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Anadolu Agency: News in English, 99-09-27
AA Daily
27 Sept 1999 Monday
CONTENTS
[01] TURKEY-PRESS SCAN
[02] These are some of the major headlines and their brief stories in
Turkey's press on Sept 27, 1999. The Anadolu Ajansi does not verify these
stories and does not vouch for their accuracy.
[03] HURRIYET (LIBERAL) - ------------------ PRISONS AGAIN Following the
uprising at the Bayrampasa Prison which claimed 7 lives, the Ankara Main
Covered Prison became a battlefield. Clashes between members of the leftist
illegal organizations and gendarmerie units lasted for hours. Prisoners
opened fire on gendarmerie units, injuring six soldiers including one
major. Meanwhile, 11 prisoners died in clashes.
[04] ECEVIT: '' WE DO NOT ACCEPT PRESSURE CONCERNING CYPRUS'' Prime
Minister Bulent Ecevit responded to questions of journalists at the
Brussels Airport prior to his visit to the U.S. Ecevit said that it would
be not realistic to expect Cyprus question to be solved with Greece's
contribution while main problems between Turkey and Greece remained
unsolved. He added that Turkey's full membership to the European Union (EU)
was a right stemming from international agreements, stressing, ''the EU
certainly will knock at Turkey's door in future.''
[05] MILLIYET (LIBERAL) - ----------------- CONFESSION OF INABILITY Yasar
Dedelek, a deputy of the Motherland Party (ANAP) who is charged in the
Parliamentary Earthquake Research Commission, prepared a report saying,
''solution of the problems are getting late. Social riots can erupt.
Governors are pretending that they have already solved all problems in the
disaster area. Management of tent-cities should be handed over to the Red
Crescent. Veli Gocer became a scapegoat, but buildings constructed by
Yuksel firm had collapsed in Ceyhan.''
[06] PASSENGER BUS PLUNGES INTO SHOULDER, KILLING 11 PEOPLE A passenger bus
plunged into shoulder of road on the Bingol-Mus highway, killing 10 people
and injuring 38 others. The passenger bus which was on its way from Bingol
to Mus, flipped over due to high speed, and then plunged into a seven-meter
depth cliff at about 08:00 local time on Sunday morning near Seref village
in Solhan county of eastern Bingol province. Injured passengers were taken
to hospitals in Bingol, Mus and Elazig for medical treatment.
[07] SABAH (LIBERAL) - -------------- ECEVIT: ''STATE WILL FULFIL ITS
DUTY'' Prime Minister Bulent Ecevit said that those who are accustomed to
use prisons as dens of mischief, react against the state's efforts to
establish order regarded with the riot at the Ankara Main Covered Prison
causing casualties. Ecevit said, ''the state will fulfil its duty till the
end. The state has to establish its authority in the prisons.''
[08] CUMHURIYET (LEFT) - ---------------- TURKEY GETS TIRED OF NATURAL
DISASTERS A total of 17,350 people lost their lives in natural disasters
such as earthquakes, avalanches, landslides, and floods in the last decade.
Earthquakes are the natural disasters which claim great loss of life in
Turkey. A total of 16,650 people died in earthquakes which hit Turkey in
the last decade. Turkey had come face to face quake disaster four times
since 1989. A total of 653 people were killed when a powerful earthquake
hit eastern Erzincan province on March 13, 1992. 96 others lost their lives
in quake which devastated Dinar county of Afyon province on October 1,
1995. The earthquake which struck southern Adana province on June 27, 1998,
claimed 145 lives. And a total of 15,756 people died when a massive
earthquake devastated Marmara region on August 17, 1999.
[09] RADIKAL (LEFT) - --------------- END OF PATIENCE IS: 10 DEADS Ankara
Main Covered Prison turned into a blood lake as effects of the killing of
seven people in Bayrampasa Prison, with automatic weapons, continued. Ten
prisoners died and more than 20 others were wounded in operations. Also
seven soldiers, including a major, and a guardian were wounded. It was
reported that three weapons and many cutting devices were found.
[10] IMF CALLS FOR ADDITIONAL MEASURES Stand-by hope of an economy
delegation, headed by Recep Onal, Minister of State, who are currently in
the U.S., increased. Additional economic measures were brought to the
agenda during the meeings. The signature will take place in October-
November period. It was reported that Turkey needed a more strict, serious
and determined programme.
[11] TÜRKİYE (RIGHT) - ---------------- VISIT OF HOPE STARTS Prime Minister
Bulent Ecevit, during his visit to the U.S., will hold important meetings
with the U.S. President Bill Clinton, and officials of the World Bank and
International Monetary Fund (IMF). Ecevit will call for more trade
facilities and the U.S. capital in investments in Turkey. Ecevit, who will
meet with Clinton on Tuesday, said ''we will want what we have deserved.''
