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Anadolu Agency: News in English, 99-11-05

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

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


[01] AA Daily

05 November 1999 Friday

[02] TURKEY-PRESS SCAN

[03] These are some of the major headlines and their brief stories in Turkey's press on November 5, 1999. The Anadolu Ajansi does not verify these stories and does not vouch for their occuracy.

[04] HURRIYET (LIBERAL) - ---------------- DEMIREL: ''TURKEY IS DETERMINED TO DEFEND HER FULL MEMBERSHIP RIGHT'' Addressing the 5th EU-Mediterranean Economic and Social Councils and Similar Institutions Summit in Antalya, President Suleyman Demirel said that Turkey was determined to defend her full membership right which stemmed from the Partnership Agreement which was signed between Turkey and the European Union (EU) in 1963. He added, ''discrimination against Turkey at the EU's Luxembourg Summit created a profound disappointment among Turkish people. This discrimination was considered as an effort to define the EU on religious ground. It was an unfairness towards common ideals which we have defended altogether for 50 years. Such a discriminative attitude also received harsh reaction from several circles in the EU. And it proved that Turkey was not alone in her belief in a pluralist and united Europe. Defenders of the pluralist and united Europe have extended efforts to correct this historical mistake.''

[05] BLUE STREAM PROJECT TO BE SIGNED AFTER OSCE SUMMIT Prime Minister Bulent Ecevit's official visit to Russia has begun yesterday. Ecevit postponed signing of additional protocol regarded with the Blue Stream Project which will transport Russian natural gas to Turkey via the Black Sea, after the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) Summit due to Russia's negative approach.

[06] GENERAL MUSHARRAF DUE IN TURKEY General Pervez Musharraf, the leader of military rule in Pakistan, will pay a one-day official visit to Turkey on November 8. Pakistani Embassy in Ankara issued a statement saying that General Musharraf would meet with President Suleyman Demirel, and Prime Minister Bulent Ecevit during his visit to Ankara.

[07] MILLIYET (LIBERAL) - ----------------- FISCHER: ''REFORMS ARE PROMISING'' Stanley Fischer, the Deputy Chairman of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) said that the recent economic reforms in Turkey were promising, and encouraging. Addressing a seminar in British capital London, Fischer stressed that Turkey had recorded significant progress in economic reforms including the social security reform.

[08] OZBEY IN BELGIUM It was determined that Yalcin Ozbey, one of the suspects of assasination of Abdi Ipekci, a prominent journalist, was in Belgium. Turkey requested extradition of Ozbey in 1984, but her request was rejected by Belgium.

[09] SABAH (LIBERAL) - --------------- ECEVIT IN RUSSIA Prime Minister Bulent Ecevit arrived in Russian capital Moscow for a two-day official visit. He was welcomed by Vladimir Sherbak, the Russian Deputy Prime Minister at the Sheremetyevo Airport. Prime Minister Ecevit visited the Unknown Soldier Monument near the Kremlin Palace, and laid a wreath on the monument. Later, he attended the meeting of the Russian-Turkish Businessmen's Union. Ecevit's contacts on Friday are expected to focus mainly on the issue of joint struggle against terrorism.

[10] CUMHURIYET (LEFT) - ---------------- ASSASINATION ORDER Ankara General Directorate of Security investigates allegations related with Akit newspaper. It was claimed that Akit newspaper showed Yekta Gungor Ozden, former Constitutional Court Chairman, as target in its publishings. It was also claimed that Akit newspaper ordered assasination of Ozden to Kasim Gencyilmaz, extreme rightest mafia leader, together with several Iranian people.

[11] RUSSIA IS OUR STRONG PARTNER Prime Minister Bulent Ecevit went to Russia as the official guest of Russian Premier Vladimir Putin. Ecevit is scheduled to discuss Blue Stream natural gas pipeline project, Chechnya problem, support given to PKK by several forces in Russia, and bilateral economic and trade relations. Ecevit pointed out that Turkey did not give up its membership right to European Union (EU). ''Yet, as EU closed doors to us, we were aware of a fact that all the world is not Western Europe. Moreover, Europe is not only Western Europe.''

