|
|
|
Anadolu Agency: News in English, 99-11-30
[01] AA Daily
30 November 1999 Tuesday
[02] TURKEY-PRESS SCAN
[03] These are some of the major headlines and their brief stories in
Turkey's press on November 30, 1999. The Anadolu Ajansi does not verify
these stories and does not vouch for their occuracy.
[04] HURRIYET (LIBERAL) - ---------------- A SHORT LIFE Suzan Kara was born
in a tent two months ago. She died after suffering severe burns in a fire
which swept through the tent where her family has taken shelter after the
devastating quake disaster. The fire broke out due to LPG explosion.
[05] TRAFFIC CARNAGE A lorry laden with beets collided with a minibus on
the motorway between Konya and Istanbul, killing 14 people. The driver of
the minibus and 13 passengers were killed while nine others including the
17-year-old lorry driver were injured in the accident that took place near
Kadinhani county of Konya, some 600 kilometers southeast of Istanbul.
Officials said 17-year-old Fatih Buyukinal was driving without a licence.
[06] MILLIYET (LIBERAL) - ----------------- IRTEMCELIK EVALUATES VERDICT
ABOUT OCALAN Mehmet Ali Irtemcelik, the State Minister responsible for
human rights, evaluated the verdict about Abdullah Ocalan, the head of the
terrorist organization PKK. Irtemcelik said that Turkey should not make any
mistake. Irtemcelik also added that he expected Turkey to be granted
candidacy status at the European Union's (EU) Helsinki Summit in December.
[07] JOINT MANOEUVRES OF TURKEY, ISRAEL, AND U.S. IN MARMARIS The
''Reliable Mermaid II'' joint manoeuvres of Turkey, Israel, and the U.S.
will be exercised on December 14. The Reliable Mermaid II will be staged in
international waters off-shore southern Turkey and last four days. The
manoeuvres aims at providing coordination in emergency search and rescue
operations. Jordan and Egypt gave negative response to invitations for
their participation as observers. Jordan had participated as an observer in
the ''Reliable Mermaid I'' joint manoeuvres of Turkey, Israel, and the U.S.
two years ago.
[08] SABAH (LIBERAL) - --------------- JUSTICE MINISTRY INSPECTORS
REQUESTED YUKSEL TO BE SENT INTO EXILE The Justice Ministry inspectors who
have launched an investigation into midnight raid in house of Merve Kavakci,
who was elected as the Istanbul deputy of the Virtue Party (FP), ruled that
Nuh Mete Yuksel, the Prosecutor of the State Security Court (DGM), was
unfit to carry out his duty impartially. Inspectors wanted Yuksel to be
punished by sending into exile.
[09] CUMHURIYET (LEFT) - ---------------- STRAITS IN ENERGY Pipeline
Transportation Inc (BOTAS) announced that the daily natural gas amount from
Russia decreased from 27 million cubic meters to 20 million cubic meters as
the countries pipeline route pumped more than the allotted amount. Turkish
Electricity Production Inc (TEAS) announced it started to make savings with
unplanned power cuts as sufficient natural gas couldn't be brought to power
plants.
[10] AFTERSHOCKS TO COME IN TAX The new tax burdens which were brought
under the name of quake tax will continue. The government is expected to
increase the liquid fuel consumption tax from 300 percent to 500 percent,
and increase the value added tax from 15 percent to 17 percent.
[11] ''ANY CONCESSION WON'T BE GIVEN TO ATHENS'' Evaluating Greece's
demands about the Aegean islands and the Greek Cypriot side's membership to
the European Union (EU), Prime Minister Bulent Ecevit said, ''these are the
problems of the EU. Our position is clear. We don't have the intention to
make concessions from neither Aegaen nor Cyprus.'' Meanwhile, Dutch Foreign
Minister Jozias Van Aartsen will hold contacts in Ankara today as the
official guest of Foreign Minister Ismail Cem.
[12] RADIKAL (LEFT) - ------------- DEMIREL VISITS IGDIR President Suleyman
Demirel visited Genocide Monument and Museum in eastern Igdir province.
Demirel also visited the Alican border gate between Turkey and Armenia.
Demirel asked the officers in border station whether or not soldiers are
also waiting at the Armenian border. The officers told Demirel that
Armenian soldiers are not waiting at the border and the Turkish soldiers
are protecting the border gate. Demirel asked the officers whether or not
they hold contacts with the Armenian side. The officers said that they do
not hold any contacts with the Armenian side. The border bridge which was
constructed in 1948, was only used to protect humanitarian aid to Armenia
after a quake hit this country in 1988, the officers added.
[13] DEMIREL DUE TO KIEV President Suleyman Demirel will pay an official
visit to Ukranian capital Kive to attend oath ceremony of Leonid Kuchma who
has been re-elected as president.
[14] TURKIYE (RIGHT) - --------------- ''WEAR OFF YOUR MASK'' Raf Denktas,
the President of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) made a last
call to Greek Cypriot side leader Glafcos Clerides through Turkiye
newspaper. Denktas said, ''I am at ease. The lies of the Greek Cypriots are
gradually becoming more obvious.'' Noting that the Greek Cypriot
administration has been playing a game since the beginning, Denktas said,
''we say that the Greek Cypriots are not our government and they do not
have the right for this. We will sit at the negotiation table when they
recognize us.''
[15] DEATH SENTENCE AT ECHR The European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) will
convene today and take up the death sentence handed down on Abdullah Ocalan,
the head of the terrorist organization. The ECHR will express its opinion
about a precautionary measure aiming at delaying the execution. The U.S.
State Department Spokesman James Rubin said the death sentence on Ocalan
was an issue of the Turkish judicial system, Parliament, and President.
