Browse through our Interesting Nodes on Classical Greece Read the Convention Relating to the Regime of the Straits (24 July 1923) Read the Convention Relating to the Regime of the Straits (24 July 1923)
HR-Net - Hellenic Resources Network Compact version
Today's Suggestion
Read The "Macedonian Question" (by Maria Nystazopoulou-Pelekidou)
HomeAbout HR-NetNewsWeb SitesDocumentsOnline HelpUsage InformationContact us
Tuesday, 3 December 2024
 
News
  Latest News (All)
     From Greece
     From Cyprus
     From Europe
     From Balkans
     From Turkey
     From USA
  Announcements
  World Press
  News Archives
Web Sites
  Hosted
  Mirrored
  Interesting Nodes
Documents
  Special Topics
  Treaties, Conventions
  Constitutions
  U.S. Agencies
  Cyprus Problem
  Other
Services
  Personal NewsPaper
  Greek Fonts
  Tools
  F.A.Q.
 

Anadolu Agency: News in English, 00-03-24

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

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


[01] AA News

24 March 2000 Friday

[02] TURKEY-PRESS SCAN

These are some of the major headlines and their brief stories in Turkey's press on March 23, 2000. The Anadolu Ajansi does not verify these stories and does not vouch for their occuracy. HURRIYET (LIBERAL)

[03] ----------------

CHIRAC SUSPENDS HIS VISIT TO TURKEY
French President Chirac suspended his visit to Turkey to protest the elimination of his country from the helicopter tender. Chirac invited Turkish Ambassador to Paris, Sonmez Koksal where his advisor conveyed the following message to Koksal: ''Mr. Chirac has done his best to prevent the Armenian genocide draft law from passing from the French Senate. He worked for Turkey's EU membership and played a key role in Helsinki for the approval of Turkey's EU candidacy. Mr. Chirac has been disappointed about the elimination of his country from the helicopter tender. For this reason, Chirac has postponed his visit to Turkey which was scheduled for spring until the conditions between the two countries improve.''

TURKISH FISHERMEN ANGRY AT UKRAINE
Turkish fishermen who lost a friend during the fire opened by Ukranian coast guard boats, are incenced over the incident. The fishermen who gathered at Kumkapi Fish Market threatened Ukraine by blocking the Bosphorus with their boats, and not allowing the Ukranian ships pass from the Straits. The fishermen said international maritime laws ban opening fire at captain's cabin even during the war. They said the attack was ''deliberate and political.''

Ukranian Foreign Minister Borys Tarasiuk reached Foreign Minister Ismail Cem through telephone and expressed his condolence for the fisherman who lost his life during the attack and said he was grieved over the incident.

MILLIYET (LIBERAL)

ROBBERY ON BUS
Three armed men who got on a passenger bus which was going from Ankara to Istanbul forced the driver to drive to Cerkes district. The robbers tied the hands of 33 passengers and took their money and valuables before they ran away. Varan Tourism which owned the bus promised to compensate for the passengers' losses.

FISHING FOR DEATH
Turkish Coast Guard authorities held a meeting before Eid al-Adha where they warned the fishermen. They even distributed a map showing the borders on the Black Sea. However, the fishermen risked their lives because there were no fish left in Turkish territorial waters and passed to Ukranian territorial waters. The fishermen who were on the boat said Ukranian Coast Guard boats continued their fire although they stopped. Prof. Aslan Gunduz said, according to international maritime law, Ukraine only has the right to open ''warning fire'' against fishermen.

SABAH (LIBERAL)

SAMSUN SUMMIT OF TURKISH WORLD
The 8th Turkish States Friendship, Fraternity, and Cooperation Convention is starting on Friday in Samsun. President Suleyman Demirel, President of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) Rauf Denktas and leader of the Nationalist Movement Party (MHP) Devlet Bahceli will attend the opening of the convention. Six commissions will be formed to carry out studies over the Turkish world during the convention which will last for three days.

DEMIREL:''WORLD MARKET IS A MUST''
During a speech he delivered at the 4th Consumers Council, Presient Demirel said, ''a country which opens to the world market will protect its consumers, otherwise the consumers will pay the cost of the difference between the world market and the domestic market.'' Prosperity is directly proportional with consumption, Demirel said, but he added that consumption does not mean extravagance. European women protest the price increases in eggs and bread by not buying those products and this indicates a consumer awareness, Demirel explained. ''In order not to be cheated, consumers should think well before they acquire a product. I want to raise this awareness,'' Demirel added.

