Anadolu Agency: News in English, 01-01-29

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ANADOLU AGENCY

NEWS

29 JANUARY

2001 Monday

CONTENTS

[01] TURKEY-PRESS SCAN

[01] TURKEY-PRESS SCAN

HURRIYET (LIBERAL)

HE DID NOT THREATEN, HE JUST MADE AN ASSESSMENT
Lawyers of head terrorist Abdullah Ocalan denied his statement to foreign magazines saying, ''clashes may spread to Turkey if they come to us in Northern Iraq.'' Speaking on behalf of his lawyers, Dogan Erbas said, ''the self-defense expression used by our client does not have an 'aggressive' intention but it has a legal characteristic. His statement was not a threat but an assessment. He always stress that he does not want armed clash any more.''

SOCCER MATCHES TO RESUME ON FEBRUARY 2
The Turkish soccer first, second and third divisions will kick-off again on February 2. They were all postponed due to the delay in auction for soccer matches broadcast rights.

MILLIYET (LIBERAL)

CENTRAL BANK GOVERNOR: WE ACHIEVED SUCCESS IN
IMPLEMENTATION OF ECONOMIC PROGRAM LAST YEAR
Gazi Ercel, the governor of the Central Bank who is currently in Davos for the World Economic Forum said they achieved success in the implementation of the economic program last year, which was the first year of the program. Noting that the crisis which erupted in November was an unexpected one, Ercel said they overcame the crisis with the determined attitude of the government and with the rapid support of International Monetary Fund (IMF).

SABAH (LIBERAL)

SHARE OF FOREIGN INVESTORS IN ISTANBUL STOCK EXCHANGE INCREASES
The share of foreign investors in Istanbul Stock Exchange (IMKB) which started to decrease as of last April, demonstrated an increase this month. The foreign investors started to make purchases and the value of the shares owned by foreign investors exceeded eight billion U.S. dollars. The share of the foreign investors in IMKB increased from 37 percent to 40 percent.

CUMHURIYET (LEFT)

DEATH FASTS ENTER ITS 102ND DAY
The death fasts of inmates who are protesting F type prisons entered its 102nd day. Relatives of inmates and non-governmental organizations called for a dialogue to end the death fasts and they asked the government to open prisons to civil inspection.

RADIKAL (LEFT)

TURKEY FLIRTS WITH GEORGIA IN MILITARY FIELD
Turkey is cementing its relations with Georgia by developing military strategic cooperation with this country. National Defense Minister Sabahattin Cakmakoglu and Air Forces Commander Ergin Celasin yesterday attended the opening of Marneuli Military Air Base which was repaired and modernized by the Turkish Air Forces. Georgian President Eduard Shevardnadze who will come to Turkey today will sign a defense industry cooperation agreement which is a part of the Military Technical Training Agreement.

TURKIYE (RIGHT)

HE NEVER WANTED AN ARMORED CAR
Tokat Police Chied Yusuf Altinpinar said, ''Gaffar told me that he had five thousand policemen and he wanted to work like those policemen so he couldn't get in an armored car.''

YILMAZ: ''FRENCHMEN ARE CONCERNED ABOUT THE DECISION''
Deputy Prime Minister Mesut Yilmaz who returned from Davos said that the World Economic Forum's annual meeting was productive. Regarding the resolution on so-called genocide on Armenians adopted by the French parliament, Yilmaz said, ''some French journalists said that it was a wrong decision which was taken upon domestic policy priorities and they were concerned about its negative impacts on relations with Turkey.''

ZAMAN (CONSERVATIVE)

FIRST SUSPECT IN INTERROGATION
Security forces who are expending intense efforts to find murderers of Diyarbakir Police Chief Gaffar Okkan and five policemen detained a person in Istanbul. Sources said that Nizamettin Gokce who was announced as one of the triggers surrendered to security forces saying that he was not involved in assasination. They added that his interrogation was under way in Diyarbakir.

-AGRICULTURE AND RURAL AFFAIRS MINISTER GOKALP RETURNS TO TURKEY
ISTANBUL - Agriculture and Rural Affairs Minister Husnu Yusuf Gokalp returned to Turkey late on Sunday after wrapping up his official visit to Tunisia.