[12] BLOODY RIOT Resistance of political prisoners in Ankara Main Covered
Ulucanlar Prison was suppressed. The riots spread to some other prisons.
Prisoners who are members of the outlawed DHKP-C and TIKKO, who digged
tunnels to flee, started a riot against the security forces who wanted to
enter in the wards. A clash erupted when the prisoners used weapons and
fire bombs. Ten prisoners died and 24 people, six of them soldiers,
wounded. The incidents spread to prisons in Istanbul, Canakkale, Cankiri,
Bartin, Bergama, and Gebze. A total of 93 personnel were taken hostage.
[13] ZAMAN (CONSERVATIVE) - -------------------- CONFRONTATION IN PRISONS
Prisoners, members of leftist organizations, clashed with the gendarme to
prevent ''searches and transfer to other prisons'' in Ankara Main Covered
Prison. A total of 10 people died and 18 others were wounded in incidents
caused by DHKP-C and TIKKO member prisoners. Security forces rendered
ineffective 33 female and 43 male prisoners in three hours. Incidents
continue in Canakkale, Cankiri, Bartin, Umraniyet, Bergama, Bayrampasa and
Gebze.
[14] ECEVIT GOES TO THE U.S. WITH HOPE Prime Minister Bulent Ecevit, who
went to the U.S. on an official visit, has an intense agenda. Meetings with
the officials of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the World Bank
comes the first in his visit to the U.S.. Pointing out that Baku-Ceyhan oil
pipeline will be taken up, Ecevit reiterated that they will not accept
pressure on Northern Iraq and Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC)
issues.
[15] PRIME MINISTER ECEVIT IN THE U.S. - ECEVIT'S VISIT AIMS AT CARRYING
RELATIONS BETWEEN TURKEY AND THE U.S. TO THE 21ST CENTURY
[16] WASHINGTON D.C., Sept 27 (A.A) - Prime Minister Bulent Ecevit's visit
to the U.S. aims at carrying relations between Turkey and the U.S. to the
21st century, it was reported on Monday. High-level diplomatic sources told
A.A correspondent, ''our aim is neither to account nor to receive the U.S.'
bravo.'' Stressing that a stable majority was provided in the parliament
for the first time in years, the sources said that Turkey targets to settle
the relations with the U.S. into a long-term plan to this end. Noting that
the recent financial reforms in Turkey stemmed from Turkey's internal
dynamics, not from the West's demands, diplomatic sources pointed out that
democratic reform will accelerate if Turkey succeeds in putting an end to
terrorism. The same sources noted that Turkey will not abandon her rights
and her concerns regarded with Cyprus, adding that Turkey has protected her
position on the island as a result of her rightful case. They said,
''Turkey has taken serious steps regarded with the Cyprus question, and
come to the level of accepting indirect negotiations. Continuation of this
process is not clear yet, but serious oppositions may emerge in coming days
with other powers except for the U.S.'' Pointing out that it is not known
yet whether or not Kofi Annan, Secretary General of the United Nations,
will call on sides to sit on the negotiation table, the same sources added
that the Turkish side has several conditions to start talks.
[17] IMF-WORLD BANK MEETINGS - DINCMEN, FORMER UNDERSECRETARY OF TREASURY:
''GOVERNMENT HAS TO SHOW DETERMINATION IN TAKING MEASURES''
[18] WASHINGTON D.C., Sept 27 (A.A) - Yener Dincmen, the former
Undersecretary of the Treasury said on Monday that if the International
Monetary Fund (IMF) makes agreement with Turkey, the IMF will want to be
sure that the programme will be successfully carried out by Turkey, adding
the government has to show determination regarding taking of measures.
Participating in the annual regular meetings of the IMF and the World Bank,
Dincmen told reporters that the IMF made agreement with countries which can
have crisis in the last two years and this has been criticized. ''The
negotiations with IMF can't be very easy. However during these negotiations
the government has to be seen determined in taking measures,'' said Dincmen,
adding Turkey has realized a very disciplined finance when she started a
stability programme in 1998, but it couldn't undertake structural reforms.
''However today there is a working parliament. Reforms which Turkey and the
world expect are coming true,'' said Dincmen, adding that Turkey has to
take strict measures according to its financial performance in 1999. Noting
that the budget defecit is guessed as 10 quadrillion Turkish liras at least,
Dincmen pointed out that a solution has to be found to this by decreasing
inflation and continuing to pursue stability programme. ''The expenditures
have to be decreased and measures aiming at increasing incomes are
necessary. In spite of our economic structure, the quake is an
extraordinary factor. Courage and determination are necessary. The Turkish
society expects an agreement with IMF,'' said Dincmen. Dincmen explained
the measures that should be taken in 2000 as follows: ''First of all,
prices supporting agriculture can't be beyond the targetted inflation rate.
