[24] TURKEY REPAYS 137.74 MILLION U.S. DOLLARS IN FOREIGN DEBT IN ONE WEEK

[25] SECURITY FORCES CAPTURE 51 ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS AT SILIVRI

[26] COUNCIL OF MINISTERS MEETING ENDS

[27] AID FOR THE QUAKE SURVIVORS

[28] DEMIRALP, TREASURY UNDERSECRETARY: (2) -''PROGRAM GIVES POSITIVE RESULTS IN GENERAL''

[29] TURKEY AND YEMEN SIGN COOPERATION AGREEMENTS

[01] TURKEY-PRESS SCAN

HURRIYET (LIBERAL)

SOME CIRCLES HAVE CONCERNS ABOUT EU
Mesut Y�lmaz, the Deputy Prime Minister and the State Minister said that there are people who think that ''if Turkey joins the EU, Turkey can be divided. I don't have such a concern, but we must persuade these circles.''

MILLIYET (LIBERAL)

WARM SUPPORT FROM CHIRAC
During a visit with President Sezer at the U.N.'s Millennium Summit in New York, French President Jacques Chirac praised Sezer's reformist identity and added that his election as the president indicated Turkey's determination to join the European Union.

SABAH (LIBERAL)

PREPARATION FOR 2003
Mesut Y�lmaz, the Deputy Prime Minister and State Minister said full membership negotiations with the EU will start in 2003. Y�lmaz listed the steps that should be taken before meeting with the EU to negotiate for full membership: ''We should assure the EU that the death penalty won't be executed, but we must also abolish the death penalty within 2-3 years. Torture should end in Turkey and the Article 312 of the Turkish Penal Code should be amended till November this year.''

CUMHURIYET (LEFT)

ATHENS WILL NOT SUCCEED
Turkey is determined not to include Cyprus and Aegean issues in the excession partnership document. So far, Turkey has received support from France, Britain, Germany and the Netherlands in its efforts and it was stated that these matters would not be included in the document which will be signed on November 8. A high level authority from the Foreign Ministry said Greece's initiatives would most probably yield no results. ''We have a strong position in this matter,'' he said. Foreign Minister Ismail Cem had sent letters to EU capitals last week and asked for support.

RADIKAL (LEFT)

YEN� B�NYIL (LIBERAL)

''ADEQUATE'' FOR FINANCIAL STRENGTH FROM MOODY'S
The average financial strength rating (FSR) - the rating that does not factor in external support - of banks in Turkey is slightly better than an ''adequate'' D, and should stay stable for the remainder of the year, says Moody's Investors Service in its annual report on the nation's banking system. The report said the traditional profit sources of Turkish banks will significantly change through the government's stability programme.

TURKIYE (RIGHT)

EP LISTS ITS WISHES FROM TURKEY
The directory concerning the process of preparing Turkey to full membership was adopted in the European Parliament General Council yesterday. The proposals of change adopted in relation to the directory wanted to extend aid to Turkey's economic and social development, but not to extend aid to nuclear energy projects and to give priority to initiatives against the death penalty and ''minority rights.''

ZAMAN (CONSERVATIVE)

RELIGIOUS FOUNDATION TO BE RENEWED
According to the report of the General Directorate of Foundations, the Religious Affairs Department will be more effective in the administration of Religious Affairs Foundation. The debated books won't be published and the the Publication Consultation Board will be abolished.

[02] PRESIDENT SEZER MEETS WITH WORLD LEADERS ON FIRST DAY OF UN MILLENNIUM SUMMIT

Sezer came together with Pakistan Islamic Republic Chief Excecutive Gen. Parwaz Musharraf, Jordanian King Abdullah, Macedonian President Boris Trajkovski, and Ukranian President Leonid D. Kuchma.

Foreign Minister Ismail cem also attended the meetings at the U.N. building.

Sezer is expected to have a meeting with Austrian President Thomas Klestil.

[03] U.N. MILLENNIUM SUMMIT -FM CEM: ''THE OBSTACLE THAT STANDS IN FRONT OF THE DEVELOPMENT OF TURKISH-GREEK RELATIONS IS POLITICIANS''

After speaking in the dinner hosted in his honour by the Foreign Policy Association about ''Globalization and New Economy,'' Cem said that ''if we politicians didn't raise difficulties, the Turkish and Greek nations could have already solved their problems.''

