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Anadolu Agency: News in English, 01-12-07Anadolu Agency: News in English Directory - Previous Article - Next ArticleFrom: The Anadolu Agency Home Page at <http://www.anadoluajansi.com.tr/>Anadolu AgencyANADOLU AGENCY NEWS 07 December 2001 Friday CONTENTS
[01] TURKEY-PRESS SCANThese are some of the major headlines and their brief stories in Turkey's press on December 7, 2001. The Anadolu Agency does not verify these stories and does not vouch for their accuracy.HURRIYET (LIBERAL)STATE MINISTER DERVIS AND MHP HAVE DISPUTE OVER THE EUState Minister Kemal Dervis and National Movement Party (MHP) had a new dispute over the European Union (EU). Kemal Dervis said that the report submitted to the EU had been prepared by State Planning Organization (DPT) and had caused some troubles in Brussel. The statement of Dervis caused a new dispute with MHP. DPT Undersecretary Akin Izmirlioglu said that Dervis's claims did not reflect the facts. A TOTAL OF 31 MINISTERS TO RETIRE IF 50-AGE LIMIT COVERS CABINET MILLIYET (LIBERAL)EU FINALLY COMES ROUNDTurkey's definition of terrorism was adopted both at NATO and in European Union (EU). Foreign ministers of 19 countries published a statement namely ''Response of NATO to Terrorism.'' The statement condemned all sorts of terrorism. If a NATO ally is attacked by terrorists, Article 5 of the NATO treaty will be immediately invoked. EU on the other hand reached an agreement on the definition of terrorism for the first time after September 11, 2001 when the U.S. was exposed to terrorist attacks. According to that, activities aiming to disturb the economic, social, political and constitutional structures of countries will be considered as terrorism. HERE IS TURKISH TYPE POLITICIAN SABAH (LIBERAL)EUROPE IS CLOSER NOWThe historical steps taken by Turkey about European Army and Cyprus activated EU: the membership process of Turkey to the EU will speed up. The constitutional reform undertaken in Turkey, the compromise reached about European Security and Defense Policy (ESDP) and the decision of two leaders in Cyprus to come together had a positive influence on EU. EU Commissioner for Enlargement Guenter Verheugen gave good news to Turkey: ''EU will plan a new dialogue and study for Turkey's full membership to the EU.'' ELECTION THRESHOLD TO REMAIN AS IT IS CUMHURIYET (LEFT)PAINFUL NEW YEAR FOR WORKERSThe retirement studies of the government have reported to come to agenda as a result of the studies of the World Bank with institutions about privatization. World Bank thinks that there are extra 50,000 workers in the public sector and demanded that these workers had to retire. IMF asked the government to found the committee that will deal with retirement of workers as soon as possible. Yet there is a problem, as labour unions of workers don't want to take part in this committee. SCENARIOS IN EU FOR CYPRUS RADIKAL (LEFT)IMKB EXCEEDS LIMITIstanbul Stock Exchange (IMKB) exceeded 12.500 points on Thursday as Turkey was able to find a foreign debt with low cost of production and as the tension in Iraq and Cyprus issues reduced. ''Holiday spirit'' which began in the beginning of the week continues in the markets. IMKB closed with 12.687 points, the highest level since May 22. The trade volume exceeded 1 quadrillion Turkish lira (TL). The price of 1 U.S. dollars was 1 million 458 thousand TL. TOSKAY AND OKUYAN SUPPORT MEASURES PACKAGE ON REDUCTION IN UNEMPLOYMENT TURKIYE (RIGHT)LIFT THIS TAX ON NATURAL GAS!Even the coalition parties don't want to impose a tax on natural gas whose price increased by 130 percent in one year. The government had decided to impose a tax of around 17 percent on natural gas. Citizens reacted to that tax very harshly. Nationalist Movement Party (MHP) deputy group leader Sand�r said that ''such a tax can't be imposed on natural gas, which is a basic consumer item.'' CLERIDES ALSO INVITES TRNC PRESIDENT DENKTAS TO DINNER ZAMAN (CONSERVATIVE)SPO UNDERSECRETARY CRITICIZES DERVISState Planning Organization (DPT) Undersecretary Ak�n Izmirlioglu reacted harshly to State Minister Kemal Dervis who criticized SPO in Brussels. Noting that Dervis accused SPO in Brussels, Izmirlioglu said that ''a state minister issued such a statement about a report which was adopted by the Higher Planning Council headed by Prime Minister Bulent Ecevit and which was signed by all ministers.'' Dervis said in Brussels that ''Pre-accession Economic Programme'' which was submitted to the EU was prepared by only