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Anadolu Agency: News in English, 98-11-16

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

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

16 NOV 1998


CONTENTS

  • [01] SEZGIN, DEPUTY PRIME MINISTER AND MINISTER OF NATIONAL DEFENSE, AND CEM, FOREIGN MINISTER, IN ROME
  • [02] DINI, THE ITALIAN FOREIGN MINISTER: ''THE EXTRADITION REQUEST OF TURKEY IS BEFORE THE ITALIAN COMMISSIONS OF INTERIOR''
  • [03] MINISTRY OF JUSTICE PREPARES A DRAFT TO LIFT THE DEATH PENALTY
  • [04] A TOTAL OF 15 THOUSAND IRAQIS WHO ENTERED TURKEY ILLEGALLY, DEPORTED WITHIN TWO YEARS
  • [05] THE 15TH FOUNDATION ANNIVERSARY OF THE TRNC
  • [06] TURKISH-ITALIAN COMMERCIAL RELATIONS - ITALY IS THE THIRD TRADE PARTNER OF TURKEY FOLLOWING GERMANY AND THE US
  • [07] POLICE PREPARES A 200 PAGE REPORT FOR OCALAN - THE REPORT INCLUDES BLOODY ACTIVITIES OF THE PKK SINCE IT IS ESTABLISHED - INITIATIVES STARTED TO BLOCK ONE BILLION US DOLLARS OF OCALAN IN SYRIAN BANKS
  • [08] TORRENTIAL RAINS PARALYZE DAILY LIFE IN IZMIR - FIRST SNOWFALL IN BOLU PROVINCE
  • [09] BURSA NATURAL GAS POWER STATITION COMPLETED - POWER STATION COSTS NEARLY 500 MILLION US DOLLARS
  • [10] DENIZKURDU, MINISTER OF JUSTICE: - ''THE DRAFT LAW TO ANNUL THE CAPITAL PUNISHMENT IS COMPLETED''
  • [11] TURKEY-THE US - THE TURKISH-AMERICAN BUSINESS PROMOTION COUNCIL AND COMMERCIAL CONSULTATION COMMITTEE TO CONVENE IN WASHINGTON D.C. IN THE US ON TUESDAY
  • [12] ISMAIL CEM ADDRESSES TO LA REPUBLICA, AN ITALIAN NEWSPAPER: ''IT IS A SHAME ON ITALIAN TELEVESION CHANNELS NOT TO COVER NEWS ABOUT THE BEATEN TURKISH JOURNALISTS IN ROME''
  • [13] FIVE TURKISH JOURNALISTS ARE TAKEN INTO CUSTODY IN ITALY
  • [14] PRIME MINISTER YILMAZ SAYS THAT AN ITALIAN JURIST WILL VISIT IN ANKARA FOR THE LEGAL PROCEEDINGS CONCERNING THE EXTRADITION OF OCALAN, CHIEF OF THE TERRORIST PKK
  • [15] WEU COUNCIL OF MINISTERS MEETINGS START
  • [16] GREEK CYPRIOTS AND SUPPORTERS OF SEPARATIST TERRORIST ORGANIZATION THREW FIREBOMB TO THE BORDER OF THE TRNC
  • [17] ABOLISHMENT OF DEATH PENALTY - DENIZKURDU, THE MINISTER OF JUSTICE: ''IF THIS DRAFT BECOMES A LAW, THIS WILL EASE THE EXTRADITION OF TERRORIST PKK CHIEF TO TURKEY''
  • [18] TORRENTIAL RAINS CAUSE FLOOD IN MUGLA PROVINCE - MANY HOUSES AND BUSINESS PLACES INUNDATED
  • [19] KORKMAZCAN, THE TRNC PARLIAMENT: ''THE WORLD HAS TO SEE THE TRNC REALITY''
  • [20] A SUSPECTED PERSON STROLLING AROUND THE TURKISH EMBASSY, WAS TAKEN INTO CUSTODY
  • [21] REACTION OF TURKISH BUSINESSMEN TO ITALY - YILDIRIM, THE CHAIRMAN OF THE ISTANBUL TRADE CHAMBER SENDS LETTERS TO ITALIAN TRADE CHAMBERS WARNING THAT IF OCALAN, THE TERRORIST CHIEF IS NOT EXTRADITED TO TURKEY THIS WILL HARM THE COMMERCE RELATIONS