Rubin recalled that the death sentence was approved by the Turkish Supreme
Court on November 25. Rubin said the death sentence should also be approved
by the Turkish Parliament and President.
[16] ZAMAN (CONSERVATIVE) - ------------------ AYDIN: ''ASSEMBLY OF
PREFABRICATED HUTS IS ABOUT TO FINISH'' Koray Aydin, the Public Works and
Housing Minister, said that the government fulfilled its promise to
assemble prefabricated huts for quake survivors till November 30. Aydin
expressed satisfaction over that assembly of prefabricated huts is about to
finish. Recalling that he had visited the quake-stricken area, Aydin said,
''in Yalova 98 percent of prefabricated huts has been completed. Assembly
works are underway in 168 of 5,214 prefabricated huts. There are
unimportant deficiencies in Sakarya. In Kocaeli, assembly of prefabricated
huts is about to finish except for three or four areas.'' Aydin said that
no quake survivors would spend the winter in tents.
[17] PROF. DR. ISIKARA IN THE PHILIPPINES Prof. Dr. Ahmet Mete Isikara, the
Director General of the Bogazici University Kandilli Observatory Seismology
Institute, left for the Philippines to attend a meeting on ''Earthquakes
and Mega Cities''.
[18] U.S. TO HOLD SYMPOSIUMS ON QUAKE IN TURKEY
[19] WASHINGTON D.C., Nov 30 (A.A) - The U.S. Trade Development Agency
(TDA) will organize symposiums in Istanbul and Ankara early in December to
inform people of preparing for earthquakes, speedy response, and recovery
after quakes. The TDA issued a written statement and said the symposiums
would take place in Istanbul on December 1 and in Ankara on December 6. It
said the officials and experts of the U.S. Federal Emergency Management
Agency (FEMA), U.S. Geological Researches Center, U.S. Foreign Disasters
Aiding Organization woul attend the symposium. It said the role of
municipalities in preparing for quakes, reviewing critical infrastructural
measures, creating confidence among public in management would be discussed
in the symposiums. The statement added that the the officials from the
Turkish government, municipalities, university professors, and
representatives of vocational and financial organizations were invited to
the symposiums.
[20] PRESIDENT DEMIREL LEAVES FOR UKRAINE
[21] ANKARA, Nov 30 (A.A) - President Suleyman Demirel said on Tuesday that
Turkey would continue to support Ukraine in her efforts to carry out
reforms and in her unification process with European institutions. Demirel
staged a press conference at the Esenboga Airport prior to his departure
for Ukranian capital Kiev. Demirel told reporters that he would attend the
oath ceremony of President Leonid Kuchma who has been re-elected. He noted
that Sukru Sina Gurel, the State Minister, and several other high-level
officials would accompany him during one-day visit to Ukraine. President
Demirel described Ukraine as a country having vital importance for peace,
stability, and prosperity of Europe with her economical, military, and
technological potential, and with her geopolitical position. He noted that
Ukraine has recorded significant progresses since she gained her
independence. Demirel pointed out President Kuchma's role in Ukraine's
successful progress towards unifying with the world. He added, ''the latest
elections was a concrete sign of Ukraine's people's trust in President
Kuchma. I believe that Ukraine would further improve in future under
intelligent leadership of President Kuchma. Turkey attributes great
importance to further improvement of relations with Ukraine. We will
continue to support Ukraine in her efforts to carry out reforms and in her
unification process with European institutions. To this end, I am very
pleased to attend President Kuchma's oath ceremony which will be organized
with the participation of heads of states of the neighbouring countries.''
[22] INDIRECT CYPRUS NEGOTIATIONS TO START ON DECEMBER 3
[23] NEW YORK, Nov 30 (A.A) - Kofi Annan, the Secretary General of the
United Nations, cancelled some of his appointments to concentrate on
indirect Cyprus negotiations which will start in New York, the U.S., on
December 3. Fred Eckhard, the Spokesman of the United Nations, told the A.A
correspondent on Tuesday that there would be no time limitation for the
indirect negotiations. Eckhard noted that Alvaro de Soto, the Special
Representative of Annan to Cyprus, would also attend the negotiations which
are also called as ''proximity talks''. Meanwhile, diplomatic sources said
that James Holger, the Acting Special Representative of Annan to Cyprus,
would assist Soto during the negotiations. The indirect negotiations will
be held separately among the United Nations officials, President Rauf
Denktas of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC), and Glafcos
Clerides, the leader of the Greek Cypriot administration. Denktas and
Clerides will not be informed about each other's statements. The
negotitaions are envisaged to be held within framework of confidentiality.
Denktas and Clerides are expected to arrive in New York on Wednesday. They
will separately hold their first meetings with Annan on December 3. The
talks are expected to last 7 or 10 days.
[24] THE GREEK CYPRIOTS PROCEED TO TRNC FOR RELIGIOUS CEREMONIES
[25] LEFKOSA, Nov 30 (A.A) - A total of 1,719 Greek Cypriots proceeded to
the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) on Tuesday to attend
religious ceremonies in Apostopolos Andreas Monastery. The Greek Cypriots
entered into the TRNC from the Ledra Palace Border Gate, and were taken to
the monastery by 43 busses provided by the TRNC authorities. They will
perform their religious duties in the monastery, and then leave the TRNC
for the Greek Cypriot side later on Tuesday. In accordance with the good
will agreement which was signed in 1997 between President Rauf Denktas of
the TRNC, and Glafcos Clerides, the leader of the Greek Cypriot
administration, two sides are able to visit holy places in the TRNC and in
the Greek Cypriot side. The Greek Cypriots visit the Apostopolos Andreas
Monastery three times in a year while the Turkish Cypriots visit the Hala
Sultan Shrine in Larnaca which is the reputed burial place of Um Haram, an
aunt of the Prophet Mohammad, during Id al-Fitr and Id al-Adha.
