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Anadolu Agency: News in English, 99-03-09

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

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

AA Daily

09 March 1999 Tuesday


CONTENTS

  • [01] TURKEY-PRESS SCAN
  • [02] 18TH INTERNATIONAL ISTANBUL FILM FESTIVAL
  • [03] FORESTRY CONGRESS OF FAO - SEZER, FORESTRY MINISTER, HOLDS BILATERAL TALKS
  • [04] NATO MILITARY COMMITTEE CONVENES ON TUESDAY - GENERAL KIVRIKOGLU TO REPRESENT TURKEY
  • [05] PRESIDENT DEMIREL RECEIVES SUDANESE FOREIGN AFFAIRS MINISTER DR. ISMAIL
  • [06] TRIAL OF TERRORIST CHIEF - TURKEY UNION OF BARS: - ''NO COUNTRY CAN GIVE GUARANTEE NEITHER TO SUSPECTS NOR TO THEIR LAWYERS AS THEY HAVE NO RIGHT TO INTERVENE TO THE TURKEY'S INDEPENDENT JURISDICTION''
  • [07] TRIAL OF TERRORIST CHIEF - LAWYER HASIP KAPLAN: - ''I HAVE SEVERAL CONDITIONS. I WILL MAKE A DECISION AFTER HOLDING TALKS WITH OCALAN''
  • [08] PROSECUTORS ON IMRALI ISLAND ROTATES THEIR ASSIGNMENTS
  • [09] CONTACTS OF MILLER, SPECIAL COORDINATOR OF THE U.S. STATE DEPARTMENT FOR CYPRUS, IN ANKARA
  • [10] PARLIAMENT SPEAKER CETIN LEAVES FOR ISRAEL
  • [11] GORY TERRORIST ACTIONS IN THE SOUTHEAST REDUCE AS A RESULT OF SECURITY FORCES' SUCCESSFUL STRUGGLE - A TOTAL OF 114 TERRORISTS KILLED SINCE THE BEGINNING OF THIS YEAR
  • [12] LAWYER OF OCALAN APPLIES TO STATE SECURITY COURT
  • [13] TRIAL OF CHIEF TERRORIST - ERDOGAN, NOTARY PUBLIC OF MUDANYA, RECEIVES PROCURATION FROM SUSPECT OCALAN FOR TWO LAWYERS
  • [14] 106 DEPUTIES WHO SIGNED TO CONVENE THE PARLIAMENT TO POSTPONE THE ELECTIONS HAD EARLIER SAID ''YES'' TO 18 APRIL ELECTIONS - BEDUK, DYP DEPUTY: ''WE WILL NOT JOIN THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY ON SATURDAY'' - YILMAZ, ANAP LEADER: ''SUCH A DEVELOPMENT WILL LEAD THE COUNTRY INTO CHAOS'' - CILLER, DYP LEADER: ''IT IS NOT POSSIBLE FOR THESE DEPUTIES TO REACH SOMEWERE''
  • [15] PRESIDENT DEMIREL SENDS GET WELL SOON MESSAGE TO TURKMEN PRESIDENT TURKMENBASI
  • [16] TRNC FOREIGN AND DEFENSE MINISTRY: - ''IT IS A WRONG IMPRESSION THAT WE AGREE WITH THE DECISION FOR THE CLOSURE OF THE U.N. CONTACT BUREAU IN LIMASOL''
  • [17] FM CEM RECEIVES MILLER, U.S. STATE DEPARTMENT SPECIAL COORDINATOR TO CYPRUS - MILLER: ''WE HELD COMPREHENSIVE TALKS ON PKK WITH GREECE'' - ''WE ACCEPT PKK AS A TERRORIST ORGANIZATION AND OCALAN AS A TERRORIST'' - ''I BELIEVE A SOLUTION CAN BE FOUND FOR THE CYPRUS ISSUE''
  • [18] EXTRAORDINARY MEETING OF PARLIAMENT - PRIME MINISTER ECEVIT: ''EFFORT OF 116 DEPUTIES TO POSTPONE POLLS IS A CIVILIAN COUP ATTEMPT'' - ''I HOPE THIS EFFORT WILL BE RENDERED INEFFECTIVE AT THE PARLIAMENT''
  • [19] NATO MILITARY COMMITTEE MEETINGS - TURKEY GIVES THE SAME MESSAGES CONCERNING THE STRUGGLE AGAINST TERRORISM - ''WE HAVE NO EXPECTATION FROM NATO'' - ''IT IS ENOUGH IF THE ONES WHO CAST A SHADOW ARE NOT ALLIES''
  • [20] CALL FOR EXTRAORDINARY CONVENTION OF PARLIAMENT - PRIME MINISTER ECEVIT: ''WE ONCE AGAIN CAN FACE A REGIME CRISIS'' - ''NOBODY HAS THE RIGHT TO ROIL THIS PROCESS WITH BARGAININGS ONLY FIVE WEEKS BEFORE THE POLLS'' - ''WHAT WILL WE DISCUSS WITH GREECE WHILE SHE IS SUPPORTING THE TERRORISTS WHO WANT TO SEPARATE TURKEY?''

  • [01] TURKEY-PRESS SCAN

    These are some of the major headlines and their brief stories in Turkey's press on March 9, 1999. The Anadolu Agency does not verify these stories and does not vouch for their accuracy.