There are many common commercial enterprises founded between Turkey and Greece, said Cem and added that tourism companies of the two countries also make cooperation. Cem added that the two peoples from all sections of the society are in contact with each other and singers give concerts.

The artificial problems raised by the politicians constitute the main obstacle that stands in front of the development of the relations between the two countries, Cem stressed.

''After a certain period of time, we will not be able to hinder this positive development,'' said Cem.

Cem said in his speech that the globalization process is similar to mechanization in agriculture or automation revolutions, adding the process of globalization is a process which can't be stopped.

Turkey has the position of a country which brings globalization to Eurasia, said Cem and pointed out that Eurasia which extends from Europe to China will be the most important region of the Eurasia in the 21st century.

Turkey is the most important actor of this region in respect of politics and economics, Cem added and noted that Turkey is a country which implants democracy, free trade, freedom and liberalism in Eurasian countries.

[04] PRESIDENT SEZER MEETS WITH RUSSIAN, PAKISTANI, JORDANIAN, UKRANIAN AND MACEDONIAN LEADERS

Tacan Ildem, the Foreign Ministry Chief Advisor and Private Secretary of Sezer, briefed reporters about Sezer's contacts.

During his 35-minute meeting with Putin, Sezer repeated his invitation to Turkey. Putin who gladly accepted Sezer's invitation said he would be happy to visit Turkey on a date agreed by both sides.

Noting that he visited Turkey three times, Putin said he hoped his next visit would further contribute to bilateral relations. Sezer responded by saying that Turkey esteemed great importance to his visit and added that a high level visit like that would have significant contributions in Turkish- Russian cooperation in many fields.

Pointing out that Turkey and Russia has a big potential for cooperation in several fields, Putin said both countries expressed willingness to realize the Blue Current project.

During the meeting which passed in a very friendly and sincere atmosphere, Putin stressed advancing economic relations and regional cooperation between Turkey and Russia.

The two leaders emphasized that both countries were against any type of terrorism. Putin said Russia is closely monitoring Turkey's fight against terrorism.

Responding to a question, Ildem said Caucasia and Central Asia were discussed within the framework of Eurasia but Sezer and Putin did not focus on these countries specifically.

Putin briefly expressed Russia's position regarding Chechnya and Sezer also told him Turkey's official policy on this matter.

Answering another question, Ildem said Putin did not express any concern about the Blue Stream. When asked if the military tender issue was brought up during the meeting, Ildem said ''Putin did not reproach on this issue.'' ''If you take our multi-sided cooperation into consideration, this is a minor issue. Putin was told that they will be included in another tender in the future.''

During the meeting, Sezer also expressed deep grief for those who lost their lives in the submarine disaster in Russia.

Ildem noted that President Sezer spoke in Turkish in the beginning of his meeting with Pakistani Chief Executive General Gen. Pervez Musharraf and later the interpreter translated their words.

President Sezer expressed the pleasure of Turkey over the decision of the Pakistani Higher Court to hold elections within three years and stressed that a calendar has to be determined for the general elections. Sezer noted that the friendly ties between the two countries should continue particularly in the economic field.

Musharraf said in his part that the bilateral cooperation is based on a strong foundation and there is a close relation between the two peoples in spite of the changing administrations. There is no problem between the two countries and the good relations should also be reflected from politics to other fields, Musharraf noted.

Sezer stressed at the meeting that some Turkish enterpreneurs have trouble in Pakistan and Turkey requests Pakistan's interest in solving them. Ildem added that Pakistan expects a high ranking visit from Turkey.

When reporters asked Ildem whether or not the Jordanian King Abdullah II Bin Hussein didn't want to meet with Sezer in the hotel where he stayed, Ildem said that was not true, but the schedules of the two leaders didn't coincide.

Ildem said that Sezer and King Abdullah decided to hold consultations in every six months, adding Sezer wants to visit Jordan in fall.

King Abdullah stressed that the economic dimension of the relations has to be developed, and requested the Turkish contracting firms to act more in Jordan.

Regarding the Middle East peace, King Abdullah said that Turkey has an effective and respected status in the region, adding that he expects the efforts of Turkey to continue for easing the peace process.

