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Anadolu Agency: News in English, 00-01-03Anadolu Agency: News in English Directory - Previous Article - Next ArticleFrom: The Anadolu Agency Home Page at <http://www.anadoluajansi.gov.tr/>[01] AA News03 January 2000 Monday[02] TURKEY-ENERGYRIZE, Jan 3 (A.A) - Energy and Natural Resources Minister Cumhur Ersumer said on Sunday that they would exert themselves to seek every opportunity excluding the state budget to obtain energy.''We are trying to inject the domestic and foreign private sectors' power into the energy investments,'' he said. Addressing a meeting held in Rize province in the Black Sea region, Ersumer said they were expending efforts to transform even one milimeter of water into energy. ''However, there are some circles which oppose to some of our projects. A power plant is being constructed in Camlihemsin. The Committee for Protection of Historical and Cultural Heritage raises an objection. However, there is a logic to the situation. The path of such a project, which produces clean energy and does not pollute the environment, should not be blocked in a period in which Turkey is suffering energy shortage,'' he said. Cumhur Ersumer recalled that they had several natural gas projects for which they finalized feasibility works. ''According to these works, we have two options. One of them is the Artvin- Samsun pipeline and the other is the Artvin-Trabzon pipeline. One of these projects will cost 76 million U.S. dollars and the other will cost 22 million U.S. dollars. With these projects, we are thinking to prevent environmental pollution. Besides, we are planning to purchase natural gas from Georgia and Azerbaijan,'' he added. [03] TURKEY-PRESS SCANThese are some of the major headlines and their brief stories in Turkey's press on January 3, 2000. The Anadolu Ajansi does not verify these stories and does not vouch for their occuracy.HURRIYET (LIBERAL)CHP'S REVOLUTIONThe Republican People's Party (CHP) decided to soften its religion policy which it considered as one of the reasons of the defeat in general elections. The first step of the decision was taken with evening meals to break a fast in holy Ramadan month. The CHP for the first time attended the evening meals as a group including the leader, Central Management Board and Assembly members. The report, which determined the reasons for the defeat in general elections, say, ''many of the faithful did not vote for the CHP due to the policy.'' EU CANDIDACY INSPIRES TOURISM WITH HOPE MILLIYET (LIBERAL)BLACK SEA TO ALMOST SWALLOW TERKOS LAKEThe land which separates the Terkos Lake from the Black Sea, is being removed step by step. The length of the land separating the Terkos Lake, which is the potable water storage of Istanbul, from the Black Sea was decreased below 100 meters. If this line is removed, the salt water of the Black Sea will mix with the water of the Lake, and let Istanbul go without potable water. The coasters which extracts sand 50 meters off-shore create the danger. TENT-CITY COVERED WITH SNOW BAHCELI: ''AT FIRST, MOTHERLAND'' SABAH (LIBERAL)COMPENSATION FROM STATEA gendarme soldier accidentally shot dead an eleven-year old child who put cattle out to pasture together with his grandfather in eastern Tunceli province on September 25, 1999. Turkey was informed about the incident by Kamer Genc, a deputy of the DYP. The state accepted its mistake and decided to give compensation. Interior Minister Saadettin Tantan said the state gave 10 sheep, 40 kg of storable food and 750 million Turkish Liras to the family of Unal Cila. EUROPE WILL GIVE THE FINAL DECISION FLYING RADARS TO COME CUMHURIYET (LEFT)PRISONS: HEAVENLY PLACES OF GANGSAfter notorious mafia boss Alaattin Cakici, drug smuggler Huseyin Baybasin wanted to come to Turkey. Tekin Yildiz, the Chairman of the Jurisprudence Employers' Labour Union, said, ''why don't they want to come to Turkey? The prison wardens entered into their service. They make use of the prison guards as servants. They even bring women into the wards. They make use of every kind of technological opportunities. These are the things that can't be possible in civil life.'' CEM: ''CHECHNYA