    HURRIYET (LIBERAL)

    SHOCK OF 116 SIGNATURES
    Hikmet Cetin, Speaker of Parliament, recalled the assembly for an extraordinary meeting on March 13, 1999 in response to a request from a group of 116 deputies who are not selected as candidates by their parties for 18 April general elections. Deputies have applied for the parliament to reconvene on March 10 in order to ''discuss the latest developments in Turkey and abroad since capture of Abdullah Ocalan, chief of terrorist organization PKK.''

    GREAT DISCOVERY OF A TURKISH BIOLOGIST
    Nevah Ciftcioglu, a Turkish biologist living in Finland, has discovered the Nanobacteria which causes renal diseases. She was awarded with the Medix Merit, the most significant medicine award of Finland. Dr. Ciftcioglu will receive her award in Helsinki later today.

    MILLIYET (LIBERAL)

    IMF: URGENT REFORMS ARE NECESSARY IN THE WAKE OF ELECTIONS
    A delegation headed by Hikmet Ulugbay, Deputy Prime Minister and State Minister responsible for the economy, started negotiations with the officials of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) in the U.S. The IMF noted that structural reforms such as the social security reform and the privatization, are necessary for the success of the struggle against inflation in the wake of the general elections on April 18, 1999.

    THREE GOVERNORS ON BLACK LIST
    Operations continue in order to capture four suspects of last week's bomb attack in central Cankiri province killing three people and injuring eihgt others including Ayhan Cevik, the Governor of Cankiri. Security forces launched operations to capture Binnaz Demirbas, Selma Korkut, Sedat Ot and Bulent Cutcu in accordance with the confessions of Kemal Erturk, the accused of the bomb attack who was captured in Sivrihisar in the wake of the assasination attempt against Cevik. Security forces who investigated the documents seized in a cell in Polatli used by the illegal terrorist organization TKP/ML TIKKO that had claimed the responsibility of the bomb attack, pointed out that the terrorist organization was planning to attack on several regional governors and deputies in the Black Sea Region including Gurbuz I. Civelek, the Governor of Trabzon, Mehmet Gundogdu, the Governor of Tokat, and Huseyin Poroy, the Governor of Amasya.

    THREE MEMBERS OF ILLEGAL TIKKO KILLED
    Three terrorists who were the members of the illegal terrorist organization TKP/ML TIKKO, the Turkish Communist Party and Turkish Workers and Peasant Liberation Army which staged an assasination attempt against Ayhan Cevik, the Governor of Cankiri, were killed during the operations launched by the security forces in Tokat Province.

    SABAH (LIBERAL)

    OCALAN IS A HASHISH ADDICT
    A doctor from the Alcoholism and Drug Addiction Center AMATEM left for Imrali Island where the terrorist chief is being kept in prison, to treat Abdullah Ocalan who is a hashish addict. Meanwhile political shock in Greece continues. Several high level officials who allowed Ocalan to enter Greece and hosted him, are expected to be taken into custody.

    GOD SAVED US
    There could be disaster in the Ali Sami Yen Stadium where thousands of people gathered to watch the soccer match between Galatasaray and Fenerbahce clubs. A hand grenade was planted under the sidewalk near the entrance of private stand. The bomb would explode if some one stepped on the sidewalk, but by change no one stepped on the Russian made bomb.

    CUMHURIYET (LEFT)

    HADEP TO JOIN POLLS
    The Constitutional Court unanimously rejected the Supreme Court Chief Public Prosecutor Vural Savas's request for the prevention of participation of the People's Democracy Party (HADEP) in local and general elections on 18 April 1999. Thus HADEP can join the local and general elections to be held on 18 April 1999. Savas had mentioned in his request that Articles 68 and 69 of the Constitution and Articles 98 till 108 of the Political Parties Law authorize the Constitutional Court to close a political party, and to prevent that political party from joining elections after its decision to close it.

    RADIKAL (LEFT)

    SULLEN DEPUTIES TAKE THE FIRST STEP
    Hikmet Cetin, the Speaker of Parliament, recalled the assembly for an extraordinary meeting on March 13, 1999 in response to a request from a group of 116 deputies. Deputies who are not selected as candidates by their parties for 18 April general elections, aim at cancelling the elections and overthrowing the government.

    GOVERNOR AYHAN CEVIK RECOVERS FROM CRITICAL CONDITION
    Ayhan Cevik, the Governor of Cankiri who was seriously injured in the last week's bomb attack, recovered from the critical condition. Prof. Dr. Metin Cakmakci, the Head Doctor of the Hacettepe University Medical Faculty Adults Hospital, said that Governor Cevik regained consciousness and easily sets up communication. ''The respiration of Governor Ayhan Cevik is partly supported by artificial respiratory system. He still can't eat normally. At this stage, there is not any problem concerning his brain surgery. Except possible complications, he overcame the critical condition,'' head doctor noted.

    YENİ YÜZYIL (LIBERAL)

    RELATIONS WITH SUDAN TO BE IMPROVED
    Dr. Mustafa Osman Ismail, Sudanese Foreign Affairs Minister, who pays a two day official visit to Turkey, came together with his Turkish counterpart Ismail Cem. Turkey thanked Sudan for her interest and cooperation in struggle against terrorism. President Demirel also received Dr. Ismail, and noted that Turkey wants further improvement of political and economic relations with Sudan.