DPT and it included targets foreseen for only 2002. Izmirlioglu said in his part that the report was prepared by 11 institutions and it covered medium term goals. -PANEL DISCUSSION IN ENLARGEMENT OF EUROPE AND TURKEY HELD IN LONDON Addressing the panel discussion held in London School of Economics, EU Commission's Representative to Turkey Karen Fogg said that she could accept the existence of certain bias about Turkey's membership to the EU, adding that it was natural for a big union like EU to have different views and approaches on different isssues. Fogg said that there are many problems needed to be solved both about enlargement of EU and about Turkey-EU relations, adding that the tension between Turkey and EU started in 1980s and reached a tough stage as of 1997. Turkey's accusations of EU for showing a double standart against it have also intensified in those years. Noting that Turkey's candidacy process continues, Fogg asserted that the EU works to normalize the relations with Turkey. Fogg said that the Turkish government worked very willingly about structural and economic reforms. Fogg said that the constitutional and legal reforms are promising, adding that the repercussion of practical results of them has to be seen in the daily life. Fogg said that the solution of Turkey's economic problems is also important, adding that they expected the economic programme backed by IMF to give a result next year. Fogg asserted that Turkey and EU are suspicious of each other, adding that there are issues like human rights on the basis of EU's suspicions and there are capitulations, Sevres Treaty, terrorism, the approach of West about Armenian conflict and Cyprus issue on the basis of Turkey's suspicions about EU. Noting that the development in Cyprus is pleasing, Fogg thanked for Denktas and Clerides for meeting face to face. Bulent Akarcal�, a deputy from the Motherland Party (ANAP) said in his part that the aim is enlargement of Europe and Turkey's becoming a part of it. Akarcal� recalled that the Strategy Report announced nearly three weeks ago noted that Turkey could not meet the criteria necessary for joining the EU, adding that Turkey is not the only one which is responsible for that and the EU prepared the strategy only after one and half years after Helsinki summit which accepted Turkey's candidacy to the EU. Akarcal� stressed that the national programme for adoption of acquis (NPAA) is one of the most comprehensive programmes of Turkey, adding that efforts are underway to reach the targets mentioned in NPAA. ''We believe that Turkey will meet all the criteria in medium term,'' he said, adding that IMF and World Bank follow the economic programme that is being implemented in Turkey. Akarcal� said that Turkey expects a more positive political approach from the EU in return to its efforts, adding that Turkey has certain objections about Cyprus and European Army. The problems of the latter have been solved surprisingly last week, Akarcal� said and noted that the former is on the way to be solved by the decision of Denktas and Clerides to come together. Responding to questions, Akarcal� said that EU has to determine a new strategy which will force the Greek Cypriots to find a solution in Cyprus and called the EU to give a clearer and more positive message to Turkey in its summit to be held in Belgium next week. The ball is in EU's court from now on, Akarcal� said. When reminded about the view asserting that Turkey's chance of joining the EU has decreased as it is neighbour of Iraq, Syria and Iran, Akarcal� said that ''we know that we will not be alone in this region in the future. If it is not possible with the EU, we will have a 'marriage' with the U.S., which will last forever. Marrying us will be the choice of the EU.'' Upon a question asking about the accusation of Turkey due to its anti- terrorism laws although similar laws were adopted in U.K. and the U.S., Fogg didn't want to answer it saying it was not her field of expertise. Fogg also didn't want to respond to another question asking how she would react if Osame Bin Laden were captured with an EU passport, hinting the relation between the Greek Cypriot side and head terrorist Abdullah Ocalan. Upon a question, Akarcal� said that certain political scientists think that EU is an effective union to melt certain conflicts between European countries, adding that ''the same method can be valid for Turkish-Greek disputes.'' -NEW BRITISH AMBASSADOR TO TURKEY TO START HIS TERM IN OFFICE Speaking to Turkish reporters