  • [01] SEZGIN, DEPUTY PRIME MINISTER AND MINISTER OF NATIONAL DEFENSE, AND CEM, FOREIGN MINISTER, IN ROME

    ROME, Nov 16 (A.A) - Ismet Sezgin, the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defense, and Ismail Cem, the Foreign Minister, arrived in Rome on Sunday to attend the Western European Union (WEU) meetings.

    Addressing a joint press conference, Sezgin stressed that Turkey gives priority to criteria such as technology and being economical in defense industry tenders, but also attributes importance to attitudes of countries towards Turkey.

    Cem noted that he will attract attention on Turkey's concern over the statement of Italian Undersecretary of Justice Minister, during his bilateral talks on Monday. He stressed that he will explain the significance of the extradition of Abdullah Ocalan, the chief of separatist terrorist organization PKK within the framework of the international law.

    Criticizing the Italian press which did not cover the attacks against Turkish journalists in Rome by the separatist terrorists, Cem pointed out that he gave instructions to send the pictures broadcasted by the Turkish state run television channel TRT, to the Italian television channels.

    Stressing that the Justice Ministry prepares a detailed file related with the extradition of Ocalan, Cem added that the Foreign Ministry assists the Justice Ministry for the preparation of the mentioned file.

    Reminding that Turkey's foreign policy towards the Middle-east began to give results, Cem emphasized that following the Adana Agreement signed between Turkey and Syria, Turkey has progressed in her struggle against separatist terrorist organization.

    Responding the questions about the expressions of several Italian officials claiming that Ocalan will not be extradited, Sezgin noted, ''Italy which is our ally in the NATO for 50 years, also struggles against organized crimes and terrorism. I do not suppose that Italy will be in a wrong manner, we expect Italy to act as a serious country.''

    Responding to a question whether Turkey suspend Italy's offers in the defense industry tenders, Sezgin told the reporters that Turkey gives priority to criteria such as technology and being economical in defense industry tenders, but also attributes importance to attitudes of countries towards Turkey.

    [02] DINI, THE ITALIAN FOREIGN MINISTER: ''THE EXTRADITION REQUEST OF TURKEY IS BEFORE THE ITALIAN COMMISSIONS OF INTERIOR''

    ROME, Nov 16 (A.A) - Lamberto Dini, the Italian Foreign Minister said on Sunday that ''the political asylum request of Abdullah Ocalan, the chief of the PKK is being examined by the competent commissions of the Italian Interior Ministry. We have to give the necessary time to officials so that they can make a proper evaluation.''

    Responding to questions of journalists about the extradition of Abdullah Ocalan, the chief of the separatist terrorist organization PKK, Dini said that ''we have received the extradition request of Turkey and German officials will probably request the extradition of Ocalan, too.''

    Dini added that the Italian judges and Appeal Court of Rome will evaluate why Ocalan came to Rome and whether or not there are assumptions concerning his extradition.

    [03] MINISTRY OF JUSTICE PREPARES A DRAFT TO LIFT THE DEATH PENALTY

    ANKARA, Nov 16 (A.A) - Ministry of Justice prepared a draft having 14 articles aiming at abolishment of death penalty in order to prevent the death penalty to be an impediment for extradition of Abdullah Ocalan, the chief of the separatist terrorist organization PKK, to Turkey.

    Officials told A.A correspondent that the draft foresees changes in Turkish Penal Law and other laws concerning the death sentence.