    A SUSPICIOUS GREEK CITIZEN TAKEN INTO CUSTODY IN HAYMANA
    A Greek who was helding suspicious talks with residents of Haymana county of Ankara, was taken into custody. Security forces later found out that the mysterious Greek citizen was Michael Christides, the Undersecretary of the Greek Embassy in Ankara, and released him. Security forces gave information about the Greek diplomat having political immunity, to the Foreign Ministry and to the Directorate General of Security.

    TÜRKİYE (RIGHT)

    LOST WEAPONS FOUND
    Security forces seized a total of five automatic rifles, five pistols, a number of bullets and home made bombs that were buried near Polatli county of Ankara province by terrorist Kemal Erturk, the accused of the bomb attack against Ayhan Cevik, the Governor of Cankiri. Weapons have been sent to Ankara for ballistics examination.

    ITALIAN PREMIER D'ALEMA IN SHOCK
    The U.S. President Bill Clinton met with Italian Prime Minister Massimo D'Alema and reminded him that Italian government hosted a terrorist. Clinton stressed that the terrorist organization PKK and the Kurdish people are two separate issues.

    ZAMAN (CONSERVATIVE)

    A TOTAL OF 175 KG OF DYNAMITE ON CORUM
    The gendarme teams seized a total of 175 kg of dynamite and 5 thousand metre of fuse hidden in a water tank in an operation launched in Alaca county of central Corum province. Akil Uzelgun, the Governor of Corum, said that acting on a tip-off the gendarme teams found out 175 kg of dynamite and 5 thousand metre of fuse in a water tank in Tasocagi region in Kayabuget village. Mustafa Sarac and Halit Damar were taken into custody. A full investigation regarded with the weapons, is underway.

    [02] 18TH INTERNATIONAL ISTANBUL FILM FESTIVAL

    ISTANBUL, March 9 (A.A) - The 18th International Istanbul Film Festival will be organized by the Istanbul Culture and Art Foundation between April 7 and May 2, it was reported on Tuesday.

    Addressing a press conference Melih Fereli, the Director General of the Foundation, pointed out that the films will be shown in the Emek, Atlas, Alkazar and Beyoglu cinemas in Beyoglu district and in the Moda cinema in Kadikoy district within the framework of the 18th International Film Festival.

    A total of 12 films will compete each other for the ''Golden Tulip'' in the international contest.

    The ''Lola &amp; Bilidikid'' directed by Kutlug Arman, will represent Turkey in the contest.

    The Best Director and the Best Film awards will be given in the national contest which aims at promoting the Turkish cinema to the world through the foreign critics who attend the festival.

    Names and directors of the ten films participating at the national contest, are as follows:

    ''On the Ship (Gemide)'' by Serdar Akar,

    ''Wound (Yara)'' by Yilmaz Arslan,

    ''A Diploma for Craziness (Kaciklik Diplomasi)'' by Tunc Başaran,

    ''Farewell Tomorrow (Hoscakal Yarin)'' by Reis Celik,

    ''Propaganda'' by Sinan Cetin,

    ''Boatman (Kayikci)'' by Biket Ilhan,

    ''A Saint in Laleli (Laleli'de Sir Azize)'' by Kudret Sabanci, ''Journey to the Sun (Gunese Yolculuk)'' by Yesim Ustaoglu,

    ''Tale of Leopard (Leoparın Kuyruğu)'', by Turgut Yasalar and

    ''Everything's Gonna Be Alright (Herşey Çok Güzel Olacak)'' by Omer Vargi.

    Six films including the ''Bertolt Brecht-Love, Revolution and Other Risks'' which was made for the 100th anniversary of Bertolt Brecht's birth, the ''Paris'' directed by Raymond Depardon who is known as the poet of the cinema, the ''Wild Man Blues'' directed by Barbara Kopple, will be shown in the documentary part of the festival.

    A special commemoration part will be prepared for Alfred Hitckok within the framework of the 18th International Istanbul Film Festival. A total of 16 films directed by Hitckok will be shown. Meanwhile Akiro Kurosawa and Alan J. Pakula who passed away last year, will also be commemorated in the festival.

    Three films of Yilmaz Guney including ''Road (Yol)'' which was awarded by the ''Golden Palm'' in 1982, will be shown in the section of ''Respect for Masters''. Films of Abbas Kiarostami from Iran, Mario Monicelli from Italy, Jerry Schatzberg from the U.S. and Agnes Varda from France will meet with the Turkish people during the festival.

    [03] FORESTRY CONGRESS OF FAO - SEZER, FORESTRY MINISTER, HOLDS BILATERAL TALKS

    ROME, March 9 (A.A) - Arif Sezer, the Forestry Minister, who is currently in Italy to attend the congress on ''Sustainable Forestry Administration'' organized by the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) in the Italian capital Rome, held bilateral talks on Monday.

    Sezer came together with Albanian, Slovakian, Senegalese, Iranian and Moroccan ministers to exchange views on the forestry.

    Muhammed Said Kia, the Iranian Housing and Urban Development Minister, wanted to make use of Turkey's experiences over the issue of national parks.

