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Anadolu Agency: News in English, 98-10-19

Anadolu Agency: News in English Directory - Previous Article - Next Article

From: The Anadolu Agency Home Page at <http://www.anadoluajansi.gov.tr/>

19 OCT 1998


CONTENTS

  • [01] WESTERN THRACIAN TURKS SOLIDARITY ASSOCIATION HOLDS ITS GENERAL ASSEMBLY
  • [02] ENERGY AND NATURAL RESOURCES MINISTER ERSUMER IN BAKU
  • [03] DEPORTATION OF A TURKISH CITIZEN FROM FRANCE - POLICE DISPERSE DEMONSTRATORS AND DETAIN THREE PERSONS
  • [04] SEZGIN, THE DEPUTY PRIME MINISTER AND NATIONAL DEFENSE MINISTER:''WE SAW THAT THERE WERE SYRIAN OFFICERS AMONG THE PKK TERRORISTS, WHO WERE KILLED DURING THE CLASHES. THIS ORGANIC BOND MADE US LOSE OUR PATIENCE''
  • [05] DELEGATION OF TURKISH BUSINESSMEN IN EGYPT - EGE, THE FOREIGN TRADE UNDERSECRETARY: ''THERE IS A SIGNIFICANT POTENTIAL IN EGYPT, WE HAVE TO TAKE ACTION''
  • [06] ECEVIT, THE DEPUTY PRIME MINISTER: ''THE ECONOMIC CRISIS IN RUSSIA HAS STARTED TO AFFECT US, TOO''
  • [07] EU CONSULTATION COUNCIL CONVENES - GUREL, THE STATE MINISTER:''EU'S NEGLIGENT ATTITUDE CONCERNING HER OBLIGATIONS TOWARDS TURKEY STILL CONTINUES''
  • [08] TURKEY AND TURKMENISTAN TO INITIAL A NATURAL GAS AGREEMENT ON TUESDAY IN ASHKHABAD
  • [09] GAP REGION EXPORTS AGRICULTURAL GOODS WORTH 53.3 MILLION US DOLLARS TO TURKISH REPUBLICS IN NINE MONTHS
  • [10] EGYPTIAN BUSINESSMEN WANT TURKISH-SYRIAN TENSION TO BE SOLVED BY DIPLOMACY - HANVI, THE REPRESENTATIVE OF ALEXANDRIA CHAMBER OF TRADE: ''THERE IS A PERFECT ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT IN TURKEY''
  • [11] PRESIDENT DEMIREL: ''TURKEY WANTS TO LIVE IN PEACE, IT IS MY STATE'S MISSION TO REACT TO THOSE WHO TRY TO PREVENT THAT''
  • [12] EU COMMISSION HOLDS A CONFERENCE AMONG MINISTERS OF FOREIGN TRADE OF EU COUNTRIES - CELEBI, THE STATE MINISTER REPRESENTS TURKEY AT THE CONFERENCE
  • [13] CEM, THE FOREIGN MINISTER: ''THE CONTRIBUTION OF SYRIA TO TERRORISM ISN'T ONLY THE PROBLEM OF TURKEY, BUT ALSO OF ALL ARABS''
  • [14] IMF DELEGATION'S CONTACTS IN TURKEY - HARDY, IMF'S CHIEF OF TURKEY DESK: ''PRIVATIZATION ACTIVITIES SHOULD CONTINUE IN TURKEY''
  • [15] BATALLI, THE MINISTER OF STATE: ''WE'VE REACHED AN AGREEMENT WITH THE IRAQI TRANSPORTATION MINISTRY TO IMPROVE RAILWAY LINES BETWEEN THE TWO COUNTRIES''

  • [01] WESTERN THRACIAN TURKS SOLIDARITY ASSOCIATION HOLDS ITS GENERAL ASSEMBLY

    ISTANBUL, Oct 19 (A.A) - Sukru Sina Gurel, the Minister of State, said on Sunday that the education, beliefs and development of the Western Thracian Turks were restricted, stressing, ''we want to establish a zone of peace and cooperation. However, our patience comes to an end if hostile attitudes emerge.''