    The draft, which foresees to bring ''lifelong sentence under more strict security conditions'' rather than death penalty, will be submitted to the Council of Ministers this week.

    The draft changes Article 125 of the Turkish Penal Court and other laws which foresee death sentence.

    The draft is still pending before the Parliamentary Sub-Commission.

    [04] A TOTAL OF 15 THOUSAND IRAQIS WHO ENTERED TURKEY ILLEGALLY, DEPORTED WITHIN TWO YEARS

    HABUR, Nov 16 (A.A) - A total of 15 thousand Iraqis who entered Turkey illegally were captured and deported within last two years, it was reported on Monday.

    Officials told the A.A correspondent that they have tighten the security measures at the border regions with Iraq to prevent Iraqis from violating the Turkish borders and the passport law.

    Iraqis try to proceed to foreign countries illegally because of the economic reasons and lack of security in Northern Iraq.

    Officals added, ''people ventures any way to flee from the clashes between the groups loyal to the Iraqi Kurdistan Democratic Party (KDP) and Patriotic Union of Kurdistan (PUK) which claimed many lives. Iraqis who succeed in entering Turkey illegaly, try to proceed to European counties by boats, but most of them die at the accidents.''

    [05] THE 15TH FOUNDATION ANNIVERSARY OF THE TRNC

    GIRNE, Nov 16 (A.A) - President Rauf Denktas of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) gave a dinner on Sunday in honour of the Turkish delegation who came to the TRNC to attend the celebrations for the 15th anniversary of the foundation of the TRNC, and said, ''I hope the world who denies our presence, saw our enthusiasm in the celebrations for the 15th anniversary of the foundation of the TRNC.''

    Addressing the dinner, Denktas thanked Turkey for her support to the improvement of the TRNC, stressing, ''we want peace.''

    Pointing out that the Greece and the Greek Cypriot side plays a great Byzantium game, Denktas described the unilateral membership of the Greek Cypriot side to the European Union (EU) as a part of this game.

    Responding the words of Glafcos Clerides, the leader of the Greek Cypriot administration, who said ''shuttle diplomacy cannot reach any where, Turkey should be put pressure on'', Denktas stressed, ''Turkey will be put pressure to abandon her rights on Cyprus. It is nothing but a foolish idea. Greece which has started the Cyprus question and could not carry the honor of her signature on the 1960 agreement, should be put pressure on.''

    Noting that ''if those who are interested in Cyprus question tell Clerides 'you are not the government of Turkish Cypriots', the Cyprus question will be solved within six months'', Denktas said none of the countries begin peace negotiations by denying its own presence.

    Meanwhile Sukru Sina Gurel, the State Minister, emphasized that Turkey always supports the Turkish Cypriots' fight for freedom and independence.

    Gurel also noted that futures of Turkey and the TRNC cannot be separated from each other.

    [06] TURKISH-ITALIAN COMMERCIAL RELATIONS - ITALY IS THE THIRD TRADE PARTNER OF TURKEY FOLLOWING GERMANY AND THE US

    ANKARA, Nov 16 (A.A) - The commercial relations between Turkey and Italy are in favour of Italy more than Turkey and Italy is the third trade partner of Turkey, it is reported on Monday.

    Italy has a population of 57 millions and its surface area is 301,000 kilometer squares. It has a gross national product(GNP) of 1,1 trillion dollars and it is the 8th biggest economy of the world.

    Italy is also the member of the developed seven countries (G-7) of the world together with the US, Germany, France, Britain and Canada.

    Public loans and recession in population are the two important problems of Italy, which has overcome its economic problems in a great extent.

    The population of Italy has increased by one million between 1980-1997 and her population can decrease to 42 million in the near future.

    Italy, which is the third biggest trade partner of Turkey after the US and Germany, is more advantageous in her trade with Turkey.

    Italian exports from Turkey is 873,4 million dollars, while its exports to Turkey are 2,6 billion dollars during the first six months of this year.