In his meeting with Ukranian President Leonid D. Kuchma, Sezer brought onto agenda the opening of fire on the boat of Turkish fishermen in Black Sea, and he stressed that this was a negative incident and an extreme measure. Kuchma said he agreed with Sezer about the issue.

Ildem noted that Macedonian President Boris Trajkovski thanked Sezer for the aid team Turkey sent to his country during the forest fires, in the meeting with Sezer. Trajkovski said he invites Turkish investors to Macedonia particularly for Skopje airport project.

Upon a question, Ildem said that the Turkish and Greek side haven't requested an appointment for a meeting, adding the Millennium Summit has not finished yet.

[05] MINOR EARTHQUAKE SHAKES ADANA

Bogazici University's Kandilli Observatory authorities said the earthquake whose epicentrum was Adana's city center had a magnitude of 3.6 by Richter scale.

The quake which did not cause any damage created panic among people.

[06] REASONED VERDICT OF CASE ON ''SIVAS INCIDENTS'' ANNOUNCED

Ankara State Security Court (DGM) No. 1 announced its verdict which sentenced 33 suspects to death at the end of the third trial.

The Court said in its reasoned verdict that the sacred books consider killing even an ant a sin. ''The suspects didn't fell pity while the 37 persons burnt to death. The Turkish-Islam history didn't see such a grave incident in its history,'' it noted.

''The suspects didn't move to help the people who cried for help and they just in pleasure watched them dying by shouting slogans of fundemantalism. The Turkish state in the past didn't kill the innocent people of even its mortal enemy, it shared its bread with them and helped them in every field, '' the verdict noted.

''It is clearly seen that the activity, which showed the views and acts of Aziz Nesin, a famous writer, as an excuse, was in fact directed at removing the principles of republicanism and secularism which are two of the most important principles of the constitutional order,'' it said.

The reasoned verdict noted that the suspects were sentenced to death under Article 146 of the Turkish Penal Code for attempting to disturb the constitutional order by force.

[07] 240 TRAVEL AGENCIES FROM 43 COUNTRIES BRING TOURISTS TO ANTALYA

A survey carried out by an internet newspaper, ''turizmgazetesi.com'', studied the airplanes which arrive at Antalya Airport, number of passangers on the planes, the countries where they come from and the tour operators.

The survey revealed that 240 travel agencies from 43 countries are organizing tours to the ''capital of tourism'', Antalya. The survey which covered May-August 2000 period showed that 78 percent of tourists come to Antalya through travel agencies. 45 travel agencies from Russia and 30 from Germany are organizing tours to Antalya.

A total of 1 million 501,158 tourists visited Antalya through organized tours in May-August period. 11 percent of tourists who arrived at Antalya Airport came through Diana, which is Germany's biggest tour operator Neckermann's partner in Turkey. Tantur, TUI's partner in Turkey sent 8 percent and Oger Tours sent 8 percent of tourists.

In Germany, Oger Tours sent the highest number of tourists, 585,107 to Antalya.

Below is a table showing the travel agencies and their market share.

Travel Agencies Number of tourists Share( percent)

-------------------- ------------- --------
Diana/Neckermann 175.736 11.71

Tantur/TUI 129.128 8.60

oger 120.937 8.06

Nazar 78.699 5.24

Vasco/Gulet 64.715 4.31

Air Tour 53.378 3.56

Kayi Tur 51.019 3.40

Pegas 39.909 2.66

Detur 39.820 2.65

National 39.646 2.64

Other 718.540 47.17

[08] COTTARELLI VISITS PRIVATIZATION ADMINISTRATION (1)

The IMF delegation and the accompanying IMF delegation visited Ugur Bayar, the Chairman of the Privatization Administration the same day.

Upon questions of journalists after the meeting, Cottarelli said that they discussed the privatization projects undertaken and planned in 2000 with Bayar.

''Privatization is going very well, I congratulate Mr. Bayar for that,'' he added.

(to be continued)

[09] TURKEY AND CZECH REPUBLIC SIGN COOPERATION AGREEMENT IN AGRICULTURE AND FOOD INDUSTRY

Gokalp who is currently visiting Czech Republic as the guest of Czech Agriculture and Food Minister Jan Fencl, had official contacts in the Czech capital, Prague.