CUMHURIYET (LEFT)

''GET READY FOR THE EARTHQUAKE LIKE GETTING READY FOR A WAR''
Scientists expressed their common views to Cumhuriyet against a possible earthquake which might strike Marmara region. Several scientists from Istanbul Technical University (ITU), Bogazici University's Kandilli Observatory and Scientific and Technical Research Council of Turkey (TUBITAK) made important warnings. The scientists have no doubt that an earthquake with a magnitude over 7 by Richter scale will hit Marmara in the coming years, although some details are not known. The quake might cause a damage that might be caused by a war, they said and asked people ''to get ready for an earthquake as if they were getting ready for a war.''

''5 PLUS 5 FORMULA'' PASSES FROM COMMISSION
The constitutional amendment package formed by 3 proposals passed from the Parliament Commission on Thursday after discussions which lasted for 10 hours. A total of 17 deputies voted in support of the package while 4 others voted against it. The ''5 plus 5 '' formula which will enable President Suleyman Demirel to run one more time in the presidential elections passed within half an hour with 18 deputies voting in support of the proposal. Four deputies voted against the ''5 plus 5'' proposal.

RADIKAL (LEFT)

REPERCUSSIONS OF IKDP RECEPTION CONTINUE
The request made by Iraqi Kurdistan Democratic Party(KDP) officials to send an eight men delegation to be led by the Prime Minister of the KDP government Necirvan Barzani to Ankara over the weekend for talks with Turkish government officials was turned down. The delegation will carry out talks with the Turkish Foreign Ministry's Middle East Bureau officials solely at a technical level.

TURKOMAN NATURAL GAS ON ITS WAY
Turkoman Head of State Sapharmurad Niyazov succeeded to persuade the Trans Caspian Pipeline Consortium (TCP) to pull down the cost of the pipeline by $700 million.

Suleyman Demirel, Turkey's president is going to Turkoman capital Ashkabad to persuade his Turkoman counterpart Niyazov to sign the intergovernmental agreements.

YENI BINYIL (LIBERAL) ADANA WILL BECOME A HOUSTON
Haluk Baser, President of Plastic Group of Basar Holding said Baser Petro- chemistry facilities which started production in Adana Yumurtalik Free Region in February will turn Adana into the energy center of Turkey. Its closeness to Southeast Anatolia Project (GAP) and its ports which forms a distribution network will make Adana Turkey's energy center which has been dreamt of for a long time especially after 2005 with Baku-Ceyhan pipeline, Baser said.

NEW YORK TIMES WRITER STEPHEN KINZER SAYS THERE IS RISING
OPPOSITION IN TURKEY WHICH OPPOSES EUROPEAN UNION
Turkey correspondent of the New York Times, Stephen Kinzer wrote that there was a continuing debate between the conservatives and reformists in Turkey regarding entrance to the EU. Some influential Turkish authorities who have the support of European leaders want to give broader rights to Kurds to improve Turkey's human rights record, but others think that such liberties will bring separatist terrorism to Turkey, Kinzer wrote in his article.

TURKIYE (RIGHT)

AGRICULTURE DEADLOCK WITH EU
If the EU suspends its concessions over Turkish agricultural products, this will risk an average of 2 billion U.S. dollar export to the Union annually. State Minister Tunca Toskay said they were looking for a solution to this sensitive issue. ''On one hand, we must protect Turkish stock breeding, on the other hand we have some commitments to the EU because of the agreements we signed. We will try to find the optimum point,'' Toskay stated.

FOREIGN INTEREST TO GAP
Energy and Natural Resources Minister Cumhur Ersumer who is in the Netherlands to attend the Second World Water Forum and Ministers Council, had a meeting with the Deutch Economy Minister Annemaria Joritsma. After the meeting, Ersumer told reporters that he had a very fruitful meeting with Joritsma and noted that the Netherlands is very interested in some of the projects covered by the Southeast Anatolia Project (GAP). He said, during the meeting they agreed to sign a memorandum regarding the operation of water projects by the Deutch companies in the region.