    Turkey gave a deficit of 1.7 billion dollars in first seven months of this year in her trade with Italy. The exports of Turkey to Italy increased by 5, 9 percent between January-July, while the imports of Turkey from Italy increased by 9,3 percent in the first six months of 1998.

    The number of Italian tourists who come and visit Turkey is only 3 percent among foreign tourists.

    Meanwhile the Italian firms have great shares in Turkey particularly in Tofas firm. Italian firms are also closely interested in the tenders put out in the fields of defense and infrastructure.

    [07] POLICE PREPARES A 200 PAGE REPORT FOR OCALAN - THE REPORT INCLUDES BLOODY ACTIVITIES OF THE PKK SINCE IT IS ESTABLISHED - INITIATIVES STARTED TO BLOCK ONE BILLION US DOLLARS OF OCALAN IN SYRIAN BANKS

    ANKARA, Nov 16 (A.A) - The police is preparing a comprehensive report concerning Abdullah Ocalan, the chief of the separatist terrorist organization who was caught in Italy on Thursday. The report will be sent to Italy to inform Italians about Abdullah Ocalan.

    Sources told A.A that the report police started to prepare about the PKK and its chief Ocalan, includes the activities of the separatist terrorist organization since it is established in a chronological order. The stages, ideological structure, and activities of the organization in many countries are shown in the report. Stressing that the organization does not represent Kurdish people, the report contains information about the PKK massacres on citizens of Kurdish origin.

    The report also includes the video-tapes of Semdin Sakık, the second leading man of the organization who is still under arrest, in which he confessed about the crimes of the separatist terrorist organization.

    The report contains photographs of women and children massacred by the terrorist organization.

    The booklet titled ''The PKK and drug smuggling'' which contains detailed information about the drug smuggling activities of the PKK in connection with Italy will also be translated and included in the report. The report also contains cassette-tapes of Ocalan recorded as he gave orders to the militants of the separatist organization.

    The main report is 200 pages, but reaches 400 pages with the supplements, the officials said.

    Meanwhile it has been determined by Turkish intelligence units that there is one billion US dollars which belong to the separatist terrorist organization in Ocalan's bank accounts in Syria. Initiatives will be launched with Syria to block this money which was obtained by drug trafficking and other illegal methods.

    In accordance with the 13th article of the European Charter which foresees the extradition of the criminals, if somebody is caught in another country where he did not commit a crime, he has to be kept under custody for 40 days for his crimes in international platforms. The country where he committed a crime should ask for his extradition in 40 days.

    Pointing out to this article, the officials said that the article is also binding for Italy where the chief of the separatist terrorist organization who is responsible from thousands of lives in international platforms is kept, as she also signed the charter.

    [08] TORRENTIAL RAINS PARALYZE DAILY LIFE IN IZMIR - FIRST SNOWFALL IN BOLU PROVINCE

    IZMIR, Nov 16 (A.A) - The torrential rains which began overnight, paralyzed the daily life and traffic in Izmir Province, it was reported on Monday.

    The Izmir governorship closed the schools temporarily.

    Meanwhile a boy aged 12 or 13 who was carried by the flood waters and pushed under an automobile, was rescued. The boy whose identity could not be determined yet, was taken to the Tepecik Social Security Hospital.

    The heavy-rain affected the Guzelyali, Balcova, Karsiyaka, Cinarli and Cankaya Districts and Fahrettin Altay Square, inundating many houses and business places.

    Meanwhile first snow of the season has fallen on Bolu Province.

    Officials told the A.A correspondend that snow thickness has reached 8 cm in Kartalkaya, a famous skiing center.

    [09] BURSA NATURAL GAS POWER STATITION COMPLETED - POWER STATION COSTS NEARLY 500 MILLION US DOLLARS

    ANKARA, Nov 16 (A.A) - Bursa natural gas combined cycling power station which was put out to tender in 1995, was completed, it was reported on Monday.