Speaking to reporters at Istanbul's Ataturk Airport, Gokalp said that his contacts in Tunisia had been held in a friendly and sincere atmosphere.

Noting that a ''Plant Health Agreement'' and ''Agricultural Cooperation Committee Third Term Protocol'' had been signed between the two countries, Gokalp said, ''these agreements will play important role in cooperation in agriculture and sub-sectors of agriculture and development of technological and commercial relations between the two countries.''

''Within framework of these agreements, especially vegetal production and struggle against vegetal diseases are included in the scope. Works will be mutually carried out on animal production and animal health. Besides, mutual exports of several products will be made more easily,'' he said.

''Besides, Turkish and Tunisian fishermen can set up cooperation. Water management, irrigation methods and agricultural mechanization issues were discussed and included in the protocol,'' he said.

Noting that Turkey's supplying agricultural devices and machines required in Tunisia was in question, Gokalp said they had reached a consensus that the trade volume between the two countries should be increased.

-VESSEL TRAFFIC IN STRAITS EXPECTED TO BE TRIPLED IN 2010
-FOREIGN MINISTER CEM: ''WE'LL NOT TURN OUR STRAITS INTO
AN OIL PIPELINE''
NEW YORK - The tanker traffic in the Turkish straits will be tripled in 2010 due to the Chevron oil pipeline which will start operation in July, the New York Times said in an article.

Foreign Minister Ismail Cem who was interviewed by the newspaper said ''we will not allow the Turkish straits turn into an oil pipeline.''

The pipeline built by the U.S. Chevron company will transport oil from Kazakhstan's Tengiz basin to the Russian Novorossiysk terminal. The pipeline which cost 2.5 billion U.S. dollars will start operation in July.

It was said in the article that the amount of oil produced will be doubled in one year and this oil will be transported to Europe through the Turkish straits.

Turkish authorities, the New York Times wrote, are worrying that a tanker accident might cause an environmental disaster for Istanbul and they said the solution would be to start operating Baku-Ceyhan oil pipeline.

Statistics showed that an average of 50,000 commercial ships are passing from these straits. The vessel traffic in the straits are three and four times as heavy as it is in Suez and Panama respectively. It takes two hours for big ships to pass from the straits.

The newspaper wrote that eight companies spent 26 million U.S. dollars on feasibility studies of the Baku-Ceyhan pileline and the basic engineering works will be completed in May. A wider study which will cost 100 million U.S. dollars will last for one year.

The article pointed out that, despite the change of administration, the U.S. government will continue supporting Baku-Ceyhan pipeline project. It is not yet certain whether the Kazakh oil companies will participate in the project or not.

-GEORGIAN PRESIDENT EDUARD SHEVARDNADZE ARRIVES IN ANKARA
ANKARA - President Eduard Shevardnadze of Georgia arrived in Ankara on Monday on a two-day official visit.

Shevardnadze will visit the Mauseloum of Ataturk, the founder of modern Republic of Turkey, and will meet with President Ahmet Necdet Sezer and Parliament Speaker Omer Izgi the same day within the framework of his visit.

Shevardnadze will receive Prime Minister Bulent Ecevit, former President Suleyman Demirel, and deputy prime ministers Devlet Bahceli and Mesut Yilmaz on Tuesday.

-FOREIGN MINISTRY UNDERSECRETARY LOGOGLU:
''TURKEY'S RELATIONS WITH RUSSIA HAVE ALWAYS BEEN IMPORTANT''
ANKARA - Turkish and Russian delegations headed by Foreign Ministry Undersecretary Faruk Logoglu and Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Alexander Avdeyev began their political consultations in Ankara on Monday.

Prior to the meeting, Logoglu told reporters that he believed today's talks would be very beneficial for both sides. ''Turkey's relations with Russia have always been very important and it will remain like that,'' he said.

Avdeyev also said the Russian government attributed great importance to Turkish-Russian relations and he pointed to the growing economic relations with Turkey.