    Requesting forestry experts from both countries to come together, Kia pointed out that they aim at sending a delegation to Turkey in the coming months, and noted that a regional meeting will be held in Iran to discuss main international and national problems in the field of forestry.

    Responding to questions of A.A correspondent about his bilateral talks, Sezer underlined that Turkey has a significant position in forestry and participates at the international works actively.

    [04] NATO MILITARY COMMITTEE CONVENES ON TUESDAY - GENERAL KIVRIKOGLU TO REPRESENT TURKEY

    BRUSSELS, March 9 (A.A) - The 132nd meeting of the NATO Military Committee formed by the chiefs of staffs of member states to the NATO which is the highest military decision organ of the Alliance, will begin in Brussels on Tuesday.

    General Huseyin Kivrikoglu, the Chief of General Staff, will represent Turkey at the meeting which is expected to focus on the Kosovo crisis.

    General Kivrikoglu is expected to criticize Greece harshly but without giving name, within the scope of his speech on the issue of ''threat of terrorism and joint struggle against terrorism'' during the Military Committee meetings.

    [05] PRESIDENT DEMIREL RECEIVES SUDANESE FOREIGN AFFAIRS MINISTER DR. ISMAIL

    ANKARA, March 9 (A.A) - President Suleyman Demirel received on Monday Dr. Mustafa Osman Ismail, Sudanese Foreign Affairs Minister, who pays a two day official visit to Turkey as the guest of Ismail Cem, the Foreign Minister.

    Addressing the meeting, President Demirel stressed that Turkey attributes great importance to the relations with Sudan.

    Demirel noted that further improvement of political and economic relations between the two countries will contribute the international cooperation including the joint struggle against terrorism.

    Pointing out that Turkey monitors closely Sudan's efforts to improve relations with neighbouring countries and also with the international community, Demirel underlined that Turkey is ready to assist Sudan's development process in future.

    Dr. Mustafa Osman Ismail said in his part that his country aims at working with Turkey in every field, especially in international cooperation against terrorism, adding that Sudan attributes great importance to the close friendship with Turkey.

    He informed President Demirel about the political and economic developments in Sudan.

    Ismail Cem was also in attendance at the meeting.

    [06] TRIAL OF TERRORIST CHIEF - TURKEY UNION OF BARS: - ''NO COUNTRY CAN GIVE GUARANTEE NEITHER TO SUSPECTS NOR TO THEIR LAWYERS AS THEY HAVE NO RIGHT TO INTERVENE TO THE TURKEY'S INDEPENDENT JURISDICTION''

    ANKARA, March 9 (A.A) - The Turkey Union of Bars said on Tuesday that Abdullah Ocalan, the chief of terrorist organization PKK, will be tried by the independent Turkish courts, stressing that no country can give guarantee neither to suspects nor to their lawyers as they have no right to intervene to Turkey's independent jurisdiction.

    The Directorate of Union issued a written statement saying that the Turkish people who have been suffering from terrorism for the past 15 years, are very sensitive and reactive.

    Stressing that Abdullah Ocalan who was captured in Kenya, has been surrendered to the Turkish justice, the statement underlined that Turkey is a state of law and Ocalan will be tried by the independent Turkish courts.

    ''Now it is the jurisdiction's turn. The Turkish jurisdiction will fulfil a historical mission. Therefore every one should rely on Turkish independent jurisdiction,'' the Union pointed out.

    The statement also stressed that overall conditions for a fair trial should be provided; those who have been damaged by the crime should participate at the trial as intervenors; obstacles for the defense right should be removed; and the suspect should hold talks with his lawyers; and security of lawyers should be provided.

    ''To give a fair verdict, it is necessary to use the defense right whoever the suspect is or whatever his crimes are. Lawyers participating at the case as the representatives of the suspect or as the representatives of the intervenors, should be aware of their responsibilites as jurists and should not consider the case as a show. Only the lawyers registered to the Turkish Bars, can be charged in the case, and foreign lawyers will not be allowed, '' the statement also stressed.

    The Turkey Union of Bars requested the parliament the make the necessary constitutional changes, and called the Turkish people to act calmly against the possible illegal actions. The Union also wanted lawyers not to forget their responsibilities.

    [07] TRIAL OF TERRORIST CHIEF - LAWYER HASIP KAPLAN: - ''I HAVE SEVERAL CONDITIONS. I WILL MAKE A DECISION AFTER HOLDING TALKS WITH OCALAN''

    BURSA, March 9 (A.A) - Hasip Kaplan, a lawyer from the Istanbul Bar, said on Monday that he has several conditions to advocate Abdullah Ocalan, the chief of terrorist organization PKK, and will make a decision after holding talks with terrorist chief.

    Responding to questions of the A.A correspondent, Kaplan pointed out that there are two dimensions of the case; the defense dimension and the professional dimension.

    Reminding that he will leave for Imrali Island on Tuesday along with another lawyer Ahmet Zeki Okcuoglu to hold talks with Ocalan, Kaplan stressed, 'my defense style can be change after the talks with Ocalan. I have, of course, professional principles. I will fulfil my responbisility as a jurist.''