ZAMAN (CONSERVATIVE)

UKRANIAN CRISIS
The attack of the Ukranian Coast Guard boats on the Turkish fishermen's boats cast a shadow on Ukranian-Turkish relations. Turkish Foreign Ministry is getting ready to protest Ukraine following the incident which resulted in the death of a fisherman. Ukranian Ambassador to Ankara was invited to the Foreign Ministry late on Thursday and he was told that the Turkish side will reserve its compensation rights. Pavlo Shysholin, Chairman of Ukranian Coast Guard, in a statement he made to the state television channel, said the Turkish fishermen were fishing in Ukraine's territorial waters. Foreing Ministry who had difficulty in getting information from Ukranian authorities, asked for an explanation.

[04] TURKEY-U.S. AGREEMENT ON AVIATION

WASHINGTON - Turkish and U.S. delegations will sign the ''Open Skies'' agreement, that will open venues for cooperation between the Turkish and American Airlines companies on Friday.

James Rubin, U.S. State Department Spokesman, who made a statement about the agreement, that is to be signed at the end of the Joint Economic Council meetings said, ''The 'Open Skies' agreement is an indication of the improving economic relations between TUrkey and the U.S.''

He reiterated that the issue of cooperation between the airline companies of the two countries had been taken up in September 1999, during Turkish premier Bulent Ecevit's visit to the U.S. and also, during the visits of U.S. President Bill Clinton and Secretary of State Madeleine Albright to Turkey in November.

Rubin underlined that ''the accord will bring about great benefits for both countries, particularly in the field of trade, meeting to a great extent the increasing cargo and charter services,'' and added, ''the accord is sure to enable both companies to benefit from each other's partnerships and thus serve for one another's markets.''

Negotiations on the accord had been carried out by Thomas White, U.S. State Department Deputy Undersecretary on behalf of the U.S. and Tahir Dengiz, Deputy Undersecretary of the Ministry of Transportation.

Rubin quoted White as having said that the agreement would serve for the common target of further increasing trade, tourism, and cultural exchange, and that it would also enable both airline companies to benefit from both Turkish and American markets.

Rubin said that the agreement would be put into full implementation after a transition period of three years.

Within the framework of the 'Open Skies' agreement, the airline companies of both countries will be able to give limitless service not only between Turkey and the U.S., but also in all other regions.

[05] AUSTRALIAN PRIME MINISTER HOWARD TO VISIT TURKEY IN APRIL

CANBERRA - Australian Prime Minister John Howard will visit Turkey, France, and Israel in April.

Howard, during a radio interview, said he would attend the opening of a monument build for the memory of Australian and New Zealander soldiers who fought in Canakkale (Gallipoli) during the First World War. New Zealander Prime Minister Helen Clark will also attend the opening of the monument at Anzak Port along with Howard.

In France, Howard will visit another battlefield of the First World War before he proceeds to Israel. Howard will meet with Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Barak and Palestinian leader Yaser Arafat and discuss the Middle East Peace Process with the two leaders.

[06] AFTERSHOCKS CONTINUE

ISTANBUL - Following the August 17th earthquake in Kocaeli and November 12th tremor in Duzce, aftershocks continue to rock northwestern Turkey.

The Kandilli Observatory and Seismology Research Center of Istanbul's Bogazici University stated that an aftershock measuring 2.7 on the Richter Scale rocked Duzce and environs on Thursday night at 22.52 hours local time.

Another aftershock measuring 2.9 was recorded at 00.32 a.m. local time on Friday, with Akyazi township of Adapazari as its epicenter.

[07] DEMIREL WILL ATTEND SYDNEY OLYMPIC CELEBRATION CEREMONY

ISTANBUL - President Suleyman Demirel will attend the Sydney 2000 Olympics Celebration ceremony which will be organized at Istanbul's Atakoy Olimpic House on March 30.

Australian Ankara Ambassador Ian Forsyth and Turkey National Olympics Committee Chairman Sinan Erdem will also be present at the ceremony.

Turkish athletes who will participate in this year's Olympics will be introduced to the press at the event.