[12] RADIKAL (LEFT) - ------------- EVCIL CHANGED OPINION IN DGM Erol Evcil who was earlier arrested on charges of being one of the murder suspects of Nesim Malki, changed his testimony while Aykut Cengiz Engin, State Security Court (DGM) prosecutor, interrogates him. Evcil claimed that his testimony in Bursa Security Department was taken under torture.

[13] BLUE STREAM DIFFICULTY There is the ''Blue Stream'' problem in Prime Minister Bulent Ecevit's visit to Russia. Delegations of state-run pipeline company BOTAS and Gasprom prepared tax protocol text. Yet, BOTAS did not give assurances to its interlocutor that the text will be signed by Premier Ecevit. It was reported that Prime Minister Ecevit told Energy Ministry earlier that he would sign the protocol but changed his idea when he talked to John Wolf, Special envoy of the U.S. President Bill Clinton to Caspian Basin.

[14] TURKIYE (RIGHT) - --------------- WARNING TO RUSSIA FOR PKK Prime Minister Bulent Ecevit's three-day official visit to Russia started. Ecevit, who spoke before his departure, said ''we will have the opportunity to remind that the support given to terrorist PKK organization by some circles in Russia contradict with the friendly relations.''

[15] AMNESTY ON THE AGENDA AGAIN Moderate statement of H. Sami Turk, Justice Minister, about draft amnesty law, increased hopes. Nationalist Movement Party (MHP) and Democratic Left Party (DSP) were confronted because of the draft amensty law. Turk pointed out that ''this law should be issued.''

[16] ZAMAN (CONSERVATIVE) - ------------------ PROBE ON KEMAL DEMIR Ankara Republican Chief Prosecutorship opened a probe against Kemal Demir, former Chairman of the Red Crescent. The investigation started upon the denouncement of Emin Kocaaslan, a quake survivor from Kocaeli province. Demir is accused of having a share in the problems which quake survivors suffered and inciting people to uprising.

[17] SIGNALS OF COMPROMISE Deputies of the Motherland Party (ANAP) think that a compromise was reached between Democratic Left Party (DSP) and the Nationalist Movement Party (MHP). According to this, the amnesty will be issued with the shape as the leaders agreed on. Article 11, which will include Haluk Kirci, will be within the scope of the amnesty. Haluk Kirci issue caused crisis between the coalition partners.

[18] JOINT PROJECTS IN GAP - GAP ADMINISTRATION CARRIES OUT SIX PROJECTS WITH INTERNATIONAL INSTITUTIONS

[19] GAZIANTEP, Nov 5 (A.A) - Southeastern Anatolia Project (GAP) Regional Development Administration Chairmanship carries out six joint projects together with international institutions. GAP Regional Development Administration Chairmanship said international interest and contribution to GAP turned to concrete applications after sustainable development quality of the project is revealed. ''Sustainable Development Program Project Package'' carried out jointly with the United Nations Development Program (UNDP) within this scope, started in 1997. The 5.2 million U.S. dollar program, composed of 29 sub-projects, targets decreasing socio-economic inequalities in GAP region. World Bank contributes to projects related with the development of rural and urban infrastructure in GAP region. GAP Administration also prepared a technical aid program proposal to strengthen rural planning. The program will be carried out with the World Bank. ''GAP Sustainable Urban Development Project'' was presented to Treasury Undersecretariat. GAP Administration and the U.N. Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) carry out a joint work regarding the implementation of a series of projects under the name ''GAP-FAO Rural Development Program.'' GAP Administration conveys project proposal packages to European Union (EU) through Treasury Undersecretariat since 1996. The projects are prepared to benefit from the funds of European Union (EU).

[20] PRIME MINISTER ECEVIT IN RUSSIA - ECEVIT MEETS WITH PUTIN, RUSSIAN PREMIER

[21] MOSCOW, Nov 5 (A.A) - Prime Minister Bulent Ecevit met with Vladimir Putin, Russian Prime Minister, on Friday. Nebi Sensoy, Turkey's Ambassador to Moscow, and Umit Pamir, Foreign Ministry Chief Counsellor, participated in the meeting. At the beginning of the meeting Ecevit recalled that he had visited Moscow in 1978, and expressed pleasure over being in Russian capital again. Putin in his part said he wanted to mention bilateral and international issues during the meeting. Expressing pleasure over the joint view of Turkey and Russia to international problems, Putin said ''we are pleased over the existing level of bilateral relations.'' Prime Minister Ecevit expressed gratitude over the interest of Russian people shown to Turkey following major earthquake which hit Marmara region on August 17. The meeting was later closed to the press.