in London, Westmacott said that he earlier worked in Tehran, Paris, Washington D.C. and Brussels and he worked as political undersecretary in Ankara between 1987 and 1990. Westmacott, who will start his new mission in Turkey on January 10, 2002 said that there are very important developments in the world, adding that it is not possible for Turkey not to be affected from these developments. His office in Ankara will constitute an important period for his career, he said, adding that he started to take courses on Turkish. He refrained from making comments on political issues. Westmacott said that he got information from the concerned institutions in Britain and also from IMF and American Treasury officials about the economic difficulties of Turkey before starting his post in Ankara. Peter Westmacott stated that he would launch efforts to develop the commercial and economic relations between Turkey and Britain during his term in office in Turkey, noting that the positive developments in Cyprus are pleasing and Britain has been launching ''invisible efforts'' by its special representative to Cyprus for a long time. Westmacott said that finding a solution in Cyprus won't only be beneficial only for the people in the island, but also for Turkey. -TURKISH-FLAGGED SHIP SANK IN ADRIATIC SEA Marine Undersecretariat officials told A.A correspondent that nineteen crewmen of the ship were rescued by a Malta-flagged ship and brought to Taragona Port of Spain. The ship was carrying wheat from Izmir Aliaga Port to Belgium. -MOVIE STARS FROM U.S. COME TO INCIRLIK U.S. BASE Julia Roberts, George Clooney, Andy Garcia, Brad Pitt and Matt Damon, the stars of the movie directed by Steven Soderbergh, came to Incirlik by a private plane. The movie stars will talk to soldiers in the air base and boost their morale. Warner Bros company will meet the cost of the visit. -STATE MINISTER KARAKOYUNLU SAYS PRODUCTIVITY OF LABOUR IS NOT DISCUSSED IN ISTANBUL- State Minister Y�lmaz Karakoyunlu said that one of the most important problems in Turkey is non-discussion of productivity of labour. Addressing the opening meeting of the international conference on ''The Changing Face of International Investments - New Opportunities for Turkey'' which is organized by the Foreign Capital Association (YASED) and Finance World, Karakoyunlu said that ''the productivity of the labour that will be employed has to be discussed just like the issues of effectivity of the capital and the capacity of enterpreneurs are discussed.'' Productivity of labour is one of the important reasons of the most serious problems in Turkey as it is not discussed at a satisfying level. -STUDIES UNDERWAY ABOUT LIST OF ''PRIOR ACTIONS'' TO BE SUBMITTED TO IMF Actions'' that will be submitted to IMF. The list of ''Prior Actions'' will become clear after the meeting that will be held with the IMF delegation which is currently in Turkey. The list fixes the calendar of implementing structural reforms by Turkey. The list which covers all the structural reforms also fixes a calendar for reconstruction in state banks. The calendar of putting into practice the structural reforms will be included in the new letter of intent that will be presented to IMF Executive Directors Board in January next year. IMF asks a concerned country to prepare a list of activities which have to be undertaken in short time and which have the character of key performance criteria. IMF releases tranches of loans to a concerned country if the latter implements the Prior Actions. IMF asked Turkey to put into practice the list within the first six months of 2002. Meanwhile, the IMF delegation headed by IMF Turkey Desk Chief Juha Kahkonen continues its studies in the Treasury Undersecretariat. The IMF delegation will meet with Willy Kiekensy, the IMF Executive Director in charge of European Region who is expected to come to Turkey in the beginning of next week. The contacts of IMF delegation also continues with the World Bank delegation. Lalit Raina, one of the top officials of World Bank in financial sector had contacts in Istanbul and met with representatives of financial sector. -PRIME MINISTER ECEVIT SAYS THERE WON'T BE ANY COMPULSION IN RETIREMENT OF Speaking in a news conference, Ecevit said that the government expected that the number of public workers who want to voluntarily retire by getting all of their rights, to reach the number of personnel foreseen in the circular. ''There won't be any compulsion or problem in respect of workers, '' Ecevit said. Ecevit said