Secondly wages that will be given to workers and civil servants should not
be beyond inflation. If this is not the case, an agreement with IMF will
become impossible.''
[19] DEATH TOLL RISES TO 15,795
[20] ANKARA, Sept 27 (A.A) - The Prime Ministry Crisis Administration
Center said on Monday that the death toll rose to 15,795 while the number
of people who were injured in the quake is 43,873 as of 11.30 a.m. The
Prime Ministry Crisis Administration Center statement said that a total of
120,726 people shelter in 121 tent-sites and that the total number of tents
in the disaster zone is 28,286; adding that the number of tents which have
been distributed to the quake survivors outside the tent-sites reached 112,
445. Emphasizing that the rubble of 2,475 buildings was shifted, the
statement noted that there are still 7,357 debris which will be shifted and
8,959 buildings which will be demolished. The statement added that a total
of 521 buildings have been demolished until today. Noting that a total of
66,441 houses and 10,901 workplaces were determined as seriously damaged or
collapsed, the statement stressed that 67,242 houses and 9,927 workplaces
were determined as having moderate damages while 80,160 houses and 9,712
workplaces have minor damages. Stressing that a total of 26 prefabricated
hut areas are being constructed in Kocaeli, Sakarya, Yalova and Bolu, the
statement emphasized that 15 prefabricated hut areas were handed over to
the officials in Kocaeli, Sakarya and Yalova. The statement added that the
prefabricated huts which have been constructed, started to be distributed
to the quake survivors in Duzce county of Bolu province. The statement said
that the amount of domestic monetary aid collected in the account opened in
Ziraat Bankasi reached 58.6 trillion Turkish liras as of September 26,
1999.
[21] CAKMAKOGLU, NATIONAL DEFENSE MINISTER: ''TURKISH AIR FORCES IS THE
MOST TALENTED AIR FORCE AMONG THE OTHER EUROPEAN AIR FORCES''
[22] LONDON, Sept 27 (A.A) - Sabahattin Cakmakoglu, the National Defense
Minister, said on Monday that Turkish Air Forces is the most talented air
force among the other European air forces. Speaking to the British Jane's
Defense Weekly (JDW) magazine, Cakmakoglu noted that Turkish Air Forces,
including the highest number of F-16 war planes following the U.S., is the
only air force in Europe which has the biggest personnel, opportunity and
training capacities. Stressing that the Turkish Armed Forces can charge 40,
000 or 50,000 staff for a joint operation in a short time, Cakmakoglu
stated that the Turkish Armed Forces can also provide the supply,
maintanence and the fire support of the operation in a short time.
Cakmakoglu added that five or six battalions can reach their target in a
short time by an air attack. Noting that the risk resulting from the long-
range missiles does not only come from the southern neighbours of Turkey,
Cakmakoglu stressed that the most important point is to own the necessary
defense equipment to overcome the risk without it spreads and that to this
end, the Turkish Armed Forces carries out short and long term exercises.
Stating that the aim of the cooperation between Turkey and Israel is to
contribute to the two nations, two countries and to the stability of the
region, Cakmakoglu recalled that the military visits and agreements between
the two countries led to the speculations in the Arab world saying that
Turkey and Israel set up a strategical alliance. Pointing out that these
allegations are continuously uttered by Syria, Iran, Iraq and Greece,
Cakmakoglu emphasized that the fact that the the press is too much
interested in the military dimension of the relations between the two
countries play an important role in strengthening the strategical alliance
image. Emphasizing that the tension between Turkey and Syria which
escalated in the beginning of October 1998 revealed that the Turkish-
Israeli cooperation does not target any third countries, Cakmakoglu pointed
out that Israel stopped her military exercises at the Syrian border during
the crisis. Underlining that it is obvious that Turkey will not arrange her
relations with Israel in accordance with the developments in the Middle
East Peace Process, Cakmakoglu said that the Turkish-Israeli relations
don't constitute a pact. Cakmakoglu said, ''the latest developments
indicate that the Arab countries started to understand the real dimension
of our relations with Israel and that they started to digress from the
distorting approaches.'' Referring to the Turkish defense industry,
Cakmakoglu noted that Turkey will continue buying weapons and modernization
in the following 25 years and that the National Defense Ministry will carry
out some renewal studies for directing the defense industry initiatives.
Cakmakoglu added that they are carrying out significant initiatives to set
up a Turkish defense industry which is away from the idea of protection.