[22] ENERGY DELEGATION TRAFFIC IN ANKARA - INTENSE MEETING TRAFFIC ON BAKU- CEYHAN PIPELINE AND TURKMEN NATURAL GAS PROJECTS

[23] ANKARA, Nov 5 (A.A) - Works carried out on Baku-Ceyhan oil pipeline and Turkmen natural gas projects were speeded up before Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) summit that will start in Istanbul on November 18. Delegations from Turkmenistan, Azerbaijan and Georgia, as well as John Wolf, Special Envoy of the U.S. President Bill Clinton to Caspian basin; AIOC, operation company of the consortium formed to transport Azeri oil to western markets; PSG Consortium which will implement Turkmen natural gas project; and high level officials of Shell, met with officials of Ministry of Energy and Natural Resources. Yurdakul Yigitguden, Undersecretary of Energy and Natural Resources Ministry, briefed A.A correspondent about the latest stages reached in Turkmen natural gas and Baku-Ceyhan pipeline project. Yigitguden said most of the issues on Baku-Ceyhan pipeline project, which interest Turkey, are concluded between working groups of Turkey and Azerbaijan. He said ''they are examining the texts to control the lacking parts.'' Yigitguden said ''agreements are reached. Now, we should focus on details. Everyday changes are made and negotiated. All the agreements should be reviewed and their harmonization should be controlled.'' Yigitguden pointed out that Georgia and Azerbaijan began consultations between themselves. Pointing out that the agreements should be approved by the Parliament after they are signed in OSCE summit, Yigitguden said basic engineering services of the pipeline will start afterwards. Yigitguden said third-country guarantees were not given to implement Baku-Ceyhan pipeline project. Responding to a question if any development was recorded related with transportation of Kazakh oil through Baku-Ceyhan pipeline, Yigitguden said Nursultan Nazarbayev, Kazakh President, mentioned this issue in his statement dated October 29, 1998. Yigitguden said ''we have the same expectations. We want production of several companies in Kazakstan to be transported via Baku-Ceyhan canal.'' Recalling that the agreements which Turkey would sign, were signed earlier about Turkmen natural gas issue, Yigitguden said ''agreements had to be done about transit countries. Nothing is overdue.'' Yigitguden pointed out that Shell oil company continued works on natural gas fields in Turkmenistan, and added that PSG Consortium carried out the feasibility works of the pipeline. Yigitguden stressed that concerned countries and representatives of the companies come together for the first time within the framework of transporting Turkmen natural gas to Turkey.