    Officials at the Turkey Electricity Production and Transmission Corporation (TEAS) told the A.A correspondent that the station will relax Turkey who was in difficulty recently in meeting increasing electricity demands.

    Turkey who exported electricity to the neighbouring counties in the past, has to import electricity despite her electricity production of 105 billion kilowatt-hour last year.

    Energy and Natural Resources Ministry pointed out that the electricity demand increases 12 percent annually.

    Bursa Natural Gas Power Station which is expected to be opened in at the end of November, cost nearly 509 million US Dollars.

    The power station will produce nearly 10 billion kilowatt-hour electric energy annually.

    [10] DENIZKURDU, MINISTER OF JUSTICE: - ''THE DRAFT LAW TO ANNUL THE CAPITAL PUNISHMENT IS COMPLETED''

    ANKARA, Nov 16 (A.A) - Hasan Denizkurdu, the Minister of Justice, said on Monday that the draft law to annul the capital punishment is completed.

    Denizkurdu, responding to journalists at the entrance of the Prime Minister's office, said that every initiative that has to be done concerning Ocalan, the chief of the separatist terrorist organization PKK, has been started. ''currently, the draft law to annul the capital punishment is completed. Now, I am going to meet Prime Minister Mesut Yılmaz,'' he said.

    When journalists reminded that there are rumors that a bargaining process has started with Italy for the extradition of Ocalan, Denizkurdu said, ''no, there are international rules here. Bargaining in out of question.''

    Responding to a question on what will be brought instead of the capital punishment, Denizkurdu said it will be life sentence with increased security measures. ''That is, it is like the situation of Mehmet Ali Agca in Italy,'' he said.

    [11] TURKEY-THE US - THE TURKISH-AMERICAN BUSINESS PROMOTION COUNCIL AND COMMERCIAL CONSULTATION COMMITTEE TO CONVENE IN WASHINGTON D.C. IN THE US ON TUESDAY

    ANKARA, Nov 16 (A.A) - The Turkish-American Business Promotion Council and the second term meetings of the Turkish-American Commercial Consultation Committee will convene in Washington D.C. in the US on Tuesday, it is reported on Monday.

    Undersecretary of Foreign Trade said that the meetings will last for two days and Yavuz Ege, the Undersecretary of the Foreign Trade will preside the Turkish delegation and the American delegation will be headed by David Aaron, the Deputy Secretary of the US Department of Commerce.

    Yavuz Ege, who left for the US to participate in the meetings, will also meet with officials of the US Eximbank and the US Trade Representation during his stay in Washington D.C.

    During the Turkish-American Business Council, which was established by signing the Memorandum of Understanding between Turkey and the US on November 15, 1996; working groups will be formed which will prepare proposals to increase the cooperation between the private sectors of the two countries. These proposals will be submitted to the chairmen of the Turkish and American delegations on November 17.

    American and Turkish officials will evaluate the cooperation opportunitues between the two countries' private sectors in the fields of energy, banking, transportation, telecommunication, iron-stell, textile, agriculture, tourism, environment and education.

    Other meetings will be held on November 20 within the framework of the Commercial Consultation Mechanism which was established by signing of the memorandum of understanding on January 20,1998.

    The commercial delegations will evaluate on the measures that will be taken to improve the relations, intellectual rights, cooperation in the field of energy, Turkish-American textile trade and proposals of private sectors.

    [12] ISMAIL CEM ADDRESSES TO LA REPUBLICA, AN ITALIAN NEWSPAPER: ''IT IS A SHAME ON ITALIAN TELEVESION CHANNELS NOT TO COVER NEWS ABOUT THE BEATEN TURKISH JOURNALISTS IN ROME''

    ROME, Nov 16 (A.A) - Foreign Minister Ismail Cem told La Republica, an Italian central-leftist newspaper that the treatment of Turkish journalists in Rome has not been covered by Italian media, it is reported on Monday.