that ministers concerned with agriculture had a meeting last night, adding that ''the ministers decided to pay a subsidy to producers of cotton, sunflower, soybean, and olive oil for their products in 2001,'' he said. -PRESIDENT SEZER TALKS WITH HIS EGYPTIAN COUNTERPART ON PHONE Presidential Cabinet Chief and Foreign Affairs Chief Adviser Tacan Ildem told the weekly press briefing on Friday that Sezer and Mubarak expressed their concerns and exchanged views about the developments in the Middle East. Ildem said that Turkey was closely following the issue and giving the necessary messages to the sides. Upon a question, Ildem said that Turkey evaluated the meeting held in Bonn on Afghanistan as a positive and important step and noted, ''the results of the meeting are positive.'' Upon another question, Ildem said that Sezer, during his meeting with U.S. State Secretary Colin Powell, expressed Turkey's concerns about a possible operation on Iraq. -PRIME MINISTER ECEVIT: ''AT THIS STAGE, IT IS UNDERSTOOD THAT THE U.S. Ecevit said Iraq's abiding by all the United Nations (U.N.) resolutions would be for the benefit of itself and would bring tranquility to the region. Prime Minister Ecevit also briefed about his meeting with Colin Powell, the U.S. Secretary of State. Pointing out that he had very benefical and productive talks with Powell, Ecevit said they mentioned all the international issues and that they focused on the bilateral relations between the two countries. Ecevit said there were very healthy strategic relations between Turkey and the U.S. due to poitical and military means, yet noted that economic relations were not developed adequately. ''We requested more contribution of the U.S. from Mr. Powell. We especially focused on the bilateral relations, particularly improvement of economic and trade relations. We also said we wanted textile quotas to be lifted, and also lifting of restrictive measures on iron-steel and macaroni,'' Ecevit said, adding that a report prepared by Foreign Trade Undersecretariat and concerned State Ministry pertaining to the issues was given to Powell. Pointing out that he brought forth the issue of intervention on Iraq, Ecevit said they expressed his concerns to Powell on the issue. Ecevit said contradictory news reports were coming regarded with Iraq, and that there were allegations saying that the U.S. thought of an operation. He said that they did not know to what extend those were real, noting that, ''we wish those are not correct.'' Ecevit said, ''we have pointed out that a military operation on Iraq may create very serious problems both for our country and for the whole region.'' He said, ''Mr. Powell said the U.S. adminsitration did not take any decision in this respect. He said authorized organs also did not make any suggestion to the U.S. President Bush at this stage. We can not know what will happen next, but at this stage it is understood that the U.S. administration did not have a decision regarded with the operation on Iraq. Iraq should abide by the U.N. resolutions. That would be for the benefit of this country, and will bring tranquility to the region.'' -PRESIDENTIAL CABINET CHIEF SAYS CONCERNING DEVELOPMENTS OCCUR IN MIDDLE ANKARA- Presidential Cabinet Chief and Foreign Affairs Chief Adviser Tacan Ildem said on Friday that concerning developments had started to occur in the Middle East due to the escalation of violence. Ildem told the weekly press briefing that President Ahmet Necdet Sezer talked with his Egyptian counterpart Hosni Mubarak on Thursday regarding the developments in Middle East. Reminding the reporters about the contacts of Sezer and Prime Minister Bulent Ecevit about this issue, Ildem said that Sezer talked with Mubarak on the phone on Thursday evening. Ildem noted that two presidents expressed their concerns about the developments in the region and stressed on the necessity that the violence should be ended and the sides should sit at a negotiation table as soon as possible. Two presidents expressed their concerns that an inconvenient atmosphere which would make the negotiation of the sides impossible would occur in case violence escalated in the region, Ildem stated. Ildem quoted Mubarak as saying that he sent Egyptian Foreign Minister to the region and that the Egyptian minister held contacts with Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon and Palestinian President Yasser Arafat. Mubarak also noted that Egypt wanted the sides to act more flexibly as Turkey did, Ildem said. Ildem stated that