[26] PRESIDENT DEMIREL LEAVES FOR UKRAINE - DEMIREL: ''THE PEOPLE WHO SAY
THE PRESIDENT SHOULD BE ELECTED BY PUBLIC WILL ONE DAY REACH THEIR GOAL''
[27] ANKARA, Nov 30 (A.A) - President Suleyman Demirel said on Tuesday that
the people who say that 'the President should be elected by public voting''
would one day reach their goal. Prior to his departure to the Ukraine,
President Demirel answered the questions of journalists. When asked how he
evaluated retired Full General Cevik Bir's statement saying he could run
for President in case of a public voting, Demirel said, ''the Republic of
Turkey is a democratic country. The way for being the President is open to
everybody in Turkey.'' ''This depends on system, procedure, regulation, and
method. Nobody should find such demands odd. Of course, today the election
of President depends on the Parliament. Nobody knows what will happen in
the future. We say that it will be more beneficial to Turkey if the
President is elected by people,'' Demirel said. When asked whether he would
once again be a candidate for President in case of a public voting, Demirel
said, ''these are hypothetical issues and I do not take into consideration
hypothetical issues.''
[28] CEM, FOREIGN MINISTER, MEETS WITH HIS DUTCH COUNTERPART AARTSEN
[29] ANKARA, Nov 30 (A.A) - Ismail Cem, the Foreign Minister, met on
Tuesday with his Dutch counterpart Jozias van Aartsen. Two foreign
ministers will preside inter-delegationary meeting after tete-a-tete talks.
Addressing the meeting, Aartsen expressed pleasure over being in Turkey.
High-level Turkish and Dutch diplomats will attend the inter-delegationary
meeting. The meeting is expected to focus on bilateral relations, and the
issues of Turkey's candidacy to the European Union (EU). Following the
meeting, Cem will host a luncheon in honor of his Dutch counterpart. Cem
and Aartsen are expected to stage a joint press conference later today.
[30] FOREIGN MINISTER CEM'S HELSINKI MESSAGES
[31] ANKARA, Nov 30 (A.A) - Ismail Cem, the Foreign Minister, said on
Tuesday, ''problems between Turkey and Greece should be resolved with
peaceful methods. Turkey does not have any territorial ambitions from
Greece.'' Cem issued a written statement concerning Helsinki summit. He
stressed that progress in Turkey's full membership to the European Union
(EU) would make a considerable contribution to security of geography where
Turkey takes place. Cem added, ''the passing of the EU borders from the
Balkans and the Aegean - as it is today - brings Turkey and Greece on
opposite sides of this border perforce. This is a situation of potential
contradiction even if it is not desired.'' Cem underlined that Turkey's
candidacy to the EU would eradicate such contradiction, and provide
stability and cooperation both in the Balkans and in the Aegean.
[32] FOREIGN MINISTER CEM'S HELSINKI MESSAGES
[33] ANKARA, Nov 30 (A.A) - Ismail Cem, the Foreign Minister, said on
Tuesday that the European Union (EU) membership is a prior target of Turkey,
but it is not an obsession. Cem issued a written statement concerning
Helsinki summit. In the statement, Cem referred to some news reports about
Turkey's candidacy and Helsinki summit, and said that most of these news
reports did not reflect the truth. Cem noted that Turkey has adopted the
target of further improving relations with the EU since 1963 when the
Ankara Agreement was signed. He said, ''It is out of question for Turkey to
stay behind in her bid, modernization, and democracy in case the EU
dimension is not finalized. Turkey has already been continuing her path.
Turkey continuously improves herself in every field such as economy,
democracy, administration, and law.'' Recalling that relations between
Turkey and the EU had been upset after Turkey's candidacy was not
recognized officially at Luxembourg summit in 1997, Cem added, ''Turkey
expects the EU to put an end to this discrimination at Helsinki summit in
1999. Turkey has put forward that she had adopted the Amsterdam Agreement,
and the Copenhagen criteria. Within this framework, Turkey expects equal
treatment with other candidate countries. Turkey is not in a position to
accept preconditions and to fulfil conditions different than the other
candidates.'' Recalling that joint working committees which were set up
between Turkey and Greece, had recorded significant and positive progresses,
Cem said they believe that problems between two countries could be resolved
with the joint works. Cem reminded that documents which were agreed during
Turkish-Greek joint committee works, reached to stage of signature. He
added that Turkey described the agreement on ''Struggle Against Organized
Crimes, Drug Trafficking, Illegal Migration, and Terrorism'' as a priority
in further improvement of relations between Turkey and Greece. Cem said
that these agreements can be signed in December, if the current positive
improvement process in Turkey-Greece relations does not encounter any
obstacles. He indicated that Yorgo Papandreou, the Greek Foreign Minister,
was envisaged to be invited to Ankara for the signing ceremony.
[34] FOREIGN MINISTER CEM'S HELSINKI MESSAGES
[35] ANKARA, Nov (A.A) - Foreign Minister Ismail Cem said on Tuesday the
atmosphere of tension in the Aegean was leaving its place to detente as a
result of the positive developments in the relations between Turkey and
Greece. Cem issued a written statement concerning the Helsinki Summit.