    The 45th Regular General Assembly of the Solidarity Association of the Western Thracian Turks was held at the Atakoy Olympic House in Istanbul.

    Addressing the congress, Gurel said, ''the Western Thracian Turks have made efforts to have their identity spread in the region and will continue to do so despite the restriction of their rights of education, beliefs and development.''

    Pointing out that Greece undertook every malicious action against the Turks living in Western Thrace, Gurel stressed that Greece will suffer losses as long as she continues such attitudes.

    Noting that the government supports the federation established by the Bosnia Sanjak Culture Association, the Associaton for Supporting Immigrants and Solidarity Association of the Western Thracian Turks, Gurel said, ''because, the hearts of the Turkish people living in the modern Republic of Turkey can't beat differently from the hearts of our relatives in the Balkans and Rumelia.''

    Ahad Andican, the Minister of State Responsible for the Turkish Republics, said that the Western Thrace issue has been continuing almost since the Lausanne Treaty.

    ''Western Thrace is the situation where a European country, which is claimed to be the basic element of the European culture, freely pursues the policies for the assimilation and eradication of different ethnic groups within itself,'' Andican stated.

    Noting that Western Thrace had struggled for years and this struggle should be monitored by not only Turkey, but also every organization in Europe, Andican stressed that Turkey doesn't consider the issue as the ''issue of foreign countries or an issue which concerns the political parties and the governments'', and all of the governments should back the issue.

    Stating that the mayors, who will be elected in the elections that will be held in Western Thrace in the near future, have to reflect the problems of Western Thrace to Europe in detail and they should find solutions, Andican said that the federation, which was established by the Western Thracian Turks, should be changed into a confederation as soon as possible.

    Yildirim Aktuna, the Minister of State, said that he had seen the problems of the Western Thracian Turks during his visits to the region since 1995 and there are several problems which should be solved urgently.

    Pointing out that Turkey has to strengthen the Western Thracian economy, Aktuna said, ''Turkey has to be more realistic and more radical and she has to pursue policies hindering Greece.''

    Nahit Mentese, the senior aide of Tansu Ciller, the leader of the True Path Party (DYP), said that the Solidarity Association of the Western Thracian Turks was carrying out a sacred mission and the Western Thracian Turks are supported by the government and the nation.

    Touching on the problems between Turkey and Greece, Mentese said that the Turkish people should unite against external problems.

    Hayri Kozakcioglu, the senior aide of the DYP leader Tansu Ciller, said that the government spould develop a national policy for the solution of such problems.

    ''The economic problems of Western Thrace should be solved. We will overcome the problems.

    [02] ENERGY AND NATURAL RESOURCES MINISTER ERSUMER IN BAKU

    BAKU, Oct 19 (A.A) - Cumhur Ersumer, the Minister of Energy and Natural Resources, was received on Sunday by Haydar Aliyev, the President of Azerbaijan.

    Ersumer conveyed to the Azerbaijani President Aliyev the congratulatory message of President Suleyman Demirel due to the results of the general elections in Azerbaijan.

    Ersumer, who attended the swearing in ceremony of President Aliyev, is expected to return to Turkey following the reception at the Gulistan Palace.

    [03] DEPORTATION OF A TURKISH CITIZEN FROM FRANCE - POLICE DISPERSE DEMONSTRATORS AND DETAIN THREE PERSONS

    STRASBOURG, Oct 19 (A.A) - A group of persons, who held a demonstration at the Strasbourg Airport to protest the deportation of a Turkish citizen from France, were dispersed by the French Police, it was reported on Sunday.

    The French authorities decided to deport Haci Gunes, a Turkish citizen, who doesn't have a legal right to stay in France.

    It was reported that the police detained three persons during the dispersal of a 50-member group from the apron.

    Meanwhile, the Turkish Airlines (THY) airliner, the departure of which had been prevented by the demonstrators, later took off for its Strasbourg- Istanbul flight. Gunes wasn't in the plane, the officials said.