[24] PRIME MINISTER ECEVIT IN RUSSIA - MEETINGS BETWEEN RUSSIAN AND TURKISH DELEGATIONS START

[25] MOSCOW, Nov 5 (A.A) - Prime Minister Bulent Ecevit said on Friday that Turkey and Russia had no different regimes like in the past therefore they could cooperate in every field. Ecevit, during his official visit in Russia, had a meeting with Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin. Ismail Cem, Foreign Minister; Nabi Sensoy, Turkey's Ambassador in Moscow; were also present during the talks. Before the meetings of Turkish and Russian delegations, Ecevit told reporters that he was happy to be back in Russia after 21 years. ''Even when our nations were in two opposing positions, I esteemed our relations with the Soviet Union. At that time we had a difference of regimes which seperated us. Now, that wall no longer exists. We are in a position in which we can cooperate in every field,'' Ecevit said. Turkish-Russian cooperation is important for Europe, Asia and even for the rest of the world, he also added. Economic relations between Turkey and Russia make it necessary to develop political relations. The economic crisis which started in Southeast Asia and struck Russia was also noticed in Turkey, Prime Minister Ecevit explained. ''Altogether we will bring prosperity to our countries. The potential necessary to do this exists in both countries,'' Ecevit noted. Ecevit also drew attention to the fact that Turkish businessmen did not leave Russia and continued to invest there although many countries withrew its investments from Russia after the economic crisis. Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin said Turkey was Russia's leading trade partner. ''Although our trade volume dropped in the recent years, it still is about 7.5 billion U.S. dollars,'' Putin said. Meetings between Turkish and Russian delegation will mostly focus on commercial issues, Putin noted but also stressed that Ecevit's visit would contribute to the cultural field. ''We appreciate the attitude of Turkey about certain international issues,'' said Putin and added that they closely monitor the relations between Turkey and the EU as they also effect Russia. ''The developing relations of Turkey with the EU are also very important for us as our commercial and economic relations with Turkey is great. We also want to discuss this issue in our meeting,'' said Putin. Although Turkey is a member of NATO, the military and technical cooperation between Turkey and Russia is also developing, stressed Putin and added that he is pleased with it. Putin noted that Russia attributes great importance to the Organization on Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) Summit that will take place in Istanbul and added that ''we also want to exchange views about the summit, which is the most important summit of our century.''

[26] WORLD'S LEADING PRODUCER OF CIVILIAN AND MILITARY MOTOR VEHICLES PLANS TO SET UP FACTORY IN GAP REGION

[27] SANLIURFA, Nov 5 (A.A) - The world's biggest producer of civilian and military motor vehicles, OSHKOSH is planning to set up a 200 billion U.S. dollar factory in Southeast Turkey which is covered by the Southeast Anatolia Development Project (GAP). Ted L. Henson, the Assistant General Manager of OSHKOSH who came to Sanliurfa to study the area; Joseph J. Bartush, the Middle East and Africa representative of Hammer jeeps, and Refik Tuncer, the Turkey Distributor of OSHKOSH organized a press meeting in Sanliurfa on Friday. Sehabettin Harput, the Sanliurfa Governor said the coming of OSHKOSH to GAP region will open way to other giant companies of the world. Once the giant GAP project is completed, Harput said he believed all leading companies of the world would start flocking to GAP region considering the area's high potential. ''The world started paying attention to Turkey because of GAP. Because this region possesses all kinds of opportunities from raw material to inexpensive labour. We will work to make things smoother for companies. I would like to stress again that all leading companies of the world and Turkey will compete with each other to invest in GAP region,'' he stated. Refik Tuncer said the factory which is planned to be built on an area of 70,000 squaremeters will produce civilian and military vehicles, mostly Hummer jeeps. The pre-studies of the factory are over and the final decision will be announced following the meeting in the U.S., he said. ''The annual turnover of OSHKOSH is 2 quadrillion Turkish Liras (TL) and they are planning to invest 200 million U.S. dollars here. The factory will have an employment capacity of 4,000 people. They definitely want to make an investment in this area unless it is hindered by a negative political development,'' Tunce explained. Ted L. Henson noted that they a had very positive impression of GAP region which they would tell about at the meeting in the U.S. The biggest markets of OSHKOSH is in Middle East, Africa and Asia. OSHKOSH is a leader in production of all military and civilian vehicles in the U.S as well as in the world, Henson said and stressed that they also wanted to enter the Turkish market. Authorities from OSHKOSH visited Ataturk Dam, irrigation tunnels, and historical Harran county before they left Sanliurfa.