Recalling that there were problems between Turkey and Greece especially in
Aegean awaiting to be solved, Cem said, ''it is possible for the two
neighboring and allied countries to change the Aegean into a sea of
friendship and peace by overcoming all of these problems through acceptable
means. This should be the common target of the two countries.'' Stressing
that unilateral movements in Aegean should be avoided to reach the common
target, Cem said, ''provocations and threats should be avoided; reciprocal
concerns and interests should be taken into consideration, and atmosphere
of confidence and security should be created, and within this framework,
all of the problems should be solved peacefully.'' ''We are ready to
cooperate to this end. Turkey does not have any territorial ambition from
Turkey. Turkey considers that the Agenda 2000 document includes appropriate
methods for the solution of the problems between the two countries,'' he
said. Cem stated that he thought the efforts of ''Wise Men Group'' on which
Turkey and Greece reached a compromise in April 1997 by the initiative of
the European Union (EU) Term President the Netherlands, could be re-
started. ''The Wise Men initiative which can make a move in case of
acceptance of Turkey's EU candidacy at Helsinki Summit will contribute to
the searches for the solution of the Aegean problems with peaceful methods,
'' he said. Pointing out that Turkey thinks that the Cyprus question and
the relations with the EU are two separate issues, Cem emphasized, ''Turkey
is absolutely opposed to evaluation of the relations with the EU within the
context of Cyprus.'' Cem stressed that the legal and political objections
that Turkey raised against the unilateral application of the Greek Cypriot
administration for EU membership still protect their validity. ''We believe
that statements and attitudes that can negatively affect the chance for
comprehensive solution and the process should be avoided in a period that
the U.N. Secretary General is giving start for the proximity talks in New
York, and on the contrary, we believe that the statements and attitudes
should be encouraging the two sides equally,'' he stated. Cem said the
Helsinki Summit would be an important opportunity concerning the positive
process between Turkey and Greece and the relations between Turkey and the
EU. ''We expect all European countries to make use of this important
opportunity,'' he added.
[36] DIE ANNOUNCES GROWTH RATE IN Q3 AS -6.6 PERCENT
[37] ANKARA, Nov 30 (A.A) - The State Institute of Statistics (DIE)
announced on Tuesday that the growth rate in third quarter of 1999 was -6.6
percent. DIE said the growth rate in first three quarters was -6.1 percent.
DIE announced that the Gross National Product (GNP) with current prices was
26 quadrillion 21 trillion 382 billion Turkish Liras (TL) and the GNP with
fixed prices was 36 trillion 26 billion TL in the third quarter. The growth
rate with current prices was 48.1 percent and the growth rate with fixed
prices was -6.6 percent in third quarter of 1999 when compared with the
same period in 1998. Meanwhile, according to the results of the Gross
Domestic Product (GDP) which was calculated by taking into consideration
the expenditures in third quarter of 1999, the special ultimate spendings
with fixed prices decreased by 2.9 percent, and the gross fixed capital
reduced by 11.9 percent.
[38] 11TH STRASBOURG TURKISH CINEMA FESTIVAL TO START ON WEDNESDAY
[39] STRASBOURG, Nov 30 (A.A) - The ''11th Strasbourg Turkish Cinema
Festival'', one of the most important activities in Europe concerning the
Turkish cinema, will begin on Wednesday. French and Turkish people will
have the opportunity of watching ten most important Turkish films which
were shot in the past two years. Several concerts will also be organized
within scope of the festival. The fund to be raised from concerts will be
donated to those who were left homeless by the quake disasters. ''Broken
Heart (Kirik Kalp)'' of Osman Seden, ''Propaganda'' of Sinan Cetin,
''Mirrors (Aynalar)'' of Can Dundar, ''Town (Kasaba)' of Nuri Bilge Ceylan,
''Every Thing Will Be Fine (Her Sey Çok Guzel Olacak)'' of Omer Vargi,
''Boatman (Kayikci)'' of Biket Ilhan, ''Third Page (Ucuncu Sayfa)'' of Zeki
Demirkubuz, ''Journey To The Sun (Gunese Yolculuk)'' of Yesim Ustaoglu,
''Dissolution (Parcalanma)'' of Canan Gerede, and ''Harem Suare'' of Ferzan
Ozpetek will be shown in the 11th Strasbourg Turkish Cinema Festival.
[40] FEHRIYE ERDAL DOSSIER TO BE BROUGHT ONTO AGENDA OF BRUGES COURT ON
WEDNESDAY
[41] BRUSSELS, Nov 30 (A.A) - The dossier of Fehriye Erdal, member of the
illegal Revolutionary People's Communist Party-Front (DHKP-C) who is one of
the suspects in Sabanci assasination, will be brought onto agenda of the
Bruges Penalty Court on Wednesday. Lawyers of Erdal whose term of arrest
was extended on November 24, had requested the Bruges Court to improve
their client's conditions in prison. Lawyers had criticized that Erdal was
held incommunicado, and she was not allowed to receive visitors. Belgian
security forces said that a number of gendarmerie units would be deployed
in and around the court building during tomorrow's hearing session.
[42] PRIME MINISTER ECEVIT - ''OUR TARGET WAS TO ASSEMBLE 25,314
PREFABRICATED HUTS. 24 THOUSAND OF THEM WERE FINALIZED''
[43] ANKARA, Nov 30 (A.A)- Prime Minister Bulent Ecevit said on Tuesday
that the government had reached its target to assemble prefabricated huts
for quake survivors under extremely difficult conditions and in a short
period of time. Addressing journalists at the Prime Ministry Office, Ecevit
said that he had met with Koray Aydin, the Public Works and Housing
Minister, early this morning. Ecevit congratulated the Public Works and
Housing Ministry, and all other related institutions, saying, ''we have
reached our target under extremely difficult conditions and in a short
period of time.'' He noted, ''our target was to assemble 25,314
prefabricated huts. 24 thousand of them were finalized. In fact, the Public
Works and Housing Ministry has carried out the infrastructure of
prefabricated huts that were erected by private sector and foreign
countries. Having regard to this fact, we went beyond our target.''
Recalling that Turkey was hit by a second earthquake just three months
after the 7.4-magnitude earthquake had devastated Marmara Region on August
17, Ecevit told reporters that 5 thousand prefabricated huts were assembled
in Bolu province. Ecevit said that infrastructure of these huts was about
to finish. He stressed that no one would have to spent winter in tents when
settlement of quake survivors in prefabricated huts is finalized.