    It was reported that Haci Gunes, 34, had asked for political asylum from France, but his demand was rejected. He made a further application after marrying a French woman. However, the political asylum request of Haci, who have been living in Nancy, France, for ten years had been again rejected even after his marriage.

    The French members of the Committe for Supporting the People who don't have Residence Permits in France also joined the group, who had prevented the take-off of the THY airplane.

    [04] SEZGIN, THE DEPUTY PRIME MINISTER AND NATIONAL DEFENSE MINISTER:''WE SAW THAT THERE WERE SYRIAN OFFICERS AMONG THE PKK TERRORISTS, WHO WERE KILLED DURING THE CLASHES. THIS ORGANIC BOND MADE US LOSE OUR PATIENCE''

    ANKARA, Oct 19 (A.A) - Ismet Sezgin, the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of National Defense, said on Sunday ''we saw that there were Syrian officers among the separatist terrorists who were killed during the clashes. This organic bond made us lose our patience.''

    Participating in a television programme at the state-run channel TRT-1, Ismet Sezgin stated that Turkey has always used diplomacy in her relations with Syria, but no response was taken from Syria, adding ''the thing which has to be done at the point where diplomacy finishes has to be done.''

    Noting that Syria uses terrorism as a foreign policy tool, Sezgin pointed out that there are states around Turkey which behave unfriendly.

    ''Turkey is surrounded by states which pursue hostile policies. In such an atmosphere, the separatist terrorist PKK is supported by these countries, including Syria, Iran, Iraq, Greece, Armenia and Southern Cyprus,'' said Sezgin.

    ''The thing that matters isn't the place where Abdullah Ocalan, the chief of the separatist terrorist organization, stays. We desire Syria not to give support to terrorism,'' said Sezgin, stressing that Syria doesn't want to clash with Turkey, the Turkish Armed Forces is the most powerful army in Europe and it can't be compared with the Syrian army.

    [05] DELEGATION OF TURKISH BUSINESSMEN IN EGYPT - EGE, THE FOREIGN TRADE UNDERSECRETARY: ''THERE IS A SIGNIFICANT POTENTIAL IN EGYPT, WE HAVE TO TAKE ACTION''

    CAIRO, Oct 19 (A.A) - Yavuz Ege, the Undersecretary of Foreign Trade and the head of the delegation of Turkish businessmen which is currently in Egypt, said on Monday that there is a very significant potential in Egypt and Turkish businessmen have to take action in this country.

    Evaluating their visit to Egypt, Ege said that the Turkish businessmen are very positive about the visit.

    Noting that the visit fulfills two separate functions, Ege said ''a protocol was signed between the export promotion centres of the two countries and it is possible to say that the bilateral contacts made among the businessmen are positive. The preliminary meetings concerning the Free Trade Agreement were held. In the 2000s, a market directed at the African and Mediterranean countries can be created.''

    The Turkish businessmen said that they are pleased with their visit to Egypt, stressing that Egypt is a significant market for Turkey and it will develop within 5-10 years.

    [06] ECEVIT, THE DEPUTY PRIME MINISTER: ''THE ECONOMIC CRISIS IN RUSSIA HAS STARTED TO AFFECT US, TOO''

    LULEBURGAZ, Oct 19 (A.A) - Bulent Ecevit, the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of State, said on Sunday that they exert efforts to prevent a high inflation rate, adding ''we've been sucessful since the new year, however an economic crisis erupted which has negatively affected the whole world, including us.''

    Addressing a meeting in Luleburgaz county of Kırklareli Province, Ecevit said ''Turkey has been affected from the crisis at the minumum level and we are doing our best to prevent our workers, farmers and investors from being affected by the crisis.''

    Stressing that the debate on early elections has been on the agenda of Turkey since April this year, Ecevit stated that Turkey has many foreign policy problems to solve such as the Syrian tension, the Cyprus question and the situation in Northern Iraq. ''Our party proposed to hold early elections as soon as possible, I hope the Prime Minister will accept that, '' he added.