    [08] PROSECUTORS ON IMRALI ISLAND ROTATES THEIR ASSIGNMENTS

    MUDANYA, March 9 (A.A) - The prosecutors on Imrali Island where Abdullah Ocalan, the chief of terrorist organization PKK, is being kept in prison, rotated their assignments on Monday.

    Huseyin Cinar, one of the prosecutors of Mudanya county, left for Imrali Island while Ayhan Koksal, another prosecutor, departed Imrali.

    The Deputy Director of the Prison has also come to the island along with Koksal.

    Hacibey Erdogan, the Notary Public in Mudanya, is expected to return to Mudanya.

    The prosecutors assigned to Mudanya county are working rotatingly in Imralı prison which was turned into a closed prison.

    [09] CONTACTS OF MILLER, SPECIAL COORDINATOR OF THE U.S. STATE DEPARTMENT FOR CYPRUS, IN ANKARA

    ANKARA, March 9 (A.A) - Thomas Miller, Special Coordinator of the U.S. State Department for Cyprus who pays an official visit to Turkey started his contacts in Ankara on Tuesday.

    Miller came together with Faruk Logoglu, Deputy Undersecretary of the Foreign Ministry.

    No detailed information has been given about the agenda of the meeting, but the Turkish side is expected to bring the issue of Greece' and the Greek Cypriot side's supporting attitude towards the terrorist organization PKK, onto the agenda. The Turkish side is also expected to give message to Greece and the Greek Cypriot side to stop this support which jeopardizes the searches for peace on the island.

    Addressing a press conference last week, Sermet Atacanli, the

    Deputy Spokesman of the Foreign Ministry, had stressed, ''the Greek Cypriot side's change of attitude is very significant for the process of finding a peaceful solution to the Cyprus question. The Greek Cypriot administration must stop supporting terrorism just like the Greek government.''

    Miller will be received by Ismail Cem, the Foreign Minister, and Sukru Sina Gurel, the State Minister responsible for Cyprus, later today.

    Thomas Miller is expected to proceed to Athens on Wednesday after concluding his contacts in Ankara.

    [10] PARLIAMENT SPEAKER CETIN LEAVES FOR ISRAEL

    ANKARA, March 9 (A.A) - Hikmet Cetin, the Speaker of Parliament, and accompanying parliamentary delegation left on Tuesday for Israel.

    Addressing the journalists at the Esenboga Airport before his departure, Cetin said that his contacts in Israel will focus on the bilateral relations between the two countries, the regional matters and the international problems.

    Reminding that he will also pay an official visit to Palestine on March 11 as the guest of Ahmet Gueri, the Chairman of the Legislation Council of Palestine Autonomous Administration, Cetin told reporters that several issues including bilateral relations and the Middle East Peace Process, will be taken up in detail.

    Cetin said, ''we will tell both Israeli and Palestinian officials once again that Turkey attributes great importance to the Middle East Peace Process. The Middle East needs peace than anything else. We will underline in our contacs that the success of the peace process will be beneficial for overall regional countries. On the other hand, I believe that this visit will contribute to the relations to be further improved.''

    Hikmet Cetin and accompanying parliamentary delegation are expected to return to Turkey on Friday.

    [11] GORY TERRORIST ACTIONS IN THE SOUTHEAST REDUCE AS A RESULT OF SECURITY FORCES' SUCCESSFUL STRUGGLE - A TOTAL OF 114 TERRORISTS KILLED SINCE THE BEGINNING OF THIS YEAR

    DIYARBAKIR, March 9 (A.A) - The gory terrorist actions that has been lasting for the last 15 years in Southeastern Anatolia region, reduced 40 or 50 percent as a result of the suscessful struggle of the security forces, it was reported on Tuesday.

    The terrorist organization PKK has begun to collapse in the wake of the capture of Abdullah Ocalan, the chief of the organization. Terrorists who were trying to take shelter in Northern Iraq after being dispersed from Syria, have begun to flee towards Iran because of the cross-border operation of the security forces.

    A total of 3 thousand 993 separate incidents occured in 1993; 3 thousand 908 incidents in 1994; 2 thousand 118 incidents in 1995; 1 thousand 941 incidents in 1996; 1 thousand 300 incidents in 1997, and 977 incidents in 1998 in the region.

    Ten terrorist actions took place in the region within the first two months of this year.

    Meanwhile a total of 114 terrorists were killed in the operations launched by the security forces in the region since the beginning of this year. Eight terrorists were captured while two others have surrendered to the security forces.

    Nine security forces died in the clashes with the terrorists.

    [12] LAWYER OF OCALAN APPLIES TO STATE SECURITY COURT

    ANKARA, March 9 (A.A) - Ahmet Zeki Okcuoglu, a lawyer registered to the Istanbul Bar, applied on Tuesday to the Ankara State Security Court to hold talks with his client Abdullah Ocalan, the chief of terrorist organization PKK.

    Addressing the journalist following his half an hour meeting with Cevdet Volkan, the Chief Prosecutor, Okcuoglu said that Ocalan has given procuration to him to undertake his defense.

    Okcuoglu stressed that he will leave for Mudanya county of Bursa province if his application is accepted.

    Pointing out that his application will be conveyed to the Prime Ministry by the Chief Prosecutor's Office, Okcuoglu added that Volkan told him that Ocalan did not give procuration to Hasip Kaplan.