Emphasizing that the Turkish Armed Forces has become a modern army by high
technology, Cakmakoglu stated that Turkey needs some developed technologies,
including guided systems, command-control-communication-computer-
intelligence systems and remote control systems in 2000.
[23] SO-CALLED KURDISH PARLIAMENT DISSOLVED
[24] BRUSSELS, Sept 27 (A.A) - The so-called Kurdish parliament, which has
been continuing its activities against Turkey but in favour of the
terrorist PKK organization in Belgium since 1995, was dissolved as it
''joined the socalled national congress'', it was reported on Monday. The
sources in Brussels said the decision for the dissolution had been taken
within the framework of a meeting that was held the day before.
[25] TRNC PRESIDENT DENKTAS: ''WE HOPE THAT PRIME MINISTER ECEVIT WILL
EXPLAIN U.S. PRESIDENT CLINTON WHAT CYPRUS ISSUE MEANS FOR TURKEY''
[26] IZMIR, Sept 27 (A.A) - Rauf Denktas, the President of the Turkish
Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) said on Monday that ''we hope that
Premier Bulent Ecevit will explain U.S. President Bill Clinton what Cyprus
issue means for Turkey.'' Responding to questions of journalists, TRNC
President Denktas said that one shouldn't consider the Cyprus issue as a
problem that will negatively effect Turkish-American relations. ''We hope
that Premier Ecevit will tell Clinton that a solution for the Cyprus issue
can only be found by recognition of two sovereign states and through
friendship. We expect others to understand us and we expect an approach
which will encourage Greek Cypriots to compromise. Everybody think that
Turkish Cypriots don't have a compromising attitude, but they are mistaken.
There is no one Cyprus government. Cyprus government was a partnership, but
it had been destroyed by Greek Cypriots by fight. Turkish Cypriots saved
itself from this war.'' Referring to the Turkish-Greek warm relations after
the earthquake disaster, TRNC President Denktas said that ''we are pleased
by the Turkish-Greek warm relations. This is natural between two allies. I
hope this warm relations can show Greece its old mistakes. Turkey does not
have territorial demands over Cyprus. Turkish Cypriot nation has the right
to live as a sovereign nation.''
[27] TRNC PRESIDENT DENKTAS: ''AIM OF PREMIER ECEVIT'S VISIT TO U.S. IS NOT
TO COME TO A DECISION ABOUT CYPRUS ISSUE''
[28] AYDIN, Sept 27 (A.A) - Rauf Denktas, the President of the Turkish
Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) said on Monday that the aim of Premier
Bulent Ecevit's visit to the U.S. is not to come to a decision about the
Cyprus issue, adding ''nobody could had persuaded us to accept the Greek
Cypriot administration for 10 years in spite of the oppression, violence
and murder till Turkey came to help us.'' Responding to questions of
journalists before receiving the honourary doctorate given to him by Adnan
Menderes University, Denktas stressed that ''it is very detrimental and
wrong to create such an atmosphere as if the Cyprus issue is a mile-stone
in Turkish-American relations. Relations of the U.S. with Turkey and the
interests of the U.S. are very different things. The U.S. works to solve
this issue and will continue to do so. U.S.-Turkey relations and the Cyprus
issue are also different things. I suppose the U.S. will hear from Mr.
President this time how importance the Cyprus issue for Turkey is.'' Noting
that the violence in Cyprus was five times serious than the one in Bosnia
created by Milosevic, Denktas said that the whole world ignored these
events on Cyprus in the past. ''The European Union (EU) is not our train,
we don't have our motherland which will welcome us in the station we will
go,'' said Denktas, adding the Turkish society on Cyprus should be
recognized as a state, not a minority for the resuming of the inter-
communal negotiations on the island. Denktas said that they expect Premier
Ecevit to once again explain the attitude of Turkey about this issue to the
world in his contacts in Washington D.C., adding the sovereignty, freedom
or equality are tried to be formalized on the island. ''There is no formula
of equality. Sharing sovereignty and freedom can't be possible. 36 years
passed, but the world couldn't identify the matter, thus we couldn't solve
the Cyprus issue,'' he added.
[29] STATE MINISTER CAY LEAVES FOR MONGOLIA
[30] ANKARA, Sept 27 (A.A) - Abdulhaluk Mehmet Cay, the Minister of State,
left on Monday for Mongolia. The State Ministry said Cay would be received
by Natsagiyn Bagabandi, the President of Mongolia, and meet with some
Mongolian ministers. Cay, who will observe the activities for restoration
of the Orhun and Tonyukuk Monuments, will hold contacts concerning the
establishment of a Turkish-Mongolian Business Council. The two countries
are expected to sign a customs agreement during Cay's visit to this
country. State Minister Abdulhaluk Mehmet Cay will return to Turkey on
October 4.