    Noting that Turkey functions as a bridge that connects Europe to Asia, Ecevit said ''the European Union (EU) closed its doors to Turkey, we consider this as unjust. We have been living in Europe for hundreds of years, European countries are afraid of the size and power of Turkey.''

    Ecevit stressed that the Turkish people are European, Caucasian, Middle Eastern and Far Eastern at the same time, adding that Turkey will benefit from the integration process between Europe and Asia.

    Pointing out that the government has established good relations with the Turkish Republics and Bulgaria, Ecevit said that the period of residence of kinsmen who migrated to Turkey from Bulgaria has been extended.

    [07] EU CONSULTATION COUNCIL CONVENES - GUREL, THE STATE MINISTER:''EU'S NEGLIGENT ATTITUDE CONCERNING HER OBLIGATIONS TOWARDS TURKEY STILL CONTINUES''

    ANKARA, Oct 19 (A.A) - Sukru Gurel, the Minister of State, said on Monday that the ''negligent attitude'' of the European Union (EU) concerning its fulfillment of obligations towards Turkey still continues.

    Gurel, who leads the first meeting of the EU Consultation Council, one of the two institutions formed to regulate relations with the EU, said that the EU showed a clear attitude towards the other candidate countries, but it refrains from determining an open policy towards Turkey.

    Noting that the EU couldn't decide on the full membership application of Turkey to the EU since 1987, Gurel pointed out that the decision and consultation mechanisms concerning the Customs Union aren't being implemented. Gurel added that the EU doesn't give up setting forth several discriminatory political conditions towards Turkey.

    Recalling that Turkey decided to limit her political relations with the EU after the Luxembourg Summit, Gurel said ''this decision won't change unless the EU pursues a more positive attitude towards Turkey.''

    ''Such kinds of conformance activities of Turkey to the EU will make Turkey stronger and more effective in the international society and strengthen our negotiation position in response to the EU,''said Gurel, adding that the aim of the Consultation Council is to inform various institutions about the relations with the EU.

    Responding to a question about the financial obligations of the EU towards Turkey, Gurel said ''the financial obligations of the EU stemming from the Customs Union agreement signed with Turkey and the association relation with Turkey, can't be operated. The EU has to lift the obstacles that prevent its obligations towards Turkey. This is an internal matter of the EU and Turkey can't do anything to ease this process.''

    [08] TURKEY AND TURKMENISTAN TO INITIAL A NATURAL GAS AGREEMENT ON TUESDAY IN ASHKHABAD

    ANKARA, Oct 19 (A.A) - The agreement foreseeing the purchase of natural gas from Turkmenistan and the transport of it to Turkey via pipelines, will be initialed in Ashkhabad, the capital of Turkmenistan on Tuesday, it was reported on Monday.

    The mentioned agreement is expected be signed during the Turkmen President Saparmurat Turkmenbası's visit to Turkey on 29 October.

    Meanwhile, the Turkish-Turkmen working group meeting is being held on Monday in Ankara as it was envisaged under the protocol signed between the two countries on 5 October this year during Turkmen Deputy Prime Minister Yollı Gurbanmuratov's visit to Ankara.

    The working groups of the two countries will take up the sale and transport of the Turkmen natural gas to Turkey.

    After the preparation of the draft text of the agreement during the meeting of the working groups, Cumhur Ersumer, the Minister of Energy and Natural Resources, will leave for Ashkhabad the same evening.

    Ersumer will initial the agreement during his two-day visit to Turkmenistan.

    The protocol signed between the two countries on 5 October envisages the purchase of 16 billion cubic meters of natural gas annually, signing an Agreement on the ''Sale and Purchase of Natural Gas'' which will be valid for a long time and lastly the preparation and signing of an Agreement on ''Pipelines'' which will transport the natural gas from Turkemistan to Turkey.

    [09] GAP REGION EXPORTS AGRICULTURAL GOODS WORTH 53.3 MILLION US DOLLARS TO TURKISH REPUBLICS IN NINE MONTHS

    GAZIANTEP, Oct 19 (A.A) - The Southeastern Anatolia Project (GAP) exported 53.3 million US dollars of agricultural goods to the Turkish Republics in nine months, it was reported on Monday.