The two ministers had a meeting where they discussed relations in agriculture field between Turkey and Czech Republic. Later they signed a cooperation agreement in agriculture and food industry.

Gokalp said his visit and the agreement would have significant contributions to relations between the two countries. ''We have started an agriculture reform which will help Turkish agriculture adjust to EU's Common Agriculture Policy,'' Gokalp said.

''The Czech Repulic is also carrying out many activities to adjust to EU's Common Agriculture Policy. As two EU candidates, we should form a cooperation platform between our countries to make good use of the EU candidacy process. Turkey and the Czech Republic should support each other's candidacy to the EU and also they should benefit from each other's experiences.''

[10] MINISTER OF ENVIRONMENT AYTEKIN IN JAPAN

Environment Minister Fevzi Aytekin held a series of contacts in Japan and attended the Asia Ecological Environment Forum held in Kita-Kyushu.

The forum which brought the environment ministers of 27 countries together from the Asia-Pacific region enabled the ministers to exchange views regarding the protection of the environment.

Speaking to A.A correspondent, Aytekin said that the studies were decided to be carried out within the framework of an action plan during the meeting which lasted for two days.

Aytekin said that all the countries expressed the need to eliminate the increasing threat of water and air pollution due to rapid urbanization, adding that ''all the international institutions concerned were requested to take action.''

Aytekin noted that ''due to the data of the U.N. Economic and Social Council Environment Department, the rate of those living in cities in Asian continent is expected to increase from 35 percent from 50 percent till 2025.''
Aytekin noted that the meeting was held in Kita-Kyushu as the city was rewarded with the U.N. Global 500 in 1990.

Aytekin noted that he also met with his counterparts of various countries, Japanese State Minister responsible for environment agency, U.N. Environment Programme Director, Head of the U.N. Economic and Social Council Asia Department and JICA Planning Director.

Aytekin requested support for Turkey regarding wind and thermal waters which are among the alternative energy sources in his meeting with Japanese officials.

Aytekin said that the JICA officials requested him to inform about the environment projects of the Ministry which have the priority as soon as possible. Japanese officials stressed that they attribute special importance to Turkey's environmental projects, he added.

Aytekin, who said that they decided to hold an international environmental meeting which covers the Asian region by the support of the U.N. Economic and Social Council in 2001 in Turkey, will return to Turkey on Thursday.

[11] COUNCIL OF MINISTERS CONVENES

During the meeting, Justice Minister Hikmet Sami Turk will give information about the draft law regarding setting up an ombudsmanship which is a public inspecting council.

State Minister Rustu Kazim Yucelen will speak about restructuring TEKEL, and Labour and Social Security Minister Yasar Okuyan will brief the ministers on work security draft law.

''I believe that regulations on both work security, and forest and agriculture workers will be shaped during the meeting and will be sent to Parliament as a government proposal,'' Okuyan said.

Responding to a question, Industry and Trade Minister Kenan Tanrikulu stated that the Nationalist Movement Party (MHP) supports Turkey's EU membership.

[12] COTTARELLI VISITS PRIVATIZATION ADMINISTRATION (2)

''The only concern is about the tender of the Turkish Telecom,'' said Bayar after meeting with the IMF delegation headed by Carlo Cottarelli, the Chief of IMF Turkey Desk.

Responding to questions of journalists, Bayar said that they made an oveall evaluation about privatization, adding that a new strategy can be determined about the Turkish Telecom tender at the leaders summit.

Bayar noted that there seems no demand for 20 percent shares with the rights of the existing administration of the Turkish Telecom, adding that IMF has also some concerns about the sale of the Turkish Telecom, which constitutes one of the most important part of the 7.6 billion dollars of privatization target and they want to see some progress.

Upon a question, Bayar said that new strategies have to be determined to make progress in the telecom sector in the world, adding the amount of the shares that will be sold should increase to 34 percent.

When asked another question, Bayar noted that it will be better to go to the public-offer after finding the main-partner in the block sale.

[13] STATE MINISTER CAY RECEIVES OECD SECRETARY GENERAL JOHNSTON

Cay received Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) Secretary General Donald J. Hohnston on Thursday.