    Criticizing the Italian newspapers which extend support to the separatist terrorist organization PKK, Cem asked whether or not the Italian newspapers know what is going on in Rome?

    ''The Italian television channels have to be concerned about their Turkish counterparts, who were beaten badly by the supporters of the separatist terrorist organization PKK. Ten out of Turkish journalists were injured and three of them were taken to hospital,'' Cem said.

    ''Why do you accuse the Italian television channels?,'' asked the correspondent of the Italian newspaper and Cem said ''because they did not broadcast anything about the attacks against Turkish journalists. This is a shame. I asked Turkish officials to send the frames covering the attacks against Turkish journalists in Rome to me and to the Italian television channels.''

    Responding to a question asking whether or not Turkey will take political and commercial sanctions against Italy if the latter does not extradite Abdullah Ocalan to Turkey, Cem said ''we'll decide on this issue by taking into consideration the attitude of Italy in a short period of time.''

    Meanwhile, La Republica noted that the Italian Foreign Ministry warned the Italian Embassies in the Middle Eastern countries against the possibility of terrorist actions concerning the chief of the separatist terrorist organization and asked them to increase the security measures in order to protect the Italian personnel in the embassies.

    The paper also claimed that if the extradition request of Turkey is rejected by Italy, Turkish extreme rightists can take action, adding that if Ocalan is extradited, the Italian Foreign Ministry is concerned about the escalation of activities of the Kurdish origined terrorism in all capitals of Europe.

    The Turkish Embassy in Rome had also asked Italian officials to increase the security measures in surroundings of the Turkish Embassy in Rome, but the measures have not been intensified so far.

    [13] FIVE TURKISH JOURNALISTS ARE TAKEN INTO CUSTODY IN ITALY

    ROME, Nov 16 (A.A) - Italian police took into custody on Monday five Turkish press members who are in Rome to cover the developments regarding the arrest of Abdullah Ocalan, the chief of the separatist terrorist organization PKK.

    Goksel Polat and Hakan Disicier from the private TV channel of Kanal D, Adnan Gerger and Fatih Cotur from ATV and Korcan Karar, a correspondent of Sabah newspaper were taken into custody by the Italian police.

    The Turkish press members were taken into custody while they were trying to take pictures from the Palestrina hospital where the chief of the separatist terrorist organization is belived to be present according to the news of Secola D'Italia, an Italian newspaper.

    The Turkish press members are expected to be realeased after their identities are checked.

    [14] PRIME MINISTER YILMAZ SAYS THAT AN ITALIAN JURIST WILL VISIT IN ANKARA FOR THE LEGAL PROCEEDINGS CONCERNING THE EXTRADITION OF OCALAN, CHIEF OF THE TERRORIST PKK

    ANKARA, Nov 16 (A.A) - Prime Minister Mesut Yılmaz said on Monday that an Italian jurist will come to Ankara on Tuesday for the legal proceedings concerning the extradition of Abdullah Ocalan, the chief of the separatist terrorist organization PKK to Turkey.

    Prime Minister Yılmaz stated that this Italian jurist will help in the extradition file that will be prepared by Ministries of Justice and Interior, adding that help of several intervenor Italian lawyers can be needed during the stage when Ocalan is tried.

    Responding to a question asking the place of Ocalan, the chief of the separatist terrorist organization PKK, Yılmaz said he was informed that Ocalan is kept in a safe place by the Italian intelligence service.

    [15] WEU COUNCIL OF MINISTERS MEETINGS START

    ROME, Nov 16 (A.A) - The fall meetings of the West European Union (WEU) Council of Ministers start in Rome, the capital of Italy on Monday, with a session where the issue of armament is being discussed by the defense ministers, it is reported on Monday.

    Ismet Sezgin, the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of State, and Ismail Cem, the Foreign Minister, represent Turkey at the two-day meetings.