    The exports of the GAP region to the region increased by 23.1 percent compared with the same period last year.

    Officials from the Union of Southeastern Anatolian Exporters said that the GAP region exported 9.6 million US dollars of cereals-pulses, 74,000 US dollars of dried fruit and 43.6 million US dollars of textiles to Turkish Republics between January-September 1998.

    Officials added that the GAP region exported goods to Kazakhstan worth 16.9 million US dollars, to Uzbekistan worth 13.3 million US dollars and to Kyrgyzstan worth 8.2 million US dollars. Carpets, flour, candies, plastic sacks and margarine constituted an important place in the GAP exports to the Turkish Republics.

    [10] EGYPTIAN BUSINESSMEN WANT TURKISH-SYRIAN TENSION TO BE SOLVED BY DIPLOMACY - HANVI, THE REPRESENTATIVE OF ALEXANDRIA CHAMBER OF TRADE: ''THERE IS A PERFECT ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT IN TURKEY''

    CAIRO, Oct 19 (A.A) - The Egyptian businessmen said that the tension between Turkey and Syria has to be solved by diplomacy, adding that Egyptian-Turkish commercial relations can't be affected by the tension.

    The Egyptian businessmen who met with their counterparts due to the visit of the Turkish Trade Delegation to Egypt, responded to the questions of the A.A correspondent.

    Salah Hanvi, the Representative of the Alexandria Chamber of Trade said that there is a perfect economic development in Turkey, adding ''trade doesn't understand politics.''

    Mahmut Halet, the Chairman of the Egyptian Free Trade Zone said that they support the initiatives of Iran and Egypt to solve the Turkish-Syrian tension, adding ''no one wants bloodshed in the region''.

    Fatme Katr, an Egyptian businesswoman said that the attitude of Turkey concerning the Turkish-Syrian tension doesn't stem from Israel, but directly from the problems between the two countries.

    [11] PRESIDENT DEMIREL: ''TURKEY WANTS TO LIVE IN PEACE, IT IS MY STATE'S MISSION TO REACT TO THOSE WHO TRY TO PREVENT THAT''

    ANTAKYA, Oct 19 (A.A) - President Suleyman Demirel said on Monday that Turkey wants to live in peace and it is the mission of the state to react to those who try to prevent that.''Our state, our nation are powerful enough to abolish all kinds of evil that troubles our country. This has to be known by everyone.''

    Addressing a ceremony held in the southern province of Hatay, President Demirel stated ''we've tried all the peaceful methods, we will try the last one and we hope that everyone can understand Turkey well, they can evaluate the pain of Turkey and they shouldn't manipulate the peaceful attitude of Turkey. I hope the coming days won't bring new difficulties for Turkey and for the region which has already many problems. However, Turkey is determined not to be in pain anymore. I have the responsibility to say that in a careful manner and I hope it will be understood.''

    President Demirel stressed that if Turkey can't solve her problems peacefully and if she resorts to other ways, no one can say anything to Turkey.

    [12] EU COMMISSION HOLDS A CONFERENCE AMONG MINISTERS OF FOREIGN TRADE OF EU COUNTRIES - CELEBI, THE STATE MINISTER REPRESENTS TURKEY AT THE CONFERENCE

    BRUSSELS, Oct 19 (A.A) - The Commission of the European Union (EU), the executive organ of the EU, held a conference on Monday which brought the ministers of the EU countries together who are responsible for foreign trade.

    Isın Celebi, the Minister of State, represents Turkey at the conference, which started on Monday morning.

    The conference on ''Trade, Enlargement and the Multilateral System,'' aims at evaluating the possible influences of the EU's enlargement perspective on world trade.

    The ministers of the EU countries will discuss the methods to overcome the problems in international trade and economic system and the best policy that can be pursued in this field.

    Giving information about the conference, officials said that the discipline in the economic and financial structure of the EU is an element of balance for international markets.

    The EU sources said that they are pleased to see a Turkish minister at the conference and describe this as a positive step concerning the EU-Turkish relations.