Noting that Turkey forms a bridge between Europe and Asia, and between Caspian and Mediterranean basins, Cay said this offers a natural opportunity to have various economic relations. ''Private sector representatives and policy makers who participate in the activities at Istanbul Development of Private Sector Center have the opportunity to get to know each other's systems and economies.''

Cay said it is important for these countries to strengthen their independences, mobilize their economic resources, integrate with global economy and reach prosperity. He added that Turkey was willing to help these countries in their efforts.

Cay briefed the attendees about the activities of Turkish Cooperation and Development Agency (TIKA). He said development of private sector in the region's countries would offer new business opportunities to businessmen.

Cay also noted that Istanbul Development of Private Sector Center has become an important international platform which is capable of providing information about the economic activities in the region through the help of international organizations and the OECD.

Cay asked Johnston to give more participation right to Turkish educators in OECD's programme, to help the coordination of TIKA and OECD in determining participants and the countries which are offered service. He also asked Johnston to give service at a lower cost and focus more on studies which aim to find out the needs.

Johnston said Turkey's support to OECD was very important. ''It is important that the center is located in Turkey and it shares its activities with the countries in the region,'' he added. He said the activities should continue increasingly at this center.

[14] NATO MILITARY COMMITTEE TO CONVENE IN ATHENS AND ISTANBUL

The NATO Press Center said on Thursday that the main item of the agenda of the meetings will be the situation in the Balkans.

The chiefs of general staffs of 19 NATO countries will discuss NATO's force plans in the meetings.

Upon the proposals of Huseyin Kivrikoglu, the Chief of General Staff, and Manousos Pragioudakis, the Chief of Greek General Staff, the Military Committee will be informed about the present situation and the future development plans of Turkish and Greek armed forces.

[15] IMF'S TURKEY DESK CHIEF COTTARELLI MEETS WITH WORLD BANK'S TURKEY DIRECTOR CHHIBBER IN LUNCHEON

Sources told A.A correspondent that Cottarelli and Chhibber discussed structural reforms, especially in banking sector, and other economic issues in the luncheon.

Meanwhile, the IMF delegation discussed the collective bargaining and salary policies in its contacts in the Treasury Undersecretariat and the State Planning Organization (DPT).

The IMF delegation also discussed the salaries in public and private sectors.

[16] COTTARELLI VISITS PRIVATIZATION ADMINISTRATION (3)

Following his meeting with Carlo Cottarelli, the International Monetary Fund's (IMF) Turkey Desk Chief, Bayar told reporters that this meeting was an ordinary meeting held with the IMF.

Bayar noted that they expressed their ideas about what will be done in the following term.

The programme continues in not only project basis but also in monetary basis, Bayar stated.

Bayar stressed that they sent 47 million U.S. dollars to the Treasury Undersecretariat in the first quarter, 1 billion 16 million U.S. dollars in the second quarter, 684 million U.S. dollars in the third quarters, and extra 131 million U.S. dollars to the account of fourth quarter.

Bayar emphasized that they have obtained 2 billion 934 million U.S. dollars from the implementations until today.

They will reach the target of obtaining 3.1 billion U.S. dollars which was committed in the stand-by letter if unfortunate incidents do not occur, Bayar said.

Bayar noted that they will fulfil the monetary performance criteria by the fertilizer tenders and the Turkish Airlines (THY) tender.

They will open THY tender in the following one or two months, Bayar stated.

Bayar stressed that there are giant projects in the third quarter, including Erdemir, second public offering of Tupras, and Petkim.

Reminding the reporters that the Isdemir tender was cancelled, Bayar said that it will be wrong to open a tender for Erdemir before the Isdemir problem is solved.

Bayar noted that the six-month non-sale period in Tupras tender will expire in October and that they will give a decision about this public offering then.

The Petkim tender will be opened by taking into consideration the price, and the situation of the market and the sector, Bayar stated.

Bayar added that the block sale of Aliaga may come to the agenda.

[17] MEETING OF PRESIDENT SEZER WITH KING ABDULLAH

Braizat released a written statement and recalled that President Ahmet Necdet Sezer, currently in New York for the U.N. Millenium Summit, and Jordanian King Abdullah met on Wednesday, adding that the meeting took place in a friendship atmosphere.