[28] PRIME MINISTER ECEVIT IN RUSSIA - TURKEY AND RUSSIA SIGN DECLARATION OF COOPERATION IN STRUGGLE WITH TERRORISM

[29] MOSCOW, Nov 5 (A.A) - Turkey and Russia signed on Friday five documents including the joint declaration of cooperation in struggle with terrorism. Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin said that Russia never supported terrorism which targetted Turkey. After the interdelegationary meetings between the two countries, Turkey and Russia signed certain documents. Prime Minister Bulent Ecevit and Putin signed the joint declaration of cooperation in struggle with terrorism. The two countries also signed a cooperation protocol on exemption of those having diplomatic passports from getting visas, JEC Protocol, veterinary protocol and another cooperation protocol between Directorate General of Press and Information and Russian Itar Tass news agency. Responding to questions of journalists, Putin said that the declaration of cooperation against terrorism determines the common approach of both sides regarding international terrorism. The declaration condemns international terrorism and states the common will to struggle with terrorism, explained Putin and added that ''whatever its source is, we has never supported terrorism which targets Turkey.'' The operations the Russian federation stages in Caucasus can't be considered as attacks, stressed Putin and added that the operation should be staged from state to another state to be considered as an attack. ''As you know Chechnya has an autonomus structure in Russian Federation, our activities against terrorism in republics of Russian federation are not directed at solving any political problem. These aim to struggle with terrorism. When the resistance of the terrorists ends, our operations will also end. Nowadays, in some regions of Chechnya, there are clashes between the local people and bandits. We'll give support to those who show common sense against terrorists. Commanders of certain bandit groups are wanted in their own countries and in some islamic countries. Many of the bandits try to camouflage the things they did by Islamic slogans,'' Putin stressed. Putin stressed that they hope for the support of the whole world public opinion regarding the struggle with terrorism and added that the international terrorism does not only give damage to Chechnya, but also to Dagestan people. Putin defended the view that Russian operation in Chechnya didn't start arbitrarily. ''This operation started when the bandit groups in Chechnya attacked Dagestan Republic,'' he added. Responding to a question asking why the additional protocol to the Blue Stream agreement was not signed, Putin said that Turkey is a close friend and neighbour of Russia and there are not any problems between the two countries. The trade between them is satisfactory, said Putin, noting that there are also common projects in the energy sector between the two countries. ''I don't want to cause a tragedy saying that something was signed or not. There are certain procedures to be followed for signing the documents. We reached agreement about the method of approval of them by our concerned officials,'' said Putin. Prime Minister Bulent Ecevit said in his part that the implementation of the Blue Stream Project is to the interest of both countries. ''As Mr. Putin also noted there are certain proceedings which must be completed in Ankara. We will discuss them. We will convey the issue to the cabinet. I suppose this will be signed in a short period,'' Ecevit said. Responding to a question, Ecevit noted that Chechnya is an internal problem of Russia, but they conveyed their sorrow over the damage the civilian Chechen people suffer, to the Russian side during the meetings. ''At the meetings we discussed the bilateral relations and the support extended to the separatist terrorist organization PKK not by the government but by certain circles. It was a very beneficial meeting,'' Ecevit added.

[30] TURKEY AND RUSSIA SIGN DECLARATION OF COOPERATION IN STRUGGLE WITH TERRORISM

[31] MOSCOW, Nov 5 (A.A) - Prime Minister Bulent Ecevit and Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin signed on Friday the ''Joint Declaration of Cooperation in Struggle Against Terrorism'' on Friday. The joint declaration expressed deep concern over the increase of criminal acts staged by terrorist groups, which have dangerous connections with organized crimes. Terrorists resort to activities aiming at killing people and causing terror more and more, noted the declaration and added that terrorism constitutes a threat against human rights, basic freedoms, and democratic foundations of modern society, international peace, and security, and friendly relations of countries. The declaration stated that the sides confirm that they condemn terrorism in a resolved manner and state that they won't consider any terrorist activity legitimate whatever its aim is. - All countries have the right and obligation to protect their citizens and foreigners against terrorist attacks by using all kinds of legal ways. - The concerned sides will abide by the principle of extradite or try terrorists, regarding the cooperation against terrorism. - While taking decisions of extradition, the sides state that they won't evaluate the terrorist activities as political crime. - The implementation of this provision between the sides won't upset their obligations stemming from the European Convention on Human Rights. - No shelter, asylum right should be granted to terrorists and they shouldn't be permitted to set up training camps, transfer weapons, or military munitions, collect money, take treatment, and undertake activities of propaganda in any country. - Measures should be taken to prevent terrorists from using banks or other economic institutions when one takes into account the efforts of the terrorist organizations about money-laundering. - No permission should be given to terrorists to reach mass destruction weapons. Signing an international agreement on struggle with nuclear terrorism will help in that. - The sides are in full determination to strengthen the regime of international law to struggle with terrorism and to abide fully by the international anti-terrorism convention.