    The ministers of the WEU member states will take up the situation of the WEU, the developments in Kosovo and Albania and the operational abilities of the WEU before the EU Amsterdam Agreement enters into force, and the NATO meeting which will be held in April 1999.

    Meanwhile many bilateral talks are expected to be held within the framework of the meetings. Cem is scheduled to come together with his German counterpart Joschka Fischer and Lamberto Dini, the Italian Foreign Minister.

    [16] GREEK CYPRIOTS AND SUPPORTERS OF SEPARATIST TERRORIST ORGANIZATION THREW FIREBOMB TO THE BORDER OF THE TRNC

    LEFKOSA, Nov 16 (A.A) - A group of Greek Cypriots and supporters of the separatist terrorist organization PKK who were ''protesting'' the 15th anniversary of the foundation of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC), threw fire-bombs to the border of the TRNC, it was reported on Monday.

    No casualties were reported at the incident.

    The TRNC authorities condemned the attack and requested the United Nations (UN) peace force to take necessary measures againts the possible attacks.

    Meanwhile Greek Cypriot students carrying Greek and Greek Cypriot flags and symbols of separatist terrorist organization PKK marched to the Ledra Palace border gate and chanted slogans against Turkey and the TRNC.

    [17] ABOLISHMENT OF DEATH PENALTY - DENIZKURDU, THE MINISTER OF JUSTICE: ''IF THIS DRAFT BECOMES A LAW, THIS WILL EASE THE EXTRADITION OF TERRORIST PKK CHIEF TO TURKEY''

    ANKARA, Nov 16 (A.A) - Hasan Denizkurdu, the Minister of Justice submitted the draft law which foresees abolishment of death penalty to Prime Minister Yılmaz and Bulent Ecevit, the Deputy Prime Minister on Tuesday.

    Responding to questions of journalists after meeting with Prime Minister Yılmaz, Denizkurdu said that the Ministry of Interior has completed its studies regarding the draft law which foresees abolishment of the death penalty in Turkish Penal Code.

    Noting that he submitted the draft law to Prime Minister Mesut Yılmaz and Bulent Ecevit, Denizkurdu stated that Mesut Yılmaz will inform Husamettin Cindoruk, the leader of the Democratic Turkey Party (DTP) about the draft.

    Stressing that the Council of Ministers will take up the draft law in its meeting on Tuesday or Wednesday, Denizkurdu pointed out that ''if the draft law is adopted by the parliament, the death penalty will be replaced with life imprisonment under more strict conditions. This is a new description.''

    Responding to a question, Denizkurdu said that the necessary things are done in laws and practice against the attitude of Europe regarding human rights in Turkey.

    ''We wonder what Italy will do, as you know Italy requests the extradition of Pinochet from Britain. We'll also see whether or not the West, which also talks about human rights, will pursue a double standart about this issue. Thus, an important claim that is alleged to prevent the extradition of Ocalan to Turkey will be overcome by the abolishment of the death sentence,'' he added.

    [18] TORRENTIAL RAINS CAUSE FLOOD IN MUGLA PROVINCE - MANY HOUSES AND BUSINESS PLACES INUNDATED

    MUGLA, Nov 16 (A.A) - Many houses and business places in Mugla Province and surroundings in the Aegean Region and in Fethiye County were flooded by torrential rains, which started two days ago, it was reported on Monday.

    The torrential rains also paralyzed the daily life and traffic in the province.

    Meanwhile Mehmet Sencan (13) who was carried by the flood waters and pushed under an automobile in Izmir Province, died in Tepecik Social Security Hospital where he was taken for medical treatment.

    [19] KORKMAZCAN, THE TRNC PARLIAMENT: ''THE WORLD HAS TO SEE THE TRNC REALITY''

    LEFKOSA, Nov 16 (A.A) - Hasan Korkmazcan, the Deputy Parliament Speaker of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) said on Monday that all the rules and institutions of the democratic standarts in the world are also applied in TRNC, adding that the world has to see the TRNC reality.