[08] PRESIDENT DEMIREL'S SPEECH ON ''NEW HORIZONS OF TURKISH FOREIGN POLICY IN THE YEAR 200 AND BEYOND''

ANKARA - President Suleyman Demirel said on Friday that the decisions of Helsinki Summit were a historic occasion for Turkey and for the European Union (EU).

Addressing the opening of an international conference which was organized to mark the 25th anniversary of foundation of the Foreign Policy Institute, President Demirel made a speech on ''New Horizons of Turkish Foreign Policy in the Year 2000 and Beyond''.

President Demirel said, ''it is my pleasure to welcome you in Ankara. The capital city of a dynamic, increasingly industrial and urbanized nation, located at the epicenter of the Eurasia, poised to become a full-member of the EU.''

''The Republic of Turkey is a great achievement at modernization and a success story. Ataturk's aim was to integrate Turkey with the modern world. He asked of us to attain the highest contemporary standards in every field. And today, as we enter a new century, this proces of integration gathers pace, true to the vision of our founding father,'' he noted.

Demirel pointed out, ''the decisions of the Helsinki Summit have been a historic occasion for Turkey and for the EU. It was a landmark event in the European vocation of Turkey as it was for the ideal of an undivided, democratic, prosperous and peaceful Europe. Turkey will become a full member of the EU in the shortest possible time meeting the membership criteria, thereby disproving the predictions of those who argue that a clash of civilizations is inevitable.''

''Turkish membership will be a concrete contribution to the pluralism of the Union and enrich it in many ways. Regarding the set of EU criteria concerning human rights, it is important to note that there is no discrimination in Turkey on the basis of ethnic origin, religion, belief or gender. Turkey is a constitutional democracy based on rule of law. Our conceptions of nation and nationalism is based on common history. Shared destiny and on the principles of civic identity. However, ethnic identity cannot and shold not be pitted against civic identity. Constitutional patriotism and constitutional citizenship are the key concepts to safeguard the right to be different in our democracy as in any other one. Yet, we do not deny that we have certain shortcomings in the field of human rights. We do not, as well, offer excuses while we surely can, considering the heavy toll that years of terrorism has taken on Turkey,'' he stressed.

President Demirel added, ''at any rate, enjoying the best standards that modern democracies offer is the general aspiration of our people. We are determined to attain them not for the sake of our membership to the EU, but for our people who deserve the best. Also in this respect, the prospect of full membership to the EU, corresponds to the aspirations of our people and government alike.

(To be continued)

[09] ISTANBUL BAR LAUNCHES INVESTIGATION AGAINST LAWYERS OF OCALAN AND GANG LEADERS

ISTANBUL - Istanbul Bar launched on Friday an investgation against ten of its members including the lawyers of Alaattin Cakici, a notorious mafia boss; Vedat and Nuri Ergin brothers, the leaders of the gang called ''Karagumruk''; and Abdullah Ocalan, the head of the terrorist organization, with charges of ''making statements to press on behalf of their clients and leaking information''.

Speaking to the A.A correspondent, Istanbul Bar Deputy Chairman Osman Ergin said that the lawyers' making statements to press on behalf of their clients, bringing letters into or out of prison and leaking information were contrary to the Law on Advocacy.

''These actions are contrary to the Law on Advocacy, professional principles and ethics of defense. Thus, we launched disciplinary investigation against some of our member-lawyers who have recently carried out such things,'' he said.

Osman Ergin said they launched investigations against ten of Istanbul Bar members including lawyers of Alaattin Cakici, Vedat Nuri Ergin brothers, and Abdullah Ocalan.

[10] TURKEY AND TURKMENISTAN SIGN PROTOCOL FOR COOPERATION IN FIELD OF EDUCATION

ANKARA - Turkey and Turkmenistan signed a protocol for cooperation in field of education in Ankara on Friday.

Speaking to reporters prior to the signing ceremony, National Education Ministry Deputy Undersecretary Saim Hekimoglu said that Turkey and Turkmenistan set up a Permanent Commission to cooperate in field of education and improve the current relations.

Recalling that the Permanent Commission held its fifth meeting in Ankara, Hekimoglu said the commission meetings helped the sister and friendly communities benefit from the educational system in Turkey.

In accordance with the protocol, Turkey and Turkmenistan will grant Turkish and Turkmen students scholarships in 2000-2001 school year.