[32] AMBASSADOR JOHN WOLF SAYS BAKU-CEYHAN PIPELINE PROJECT IS NOW COMMERCIALLY REALIZABLE

[33] ANKARA, Nov 5 (A.A) - Ambassador John Wolf, U.S. President Bill Clinton's Special Advisor on Caspian Basin said on Friday that Baku-Ceyhan pipeline project which will carry the Azerbaijani oil to western markets is now commercially realizable. Talks are also underway between the four government parties on the Trans Caspian Gas Pipeline that will bring gas produced in Turkmenistan, Wolf also noted at a press meeting he held at the U.S. Embassy. He briefed the latest developments on Baku-Ceyhan pipeline and Turkmenistan natural gas projects. Wolf told reporters that this was his sixth trip in Turkey and he had ''excellent'' talks with President Demirel, Prime Minister Bulent Ecevit and Evergy Minister Ersumer and his team all week. ''When I was here last time, I made some pointed comments about the concern I shared with Turkey concerning the pace of negotiations between the Turkish and Azerbaijani working groups in regard to the Baku- Ceyhan Main Export Oil Pipeline. I am therefore delighted that in the intervening period the negotiations have moved much closer to an agreement on the basic texts that can help form the basis for establishment of this pipeline,'' Wolf said. Baku-Ceyhan is more than just an oil pipeline, he went on to say. ''It can be a contribution to the strategic vision of new Eurasian cooperation and can be an important contribution to the economic and political prospects of the region,'' he stated. Wolf reminded that Azerbaijani and Georgian delegations were currently having meetings in Ankara. ''Georgia must be a full party in these agreements and detailed negotiations are now underway with a high level Georgian team. As those talks go forward, it is incumbent on all to remember that Georgia has its own unique characteristics and the agreements it signs must conform to Georgia's democratic practices and its constitution,'' he explained. It is time to be pragmatic about Baku-Ceyhan pipeline project, he stressed. ''With agreement hopefully in sight, I am confident all parties are going to stay engaged in a sincere, focused effort to get a workable agreement that can serve as a proper basis to take this project to the marketplace,'' he added. Wolf said Baku-Ceyhan can now be commercially realized and Turkey and other countries can start serious planning to meet the 2004 timeline. Wolf called the Trans Caspian Gas Pipeline project as a ''historic cooperation''. ''We are looking for an intergovernmental agreement that can enable the project sponsors to move rapidly to financial closure. In that respect, former Secretary of State Shultz has just completed visits to the four presidents on behalf of TCP project sponsors. He told me last evening TCP is an exciting project that offers special opportunities not only for bringing gas from the region to Turkey but also because it offers the countries a unique opportunity to work with some of the best companies in the world, like Bachtel, General Electric, and Shell,'' he explained. Responding to a question on Blue Stream project, Wolf said he did not want to comment on the project as he is a ''guest'' in Turkey and Prime Minister Bulent Ecevit was visiting Moscow. When asked about the U.S. attitude towards the natural gas project, which will bring gas from Iran to Turkey, Wolf said no changes were expected in the Iran policy of his country.