IS THE PROBLEM OF ALL OF US'' RADIKAL (LEFT)OCALAN TRUCEThe internal jurisprudence process about Ocalan ended. Now, he is a convict of execution. Earlier, the Nationalist Movement Party (MHP) demanded the transfer of the decision to the Parliament as soon as possible. Sources said the MHP consented to keep the dossier at the Prime Ministry. However, this is not an ''agreement'' but a ''truce''. The MHP is not opposed to abolishment of capital punishment but it wants the execution of Ocalan. THE NIGHT OF POWER TURKIYE (RIGHT)FEARS OF 2000A new period will start in struggle against 140 billion U.S. dollar borrowing, 65 percent inflation and high interest rates. According to the government's programme, the privatization will be accelerated, taxes will be collected completely, agricultural subsidies will be lifted and the budget deficits will be decreased to minimum. The inflation will be taken under control by keeping the civil servants' wage increase at 15 percent, the searches for cash sources in foreign bond markets will be accelerated and the growth rate will be five percent. ZAMAN (CONSERVATIVE)BANKS WITH QUEUEBanks annoy people and cause them suffer due to their long queues. The banks which became one of the most important parts of the economy, welcomed the milenium with long queues. The people, who want to receive their salaries or pay their taxes and invoices, join these long lines in front of the banks which brought various options into Turkey in the 1990s. These queues do not suit humanity and technology age. CILLER: ''TURKEY WILL SUFFER A CHAOS'' KUTAN: ''THERE IS NO FREEDOM IN TURKEY'' [04] WATER TRANSPORTATION TO TRNC WITH BALLOONSANTALYA, Jan 3 (A.A) - The water transportation from Anamur township of southern Mersin province to the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) with balloons couldn't be made for two months.Speaking to the A.A correspondent, Acar Transportation Board Chairman Ahmet Acar said that a total of 102 border gates including the Anamur were closed in accordance with a decision of the Customs Undersecretariat. Acar said they had been exeperiencing difficulties in transportation of water to the TRNC after the closure of the Anamur border gate. ''We couldn't send water to the TRNC for two months as the border gate was closed. The State Water Works officials continue their talks to solve the problem about the Anamur border gate,'' he said. [05] EROGLU, TRNC PRIME MINISTER: ''GREEK CYPRIOTS SHOULD ACCEPT THE FACT THAT THERE IS A STATE IN THE NORTH''LEFKOSA, Jan 3 (A.A) - Dervis Eroglu, Prime Minister of Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC), said on Monday that, ''the Greek Cypriot side sits at the table as if it was negotiating, yet escaped from the negotiation table when a peace was about to be provided.'' He said from now on the Greek Cypriot side should accept the fact that there is a state in the Northern part of the Island.Speaking to Bayrak Radio, TRNC Prime Minister Eroglu said the Greek Cypriot side should understand that they could not reach anywhere by escaping from the negotiation table. He said Turkish Cypriot side was accused from time to time, although it was the Greek Cypriot side that did not want compromise and peace. Eroglu said, ''we want Greek Cypriot side to have the same determination, and reach peace.'' Speaking about entrance of Turkish Cypriot side to European Union (EU), Eroglu said there should be an agreement first of all for them to enter to EU, and that Turkey should approve this. [06] ECONOMIC FIGURES IN 2000ANKARA, Jan 3 (A.A) - A total of 130 trillion 466 billion Turkish Liras (TL) will be paid from the state cash every day in 2000.According to the government's economic figures for the first year of the 21st century, the state's monthly budget spendings will reach three quadrillion 914 trillion TL totalling up 46 quadrillion 968 trillion TL in 2000. The state's spendings for each Turkish individual will be about 719 million 143 thousand TL in 2000. The state will repay monthly 1 quadrillion 761 trillion TL in foreign and domestic borrowing interests. The interest burden on each Turkish citizen will increase over to 323 million 748 