Mubarak made suggestions which would enable the sides to sit at a negotiation table and which would end the violence in the region as soon as possible. ''Turkey is closely following the issue, launching initiatives to enable sides to sit at a negotiation table as soon as possible, and conveying necessary messages to the sides,'' Ildem said. Ildem noted that this issue was taken up in different levels during the visit of U.S. State Secretary Colin Powell to Ankara and said that Zinni, the U.S. Special Envoy to the region, would stay in the region for some more time. Stating that the sides would probably hold a meeting on security issues on Friday, Ildem said, ''we wish that the conditions which will enable the negotiation atmosphere as soon as possible will occur.'' -PRIME MINISTER: ''IT IS DEFINITE THAT TURKEY WILL HAVE AN IMPORTANT PLACE Ecevit told a press conference that many important developments had been recorded in Afghanistan. Taliban were defeated in a shorter time than expected, Ecevit said and noted that the defeat could be considered as definite. Ecevit stated that it was now time to contribute to the efforts to develop Afghanistan, to bring a more healthy social structure and to form an efficient administration. An administration was formed at the end of the meeting held in Bonn, Ecevit said. Ecevit continued, ''but, some groups and leaders are opposing to the decisions taken at this meeting. They have assumed a negative attitude toward these decisions. We cannot say anything about who is right or who is wrong. But, they have to reach a compromise or agreement among themselves.'' ''An organization like Taliban, which has been realized as a weak organization, could get the administration in Afghanistan due to the conflicts among the rival groups. To this end, they could not conduct an efficient fight against Taliban. Now, there is not any Taliban and the field is empty. It is obligatory for different groups in Afghanistan to come together and to reach a compromise. We are ready to make all the assistance in this issue,'' Ecevit said. Noting that Turkey had a more efficient position in the Middle East, Ecevit said that it was definite that Turkey would have an important place in the peace force and development during the new political structuring of Afghanistan. -PRIME MINISTER ECEVIT: ''ESDP WILL CONSULT TURKEY ALSO IN OPERATIONS Speaking at the Prime Ministry Headquartes, Ecevit said a positive result could be reached in ESDP issue following the talks which continued for two years. Pointing out that this was a positive development, Ecevit said it would not be denied from now on that Turkey has an important place in Europe's security. Ecevit said it was understood that Turkey could not be ignored in Europe's security, adding that Turkey's veto right in NATO would continue. Stressing that ESDP would consult to Turkey also in operations which it would lanch by itself without utilizing NATO assets, Ecevit said any operation of the ESDP on Turkey would be out of question. Pointing out that Britain carried out negotiations on behalf of the European Union (EU), Ecevit said European states and the U.S. helped those countries. Ecevit expressed hope that the results would be approved in the EU and NATO mechanisms. Ecevit said he was in a position to make concerning statements regarded with Palestine and Israel, adding that there were some terrorist groups within the Palestinians which target not only Israel but also the Palestinian administration. Ecevit said Palestinian administration should take more effective measures against them, adding that, ''Israel has the right to protect its own citizens. However, the methods used by Israel so far are not effective, and dragged Israel and Palestine to the atmosphere of war. In telephone talks which I made with the Israeli Prime Minister Sharon, Israel's tendency to start a war has become clear. Furthermore, Mr. Sharon openly stated his wish to get rid of Arafat. However, those will not bring a solution to the problem.'' Ecevit said, ''Mr. Arafat should also take more influential measures against the terrorist groups in Palestine. At the last stage, Mr. Sharon gave 24 hours to Mr. Arafat. They wanted tranquility to be provided within this 24 hours. Of course, this is not a realistic expectation. To this end, I wish Mr. Sharon to evaluate his attitute again.'' Ecevit said, ''as far as the information I got from the telephone talks, although Arafat wants to take necessary steps to take measures, he was face to face with