    [13] TRIAL OF CHIEF TERRORIST - ERDOGAN, NOTARY PUBLIC OF MUDANYA, RECEIVES PROCURATION FROM SUSPECT OCALAN FOR TWO LAWYERS

    MUDANYA, March 9 (A.A) - Abdullah Ocalan, the chief of the terrorist PKK organization who is imprisoned on Imrali Island, gave procuration for two lawyers through Hacibey Erdogan, the notary public of Mudanya, it was reported on Tuesday.

    Speaking to reporters, Erdogan, who went to the island on Monday and returned back to Mudanya on Tuesday, said that he doesn't have the authority to give information.

    Confirming that the chief terrorist gave procuration to two lawyers for his defense, Erdogan said, ''you'll have the information about the names and identities of the lawyers three or five days later.''

    [14] 106 DEPUTIES WHO SIGNED TO CONVENE THE PARLIAMENT TO POSTPONE THE ELECTIONS HAD EARLIER SAID ''YES'' TO 18 APRIL ELECTIONS - BEDUK, DYP DEPUTY: ''WE WILL NOT JOIN THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY ON SATURDAY'' - YILMAZ, ANAP LEADER: ''SUCH A DEVELOPMENT WILL LEAD THE COUNTRY INTO CHAOS'' - CILLER, DYP LEADER: ''IT IS NOT POSSIBLE FOR THESE DEPUTIES TO REACH SOMEWERE''

    ANKARA, March 9 (A.A) - The 106 of the 116 deputies who signed to reconvene the parliament had earlier said ''yes'' to the resolution which foresaw general elections to be held at 18 April 1999. Four of them had said ''no'', and six deputies had not taken part in the voting.

    The 116 deputies who were not selected as candidates by their parties for 18 April general elections, had applied for parliament to reconvene to ''discuss the latest developments in Turkey and abroad since the capture of Abdullah Ocalan, chief of terrorist organization PKK.'' The motion they submitted to the parliament said that the parliament could not find enough time to discuss adequately the changes abroad and in Turkey after the decision to go to early elections.

    ''The needs in legislation which cause intense discussions among the public opinion could not be met. Finally, the discussions started internationally concerning the legal dimension of struggle against terrorism, makes it compulsory for the parliament to convene,'' the motion said.

    The deputies who gathered signatures to call the parliament to convene and cancel the election decision, completed their efforts to collect signatures on Monday. They had started to collect signatures almost two weeks ago.

    Hikmet Cetin, the Speaker of Parliament, recalled the assembly for an extraordinary meeting at 15:00 p.m. on March 13, 1999 in response to the request from these 116 deputies.

    Meanwhile, President Suleyman Demirel said that what was submitted to the parliament was a call to reconvene ''to discuss the issues of Turkey's agenda, especially issues related to terrorism.''

    ''It is not clear if anything is added to the agenda of the parliament meeting after this issue is discussed,'' he added.

    The initiative of these 116 deputies caused reactions also in the parliament.

    Saffet Arıkan Beduk, the parliamentary group acting chairman of the True Path Party (DYP), said that the initiative to postpone the election by reconvening the parliament does not comply with the political ethics, country's interests, and realities.

    Stating that none of the political parties can say ''yes'' to this initiative, Beduk said that otherwise the political parties will loose their faith towards nation. ''That's why, we will not join the general assembly which will be held on Saturday,'' he added.

    Salih Kapusuz, the parliament group acting chairman of Virtue Party (FP) said that they were closely covering recent developments.

    Responding to a question of A.A correspondent if they will support the reconvening of the parliament, Kapusuz said, ''we do not have such thing in our agenda as the party. We closely cover the developments. We try to come to power alone after the elections. We are not in a position to postpone the elections.''

    Mesut Yılmaz, the leader of the Motherland Party (ANAP), said that ''such a development will lead the country into chaos.''

    Yılmaz said that this would mean to take hostage the national will.

    Responding to a question about the initiative to reconvene the parliament, Tansu Ciller, the leader of the DYP, said that it is not possible for these deputies to reach somewhere.

    Ciler said that it was she who made Ecevit the Prime Minister to open the way for 18 April elections.

    Blaming the deputies to bring their own interests in front of the country's interests, Ciller said that Turkey should renew the parliament.

    [15] PRESIDENT DEMIREL SENDS GET WELL SOON MESSAGE TO TURKMEN PRESIDENT TURKMENBASI

    ANKARA, March 9 (A.A) - President Suleyman Demirel sent on Tuesday a message to Saparmurad Turkmenbasi, the President of Turkmenistan, wishing him a rapid recovery from an operation he underwent in connection with an earlier heart surgery.

    ''I was deeply concerned from a new operation you had on 6 March 1999 in connection with your heart surgery you underwent in 1997. However, I was pleased when I was informed that you're in good health and that you'll be discharged from hospital within a few days. I'd like to offer my wish for your rapid recovery,'' President Demirel said in his get well soon message.

    [16] TRNC FOREIGN AND DEFENSE MINISTRY: - ''IT IS A WRONG IMPRESSION THAT WE AGREE WITH THE DECISION FOR THE CLOSURE OF THE U.N. CONTACT BUREAU IN LIMASOL''

    LEFKOSA, March 9 (A.A) - The Foreign and Defense Ministry of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) announced on Monday that it is a wrong impression, which was created by the U.N. Peacekeeping Force, that the TRNC agrees with the U.N. Peacekeeping Force's decision to close its contact bureau in Limasol.