[01] TURKEY-PRESS SCAN
[02] These are some of the major headlines and their brief stories in
Turkey's press on Sept 27, 1999. The Anadolu Ajansi does not verify these
stories and does not vouch for their accuracy.
[03] HURRIYET (LIBERAL) - ------------------ PRISONS AGAIN Following the
uprising at the Bayrampasa Prison which claimed 7 lives, the Ankara Main
Covered Prison became a battlefield. Clashes between members of the leftist
illegal organizations and gendarmerie units lasted for hours. Prisoners
opened fire on gendarmerie units, injuring six soldiers including one
major. Meanwhile, 11 prisoners died in clashes.
[04] ECEVIT: '' WE DO NOT ACCEPT PRESSURE CONCERNING CYPRUS'' Prime
Minister Bulent Ecevit responded to questions of journalists at the
Brussels Airport prior to his visit to the U.S. Ecevit said that it would
be not realistic to expect Cyprus question to be solved with Greece's
contribution while main problems between Turkey and Greece remained
unsolved. He added that Turkey's full membership to the European Union (EU)
was a right stemming from international agreements, stressing, ''the EU
certainly will knock at Turkey's door in future.''
[05] MILLIYET (LIBERAL) - ----------------- CONFESSION OF INABILITY Yasar
Dedelek, a deputy of the Motherland Party (ANAP) who is charged in the
Parliamentary Earthquake Research Commission, prepared a report saying,
''solution of the problems are getting late. Social riots can erupt.
Governors are pretending that they have already solved all problems in the
disaster area. Management of tent-cities should be handed over to the Red
Crescent. Veli Gocer became a scapegoat, but buildings constructed by
Yuksel firm had collapsed in Ceyhan.''
[06] PASSENGER BUS PLUNGES INTO SHOULDER, KILLING 11 PEOPLE A passenger bus
plunged into shoulder of road on the Bingol-Mus highway, killing 10 people
and injuring 38 others. The passenger bus which was on its way from Bingol
to Mus, flipped over due to high speed, and then plunged into a seven-meter
depth cliff at about 08:00 local time on Sunday morning near Seref village
in Solhan county of eastern Bingol province. Injured passengers were taken
to hospitals in Bingol, Mus and Elazig for medical treatment.
[07] SABAH (LIBERAL) - -------------- ECEVIT: ''STATE WILL FULFIL ITS
DUTY'' Prime Minister Bulent Ecevit said that those who are accustomed to
use prisons as dens of mischief, react against the state's efforts to
establish order regarded with the riot at the Ankara Main Covered Prison
causing casualties. Ecevit said, ''the state will fulfil its duty till the
end. The state has to establish its authority in the prisons.''
[08] CUMHURIYET (LEFT) - ---------------- TURKEY GETS TIRED OF NATURAL
DISASTERS A total of 17,350 people lost their lives in natural disasters
such as earthquakes, avalanches, landslides, and floods in the last decade.
Earthquakes are the natural disasters which claim great loss of life in
Turkey. A total of 16,650 people died in earthquakes which hit Turkey in
the last decade. Turkey had come face to face quake disaster four times
since 1989. A total of 653 people were killed when a powerful earthquake
hit eastern Erzincan province on March 13, 1992. 96 others lost their lives
in quake which devastated Dinar county of Afyon province on October 1,
1995. The earthquake which struck southern Adana province on June 27, 1998,
claimed 145 lives. And a total of 15,756 people died when a massive
earthquake devastated Marmara region on August 17, 1999.
[09] RADIKAL (LEFT) - --------------- END OF PATIENCE IS: 10 DEADS Ankara
Main Covered Prison turned into a blood lake as effects of the killing of
seven people in Bayrampasa Prison, with automatic weapons, continued. Ten
prisoners died and more than 20 others were wounded in operations. Also
seven soldiers, including a major, and a guardian were wounded. It was
reported that three weapons and many cutting devices were found.
[10] IMF CALLS FOR ADDITIONAL MEASURES Stand-by hope of an economy
delegation, headed by Recep Onal, Minister of State, who are currently in
the U.S., increased. Additional economic measures were brought to the
agenda during the meeings. The signature will take place in October-
November period. It was reported that Turkey needed a more strict, serious
and determined programme.
[11] TÜRKİYE (RIGHT) - ---------------- VISIT OF HOPE STARTS Prime Minister
Bulent Ecevit, during his visit to the U.S., will hold important meetings
with the U.S. President Bill Clinton, and officials of the World Bank and
International Monetary Fund (IMF). Ecevit will call for more trade
facilities and the U.S. capital in investments in Turkey. Ecevit, who will
meet with Clinton on Tuesday, said ''we will want what we have deserved.''