a great obstacle. Ways of communication are lifted. Operation facilities are limited. Their vehicles are damaged. Despite this, Arafat exerts efforts to do his best.'' Pointing out that Turkey was the only country exerting efforts to provide compromise between Palestine and Israel, Ecevit said he mainly focused on this issue during his meeting with the U.S. Secretary of State Colin Powell. Ecevit said he told Powell that the U.S. should assume a more effective attitute in this respect, noting that freedom of action within his own territories should be given to Arafat. Stressing that Sharon should soon accept dialogue with Arafat, Ecevit said they promised to give every kind of contribution to them in this respect, and noted that they would provide the facilities to convene in Turkey at a place away from press and the public. Ecevit said Arafat wanted this from the very begining but Sharon put forward providing full tranquility as condition, and added that this meeting could take place in another country, but the important thing was the starting of dialogue process between the two countries. -HOLLYWOOD STARS ARRIVE IN INCIRLIK BASE Officials told the A.A correspondent that Julia Roberts, George Clooney, Andy Garcia, Brad Pitt and Matt Damon came to Incirlik Base by a private plane. They had a breakfast with commanders from the United States (U.S.) and Turkey. The stars who will attend the gala premier of ''Ocean's Eleven'' film directed by Steven Soderbergh firstly met with Turkish soldiers and and their families. Officials said that the stars would depart from Incirlik Base in the evening after meeting with American and British soldiers and attending the gala of the film. -EXPORT IN READY-MADE CLOTHING AND TEXTILE INCREASES BY 9.7 PERCENT IN BURSA - The exports in ready-made clothing and textile increased by 9.7 percent in the first eleven months of 2001 and reached 348 million U.S. dollars in Bursa province. Uludag Exporters Unions (UIB) told the A.A correspondent on Friday that the export in ready-made clothing which had been 26 million 398 thousand U.S. dollars in November 2000 increased by 15.3 percent in November 2001 and reached 30 million 453 thousand U.S. dollars. The export, which was 317 million 737 thousand U.S. dollars in January- November 2000, reached 348 million 855 thousand U.S. dollars by 9.7 percent increase in the same period this year. The export of the sector was made to 77 countries and seven free zones. The main countries to which the export was made were Germany which was ranked the first, the United States, France and Britain. In this period, Bursa exported the ready-made clothing and textile 13 countries including Venezuela, Morocco, Jamaica, Tunisia, Bahrain, Philippines and Europe and Istanbul free zones the first time. The ten countries which exportation was made mostly in the period between January-November, 2001 are as follows: change Country thousand dollar (percent) ---------------------------- -------------- ------- U.S. 85.224 0 Britain 45.874 22.6 Belgium 22.601 10.6 Netherlands 8.441 -11.1 Spain 7.103 116 Italy 4.834 -34.3 Saudi Arabia 3.980 16.1 Canada 3.541 47.1 -PRIME MINISTER ECEVIT SAYS TALIBAN ENTERS INTO A VANISHING PROCESS EARLIER Ecevit said the number of the peace forces that will be sent to Afghanistan and its field of activity have not been specified yet. Here are the questions posed to Ecevit and the answers given by Ecevit: Question: Did you discuss the decision of sending Turkish soldiers to Afghanistan during your meeting with the U.S. Secretary of State Colin Powell? Has peace forces issue been brought onto the agenda? Ecevit: When Taliban entered into the vanishing process earlier than expected, envisaged military plannings are left behind. New measures should be taken. There is no need for a military operation from now on. It is understood that measures regarded with development of Afghanistan, and social measures became more important. Turkey and the Turkish Armed Forces have great experiences in this respect. For example, Turkish Unit in Bosnia- Herzegovina contributes to the security there, and also plays an important role in every kind of economic and social needs. Turkey will do its best in this respect. The number of the troops has not been clarified yet, because new develoments happen in Afghanistan. Also, the field of activity of the unit has not been specified. Ecevit said during his meeting with Powell, it was clearly revealed that the U.S. has important expectations from Turkey in such issues. ''We