    The Ministry issued a statement saying that the attitude as if such a decision was jointly made with the U.N. officials didn't reflect the truth, and the U.N. officials only notified that decision to the Ministry explaining the reasons for the closure.

    ''The statement, which was issued by the U.N. Peacekeeping Force officials on 1 March 1999, mentioned that the U.N. Peacekeeping Force Contact Bureau, which was established in December 1996 with the aim of serving the Turks living in the southern part of the island, has been closed as of 1 March 1999 with the reason that the Contact Bureau is no longer in demand. The statement said contact was set up with the TRNC authorities during the process for making the decision for closure. Thus, it creates a wrong impression that we also agreed with the decision for this closure. The attitude as if such a decision was made jointly with the U.N. Peacekeeping Force officials doesn't reflect the truth,'' the TRNC Foreign and Defense Ministry said.

    [17] FM CEM RECEIVES MILLER, U.S. STATE DEPARTMENT SPECIAL COORDINATOR TO CYPRUS - MILLER: ''WE HELD COMPREHENSIVE TALKS ON PKK WITH GREECE'' - ''WE ACCEPT PKK AS A TERRORIST ORGANIZATION AND OCALAN AS A TERRORIST'' - ''I BELIEVE A SOLUTION CAN BE FOUND FOR THE CYPRUS ISSUE''

    ANKARA, March 9 (A.A) - Ismail Cem, the Foreign Minister, received on Tuesday Thomas Miller, the U.S. State Department Special Coordinator to Cyprus.

    Speaking to reporters following a one-hour meeting, Miller said that he held very beneficial contacts at the Foreign Ministry by discussing several issues concerning Turkey and the U.S., especially the Cyprus issue.

    Before his meeting with Ismail Cem, Miller met with Faruk Logoglu, the Deputy Undersecretary of the Foreign Ministry.

    When the reporters recalled that Rauf Denktas, the President of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC), doesn't welcome a meeting with the Greek-Cypriot side, Thomas Miller said he ''shows respect to views and opinions of Rauf Denktas''. Miller pointed out that he earlier held constructive talks with Denktas and he wants to hold a meeting with the TRNC President when he arrives on Cyprus again.

    About the effect of the relationship between Greece and the terrorist organization on the Cyprus issue, Miller said, ''I always defended that the solution of the Cyprus issue will be difficult. A problem similar to the existing Ocalan issue was earlier broken out as a missile crisis. But I believe that a solution, which can please the two sides, can be found despite the existence of these problems.''

    When asked ''what will be the possible effects of the support given to the terrorist organization by Greece on the Cyprus issue,'' Miller said, they held comprehensive talks with Greece concerning PKK. ''Our point of view is well known as it was reflected to the public opinion. We accept PKK as a terrorist organization and Ocalan as a terrorist. For us, there is not a confusion about the issue.''

    When asked whether or not the terrorist organization issue will be discussed during his contacs in Athens where he will go after wrapping up his contacts in Ankara, Miller said, ''wherever I am, this issue will be on the agenda of every talk.''

    When asked if he will take a message to Athens, Miller said he always carry some messages, stating that these consist of only diplomatic talks.

    Miller is expected to proceed to Athens when he concludes his contacts in Ankara after meeting with Sukru Sina Gurel, the Minister of State Responsible for Cyprus.

    [18] EXTRAORDINARY MEETING OF PARLIAMENT - PRIME MINISTER ECEVIT: ''EFFORT OF 116 DEPUTIES TO POSTPONE POLLS IS A CIVILIAN COUP ATTEMPT'' - ''I HOPE THIS EFFORT WILL BE RENDERED INEFFECTIVE AT THE PARLIAMENT''

    ANKARA, March 9 (A.A) - Prime Minister Bulent Ecevit said on Tuesday that the effort of 116 deputies to delay the polls has a civilian coup status.

    Addressing a press conference at the Prime Ministry building, Ecevit said the application, which was made by 116 deputies for an extraordinary convention of the parliament, actually includes a request for a general meeting.

    ''However, everybody knows that the real aim is to postpone the general elections,'' Ecevit said.

    Noting that the schedule for elections started on 4 January, Ecevit said, ''the candidates were selected. Civil servants, who want to be a MP, quit their jobs. The state spent lots of money for preparations for polls. The candidates and political parties put up with great self-sacrifice. If the election is postponed, all of these will be of no use.''

    ''Besides, the parliamentary activities, generally the politics and economy will be in chaos. While the economic figures are becoming positive against the global crisis and the interest rates and inflation are decreasing, this process may go wrong if the elections is delayed,'' Ecevit said.

    ''I hope this effort will be rendered ineffective at the parliament and this civilian coup attempt can be overcome with a mild shake,'' Ecevit said.

    Meanwhile, Deniz Baykal, the leader of the Republican People's Party (CHP), said that the 116 deputies cannot reach anywhere without the support of a political party.

    ''It will be a great mistake and Turkey will enter into chaos, if the election is postponed,'' Baykal said.