[12] BLOODY RIOT Resistance of political prisoners in Ankara Main Covered
Ulucanlar Prison was suppressed. The riots spread to some other prisons.
Prisoners who are members of the outlawed DHKP-C and TIKKO, who digged
tunnels to flee, started a riot against the security forces who wanted to
enter in the wards. A clash erupted when the prisoners used weapons and
fire bombs. Ten prisoners died and 24 people, six of them soldiers,
wounded. The incidents spread to prisons in Istanbul, Canakkale, Cankiri,
Bartin, Bergama, and Gebze. A total of 93 personnel were taken hostage.
[13] ZAMAN (CONSERVATIVE) - -------------------- CONFRONTATION IN PRISONS
Prisoners, members of leftist organizations, clashed with the gendarme to
prevent ''searches and transfer to other prisons'' in Ankara Main Covered
Prison. A total of 10 people died and 18 others were wounded in incidents
caused by DHKP-C and TIKKO member prisoners. Security forces rendered
ineffective 33 female and 43 male prisoners in three hours. Incidents
continue in Canakkale, Cankiri, Bartin, Umraniyet, Bergama, Bayrampasa and
Gebze.
[14] ECEVIT GOES TO THE U.S. WITH HOPE Prime Minister Bulent Ecevit, who
went to the U.S. on an official visit, has an intense agenda. Meetings with
the officials of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the World Bank
comes the first in his visit to the U.S.. Pointing out that Baku-Ceyhan oil
pipeline will be taken up, Ecevit reiterated that they will not accept
pressure on Northern Iraq and Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC)
issues.
[15] PRIME MINISTER ECEVIT IN THE U.S. - ECEVIT'S VISIT AIMS AT CARRYING
RELATIONS BETWEEN TURKEY AND THE U.S. TO THE 21ST CENTURY
[16] WASHINGTON D.C., Sept 27 (A.A) - Prime Minister Bulent Ecevit's visit
to the U.S. aims at carrying relations between Turkey and the U.S. to the
21st century, it was reported on Monday. High-level diplomatic sources told
A.A correspondent, ''our aim is neither to account nor to receive the U.S.'
bravo.'' Stressing that a stable majority was provided in the parliament
for the first time in years, the sources said that Turkey targets to settle
the relations with the U.S. into a long-term plan to this end. Noting that
the recent financial reforms in Turkey stemmed from Turkey's internal
dynamics, not from the West's demands, diplomatic sources pointed out that
democratic reform will accelerate if Turkey succeeds in putting an end to
terrorism. The same sources noted that Turkey will not abandon her rights
and her concerns regarded with Cyprus, adding that Turkey has protected her
position on the island as a result of her rightful case. They said,
''Turkey has taken serious steps regarded with the Cyprus question, and
come to the level of accepting indirect negotiations. Continuation of this
process is not clear yet, but serious oppositions may emerge in coming days
with other powers except for the U.S.'' Pointing out that it is not known
yet whether or not Kofi Annan, Secretary General of the United Nations,
will call on sides to sit on the negotiation table, the same sources added
that the Turkish side has several conditions to start talks.
[17] IMF-WORLD BANK MEETINGS - DINCMEN, FORMER UNDERSECRETARY OF TREASURY:
''GOVERNMENT HAS TO SHOW DETERMINATION IN TAKING MEASURES''
[18] WASHINGTON D.C., Sept 27 (A.A) - Yener Dincmen, the former
Undersecretary of the Treasury said on Monday that if the International
Monetary Fund (IMF) makes agreement with Turkey, the IMF will want to be
sure that the programme will be successfully carried out by Turkey, adding
the government has to show determination regarding taking of measures.
Participating in the annual regular meetings of the IMF and the World Bank,
Dincmen told reporters that the IMF made agreement with countries which can
have crisis in the last two years and this has been criticized. ''The
negotiations with IMF can't be very easy. However during these negotiations
the government has to be seen determined in taking measures,'' said Dincmen,
adding Turkey has realized a very disciplined finance when she started a
stability programme in 1998, but it couldn't undertake structural reforms.
''However today there is a working parliament. Reforms which Turkey and the
world expect are coming true,'' said Dincmen, adding that Turkey has to
take strict measures according to its financial performance in 1999. Noting
that the budget defecit is guessed as 10 quadrillion Turkish liras at least,
Dincmen pointed out that a solution has to be found to this by decreasing
inflation and continuing to pursue stability programme. ''The expenditures
have to be decreased and measures aiming at increasing incomes are
necessary. In spite of our economic structure, the quake is an
extraordinary factor. Courage and determination are necessary. The Turkish
society expects an agreement with IMF,'' said Dincmen. Dincmen explained
the measures that should be taken in 2000 as follows: ''First of all,
prices supporting agriculture can't be beyond the targetted inflation rate.