will continue to make every kind of contribution to the development of Afghanistan, and reach a healthy and operational administration.'' Question: You said some Afghan groups have oppositions to the compromise reached on the new administration that will be set up in Afghanistan, and you called on those groups to be flexible. One of those groups is the one chaired by General Dostum who was reported to have close relations with Turkey. Will Turkey have a suggestion to General Dostum? Answer: We could not find the opportunity to talk with Mr. Dostum as his opposition to the Bonn decisions was disclosed yesterday. However, we have been talking with Dostum often for years. We will launch necessary initiatives in this respect. Of course, we can not know who is right or wrong. Those who oppose to Bonn decisions is not only the Dostum group as far as I know. Unfortunately, there is a conflicted situation, and it is difficult to overcome. Question: During you meeting with Powell you said Turkish Armed Forces would play an important role in re-construction of Afghanistan and providing of peace. Will Turkey have the command of international unit. What is the point of the U.S. on the issue? Answer: The issue has not been brought onto our agenda. I am not in a position to say anything. -PRIME MINISTER SAYS GOVERNMENT WILL CONTINUE ANTI-CORRUPTION EFFORTS When a reporter said that a bribery case was revealed in a program broadcast in a television channel on Thursday evening and asked if they thought to conduct a new fight against corruption and bribery, Ecevit said, ''I read it in the newspapers. But, I did not have any time to learn the details. But, I will immediately dwell upon the issue. This is a very saddening thing, but the 57th government has taken measures against every kind of corruption and bribery. We will continue our efforts. We also follow the implementation of all the legal measures against corruption and bribery.'' -PRIME MINISTER ECEVIT SAYS HE DEBATED ECONOMIC ISSUES WITH POWELL When a reporter said that he told Powell about his views on the lifting of the textile quotas during their meeting and asked what Powell's view was and if he demanded the cancellation of debts, Ecevit said, ''we mainly debated economic issues with Powell. Powell did not say anything. But, he said that he will dwell upon the issue.'' -FOREIGN MINISTRY: ''AGREEMENT REACHED IN BONN IS IMPORTANT FOR ENSURING A Foreign Ministry statement said that the agreement to form an interim government in Afghanistan valid as of December 22, 2001 was of vital importance and thanked Lakhdar Brahimi, the United Nations (U.N) Secretary General's Special Envoy for Afghanistan, for his efficient efforts. The statement noted that a process which would ensure the end of problems in Afghanistan had been launched and pointed out that steps had been taken to form a permanent structure in which all the ethnic groups in Afghanistan would be represented. ''The implementation of this agreement by the determination of the members of the interim government and the support extended to it by all the sides is of vital importance for permanent peace and stability of the country. We believe that the Afghan people are mature enough to evaluate this historic opportunity in the best way,'' the statement said. The statement noted that an unproblematic interim process and continuation of the contributions of all sides in a comprehensive way would facilitate the implementation of international community's will to help restructuring of Afghanistan. Turkey would continue to fulfil its responsibilities to contribute to the peace process in Afghanistan and to meet the emergency humanitarian needs in the country, the statement added. -ESDP ISSUE FINISHED FOR TURKEY WHILE PROBLEMS DO NOT END IN EU SIDE It is observed that Belgian Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Louis Michel, who used to say that ''Turkey had blocked'' the ESDP until the last week and whose ''aggravating and threatening'' stance drew the attention, ''prefers to keep silent'' after the compromise reached by the United States, Britain and Turkey. Foreign Minister Ismail Cem, who is in Brussels for NATO meetings, said, ''we have agreed on a text. We have not been given promises that 'do not worry, we are giving assurance.' This is out of question. There is a serious text. A tripartite (the United States, Britain, and Turkey) decision has been taken on this text within the framework of NATO-EU cooperation. Assurance is in the text. We have prepared