thousand TL in 2000. The deficit in Social Security Authority (SSK), Social Security Agency for Artisans and Self-Employed (Bag-Kur) and Pension Fund will be 300 trillion TL every month. The citizens will pay 24 quadrillion TL of tax in 2000. The tax of each Turkish citizen will increase by 367 million 472 thousand TL. The possible daily developments in some incomes and spendings in 2000 are as follows: ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENTS DAILY SITUATION State's Interest Payments 58 trillion 702 billion TL Spendings on Social Security Deficits 10 trillion TL Tax Paid by Citizens 66 trillion 666 billion TL Fine Paid by Citizens 1 trillion 19 billion TL Spendings on Products of PEEs* 41 trillion 857 billion TL Exports 78 million 466 thousand U.S. dollars Imports 127 million 777 thousand U.S. dollars Privatization 14 million 444 thousand U.S. dollars Income from Tourism 19 million 726 thousand U.S. dollars GNP per capita 3,339 U.S. dollars Electricity Consumption of Each Citizen 1,964 kwh </pre> PEEs*: Public Economic Enterprises [07] GREEK FM DUE IN TURKEY IN JANUARY 20-21ATHENS, Jan 3 (A.A) - George Papandreou, Greek Foreign Minister, is expected to visit Turkey between January 20 and 21.To Vima newspaper, published in Athens, said Papandreou will visit Ankara and Istanbul, and sign the agreements prepared within the framework of Turkish-Greek dialogue. The newspaper pointed out that half of the agreements will be signed in Ankara, and the other half will be signed in February during Foreign Minister Ismail Cem's visit to Athens. The newspaper said date of the visits was determined during a telephone conversation between Cem and Papandreou. To Vima said the agreements that will be signed covered terrorism and issues linked with it, economy, trade, tourism, science, technological cooperation, cooperation in the fields of culture, environment, preservation of investments, maritime, and energy. It said efforts related with prevention of dual taxation agreement were underway. To Vima said Athens acted with self confidence and optimism in Turkish- Greek relations following Helsinki summit. The newspaper also claimed that signing of a memorandum of understanding regarding Turkey's preparation to the EU may be in question between the two countries. [08] NEW INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT TERMINAL OPENED IN ISTANBUL - PRESIDENT DEMIREL: ''TURKEY IS READY FOR 21ST CENTURY, AND WILL REACH THE TARGETS OF 21ST CENTURY''ISTANBUL, Jan 3 (A.A) - President Suleyman Demirel said on Monday that Turkey was ready for the 21st century, and that it will shoulder the burden of this century, and that it will reach the targets of the new century.President Demirel inaugurated a new international airport that will replace Istanbul's overcrowded facility with one capable of handling 14 million passengers a year. Addressing the ceremony Demirel said, ''we have entered to 21st century by overcoming a great shock after great pains. We should heal our wounds, solve our problems, and prepare ourselves for a better future. If you have dreams, hopes, and self confidence, you can reach your targets. This installation is a proof that Turkey may reach its goals.'' Demirel said, ''Turkey is among the 20 developed countries. Turkey is included among G-20 Group, and took a step to be a full member of the European Union (EU). Yet, we can not stop at this point. We will further improve.'' Demirel pointed out that Turkey will be among the first 10 developed countries in coming 20 years. He said the terminal is an example to countries which try to develop with its own efforts. The 306 million U.S. dollars terminal, which is four times the size of the old one, is scheduled to go into service later this week. The new building was built just beside the old terminal on the outskirts of Istanbul. It was built to withstand earthquakes up to a magnitude of 8.5. [09] TENDER FOR AKKUYU NUCLEAR POWER PLANTANKARA, Jan 3 (A.A) - After Prime Minister Bulent Ecevit stated that the announcement of the results of the tender for the construction of Akkuyu nuclear power plant was delayed for one month, the Turkish Electricity Production and