Secondly wages that will be given to workers and civil servants should not
be beyond inflation. If this is not the case, an agreement with IMF will
become impossible.''
[19] DEATH TOLL RISES TO 15,795
[20] ANKARA, Sept 27 (A.A) - The Prime Ministry Crisis Administration
Center said on Monday that the death toll rose to 15,795 while the number
of people who were injured in the quake is 43,873 as of 11.30 a.m. The
Prime Ministry Crisis Administration Center statement said that a total of
120,726 people shelter in 121 tent-sites and that the total number of tents
in the disaster zone is 28,286; adding that the number of tents which have
been distributed to the quake survivors outside the tent-sites reached 112,
445. Emphasizing that the rubble of 2,475 buildings was shifted, the
statement noted that there are still 7,357 debris which will be shifted and
8,959 buildings which will be demolished. The statement added that a total
of 521 buildings have been demolished until today. Noting that a total of
66,441 houses and 10,901 workplaces were determined as seriously damaged or
collapsed, the statement stressed that 67,242 houses and 9,927 workplaces
were determined as having moderate damages while 80,160 houses and 9,712
workplaces have minor damages. Stressing that a total of 26 prefabricated
hut areas are being constructed in Kocaeli, Sakarya, Yalova and Bolu, the
statement emphasized that 15 prefabricated hut areas were handed over to
the officials in Kocaeli, Sakarya and Yalova. The statement added that the
prefabricated huts which have been constructed, started to be distributed
to the quake survivors in Duzce county of Bolu province. The statement said
that the amount of domestic monetary aid collected in the account opened in
Ziraat Bankasi reached 58.6 trillion Turkish liras as of September 26,
1999.
[21] CAKMAKOGLU, NATIONAL DEFENSE MINISTER: ''TURKISH AIR FORCES IS THE
MOST TALENTED AIR FORCE AMONG THE OTHER EUROPEAN AIR FORCES''
[22] LONDON, Sept 27 (A.A) - Sabahattin Cakmakoglu, the National Defense
Minister, said on Monday that Turkish Air Forces is the most talented air
force among the other European air forces. Speaking to the British Jane's
Defense Weekly (JDW) magazine, Cakmakoglu noted that Turkish Air Forces,
including the highest number of F-16 war planes following the U.S., is the
only air force in Europe which has the biggest personnel, opportunity and
training capacities. Stressing that the Turkish Armed Forces can charge 40,
000 or 50,000 staff for a joint operation in a short time, Cakmakoglu
stated that the Turkish Armed Forces can also provide the supply,
maintanence and the fire support of the operation in a short time.
Cakmakoglu added that five or six battalions can reach their target in a
short time by an air attack. Noting that the risk resulting from the long-
range missiles does not only come from the southern neighbours of Turkey,
Cakmakoglu stressed that the most important point is to own the necessary
defense equipment to overcome the risk without it spreads and that to this
end, the Turkish Armed Forces carries out short and long term exercises.
Stating that the aim of the cooperation between Turkey and Israel is to
contribute to the two nations, two countries and to the stability of the
region, Cakmakoglu recalled that the military visits and agreements between
the two countries led to the speculations in the Arab world saying that
Turkey and Israel set up a strategical alliance. Pointing out that these
allegations are continuously uttered by Syria, Iran, Iraq and Greece,
Cakmakoglu emphasized that the fact that the the press is too much
interested in the military dimension of the relations between the two
countries play an important role in strengthening the strategical alliance
image. Emphasizing that the tension between Turkey and Syria which
escalated in the beginning of October 1998 revealed that the Turkish-
Israeli cooperation does not target any third countries, Cakmakoglu pointed
out that Israel stopped her military exercises at the Syrian border during
the crisis. Underlining that it is obvious that Turkey will not arrange her
relations with Israel in accordance with the developments in the Middle
East Peace Process, Cakmakoglu said that the Turkish-Israeli relations
don't constitute a pact. Cakmakoglu said, ''the latest developments
indicate that the Arab countries started to understand the real dimension
of our relations with Israel and that they started to digress from the
distorting approaches.'' Referring to the Turkish defense industry,
Cakmakoglu noted that Turkey will continue buying weapons and modernization
in the following 25 years and that the National Defense Ministry will carry
out some renewal studies for directing the defense industry initiatives.
Cakmakoglu added that they are carrying out significant initiatives to set
up a Turkish defense industry which is away from the idea of protection.