''Moreover, as I stated a few days ago that broad opportunities and
facilities have been extended to the quake survivors in the public
institutions and facilities especially in holiday resorts. A total of 40,
634 beds have been allocated for the quake survivors in the holiday resorts
especially in Antalya, Aydin, Balikesir, Bursa, Icel, Izmir and Mugla.
Unfortunately, the demand for this facility couldn't reach the desired
level due to reasons that I can't figure out. Only 6,666 survivors were
settled in these public facilities. All of their requirements are being met
in these facilities. There is still a capacity of 34,407 beds in these
facilities,'' he said. Ecevit said he would visit Icel and Izmir on
Wednesday and inspect the services offered to quake survivors by public
resort facilities. ''This is a broad opportunity. I am recommending and
encouraging the quake survivors to make use of this opportunity,'' he
stated.
[44] PRIME MINISTER ECEVIT - ''BLUE STREAM PROJECT WILL PUT AN END TO
NATURAL GAS DIFFICULTY''
[45] ANKARA, Nov 30 (A.A) - Prime Minister Bulent Ecevit said on Tuesday
that Blue Stream Project would put an end to problems arising from lack of
natural gas in Turkey. Ecevit held a meeting with Cumhur Ersumer, the
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Energy and Natural Resources, and
with directors of several public institutions. Addressing journalists after
the meeting, Ecevit said that current natural gas problem was discussed at
the meeting. Recalling that Russian natural gas was being transported to
Turkey with a pipeline passing via Ukraine, Moldova, Romania, and Bulgaria,
Ecevit said that these countries sometimes consumed more natural gas than
envisaged. He told reporters, ''the Energy and Natural Resources Ministry
and all other related institutions have taken necessary measures. We will
put an end to natural gas difficulty within one or two days. Such a
difficulty put forward once again the importance of accelereting the energy
investments. The Blue Stream Project Agreement which was signed between
Turkey and Russia in 1997, will put an end to Turkey's natural gas
difficulty.'' Noting that the energy investments should absolutely be
speeded up, Ecevit stressed the importance of the amendment to the
Constitution about international arbitration. ''The accord laws of this
constitutional change are about to be approved by the Parliament. The
contribution of foreign source to the acceleration of these energy
investments will increase,'' he said. ''Besides, some bureaucratic
obstacles are encountered or some municipalities, especially Ankara
Municipality, want to use natural gas beyond the capabilities. We have to
be very careful about these issues,'' he stressed. ''The energy investments
have to start without delay. The State Planning Organization takes into
consideration the state's financial sources, but we have to be courageous
and audacious concerning this issue. We have to reach our goals without any
bureaucratic obstacle. Otherwise, the kind of the energy bottleneck that
Turkey may face was observed in last two days. We are determined to take
every necessary measure against this,'' he said. When asked how much loan
Turkey would obtain from the International Monetary Fund (IMF) with the
stand-by deal, Ecevit said, ''first of all, this is an expectation that
depends on the increase in confidence in the Turkish economy and the
attitude of the Turkish state and government. We hope that the positive
results in the relations with the IMF will increase the foreign capital and
loan inflow into Turkey. However, it is impossible to declare an amount at
the moment.'' Responding to a question about the application of the lawyers
of Abdullah Ocalan, the head of the terrorist organization, to the European
Court of Human Rights, Ecevit said, ''we will discuss it after the result
of the application.''
[46] FOREIGN MINISTER CEM AND HIS DUTCH COUNTERPART AARTSEN STAGE A JOINT
PRESS CONFERENCE
[47] ANKARA, Nov 30 (A.A) - Jozias van Aartsen, the Dutch Foreign Minister,
said on Tuesday that he supported Turkey's candidacy to the European Union
(EU), and Turkey's candidacy should be confirmed at Helsinki Summit. Ismail
Cem, the Foreign Minister, and his Dutch counterpart staged a joint press
conference after inter-delegationary meeting. Addressing the press
conference, Aartsen noted that Turkey had recently recorded significant
progress in the field of human rights. He said that this progress should
continue. Aartsen stressed that the Netherlands, like the other EU members,
is opposed to capital punishment. Cem told reporters that they had held a
productive and positive meeting. He said that his Dutch counterpart had
invited him to the Netherlands, adding that he planned to pay a visit to
the Netherlands next year.
[48] FOREIGN MINISTER CEM AND HIS DUTCH COUNTERPART AARTSEN STAGE A JOINT
PRESS CONFERENCE
[49] ANKARA, Nov 30 (A.A) - Jozias van Aartsen, the Dutch Foreign Minister,
said on Tuesday that they supported Turkey's candidacy to the European
Union (EU), adding that a divided Cyprus could not become a member of the
EU. Ismail Cem, the Foreign Minister, and his Dutch counterpart staged a
joint press conference after inter-delegationary meeting. Addressing the
press conference, Aartsen noted that many issues concerning Turkey ahd the
Netherlands, were discussed at the meeting. Noting that the main goal of
his visit was to further improve relations with Turkey, Aartsen said that
the Netherlands fully supported Turkey's candidacy to the EU. Recalling
that Turkey had recorded significant progress in the field of human rights,
Aartsen said they believed that Turkey should also continue to progress on
the issues of minority problem, the army's role in policy, and human rights
after Helsinki Summit. Describing the recent developments in relations
between Turkey and Greece, as very positive, Aartsen stressed that further
improvement of relations was beneficial for both Turkey and the EU. When
recalled that he had came together with representatives of the human rights
associations early on Tuesday morning, Aartsen said that the Turkish
government should record further progress in the field of human rights to
fulfil political criteria. Aartsen reminded that the Turkish government had
been progressing in the field of human rights since June. He underlined the
importance of Prime Minister Bulent Ecevit's words, ''there are much more
to be done'' in his letter to German Chancellor Gerhard Schroeder prior to
Cologne Summit. Quoting Cem as saying that reforms would continue after
Helsinki Summit, Aartsen stressed that this was extremely important for
both Turkey and the EU. When asked about a question on the capital
punishment and the Supreme Court's approval of capital punishment given to
Ocalan, Aartsen said that the Netherlands, as a member of the EU, is
against the capital punishment. The important point is that the Turkish
government said that it takes into consideration the international
agreements it had earlier signed; Aartsen noted. Aartsen stated that this
statement carries importance because it means that the European Court of
Human Rights (ECHR) can play a role in the trial process of Ocalan. Cem
responded to the same question as saying that he is the Foreign Minister of
Turkey and to this end, he does not want to comment on this issue. The
Justice Ministry is responsible to deal with this issue, Cem added.