    Noting that the European Parliament and government circles within the European Union (EU) which started full membership negotiations with the Greek Cypriot side should closely watch the developments in TRNC, Korkmazcan said that ''if they attribute importance to human rights and democracy, they should see the realities on Cyprus.''

    Responding to the statement of Apostolos Kaklamanis, the Greek Parliament Speaker, who said that ''the UN resolutions concerning Cyprus should be implemented by force just like in Kuwait and Yugoslavia,'' Korkmazcan stated that those who came to Southern Cyprus and issued statements there as if there is ''occupation'' on Cyprus, should recognize the campaign carried out for the sixth parliamentary elections which will be held on December 6 in TRNC.

    Stressing that if there is a situation which necessitates the use of force in the world, this force should be used against those who abolished ''the Cyprus Republic'' in contrary to international agreements, Korkmazcan added that the main task of UN, EU and other international institutions, which attribute importance to world peace should consider Turkish Cypriot people among world states.

    Responding to a question about the letter sent by Greek Cypriot parliament to the Italian parliament requesting the release of Abdullah Ocalan, the chief of the separatist terrorist organization PKK, Hasan Korkmazcan said ''this is not a surprise, those who use the same methods and those who deal with politics by terrorism, hatred, and blood meet each other somehow. Everybody knows that Southern Cyprus extends support to murderers of children and drug smugglers.''

    Hakkı Atun, the Parliament Speaker of the TRNC said in his part that there is a state in TRNC which works by all of its organs.

    [20] A SUSPECTED PERSON STROLLING AROUND THE TURKISH EMBASSY, WAS TAKEN INTO CUSTODY

    ROME, Nov 16 (A.A) - A suspected person who strolled around the Turkish Embassy building was taken into custody on Monday after his identity was checked by Italian gendarme.

    Gendarme took a person who attracted attention by his suspicious manners at 11:00 (Turkey's local time) into the gendarme post behind the Turkish Embassy building. The gendarme is waiting for a translator to understand the identity of the person who carries the passport of an Arab country.

    Gendarme officials said that the suspect was also carrying a yellow piece of paper in which the entrances and exits were marked with a blue pen on the sketch of Turkish Embassy building.

    The suspect is still being interrogated.

    Following the incident, the Italian security forces increased the measures around Turkish Embassy.

    [21] REACTION OF TURKISH BUSINESSMEN TO ITALY - YILDIRIM, THE CHAIRMAN OF THE ISTANBUL TRADE CHAMBER SENDS LETTERS TO ITALIAN TRADE CHAMBERS WARNING THAT IF OCALAN, THE TERRORIST CHIEF IS NOT EXTRADITED TO TURKEY THIS WILL HARM THE COMMERCE RELATIONS

    ISTANBUL, Nov 16 (A.A) - Mehmet Yıldırım, the Chairman of the Istanbul Trade Chamber sent letters to all the Italian trade chambers warning that if Ocalan, the chief of the separatist terrorist organization is not extradited to Turkey, this will harm economic and commercial relations between Turkey and Italy, it is reported on Tuesday.

    Noting that the reactions to Italy can even lead to boycott of Italian products, Yıldırım said in his letters that Italy pursues a hostile attitude against Turkey.

    ''The Turkish public opinion has been offended by the official statements of Italy who say that they will not extradite Abdullah Ocalan, who caused the deaths of 30,000 people in Turkey and they will give him the right to asylum,'' said Yıldırım.

    Yıldırım added that the recent developments can negatively affect the important trade volume between Turkey and Italy and this will be harmful for Italian people.

    Meanwhile, Husamettin Kavi, the Chairman of the Istanbul Industry Chamber said in his part that they are preparing to convey the uneasiness of Turkish private sector about the attitude of Italy which started by the gathering of the so-called Kurdish parliament in exile at Italian parliament.


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