Emphasizing that the Turkish Armed Forces has become a modern army by high
technology, Cakmakoglu stated that Turkey needs some developed technologies,
including guided systems, command-control-communication-computer-
intelligence systems and remote control systems in 2000.
[23] SO-CALLED KURDISH PARLIAMENT DISSOLVED
[24] BRUSSELS, Sept 27 (A.A) - The so-called Kurdish parliament, which has
been continuing its activities against Turkey but in favour of the
terrorist PKK organization in Belgium since 1995, was dissolved as it
''joined the socalled national congress'', it was reported on Monday. The
sources in Brussels said the decision for the dissolution had been taken
within the framework of a meeting that was held the day before.
[25] TRNC PRESIDENT DENKTAS: ''WE HOPE THAT PRIME MINISTER ECEVIT WILL
EXPLAIN U.S. PRESIDENT CLINTON WHAT CYPRUS ISSUE MEANS FOR TURKEY''
[26] IZMIR, Sept 27 (A.A) - Rauf Denktas, the President of the Turkish
Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) said on Monday that ''we hope that
Premier Bulent Ecevit will explain U.S. President Bill Clinton what Cyprus
issue means for Turkey.'' Responding to questions of journalists, TRNC
President Denktas said that one shouldn't consider the Cyprus issue as a
problem that will negatively effect Turkish-American relations. ''We hope
that Premier Ecevit will tell Clinton that a solution for the Cyprus issue
can only be found by recognition of two sovereign states and through
friendship. We expect others to understand us and we expect an approach
which will encourage Greek Cypriots to compromise. Everybody think that
Turkish Cypriots don't have a compromising attitude, but they are mistaken.
There is no one Cyprus government. Cyprus government was a partnership, but
it had been destroyed by Greek Cypriots by fight. Turkish Cypriots saved
itself from this war.'' Referring to the Turkish-Greek warm relations after
the earthquake disaster, TRNC President Denktas said that ''we are pleased
by the Turkish-Greek warm relations. This is natural between two allies. I
hope this warm relations can show Greece its old mistakes. Turkey does not
have territorial demands over Cyprus. Turkish Cypriot nation has the right
to live as a sovereign nation.''
[27] TRNC PRESIDENT DENKTAS: ''AIM OF PREMIER ECEVIT'S VISIT TO U.S. IS NOT
TO COME TO A DECISION ABOUT CYPRUS ISSUE''
[28] AYDIN, Sept 27 (A.A) - Rauf Denktas, the President of the Turkish
Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) said on Monday that the aim of Premier
Bulent Ecevit's visit to the U.S. is not to come to a decision about the
Cyprus issue, adding ''nobody could had persuaded us to accept the Greek
Cypriot administration for 10 years in spite of the oppression, violence
and murder till Turkey came to help us.'' Responding to questions of
journalists before receiving the honourary doctorate given to him by Adnan
Menderes University, Denktas stressed that ''it is very detrimental and
wrong to create such an atmosphere as if the Cyprus issue is a mile-stone
in Turkish-American relations. Relations of the U.S. with Turkey and the
interests of the U.S. are very different things. The U.S. works to solve
this issue and will continue to do so. U.S.-Turkey relations and the Cyprus
issue are also different things. I suppose the U.S. will hear from Mr.
President this time how importance the Cyprus issue for Turkey is.'' Noting
that the violence in Cyprus was five times serious than the one in Bosnia
created by Milosevic, Denktas said that the whole world ignored these
events on Cyprus in the past. ''The European Union (EU) is not our train,
we don't have our motherland which will welcome us in the station we will
go,'' said Denktas, adding the Turkish society on Cyprus should be
recognized as a state, not a minority for the resuming of the inter-
communal negotiations on the island. Denktas said that they expect Premier
Ecevit to once again explain the attitude of Turkey about this issue to the
world in his contacts in Washington D.C., adding the sovereignty, freedom
or equality are tried to be formalized on the island. ''There is no formula
of equality. Sharing sovereignty and freedom can't be possible. 36 years
passed, but the world couldn't identify the matter, thus we couldn't solve
the Cyprus issue,'' he added.
[29] STATE MINISTER CAY LEAVES FOR MONGOLIA
[30] ANKARA, Sept 27 (A.A) - Abdulhaluk Mehmet Cay, the Minister of State,
left on Monday for Mongolia. The State Ministry said Cay would be received
by Natsagiyn Bagabandi, the President of Mongolia, and meet with some
Mongolian ministers. Cay, who will observe the activities for restoration
of the Orhun and Tonyukuk Monuments, will hold contacts concerning the
establishment of a Turkish-Mongolian Business Council. The two countries
are expected to sign a customs agreement during Cay's visit to this
country. State Minister Abdulhaluk Mehmet Cay will return to Turkey on
October 4.
A.A
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