    Noting that approximately half of the foreign trade of Turkey is with the EU, the same sources pointed out that Turkey's long-term goal is to integrate with the EU.

    Besides, Turkish officials stressed the importance of the conference, adding that Turkey considers the candidate countries of the EU both as trade partners and also as possible rivals.

    Officials added that the efforts exerted to integrate with the EU and the EU enlargement's influence on creating trade will be advantageous for Turkey.

    [13] CEM, THE FOREIGN MINISTER: ''THE CONTRIBUTION OF SYRIA TO TERRORISM ISN'T ONLY THE PROBLEM OF TURKEY, BUT ALSO OF ALL ARABS''

    ANKARA, Oct 19 (A.A) - Ismail Cem, the Foreign Minister, said on Monday ''terrorism and the continuation of terrorism don't only adversely effect the image of Syria, but of all the Arab countries in the world.''

    Addressing a statement after his meeting with Ivan Antonovic, the Belarusian Foreign Minister, who is currently in Ankara, Cem stated that he told Antonovic about the Syrian issue and the reasons for this issue.

    Noting that the support of Syria to terrorism isn't only the problem of Turkey, but of all the Islamic world and all the Arab countries, Cem said that he explained these facts on an Arab television channel which broadcasts in the Middle East and the Arab countries.

    Pointing out that he also talked about the Cyprus problem during his meeting with his Belarusian counterpart, Cem stated that ''Belarus will join the Non-Allied Group and I know that Belarus will act rationally in that group. For that reason, I've talked about the Cyprus question with him.''

    Foreign Minister Cem and his Belarusian counterpart Antonovic signed a protocol in the field of information the same day. Cem said that the two countries will work to further develop the economic and political relations between them.

    [14] IMF DELEGATION'S CONTACTS IN TURKEY - HARDY, IMF'S CHIEF OF TURKEY DESK: ''PRIVATIZATION ACTIVITIES SHOULD CONTINUE IN TURKEY''

    ANKARA, Oct 19 (A.A) - Martin Hardy, the IMF Chief of the Turkey Desk said on Monday that the negative developments seen in the international developments negatively affect the privatization process in Turkey, but the privatization activities have to continue in Turkey.

    Responding to the questions of journalists after his meeting with Ugur Bayar, the Chairman of the Privatization Administration the same day, Hardy who holds contacts in Ankara, said ''privatization is a very important initiative for Turkey. This has to continue.''

    ''I believe that privatization won't be hurt much from the negative developments observed in the international markets. I hope the privatization in Turkey will reach its former speed when the negative conditions are over,'' Hardy added.

    [15] BATALLI, THE MINISTER OF STATE: ''WE'VE REACHED AN AGREEMENT WITH THE IRAQI TRANSPORTATION MINISTRY TO IMPROVE RAILWAY LINES BETWEEN THE TWO COUNTRIES''

    BAGHDAD, Oct 19 (A.A) - Mehmet Batallı, the Minister of State, said on Monday that there are friendly relations between Turkey and Iraq, adding ''we've held contacts in Iraq to improve the existing commercial and friendship relations.''

    Addressing a statement to the A.A correspondent before his departure from Baghdad, where he stayed for four days, Batallı stated that he was pleased with his visit.

    Noting that he met with Taha Yasin Ramazan, the Vice President of Iraq, Batallı added that he also met with the Iraqi ministers of oil, trade, finance, transportation and health.

    Batallı stressed that Turkey can help Iraq during her difficult days, adding that he reached an agreement with the Iraqi Ministry of Transportation concerning improvement of the railway lines between Turkey and Iraq and the renewal of railway cars and a delegation from the Iraqi Ministry of Transportation will visit Turkey soon.

    Noting that Turkey will help Iraq in the renewal of the Iraqi communication networks, Batallı said that the development of commercial fairs between the two countries is also important.

    ''We had proposed to construct a new bridge in Zakhu. Our Iraqi friends are still examining our proposal. We think that the opening of a second border gate will be benefical for both countries,'' he added.


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