Braizat said bilateral relations as well as international and regional problems, and the Middle East peace process were discussed. He said Jordan supports the last diplomatic initiative of Turkey within the framework of peace process.

Recalling that King Abdullah invited President Sezer to Jordan, Braizat said Sezer accepted this invitation, and that this visit will take place soon.

[18] SEVEN STARS-2000 MANOEUVRES -PARTNERSHIP FOR PEACE MANOEUVRES TO TAKE PLACE IN BULGARIA IN SEPTEMBER 17-30

A statement released by the Land Forces Commandership General Secretariat said the target of the military exercise was to ''perform command control, communication, and intelligence activities that take place in operation to support peace; to improve cooperation and mutual understanding between the Southeastern Europe Brigade (SEEBRIG) headquarters and units, and to try facilities and abilities of the SEEBRIG headquarters and units due to civilian military cooperation activities.

Turkey, Greece, and Italy, and PFP countries Bulgaria, Macedonia, Romania and Albania will attend the military exercise. The U.S. and Slovenia will attend in observer status.

A total of 275 personnel from the Turkish Land Forces will attend the military exercise. The Turkish unit, which will attend the military exercise, will be transferred to the manoeuvres region on September 16 and September 17.

[19] FINANCE MINISTER ORAL: -''RESULTS OF ECONOMIC PROGRAMME INDICATE THAT THE IMPLEMENTATIONS ARE IN CONSONANT WITH TARGETS OF PROGRAMME''

Oral hosted a luncheon in honour of Donald Johnston, the Secretary General of the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD).

Speaking in the luncheon, Oral said that the programme will continue to be implemented in a determined way and without making any concessions.

Oral noted that the OECD undertakes an important role in sustainable development and increasing welfare in the globalization process.

Turkey and the OECD are in close cooperation, and Turkey actively participates in the works of this organization, Oral stated.

Oral stressed that Turke hosts OECD Tax Center and Private Sector Development Center to help the transition process of market economy of countries that were founded following the dissolution of former Soviet Union.

The Finance Ministry allocated the new office of the OECD that will be opened in Istanbul, Oral emphasized.

They will contribute to the activities of the office, Oral said.

Oral noted that this office will have significant contributions on further improvement of peace, friendship, solidarity and economic relations between OECD and the participant countries and on finding common points in the solution of problems among members.

Oral added that he believes that relations between Turkey and OECD will continue to promote.

State Minister Abdulhaluk Cay; Finance Ministry Undersecretary Erdogan Oner; Treasury Undersecretary Selcuk Demiralp; Akin Alptuna, the Turkish Permanent Representative to OECD; high-ranking bureaucrats of the Finance and Foreign Ministries; and representatives of Germany, the U.S. and Japan Embassies attended the luncheon.

[20] COTTARELLI VISITS PRIVATIZATION ADMINISTRATION (4)

Following his meeting with Carlo Cottarelli, the International Monetary Fund'S (IMF) Turkey Desk Chief, Bayar responded to questions of journalists.

When asked about what his proposal for the change of strategy in Turk Telekom was and what the contents of his meeting with the IMF was, Bayar said that he thinks that the telecommunication sector should be under the investment, capability, monetary possibilities and administration of private sector to mark developments from now on.

Bayar said, ''Turkey is discussing at what level this privatization should be. When 51 percent of the companies are owned by state in Turkey, the companies are subject to public parametres. We made only one exception by the Telekom law. We gave administration right to minority share-holder with this law. I think problems occur due to this. There can be alternatives.''

Responding on a question on whether or not there will be a public offering for Turk Telekom, Bayar said, ''Turk Telekom must be sold by public offering. The public offering of Turk Telekom will have contributions on the development of capital market and will help evaluating the value of the company.''

When asked how the disagreement between two ministers will affect the privatization of Turkish Airlines (THY), Bayar said that he cannot say anything about the relations between ministers but that he thinks such things can be overcome when the interests of the country is in question.

Bayar continued, ''Turkey started 5.9 billion U.S. dollar privatization campaing in one year. I think there will be 1.7 billion U.S. dollar deficit. The IMF is worried about this deficit.''