Responding a question saying, ''you mentioned about the minority problem
and the role of the army in political life in your speech. Can you make
clear whom you mentioned about when saying minority and your statements
regarding the army?'', Aartsen said that the role of army was included in
the Turkish Constitution. Aartsen said that this is not a normal situation
for the EU countries, and this issue should be discussed for the future of
Turkey. He used the word ''minority'' to mention about ''the situation of
Kurdish minority in Turkey,'' Aartsen said. Responding another question,
Aartsen stated that they also talked about the application of Murat
Karayilan, one of the top members of the terrorist organization, to the
Dutch organs to be granted asylum. Aartsen said that the legal procedures
were launched and Karayilan applied to them last Saturday. He told Cem
about the view of the Dutch government regarding this issue, Aartsen added.
When reminded of Greek Foreign Minister Yorgo Papandreou's latest
statements about Turkey's EU candidacy, Aartsen said he was not informed of
those statements. Aartsen said they were expending efforts within the EU to
enable Greece to reach a good understanding with Turkey. Noting that
Turkey's attitude was important for a compromise that would be reached on
the issue, Aartsen said, ''we strongly believe that positive signals for
Turkey's EU candidacy should be given at the Helsinki Summit and that
Turkey should be a candidate.'' Speaking to the Elefterotipia newspaper
published in Athens, Papandreou had said Greece would give a negative vote
for the decision to be taken at Helsinki Summit if Greece's demands
concerning Turkey's EU candidacy were not met, and that they wouldn't be
responsible for this. When asked how he evaluated a divided Cyprus's
membership to the EU, Aartsen said, ''this is a question that can be
answered easily. We think that a divided Cyprus can't be a member of the EU,
and this attitude won't change.'' When reminded of the opinions that the
Wise Men process, which started between Turkey and Greece in 1997 with the
initiative of the Netherlands but was cut following the Luxembourg Summit,
could be revived, Aartsen said Foreign Minister Ismail Cem had good
opinions about the issue. Foreign Minister Ismail Cem recalled that he made
a statement about the issue the same day, and stressed once again that the
process in question could be re-started. ''The talks between the
delegations were very beneficial and productive. Several issues including
Chechnya and Kosovo were discussed in the meetings,'' he said.
[50] MOODY'S CHANGES OUTLOOK ON TURKISH ECONOMY FROM ''STABLE'' TO
''POSITIVE''
[51] NEW YORK/ANKARA, Nov 30 (A.A) - The Moody's, a leading U.S. rating
organizations, announced on Tuesday that it has changed the outlook on
Turkey's B1/B2 country ceilings for foreign currency bonds and bank
deposits from ''stable'' to ''positive''. Moody's, in its written statement,
said the outlook on the Turkish government's B1-rated foreign currency
bonds and notes has also been changed from ''stable'' to ''positive''.
Moody's said that the change in outlook was prompted by recent developments
in Turkey's political and policy environments that could eventually bring
about a long-overdue correction of the severe pressures bearing on the
fiscal accounts and on the real economy.
[52] EUROPEAN COURT OF HUMAN RIGHTS DEBATES OCALAN'S APPLICATION
[53] STRASBOURG, Nov 30 (A.A) - The European Court of Human Rights (ECHR)
convened on Tuesday to debate application of lawyers of Abdullah Ocalan,
the head of terrorist organization PKK. The ECHR will express its opinion
about a precautionary measure aiming at delaying the execution of death
sentence handed down on Ocalan. The ECHR will request Turkey to delay the
execution of capital punishment in case it decides the precautionary
measure. A total of 10 judges are participating in the court session.
[54] ECHR TAKES PRECAUTIONARY MEASURE FORESEEING SUSPENSION OF CAPITAL
PUNISHMENT GIVEN TO OCALAN
[55] STRASBOURG, Nov 30 (A.A) - The European Court of Human Rights (ECHR)
took precautinary measure foreseeing the suspension of the capital
punishment given to Abdullah Ocalan, the head of the terrorist organization,
on Tuesday. The ECHR asked Turkey not to execute the capital punishment
given to Ocalan until the application of Ocalan's lawyers to the ECHR is
concluded. The court which accepted the request of Ocalan's lawyers for
taking precautionary measures, will take on the earlier applications
against Turkey which are related with the Article 2, 3, 5 and 6 of the
European Convention on Human Rights. In case the court decides to
investigate these applications, the normal legal process will continue to
operate and the court will search whether or not a friendly solution can be
reached by the two sides. If the two sides do not reach a friendly solution,
then the ECHR will investigate the dossier and give its final decision.