The two countries will invite scientists to panel discussions in Turkey and Turkmenistan and exchange experts, and teachers will receive educational courses in accordance with the protocol.

Nevruz Gurbanmuradov, the Deputy Minister of Science of Turkmenistan, said that Turkmenistan's independence was recognized firstly by Turkey which helped Turkmenistan in several fields including education.

[11] 8TH CONVENTION OF TURKISH STATES AND COMMUNITIES START IN SAMSUN

SAMSUN - The 8th Friendship, Brotherhood, and Cooperation Convention of Turkish States and Communities, organised by the Friendship, Brotherhood and Cooperation Fund for Turkish States and Communities (TUDEV), started on Friday in the Black Sea port town of Samsun.

Devlet Bahceli, Nationalist Movement Party leader, State Minister and Deputy Prime Minister; State Ministers Abdulhaluk Cay, Ramazan Mirzaoglu, and Sadi Somuncuoglu; Sabahattin Cakmakošlu, National Defense Minister; Husnu Yusuf Gokalp, Minister of Agriculture and Rural Affairs; Enis Oksuz, Transportation Minister, and Osman Durmus, Health Minister, participated in the inauguration of the convention.

Delegations from 32 Turkish speaking countries and communities are participating in the congress, at whose afternoon session, President Suleyman Demirel of Turkey and President Rauf Denktas of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus will also be present.

In his inauguration speech, State Minister and Chairman of the TUDEV Executive Board Abdulhaluk Cay said, ''the Turkish speaking republics and communities, which have gained independence or autonomy in the wake of the disintegration of the Soviet Union, are now at a point where they can understand each other's concerns and problems and get to know each other better,'' and added, ''no country or community represented today at this congress has its eye on another country's independence or territorial integrity. Our sole wish is to continue to live in peace and prosperity within our own boundaries. This congress is a light of hope for the whole Turkish world.''

The congress will last for three days, during which studies and activities pertaining to the ''Turkish World'' will be carried out under 6 topics, each to be entrusted to a separate working group. The commissions will detect and define their problems and come up with suggestions on how they could be solved.

At the end of the congress, a communique will be issued and made public.

[12] 25TH ANNIVERSARY OF ESTABLISHMENT OF FOREIGN POLICY INSTITUTE - TRNC PRESIDENT DENKTAS: ''IF TURKEY HAD NOT HELPED, WE WOULD HAVE BEEN EXPELLED FROM THE ISLAND''

ANKARA - President Rauf Denktas of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) said on Friday that they would have been expelled from the island by Greek Cypriots if Turkey had not helped to the Turkish Cypriots.

Addressing the opening ceremony of an international conference organized by the Foreign Policy Institute on the occasion of 25th anniversary of its foundation, Denktas said the Turkish and Greek leaders had stressed in 1958 that the problems on the island should be solved within framework of friednship.

Denktas said this friendship should be reciprocal, and that Cyprus can never be a Turkish or Greek island.

''The Turkish and Greek Cypriots should be able to live together within framework of a political equality. A federation composed of representatives who are elected by the two nations on the island was foreseen. However, we now understand that Greek Cypriots did not accept this federation. Why am I explaining these to you after long years? They tried to expel us from Cyprus. We would have been expelled from the island if Turkey had not lent its helping hand and continued its military and economic aid,'' he said.

Noting that the world recognized the Greek Cypriot side as the official government of Cyprus, Denktas said, ''not only our rights on Cyprus, but also our right to determine our destiny and future on Cyprus are ignored. It is said that governments can go armament, and the Greek Cypriot side continues to deploy arms.''

Stressing that there were now two states on the island, Denktas said, ''because neither Turkish Cypriots nor the Greek Cypriots are dependent on each other. We have been issuing our laws and regulations and implementing our rules since the Greek Cypriots attempted to expel us from the island. We are a state which is governing itself.''

Pointing out that recognition of the TRNC by only Turkey was not shameful, Denktas said, ''I would be thoroughly ashamed if Turkey did not recognize me while it risked its life for me, and if the world recognized me while it did not risk its life for me. The world is refraining from making a detailed consideration by evaluating the Cyprus issue carefully. I feel ashamed by this. We are continuing to expend efforts for our rights, honor, political capacity, solidarity, and peace on the island.''