[34] PREMIER ECEVIT STAGES PRESS CONFERENCE IN RUSSIA

[35] MOSCOW, Nov 5 (A.A) - Premier Bulent Ecevit said that the Joint Declaration of Cooperation in Struggle Against Terrorism which was signed with Russia does not include any articles that can associate the incidents in Chechnya. Following his meeting with Gennady Seleznyov, the chairman of Duma, lower chamber of Russian parliament; Ecevit staged a press conference concerning his contacts in Russia. He met with Vladimir Putin, Russian Prime Minister, and Seleznyov, the chairman of Duma; Ecevit recalled. The two countries should attribute importance to cooperation in their economic relations rather than competition, Ecevit noted. Ecevit stated that Putin complained that the Russian businessmen cannot undertake giant projects in Turkey as the Turkish businessmen do in Russia. Turkey will help the Russian businessmen and the Russian businessmen can benefit from the incentives in the Eastern and Southeastern Anatolia Regions if they wish, Ecevit stressed. Ecevit drew the attention that the DUMA sometimes assumes attitudes which saddens Turkey. Ecevit continued, ''it is an important development that the realities have started to be understood. I told them that we had felt uneasy about the encouragement of the terrorist organization PKK by some circles in DUMA. I discussed this issue with Putin in details.'' ''I told them that we have some documents including the information that some circles open their arms to PKK. Putin told me that he will make sure that our undersecretary in the National Intelligence Organization (MIT) and the undersecretary in the Russian intelligence unit will meet each other,'' Ecevit added. Ecevit said, ''I hope that such a meeting will take place in one or two days. It will be very useful to have a cooperation, communication and exchange of information between our intelligence units.'' The drawback of DUMA in some issues concerning Turkey led to the suspension in the ratification of some agreements, Ecevit drew the attention. Ecevit continued, ''Russia is waiting for Turkey's decision concerning the tax exemption. But, this additional protocol regarding the tax exemption is susject to some agreements which have not been ratified by the DUMA yet. Despite this, we held technical initiatives. There is not a serious problem. But, we should discuss this issue in the government and the parliament.'' ''We told them their concerns were meaningless. We told them that we need the Turkmen and Azerbajani natural gas which will be transfered to Turkey by the Blue Stream Project. Thus, we made it clear that there is no need to be uneasy about the future of the Blue Stream Project,'' Ecevit added. Ecevit emphasized that Putin expressed Russia's ideas about the incidents in Chenchnya during their contacts. He told Putin that he was uneasy about damaging the civilian people by the incidents, Ecevit pointed out. Later, Ecevit responded to the questions of the journalists. It is not yet clear whether or not he will be received by Boris Yeltsin, Russian President; Ecevit said. Ecevit noted that his contacts with Putin and Seleznyov were satisfactory. Responding questions on Blue Stream Project, Ecevit stated that he received the news that an agreement regarding the additional protocol was reached in the technical level prior to his departure to Russia. He added that thus, he could not have the opportunity to examine the draft agreement. The additional protocol was Russia's demand and Turkey can meet the requirements of the protocol, Ecevit stressed. When asked whether or not the U.S. has a reserve on this issue, Ecevit emphasized that no country opposed to the Blue Stream Project. Ecevit pointed out that all the opportunities should be evaluated not to have an energy crisis in Turkey in the following years. The agreement on this issue was signed two years ago, Ecevit recalled. Ecevit said, ''the investments on this issue have been initiated. This is a process of no return. But, we have to take cautious steps.'' When asked why Turkey pursues a different policy about Chechnya dispute although she did not consider Kosovo dispute as the internal problem of Yugoslavia; Ecevit noted that Turkey did not change her policy. Ecevit continued, ''but, there are things we can do and things we cannot do. The Kosovo dispute occured because the U.S. and all the European Union (EU) countries interfered with the dispute. Now, we cannot reach the incidents in Chechnya although we want to. Our relations with Russia carry importance for us. We cannot take every step we want.'' ''But, we clearly expressed our uneasiness about the damages which the Chechen people face. It is obvious that we feel uneasy in respect of humanity. Of course, the Russian authorities put forward some reasons. The public opinion has to evaluate these,'' Ecevit added. When asked whether or not he agrees with Putin's evaluating the incidents in Chechnya within the framework of the struggle against terrorism; Ecevit said, ''we are against all types of terrorism. But, there is not any statement which will be associated with the incidents in Chechnya in the declaration we signed today.'' Ecevit added, ''we have always defended that the countries should assume definite attitudes towards terrorism. The declaration we signed today is one which was prepared within this framework.'' When asked whether or not the declaration will prevent the support given to the terrorist organization PKK, Ecevit said, ''in my opinion, the Prime Minister's and the Parliament Speaker's saying that they find all the criticisms right, is a sufficient guarantee. And, I believe that they will do their best about this issue.'' Ecevit said that Yeltsin will participate in the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) summit which will be held in Istanbul. They did not discussed the Cyprus issue during the contacts, Ecevit noted. Referring to the Straits issue, Ecevit stated that it is necessary to have new arrangements about the passage through the Straits due to the increasing traffic. He added that it is impossible for Turkey to implement arrangements which do not comply with the Montreux Agreement.

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