Responding to a question on the OIB's programme in 2001, Bayar said, ''we are working on the programme. Some projects will not be fulfilled in the fourth quarter. There are some new companies which will be included in the portfolio. We are discussing these issues with the Treasury.''

[21] FOREIGN EXCHANGE RESERVES OF CENTRAL BANK INCREASE BY 181 MILLION U.S. DOLLARS

The Central Bank data shows that the foreign exchange reserves increased by 181 million U.S. dollars between August 25 and September 1 to 24 billion 592 million U.S. dollars.

The Central Bank's foreign exchange reserves were 24 billion 411 million U.S. dollars on August 25.

Meanwhile, according to the August 18-based statistics, Turkey's total international gross reserves was 40 billion 85 million U.S. dollars.

The international gross reserves of Turkey were 39 billion 579 million U.S. dollars on August 11.

As of August 18, Turkey's international reserves were composed of 1 billion 10 million U.S. dollars in gold reserves; 24 billion 744 million U.S. dollars in the Central Bank's foreign exchange reserves; and 14 billion 330 million U.S. dollars in the commercial banks' foreign exchange reserves.

[22] TREASURY UNDERSECRETARY DEMIRALP: -''THE CONTACTS WITH IMF WILL BE GIVEN FINAL SHAPE ON MONDAY''

Responding to questions of journalists, Demiralp noted that the delegation will pay another visit to Turkey in the beginning of October.

Upon another question, Demiralp said that they will discuss the issues regarding 2001 in those meetings.

[23] PRIME MINISTER ECEVIT RECEIVES JOHNSTON, OECD SECRETARY GENERAL

Johnston started Thursday's contacts by meeting with the State Minister Abdulhaluk Cay, and later attended a luncheon hosted by Finance Minister Sumer Oral in his honor.

[24] TURKEY REPAYS 137.74 MILLION U.S. DOLLARS IN FOREIGN DEBT IN ONE WEEK

The Central Bank data shows that the Treasury repaid 114.90 million U.S. dollars; the Central Bank repaid 5.33 million U.S. dollars; the administrations with general and annexed budgets repaid 17.51 million U.S. dollars in foreign debt in August.

Meanwhile, a total of 7 billion 53.98 million U.S. dollars of foreign debt has been repaid since the beginning of the year.

[25] SECURITY FORCES CAPTURE 51 ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS AT SILIVRI

The Security Forces said that the illegal immigrants who were planning to proceed to Europe were from Palestine, Iraq, Pakistan, and India.

Three Turkish persons who guided the illegal immigrants were also captured.

Investigation is underway to capture two other persons in connection with the incident.

[26] COUNCIL OF MINISTERS MEETING ENDS

Following the meeting, Sukru Sina Gurel, the State Minister and the Spokesman of the Government, told reporters that a Constitutional amendment should be made to form an ombudsmanship and a law should be passed from the parliament to determine the rules that will ensure the functionality of this institution and the personnel.

Gurel said that the Justice Ministry launches initiatives about this issue and that important steps in protection of human rights and democratization will be taken as the law and Constitutional amendment are put into effect.

Significant developments in adjustment to the European Union (EU) will be recorded, Gurel noted.

Gurel stated that Justice Minister Turk will head the commission which will be composed of State Minister Rustu Kazim Yucelen, State Minister Faruk Bal, National Education Minister Metin Bostancioglu, and Finance Minister Sumer Oral.

Draft that will be prepared by the commission will be submitted to the parliament, Gurel said.

Gurel stressed that Yucelen informed the Council of Ministers about the draft law on the reconstruction and privatization of state-run Spirit and Tobacco Administration.

They decided that this draft law will be submitted to the parliament, Gurel said.

Gurel noted that Labour and Social Security Minister Yasar Okuyan informed the ministers about two draft laws.

One of them is the draft law on social security, and this draft law brings changes to working regulation, Gurel stated.

Gurel stressed that this law will force the employer to prove that he is rightful to terminate of the contract and that it will prevent the dismissal of workers just because they are members of unions.

The other draft law that Okuyan informed the ministers about is the law on including the agricultural and forest personnel within the scope of Work Law, Gurel emphasized.

Gurel said that this draft law will be sent to the parliament after making some changes.