    [19] NATO MILITARY COMMITTEE MEETINGS - TURKEY GIVES THE SAME MESSAGES CONCERNING THE STRUGGLE AGAINST TERRORISM - ''WE HAVE NO EXPECTATION FROM NATO'' - ''IT IS ENOUGH IF THE ONES WHO CAST A SHADOW ARE NOT ALLIES''

    BRUSSELS, March 9 (A.A) - As the NATO Military Committee meetings continue in Brussels, the news reports coming from Athens and Brussels saying that ''Turkish Chief of General Staff will bring the support of Greece to the terrorist organization PKK and its chief onto the agenda'' cause speculations.

    The high level military officials who keep their silence against insistent questions of the journalists, point out that the military committee meetings are closed to the press, stating that the difference of these meetings are not only secrecy, but a different discipline and method.

    The foreign military sources state that the chiefs of general staffs will take up the issue of developing the cooperation in military intelligence this afternoon, pointing out that ''it is known that Turkey has some things to bring into the agenda in this field apart from her contributions.''

    An officer who asked not to be identified stated that he believed that Turkish Chief of General Staff will make an ''effective'' criticism and and warning directed towards Greece without mentioning the country's name. ''The discussions going on in Athens for the last week related to the issue, the evaluations of Greeks in non-military circles, and the concern they reflected, are all signals,'' he added.

    The foreign officers in SHAPE, NATO's European Forces Headquarters, said that NATO accepted terrorism as a threat and confirmed its determination to struggle against it, but they did not hide their annoyance over the issue.

    Stating that there is not any armed force organized against terrorism among NATO armies, apart from the U.S. and Turkey, a Belgian officer said that this was one of the reasons why NATO preferred air strikes in Kosovo instead of invervening from the land. ''We do not have the training to fight against undisciplined and uncontrolled forces,'' he said.

    NATO officers said that the definition of terrorism is made by the politicians, and there are politicians who support terrorism. Every country and government has a different political approach, and this situation does not comply with the military mentality; that's why, perceiving and evaulating terrorism as a national problem may be preferred, the officers said.

    Turkish sources also said that NATO determined new threats after the collapse of Eastern Block, and the elements such as ''extreme nationalism, migrations, proliferation of arms, ethnic and regional clashes, and terrorism'' were put forth, pointing out that the alliance confirmed its determination to cooperate in struggle against these threats militarily and politically.

    Stating that ''Turkey has no expectation from the NATO in struggle against terrorism, and she does not need this,'' the sources said, ''if would be enough if every ally fulfil its responsibilities stemming from being an ally.''

    It is stated that Turkey's message to NATO allies, and especially to ''one ally'', concerning this issue is ''do not cast a shadow,'' and these ''messages and warnings'' are conveyed ''for a long time.''

    [20] CALL FOR EXTRAORDINARY CONVENTION OF PARLIAMENT - PRIME MINISTER ECEVIT: ''WE ONCE AGAIN CAN FACE A REGIME CRISIS'' - ''NOBODY HAS THE RIGHT TO ROIL THIS PROCESS WITH BARGAININGS ONLY FIVE WEEKS BEFORE THE POLLS'' - ''WHAT WILL WE DISCUSS WITH GREECE WHILE SHE IS SUPPORTING THE TERRORISTS WHO WANT TO SEPARATE TURKEY?''

    ANKARA, March 9 (A.A) - Prime Minister Bulent Ecevit said on Tuesday of the effort to delay the polls, ''we once again can face a regime crisis.''

    Stressing that nobody has the right to roil the elections only five weeks before the polls, Ecevit said that the attitude of the Virtue Party (FP) against the issue is not very clear.

    Responding to questions of reporters following his press conference, Prime Minister Ecevit said, ''the deputies, who collected signatures, requested the parliament to change some laws. When this process starts, several preparations and bargainings start and these give rise to new problems. We can once again face a regime crisis. There is only a five-week period left for the pools. During this period, only the preparations for elections can be made.''

    Noting that the laws having priority like the Repentance Law and the arrangements for the State Security Courts can be adopted after the polls, Ecevit said, ''but now nobody has the right to roil this process with some bargainings.''

    Responding to a question, Ecevit said, ''Turkey didn't escalate the tension with Greece due to the apprehension of the chief terrorist and the support given to the terrorist organization by Greece, but with the capture of this terrorist, a well-known fact became more visible. This well-known fact is the support and training given to the separatist terrorists in Turkey by Greece. With this objective, some camps were set up in Greece. Militants, bandits, and terrorists against Turkey have been trained in those camps for years. The world pretended not to see this fact, but now this fact is revealed and became more visible.''

    ''It is wrong to connect this with the problems between Turkey and Greece, and with the Cyprus issue. First of all, Greece should give up supporting these terrorists. What will we discuss with Greece while she is supporting the terrorists, who start fire, kill people in Turkey, and want to separate Turkey?'' Ecevit said.

    Ecevit emphasized that Turkey has launched initiatives for years for the solution of problems with Greece through dialogue, but failed to get a result.

    ''Greece supports not only separatist terrorism but also every kind of terrorism. First of all, Greece should give up supporting this separatist terrorism. Then, she should accept that the problems can be solved only by dialogue. And this is the requirement of civilization,'' Ecevit said.

    A.A


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