It was reported that the delegations will discuss all areas in bilateral relations including energy projects, the trade deficit against Turkey, Blacksea Defense Forces and the latest situation in Caucasia.

Diplomatic sources pointed out that there could be mutual visits between Turkey and Russia also at presidential level in 2001.

-DEPUTY PRIME MINISTER YILMAZ:
-''THE REAL PROBLEM FOR TURKEY IS FULFILLING THE REQUIREMENTS
OF EU MEMBERSHIP PROCESS''
ISTANBUL - Deputy Prime Minister Mesut Yilmaz said on Monday that the real problem for Turkey is not related to accession to the European Union (EU) but it is fulfilling the requirements of this process.

Yilmaz attended a panel discussion on ''Customs Union and Assessment of Full Membership Preparation Process'' held in Istanbul by the Customs Undersecretariat.

Speaking in the panel discussion, Yilmaz said that the Ottoman Empire collapsed because it closed itself to the outer world and it lost its ability to change and renew itself.

Yilmaz continued, ''today, Turkey's development, further improvement and renewal mean the EU. The EU membership is the most important stage of Turkish modernization which goes back to 200 years ago.''

The 21st century brings new problems to the humanity together with some advantages, Yilmaz noted.

Yilmaz stated that the globalization and the changes which occur due to globalization cause new relationships and new needs in every field.

The route to be followed is the route of change, Yilmaz said, adding that Turkey, founded by Ataturk, has always been a country which is open to changes, development, and reforms and renewal.

Yilmaz said that to this end, everybody in Turkey undertakes responsibility to maintain the route of change.

Y�lmaz said that since Turkey started to search for being in integrity with the west, there have been many circles both in Turkey and abroad who tried to prevent this policy.

These circles couldn't break off Turkey's relations with the west, but they delayed Turkey's integration with Europe, said Y�lmaz and indicated that ''our signing customs deal with the EU in 1996 and the confirmation of our candidacy to the EU in 1999 have been important steps taken on the way to full integration with Europe.''

''Following Helsinki summit which recognized our candidacy to the EU, new problems arose for Turkey. All the effective circles in Europe clearly expressed their uneasiness over recognition of Turkey's candidacy to the EU in Helsinki summit. These circles started to implement the strategy of postponing the membership of Turkey to the EU, and unfortunately they have partially been succesful in that,'' he said.

Y�lmaz stressed that Turkey has the power to overcome such strategies and policies, adding that ''but first of all Turkey has to have a consensus in itself and has a resolved attitude against others.''

Noting that Turkey has to take the necessary steps on the way to full membership, Y�lmaz said that ''the most important danger for Turkey is to be late in fulfilling the necessities of EU membership process. The cost of being late is getting heavier every passing day.''

-EU COMMISSION'S TURKEY REPRESENTATIVE FOGG SAYS
REFORMS SHOULD BE ACCELERATED
ISTANBUL - Karen Fogg, the European Union (EU) Commission's Turkey Representative, said on Monday that reforms should be accelerated.

Speaking in a panel discussion on ''Customs Union and Assessment of Full Membership Preparation Process'' held in Istanbul by the Customs Undersecretariat, Fogg said that Turkey was disappointed in the first five years of the Customs Union.

Fogg noted that the EU Summit in Luxembourg was a disappointment and that this disappointment might have obstructed some reforms.

But, the reforms should be accelerated as the full membership vision is seen following the Helsinki Summit, Fogg said.

Fogg stated that Turkey's EU candidacy has been officially announced and Turkey is advancing on the EU full membership path.

The Customs Union can be taken into consideration in very different ways, Fogg said.

Fogg noted that the Customs Union not only gave the opportunity to Turkey to modernize its economy in the last five years but also it ensured Turkey's economy to keep up with the global competition.

Moreover, it attracted the investments and technology, Fogg said, adding that thus, it supported the economic growth.

Fogg stated that as the macro-economic stability starts to be convincing and the structural reforms start to be effective, this fact can be more easily seen.

They expect Turkey to attract the investors by implementing a series of political reforms this year, Fogg said.

Fogg noted that the extra advantage of the Customs Union will be seen then and that this will provide a competition superiority to Turkey among the other developing economies.