Distribution Corp (TEAS) asked consortiums bidding for the tender to extend the bid validity period by one month.The TEAS called the representatives of those three consortiums to its headquarters on December 31, 1999, and asked them to extend the validity period of their bids by one month. The consortiums were requested to submit their documents about the extension till January 17. The consortiums will give their response to the TEAS after evaluating the demand for the extension. Prime Minister Bulent Ecevit announced on December 30, 199, one day before the deadline for the validity of bid, that they decided to postpone the decision process concerning the Akkuyu Nuclear Power Plant tender. Ecevit said they took the decision in question as they did not ask the opinions of some state institutions. The three consortiums bidding for the tender are as follows: -Westinghouse - Mitsubishi Consortium: Westinghouse (U.S.), Raytheone and Duke (U.S.), Mitsubishi Heavy Int. (Japan), Enka Construction (Turkey), MNG (Turkey). -AECL Consortium: AECL (Canada), Hitachi (Japan), Itochu (Japan), Gama Industry (Turkey), Guris Construction (Turkey), Bayindir Construction (Turkey), Ansoldo (Italy), Daiwoo (South Korea) -NPI Consortium: Siemens (Germany), Hochtief (Germany), Framatom (France), Gec-Alsthom (France), Campenon Bernard (France), Garanti-Koza Construction (Turkey), Tekfen Construction (Turkey). [10] TURKEY-ECONOMY - ANNUAL INFLATION IN 1999 HITS 62.9 PERCENT IN WHOLESALE PRICES, AND 68.8 PERCENT IN CONSUMER PRICESANKARA, Jan 3 (A.A) - State Statistical Institute (DIE) said on Monday that annual inflation was 62.9 percent in wholesale prices and 68.8 percent in consumer prices.In 1998, the inflation was 54.3 percent in wholesale prices, and 69.7 percent in consumer prices. Annual inflation in November 1999, in wholesale prices was 56.3 percent, and 56.3 percent in consumer prices. According to wholesale and consumer prices index, monthly and annual figures of the last five years are as follows: Monthly InflationWholesale Consumer. ----------------------------- ----------------------------- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ---- Feb 7.1 5.8 6.2 4.6 3.4 4.9 4.5 5.7 4.4 3.2 Marc 5.5 7.0 6.0 4.0 4.0 4.5 5.6 5.4 4.3 4.1 April 5.1 8.1 5.5 4.0 5.3 5.8 6.7 6.6 4.7 4.9 May 1.9 4.1 5.2 3.3 3.2 3.3 4.5 4.7 3.5 2.9 June . 1.3 2.7 3.4 1.6 1.8 2.6 2.5 2.9 2.4 3.3 July 2.3 2.4 5.3 2.5 4.0 3.1 2.1 6.3 3.4 3.8 August 2.3 3.8 5.3 2.4 3.3 4.3 4.8 6.2 4.0 4.2 Sept 4.6 5.1 6.3 5.3 5.9 7.7 6.1 7.3 6.7 4.2 Oct 3.7 5.5 6.7 4.1 4.7 6.3 6.5 8.3 6.1 6.3 Novem 3.5 5.1 5.6 3.4 4.1 4.7 5.2 6.6 4.3 4.2 Dec 4.4 3.9 5.4 2.5 6.8 3.8 3.4 5.1 3.3 5.9 </pre> Annual Inflation. Wholesale Consumer. ---------------------------- ----------------------------- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ---- Feb 138.4 63.0 78.6 89.6 48.3 122.4 77.5 77.7 99.3 63.9 Marc 135.0 65.3 77.0 86.0 48.2 119.7 79.3 77.3 97.2 63.5 April 92.4 69.9 72.8 83.3 50.0 88.4 80.8 77.2 93.6 63.9 May 80.6 73.7 74.6 79.9 50.0 79.8 82.9 77.5 91.4 63.0 June . 78.1 76.2 75.7 76.7 50.3 80.7 82.9 78.0 90.6 64.3 July 77.8 76.3 80.7 72.1 52.4 80.6 81.2 85.2 85.3 65.0 August 76.2 79.0 83.4 67.4 53.7 83.3 81.9 87.8 81.4 65.4 Sept 76.5 79.8 85.4 65.9 54.4 85.8 79.3 89.9 80.4 64.3 Oct 72.4 82.8 87.5 62.0 55.2 84.2 79.6 93.2 76.6 64.7 Novem 68.9 85.7 88.4 58.6 56.3 81.5 80.4 95.8 72.8 64.6 Dec 65.6 84.9 91.0 54.3 62.9 76.1 79.8 99.1 69.7 68.8 </pre> [11] ACTIVITIES OF EVEREST BANK STOPPED IN TRNC TILL JANUARY 19LEFKOSA, Jan 3 (A.A) - The banking activities of Everest Bank were stopped on Monday in Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) till January 19, due to the reason that its financial situation worsened.TRNC cabinet held an extraordinary meeting today and gave time to the bank to improve itself till January 19. Mehmet Bayram, the TRNC Minister of Economy and Finance said that the inspections on banks continue, adding there is no other bank whose financial situation is bad except Everest Bank. Bayram stressed that if Everest Bank does not improve its finance till January 19, it will be closed. [12] A.AAnadolu Agency: News in English Directory - Previous Article - Next Article |