Gurel responded to the questions of reporters following his statements. When asked if any name was brought to the agenda as the chief arbitrator in the Draft Law regarding ombusdsmanship office, Gurel said, ''nothing was discussed regarding a name. Only, talks were held related with the arrangement of the institution.''

Responding to a question which articles of the Constitution would be amended, and what the qualities searched for the ombudsman are, Gurel said, ''the Justice Minister will make a detailed statement. A commission, composed of ministers, will give the final shape to a work in this respect. So, it is better that I would not comment on it.''

Gurel said, ''yet, I would like to mention that the Justice Ministry has a view that inclusion of this institution in the Constitution will add importance to this institution. The Justice Minister has submitted a preparation in this respect to the Council of Ministers.''

When asked what kind of measures would be taken regarding the people who got cancer in Karain and Tuzkoy villages of central Anatolian Nevsehir province, Gurel said, ''those villages should move to somewhere else. I mean a place that does not have similar geological characteristics. The allocation required in this respect is nearly 3-3.5 trillion lira.''

[27] AID FOR THE QUAKE SURVIVORS

A total of 12 physiotherapists and 8 orthosis-prosthesis technicians are trained by the HI's specialists at Marmara University Hospital.

Dr. Yasar Tatar, the member Physiology Therapy and Rehabilitation Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Marmara University, and the chief of the workshop said, the number of handicapped people has increased to 800 thousand after the earthquake. ''These workshops are established for the rehabilitation of these people,'' he said.

David Godefroy, the HI's orthosis and prothesis specialist, pointed out that he came to Turkey in January after the European Union Humanitarian Aid Commission Office's call and the establishment of the workshops was then decided. Godefroy said that the Turkish technicians who will work under the supervision of HI specialists, are going to produce orthosis and prosthesis for quake survivors to make them walk again.

The workshops will cost around 190 thousand Euros and the expenses will be covered by the HI.

[28] DEMIRALP, TREASURY UNDERSECRETARY: (2) -''PROGRAM GIVES POSITIVE RESULTS IN GENERAL''

Demiralp responded to the questions of reporters in Treasury Undersecretariat. When asked if there was a specific work to decrease the importation, Demiralp said they worked on everything.

Pointing out that current deficit was around 5.6 billion U.S. dollars, Demiralp said, ''when the program is considered in general, it has given positive results. We have the results of eight months.''

Demiralp stressed that economic balances of the year 2000 should be reviewed for the basic principles of the year 2001, and noted that budget of the year 2001 should be assessed according to this.

Pointing out that talks with the IMF would continue today and on Friday, Demiralp said a final shape would be given to the talks on Monday.

When asked if talks with the IMF would continue, Demiralp said, ''we expect them to visit at the beginning of October. Yet, we have not reached an agreement regarding the date. Probably, it will take place at the beginning of October.''

Demiralp said as the Turkish side, they would assess the macro-economic balances of the year 2001 budget, and continue their works on the 2001 year budget by taking into consideration the parameters in the programs, and that they would submit it to Council of Ministers.

Responding to a question about importation and domestic demands, Demiralp said they were always on the agenda.

Demiralp pointed out that economic incidents were dynamic issues, ''thus, we have not intensified on this issue.''

When asked about possible effects of delay in privatization of Turk Telekom, Demiralp recalled that this years expectations in Turk Telekom was two billion U.S. dollars.

[29] TURKEY AND YEMEN SIGN COOPERATION AGREEMENTS

State Minister Ramazan Mirzaoglu and Yemeni Trade and Supplier Minister Abdulaziz Al Kumaim signed the protocol and agreements.

Mirzaoglu said that they will exert all efforts to put into effect the agreements signed in the end of productive meetings.

Mirzaoglu noted that these agreements will have significant contribution on the improvement of relations.

Kumaim said that they will be mobilized to fulfil the commitments in the agreements.

Turkey and Yemen signed ''Agreement on Highway Transportation'', ''Agreement on Cooperation in Tourism'', and ''Agreement on Encouragement of Investments.''

Meanwhile, Mehmet Guler, the Director General and President of the Executive Board of Anadolu Agency, and Yemeni JEC Chairman, on behalf of Yemeni News Agency, signed a memorandum of understanding which foresees cooperation between the news agencies of two countries.

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