Praising the initiatives of the Competition Board, Fogg said that Turkey has to settle the public assistance part of the Customs Union agreement and has to set up a regulatory authority.

Fogg noted that very important steps have been taken in Turkey for being transparent as much as the EU.

The full membership process continues, Fogg said.

Noting that the EU Commission follows the initiatives of the government about the National Programme for the Adoption of the Acquis (NPAA) which will be made public by the end of February, Fogg said that according to the Commission, the EU has not fully adopted the partnership document.

Fogg said that this program should be applied in a realistic and efficient way by depending on political consensus.

Turkey should not misinterpret the resolution of the Nice Summit, Fogg noted.

Fogg stated that Turkey's name was not included in the Nice Summit because the full membership process of Turkey has not started yet.

The Nice resolutions will not obstruct Turkey or any other candidate country before 2010, Fogg pointed out.

Fogg added that the full membership requirements will not be different for Turkey.

-STATE MINISTER AND DEPUTY PRIME MINISTER YILMAZ SAYS TURKEY'S
MOST ADVANCED INSTITUTION IN ITS ADJUSTMENT PROCESS TO EU
IS CUSTOMS ADMINISTRATION
ISTANBUL - State Minister and Deputy Prime Minister Mesut Y�lmaz said on Monday that Turkey's most advanced institution in its adjustment process to the European Union (EU) is customs administration.

Speaking in a panel discussion on ''Customs Union and Assessment of Full Membership Preparation Process'' held in Istanbul by the Customs Undersecretariat, Y�lmaz said that the new customs law, which went into force on February 5, 2000 is an important step to reach EU customs standarts.

Y�lmaz indicated that the power and influence of the EU is not only limited with member and candidate countries.

Noting that regional cooperation is one of the most important tools of having power at the global level, Y�lmaz said that EU is the most successful regional integration organization among 109 others according to the World Trade Organization (WTO) data and it has 21 percent of world trade volume.

Y�lmaz said that Turkey joined the customs union in 1996, but it was late in forming its legal structure. Y�lmaz added that all the customs administrations will be fully automatic at the end of this year.

-OFFICIAL WELCOME CEREMONY HELD FOR GEORGIAN PRESIDENT
ANKARA - An official welcome ceremony was held in Ankara on Monday for Georgian President Eduard Shevardnadze, who is paying an official visit to Turkey.

President Ahmet Necdet Sezer hosted the official welcome ceremony.

Parliament Speaker Omer Izgi, State Minister Abdulhaluk Mehmet Cay, National Defense Minister Sabahattin Cakmakoglu, Foreign Minister Ismail Cem, Energy and Natural Resources Minister Cumhur Ersumer, Transportation Minister Enis Oksuz, Industry and Trade Minister Kenan Tanrikulut and Foreign Ministry Deputy Undersecretary Yigit Alpogan were in attendance at the ceremony.

-TURKISH BUSINESSMEN TO LEAVE FOR FRANCE ON TUESDAY
FOR WITHDRAWAL OF FRENCH RESOLUTION ON SOCALLED GENOCIDE CLAIMS
ISTANBUL - Turkey takes various initiatives for withdrawal of the resolution on socalled genocide on Armenians which was adopted by the French parliament.

A businessmen delegation headed by Aldo Kaslowski, the Co-Chairman of the Turkish-French Business Council and Deputy Chairman of the Turkish Industrialists and Businessmen Association (TUSIAD) will leave for France on Tuesday.

The delegation will launch efforts to take the support of the French business world in order to make France send the resolution to the French Constitutional Court and annul it.

Speaking to A.A correspondent, Aldo Kaslowski said that they will hold meetings with MEDEF, which represents the French private sector and meet with leading firms during their two day visit to Paris.

Kaslowski added that they also asked for appointment from French Senate Speaker.

He said that he hopes they can be sucessful in changing the ideas of French businessmen, adding that they have to do something in this issue.

When asked if he expected the resolution to be cancelled in the French Constitutional Court, Kaslowski said that this issue has always been on the agenda of France, adding that they want to persuade the French this time.