Ocalan's lawyers had applied to the ECHR for the first time on February 16,
1999. They had applied to the court by claiming that Turkey violated the
articles of the European Convention of Human Rights which takes right to
life under guarantee, which prevents torture and maltreatment, which covers
freedom right and the right to a fair trial. The lawyers had later applied
to the court on March 4, 1999 to implement the Article 39 regarding
precautionary measure. The ECHR had accepted the application of the lawyers
asking for taking precautionary measures on April 29, 1999 and requested
information from Turkey related with the detention and the arrestment of
Ocalan. Turkey had fulfilled the request of ECHR on September 1, 1999.
[56] LEADERS OF COALITION GOVERNMENT TO CONVENE TONIGHT
[57] ANKARA, Nov 30 (A.A) - Premier Bulent Ecevit said on Tuesday that he
will meet with the leaders of the coalition government and the concerned
ministers tonight to evaluate the precautionary measure taken by the
European Court of Human Rights (ECHR). Ecevit told reporters that the ECHR
had taken precautionary measure foreseeing the suspension of capital
punishment given to Abdullah Ocalan, the head of the terrorist organization,
in its today's session. They have not officially received the decision yet,
Ecevit noted. Ecevit continued, ''we will have a pre-evaluation meeting
with the leaders of the political parties which set up the government and
the concerned ministers. I will issue a statement after the decision is
notified to us.'' When asked whether or not the government will comply with
the ECHR decision, Ecevit said that he cannot say anything before he
discusses this issue with the government.
[58] OKAY, CHAIRMAN OF ANKARA BAR: ''THE DECISION OF ECHR CANNOT REMOVE THE
DECISION OF INDEPENDENT TURKISH JURISDICTION''
[59] ANKARA, Nov 30 (A.A) - Hakki Suha Okay, the Chairman of Ankara Bar,
said on Tuesday that the precautionary measure taken by the European Court
of Human Rights (ECHR) cannot remove the decision of the independent
Turkish jurisdiction. Okay told A.A correspondent that this was not the
first time that the ECHR took precautionary measure. Okay continued, ''the
ECHR took this measure on the application of Ocalan's lawyers who claimed
that the trial was not fair, Ocalan was badly treated and their defense
rights were limited. The decision says 'do not fulfil the requirement of
your national jurisdiction'.'' ''The interlocutor of the ECHR is the
Republic of Turkey. Because it accepted the judicial authority of ECHR. If
Turkey does not fulfil the requirement of the decision, some sanctions can
be implemented,'' Okay added.
[60] OZDEN, FORMER PRESIDENT OF CONSTITUTIONAL COURT: - ''WE SHOULD OBEY
THE PRECAUTIONARY MEASURE BECAUSE WE EARLIER ACCEPTED THE JUDICIAL
AUTHORITY OF ECHR''
[61] ANKARA, Nov 30 (A.A) - Yekta Gungor Ozden, the former president of the
Constitutional Court, said on Tuesday that Turkey should obey the
precautionary measure taken by the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR)
because she had earlier accepted the judicial authority of ECHR. Ozden told
A.A correspondent that the international organizations do not have positive
ideas about Turkey's legal system and jurisdiction. Turkey did not sign the
protocol of the European Convention of Human Rights which foresaw the
abolishment of the capital punishment, Ozden recalled. Ozden noted that to
this end, nobody can regard the inclusion of capital punishment in Turkey's
laws as strange. The jurisdiction process of Abdullah Ocalan, the head of
the terrorist organization, was fair; Ozden stated. Ozden continued, ''we
should obey the precautionary measure because we had earlier accepted the
judicial authority of ECHR. But, nobody can condemn us if we execute
capital punishment because this punishment is included in our laws. If the
parliament approves and executes the punishment, ECHR's binding position
will be out of question.''
[62] PRESIDENT DEMIREL SAYS GOVERNMENT IS INTERLOCUTOR OF ECHR
[63] ANKARA, Nov 30 (A.A) - President Suleyman Demirel said on Tuesday that
the government is the interlocutor of the European Court of Human Rights
(ECHR). Demirel who returned from his one-day official visit to Ukraine,
responded to the questions of the journalists regarding the precautionary
measure taken by the ECHR which foresees the suspension of the capital
punishment given to Abdullah Ocalan, the head of the terrorist
organization. Demirel noted that the government is the interlocutor of the
ECHR regarding this issue.
[64] INTERVENOR LAWYER KESKIN: ''IT IS NOT NECESSARY TO IMPLEMENT THE
PRECAUTIONARY MEASURE AS LONG AS ARTICLE 138 OF THE CONSTITUTION IS IN
FORCE''
[65] ANKARA, Nov 30 (A.A) - Mehdi Keskin, one of the intervenor lawyers in
the trial process of the head of the terrorist organization Abdullah Ocalan,
said on Tuesday that it is not necessary to implement the precautionary
measure taken by the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) as long as the
Article 138 of the Constitution is in force. Keskin told A.A correspondent
that the ECHR took the decision in accordance with its own by-laws. Keskin
said, ''although the European Convention on Human Rights is a legal norm
for Turkey, our Constitution is above all the legal norms. Under Article 11
of the Constitution, the judicial decisions bind the legislation and
execution. In accordance with the Article 138, the legislation, execution
and the administration cannot suspend the execution of the judicial
decisions.'' ''As long as the Article 138 of the Constitution is in force,
it is not necessary to implement the precautionary measure. A final
decision saying 'don't execute', does not legally bind Turkey,'' Keskin
added. Hasan Alper Avci, another intervenor lawyer, said that the ECHR
opened arms to terrorism by this decision. Avci added that it is a very
terrifying development for the global peace that the ECHR took some
political decisions regarding a terrorist.