a text which NATO and EU will accept. We are giving a fight for this for two and a half years. This text is stronger than a verbal or written assurance. Now, if this text is accepted by NATO in its current shape and adopted by the EU and becomes a rule, ESDP issue will be solved and the foundation of a robust cooperation between EU and NATO will be laid.'' Cem noted, ''we cannot announce the contents of the text before it becomes official. What is important for us is the issues directly concerning Turkey's security. Technical military issues were very important. Our soldiers are very good at these issues. These issues have also been solved. Partial progress has been marked in the operations in which NATO facilities and capabilities are not used. It is not exactly as we have hoped.'' ''However, I believe that we have brought the issue into a position for the benefit of Turkey. It was very important not to remain outside a European force. It was said 'Turkey does not reach a compromise and accept.' We have reached a compromise and appreciated by everybody. The Prime Minister, Chief of General Staff, and coalition leaders approved it in full compromise. The issue has ended in our respect. It is EU's own issue now.'' Meanwhile, when A.A correspondent asked NATO Secretary General George Robertson and EU High Commissioner Javier Solana if they were content with the agreement with Turkey or they preferred to remain silent, Robertson said that many things could be said on the issue. Robertson noted that the compromise was a very important step taken in the positive course and that a problem, the solution of which was difficult, was in question. EU wing also had to show a positive approach regarding the issue, Robertson added. Solana said that the compromise reached in Ankara was very positive and constructive and that he hoped that it would be seriously examined by the EU member countries. He believed that the issue would be concluded at the EU General Affairs Council to be held on Monday or at the Laeken Summit, Solana added. Belgian diplomatic sources said that Britain represented EU during the ''challenging negotiations'' held in Ankara and continued the negotiations with the EU capitals. The sources noted that Greece had ''some objections, hesitations and proposals for some changes'' and said that ''they could not consider the problem as overcome and that they had entered into a very sensitive period.'' ''The ball was now in the EU's court,'' the sources confirmed. A diplomat, who commented on the developments marked during EU Council meetings, said that ''it was easier to criticize Turkey'' and that ''Belgium was uneasy because it seemed that a disagreement would occur within the EU.'' The same diplomat claimed that ''Ankara did not indulge EU Term President Belgium during the negotiations'', and alleged that ''the Belgian Term Presidency, which was troublesome and inactive, was distressed that it would not have any signature in a possible success.'' During the NATO meeting, the ministers of many NATO members particularly the United States, Britain and the Netherlands expressed ''their pleasure about the compromise reached in Ankara'' and thanked Foreign Minister Ismail Cem. The final analysis of the situation regarding ESDP will be made at the Laeken Summit of December 14-15. EU member countries will continue their efforts to convince Athens ''with the awareness that there is not any need and possibility for new discussions with Ankara'' till that day. -TUSIAD EXECUTIVE BOARD CHAIRMAN OZILHAN: Ozilhan said they favored solution of this issue in a way that would not give damage to Turkey's membership perspective and EU's enlargement policies. ''In this respect, we sincerely support the dialogue process initiated between Denktas and Clerides.'' TUSIAD issued a written statement following the Chairmanship Council meeting of the Union of Industries of the European Communities, and said annual progress reports, prepared by UNICE, for the EU candidate countries, European private sector expended open support to Turkey's membership to the EU. The statement said UNICE pointed out the importance of acceleration of administrative reforms, fight against corruption, and direct foreign cpaital investment for the acceleration of Turkey's full membership process. Ozilhan, who addressed the meeting, mentioned the Europaen Commission's Annual Progress Report, and expressed pleasure over positive criticisms on the Turkish economy.
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