''Our relations will be affected, but it is early to say how. But we must act very calmly,'' he said adding that the government has to share more the responsibility of dealing with such vital issues with the private sector.

-COUNCIL OF MINISTERS TO CONVENE ON MONDAYS FROM NOW ON
ANKARA - The Council of Ministers will convene on Mondays from now on.

The Council of Ministers, which used to hold its regular meeting on Thursdays, will start to convene on Mondays from now on.

The Council of Ministers meetings will be held on the first day of the week from now on since the ministers have intense schedule at the weekends.

-COUNCIL OF MINISTERS DECIDES TO TAKE MEASURES TO END
UNJUST COMPETITION CONDITIONS IN CERAMIC SECTOR
ANKARA - The Council of Ministers decided on Monday to take measures to end unjust competition conditions in the ceramic sector which uses liquified petroleum gas (LPG) and natural gas in production.

Following the Council of Ministers meeting, State Minister Sukru Sina Gurel told reporters that Agriculture and Rural Affairs Minister Husnu Yusuf Gokalp informed the other ministers about animal breeding, poultry, and the usage of fertilizers.

Gurel said that the concerned ministers launched initatives to take several decisions and measures in line with Gokalp's proposals.

State Minister Yuksel Yalova informed the Council of Ministers about the privatization initiatives, Gurel noted.

Noting that the unjust competition conditions in the ceramic sector was also debated in the meeting, Gurel said, ''we saw that the Council of Ministers passed a decree with the force of law on March 21, 2000. Following this decree, one more decree was passed but although these decrees aimed at preventing the unjust competition conditions, they could not be implemented due to some reasons and because the Development and Encouragement Fund was lifted.''

''To this end, the Council of Ministers decided to take the measures to end the unjust competition conditions soon. This decision will be implemented in the possible shortest time,'' Gurel added.

Responding to questions of reporters, Gurel said that the investigation into the killings of Diyarbakir Police Chief and five policemen continues and that Interior Minister Saadettin Tantan did not give any further information in the meeting.

When asked whether or not the Council of Ministers took a decision about the privatization of the state-run Spirit and Tobacco Administration (TEKEL), Gurel said that the Privatization Board gave the decision and that to this end, the Council of Ministers does not have to pass such a decision.

-SUPREME COURT OF APPEALS CHAIRMAN SELCUK SENDS LETTER TO FRENCH
PRESIDENT CHIRAC
ANKARA - Sami Selcuk, the Chairman of Supreme Court of Appeals sent a tough letter to French President Jacques Chirac on Monday.

Selcuk said that the resolution on socalled genocide claims which was adopted by the French parliament is a product of France's efforts to relieve itself and save itself from feeling guilty because of its history by accusing Turkey.

Selcuk said in his two-page letter that he was disappointed by the adoption of the resolution at the French parliament.

''Law has to wait for the history to finish its work,'' he said adding that ''such a resolution will cause the Turkish parliament to support initiatives for the adoption of similar resolutions on genocides committed in Saint-Barthelemy, Vendee and Algeria.''

This resolution of France contradicts with the French culture and political science produced by Descartes, Montesquieu, Durkheim, Sartre and Foucault, he said adding that ''Is France in an ethical collapse? Will France deny its own political thought culture when its interests are in question?'' he said.

''We should oppose this resolution in the name of science, humanity and peace,'' he said adding that he requests to learn the French President's views on these issues.

He ended his letter saying that he believes Chirac will apply to all legal ways to cancel the resolution.

-OFFICIAL WELCOME CEREMONY HELD FOR GEORGIAN PRESIDENT (2)
ANKARA - President Ahmet Necdet Sezer said on Monday that he will evaluate the recent developments about concerete cooperation plans between the two countries with Georgian President Eduard Shevardnadze, who came to Turkey the same day.

Speaking in the official ceremony held for Schevardnadze, Sezer said that they will take up the bilateral developing relations with Georgian President.

''We will also discuss issues of Baku-Ceyhan pipeline and energy transportation issues,'' said Sezer, adding that Turkey shares the difficulties of Georgia, which suffers from drought.