[66] SAYMAN, CHAIRMAN OF ISTANBUL BAR: ''IT WAS AN EXPECTED DECISION''
[67] ISTANBUL, Nov 30 (A.A) - Yucel Sayman, the Chairman of Istanbul Bar,
said on Tuesday that the decision given by the European Court of Human
Rights (ECHR) was an expected one. Sayman told A.A correspondent that it is
wrong to consider the precautionary measure taken by ECHR as the pressure
of Europe. Sayman continued, ''if the capital punishment given for Abdullah
Ocalan, the head of the terrorist organization, by the State Security Court
(DGM) and approved by the Supreme Court, was executed; then a situation
which cannot be compensated would occur in respect of the ECHR.'' ''The
abolishment of capital punishment is a principal issue for Europe and ECHR.
To this end, it is so natural that the court gave such a decision,'' Sayman
added. Turkey should comply with this decision since she had committed to
obey the decisions of the ECHR and made the decisions of ECHR a part of her
internal law, Sayman noted. Sayman said, ''some say that the decision is
the pressure of Europe. It is so wrong to consider a verdict of a court as
the pressure of Europe. If you call it 'the pressure of Europe', then
Turkey will be excluded from this court.'' The decision is the decision of
jurisdiction, Sayman recalled. Sayman added, ''whether you like or not, it
is the decision of the jurisdiction. Turkey is included in that court
because a Turkish judge participates in that court. Turkey is a part of
this court.''
[68] ECHR OFFICIALLY ANNOUNCES ITS PRECAUTIONARY MEASURE
[69] STRASBOURG, Nov 30 (A.A) - The European Court of Human Rights (ECHR)
officially announced its precautionary measure decision regarding Abdullah
Ocalan, the head of the terrorist organization, on Tuesday evening. A
statement of the ECHR said that the concerned unit of the ECHR asks the
concerned country to take all the necessary measures not to execute the
capital punishment until the Court proceeds effectively with the
examination of the admissibility and merits of the applicant's complaints
under the European Convention on Human Rights.
[70] PRESIDENT DEMIREL SAYS WHOLE WORLD APPRECIATES STEPS TAKEN BY UKRAINE
[71] KIEV, Nov 30 (A.A) - President Suleyman Demirel said on Tuesday that
all the world appreciates the steps that Ukraine has taken in improving her
independence and territorial integrity and basing the democracy on the rule
of law and the free market economy since she gained her independence.
Demirel participated in the reception given by Ukranian President Leonid
Kuchma in honour of the chairmen of the foreign delegations which
participated in Kuchma's oath ceremony. Turkey considers Ukraine as a
partner with whom she works together for the peace, welfare and stability
of the Black Sea and Eurosia; Demirel noted. Demirel stated that Turkey is
determined to continue to support Ukraine's efforts to implement reforms in
every field, especially in the improvement of her democracy. They are in
the threshold of a new millenium and the future gives hope, Demirel
stressed. Demirel emphasized that he sincerely believes that their common
target is to make 21st century a century of peace, welfare and democracy.
Following the reception, Demirel had a 15-minute meeting with Kuchma. Later,
Demirel left for Turkey at 6.10 p.m.
[72] GREEK CYPRIOTS WHO ATTENDED RELIGIOUS CEREMONIES IN TRNC RETURN TO
GREEK CYPRIOT SIDE
[73] LEFKOSA, Nov 30 (A.A) - The Greek Cypriots who attended religious
ceremonies in Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC), returned to Greek
Cypriot side on Tuesday evening. After performing their religious duties in
Apostolos Andreas Monastery, 1,719 Greek Cypriots departed TRNC. In
accordance with the good will agreement which was signed in 1997 between
President Rauf Denktas of the TRNC, and Glafcos Clerides, the leader of the
Greek Cypriot administration, two sides are able to visit holy places in
the TRNC and in the Greek Cypriot side. The Greek Cypriots visit the
Apostolos Andreas Monastery three times a year while the Turkish Cypriots
visit the Hala Sultan Shrine in Larnaca which is the reputed burial place
of Um Haram, an aunt of the Prophet Mohammad, during Id al-Fitr and Id al-
Adha.
[74] TRNC PRESIDENT DENKTAS TO STAGE PRESS CONFERENCE IN U.S.
[75] NEW YORK, Nov 30 (A.A) - Rauf Denktas, the President of the Republic
of Northern Cyprus, will stage a press conference in New York on December 2,
1999. Denktas who will arrive in New York on Wednesday, will stage a press
confence to the Turkish and foreign journalists on December 2, 1999.
Denktas will meet with Kofi Annan, the Secretary General of the United
Nations (U.N), on December 3, 1999. Glafcos Clerides, the leader of the
Greek Cypriot side, is also expected to meet with Annan the same day.
Denktas will address the Turkish Cypriots who are living in New York in
Turkish Cypriots' Assistance Association on December 5, 1999. Denktas will
hold bilateral contacts as long as the proximity talks continue.
[76] PREMIER ECEVIT: ''ALTHOUGH THE SUPREME COURT GAVE ITS FINAL DECISION,
THE JUDICIAL PROCESS IS NOT OVER YET''
[77] ANKARA, Nov 30 (A.A) - Premier Bulent Ecevit said on Tuesday that
although the Supreme Court gave its final decision regarding Abdullah
Ocalan, the head of the terrorist organization; the judicial process is not
over yet. The leaders summit which started at 9.05 p.m. under the
chairmanship of Ecevit, ended. Following the meeting, Ecevit told reporters
that the precautionary measure that the European Court of Human Rights
(ECHR) took regarding Ocalan, was notified to the Turkish organs. Ecevit
continued, ''I met with the leaders of the coalition partners and concerned
ministers tonight. Meanwhile, the ECHR sent the written notification
regarding Ocalan case to Turkey.'' ''As you all know, although the Supreme
Court gave its final decision, the judicial process is not over yet. The
remedy to apply for the correction of the verdict, has not been exhausted
yet. The government will evaluate the developments when the judicial
decision arrives at the parliament,'' Ecevit added.
|