Sezer said that Turkey thinks that peace and stability in the Caucasus have to be installed as soon as possible and steps for economic development have to be taken in the region.

''Turkey regards Georgia as an indispensable element of efforts directed at installing peace and stability in the region and increasing the prosperity level of the peoples. Turkey attributes great importance to strengthening of Georgian independence, sovereignty, political unity and territorial integrity. We closely monitor and appreciate the steps taken by Georgia on the way to integration with western institutions,'' said Sezer.

Sezer noted that Turkey and Georgia which has historical and cultural links have to strengthen their relations in all fields, adding that ''these developing relations should contribute to the peace, prosperity and richness of our geography.''

Georgian President Shevardnadze said in his part that he is happy to be in friendly and neighbouring Turkish territories again, adding that ''in Caucasus they say that a powerful neighbour is also your power.''

''We will never forget that Turkey was one of the first countries which recognized independence of Georgia. Georgian people felt as if the quake disaster in Turkey was their own problem. And we thank Turkey for the support it gave to us for the drought,'' he said.

He said that they work on many projects for Turkish and Georgian peoples, adding that ''Mr. Sezer mentioned Baku-Ceyhan pipeline, I would like to remind you about the natural gas projects that will pass via Caspian.''

''I believe that we will speed up the bilateral relations with Sezer,'' he said adding that he believes they will result all projects with success.

-GENDARME FORCES SEIZE MANY WEAPONS AND AMMUNITION IN SANLIURFA
SANLIURFA - The Sanliurfa gendarme forces seized on Monday many weapons and ammunition in the gas cap of a lorry which entered from Northern Iraq to Turkey.

Acting on a tip-off, the gendarme forces stopped and searched a lorry in Karakuzu village in Viransehir township of southeastern Sanliurfa province.

The gendarme forces confiscated 33 guns, three Uzi automatic guns known as ''assassination guns'', one silencer, two Kalashnikov rifles, 36 cartridges, 700 bullets, and one cell phone hidden in the gas cap of the lorry.

Officials said that the weapons were brought from Iraq to Turkey to be delivered to certain people.

The officials are searching for the connection between these weapons and the terrorist organization and whether or not these weapons had earlier been used in any armed attacks.

Three people were taken into custody in the operation, the officials said.

The interrogation of the three detainees continues, the officials noted, adding that a full investigation is underway.

-SECRETARY GENERAL FOR EU AFFAIRS VOLKAN VURAL SAYS
IF DISINFLATIONARY ECONOMIC PROGRAMME CONTINUES, TURKEY
WILL REACH COPENHAGEN CRITERIA SOON
ISTANBUL - Volkan Vural, Secretary General for EU Affairs said on Monday that if the disinflationary programme implemented in Turkey continues, Turkey will reach Copenhagen criteria soon.

Speaking in a panel discussion on ''Customs Union and Assessment of Full Membership Preparation Process'' held in Istanbul by the Customs Undersecretariat, Vural said that EU does not have destructive, but integrative character.

Noting that Central and Eastern European countries who want to integrate with the EU put forward their integration wish on a more broad basis than Turkey, Vural said that a new page has been opened for Turkey with the Helsinki summit. We are at the stage of evaluating these opportunities, he said.

Vural said that Turkey has to submit its National Programme to the EU, adding that the thing that has to be taken into consideration here is not intention, but performance, adding Turkey does not have much time left.

These steps cover political, economic criteria and adjustment to the EU acquis, said Vural and noted that the disinflationary programme of Turkey and Copenhagen criteria coincide.

Vural said that laws to abide by EU acquis have to be adopted by the parliament as soon as possible, adding that serious steps have to be taken in the administration system in relation to Maastrich criteria.

Responding to questions of journalists, Volkan Vural said that ''we prepared the National Programme by taking the views of many sections in the society. Both non-governmental organizations (NGOs), and also public institutions contributed to the preparation. Certainly the political authority will give the final decision.''

''There are 13 countries which are members of the customs union. Regular aid was given to 12 of them, but not to us,'' told a journalist to Vural, who said that ''we always criticized that, and we hope that the frame regulation which will be adopted soon will foresee financial cooperation.''

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