[13] SOCCER-UEFA CUP SEMIFINAL DRAW - GALATASARAY TO PLAY LEEDS UNITED

NYON - The UEFA Cup semifinal draw was made on Friday in Nyon, Switzerland.

Galatasaray was drawn to face Leeds United of Britain while Arsenal of Britain will meet Racing Lens of France in the other semifinal.

The matches will be played on April 6 and 20 with Galatasaray and Arsenal at home in the first legs.

The final is scheduled to be played in the Parken Stadium, Copenhagen, Denmark on May 17.

[14] PRESIDENT DEMIREL'S SPEECH ON ''NEW HORIZONS OF TURKISH FOREIGN POLICY IN THE YEAR 200 AND BEYOND''

ANKARA - President Suleyman Demirel said on Friday, ''as a new age dawns, Turkey is an even more important force on the side of peace, security, stability and an enlightened way of life.''

Addressing the opening of an international conference which was organized to mark the 25th anniversary of foundation of the Foreign Policy Institute, President Demirel made a speech on ''New Horizons of Turkish Foreign Policy in the Year 2000 and Beyond''.

President Demirel said, ''let me be more specific on this count: through efforts we will be resolutely exerting to realize Turkey's full membership to the European Union (EU), Turkey will be reaching those sdandards that have come to define the state-of-the-art in the evolution of the democratic way of life. At this juncture, it is important to remember once again: the establishment of the Republic of Turkey represents the culmination of a long and arduous struggle towards national sovereignty, independence and freedom whereby the people of this country were endowed with all the benefits of citizenship, and an overriding sense of belonging to a modern nation state for the first time in their history which dates back more than a millennium. The Turkish people exercise their rights emanating from their constitutional citizenship as equals before the law. The Republic draws its strength from this concept of citizenship based upon equality, fundamental rights and freedoms and secularism.''

''In all senses of the world, Turkey is now tightly intertwined with the world than it has ever been. Today, Turkey is among the top emerging markets, the sixteenth largest economy in the world possessing one of the best entrepreneurial classes one can find anywhere. Ninety percent of our exports consist of industrial products received by 134 courtries worldwide. We are a pluralistic and vibrant democracy, the only one among Islamic nations. This is why, Turkey enters the second millennium perceivably asserting a global role: after all, it is this country that has the strongest economy in a vast region extending from the Balkans to the Caucasus, the Eastern Mediterranean and Central Asia; indeed having the deepest and most diversified industrial base in between Vienna and Tokyo. More importantly, it has the longest-running democracy in this vast geography. It is a country directly sharing a long history which had its share of good and bad days, with nearly 40 countries of the world.

This history is not our liability, but our great asset: being European and Asian at once is a unique privilege. At this era when Europe and Asia find themselves as parts of a larger whole, increasingly inderdependent and integrated in tune with new realities, Turkey is no longer the flank state, but at the very hub and center of today's global developments,'' he noted.

He said, ''this is where the occident and the orient meet to create the lasting and relevant transformations of the new century ahead of us. It is here that the pulses of the modern times will resonate with the peoples of Southeastern Europe, the Black Sea Basin, tha Caucasus, the Caspian Basin and the deeper stretches of Central Asia.''

President Demirel said, ''the process of globalization is best to be seen in Turkey in its humane and economic dimensions: Ukranians, Moldovans, Azeris, Russians and Romanians mingle with the French, the Germans and the Dutch on the streets of Istanbul. Chase Manhattan Moscow reports to chase Istanbul. Nokia transfers its eastern and central European headquarters from Helsinki to Istanbul, acting in tandem with other international companies.''

''The social and economic aggregates of Turkey, coupled with our expanding relations, and the moral impetus to affect change for the better that directly emanates from the achievement of the Republic, represent a unique power base. Turkey, given the patrimony of its achievement last century is better disposed and better prepared to reap the benefits of globalization than many other countries,'' he noted.

Demirel said, ''yet, we are aware of the manifold responsibilities stemming from our global role and potentials. Blending its riches and historical experience, therefore, with contemporary traits is Turkey's responsibility towards humanity. It is through the deserved attributes of modernity that we will be working to fulfil the promise inherent in Turkey and its people.''

''Precisely, we will continue to serve and defend the ideals of fereedom and democracy, and the cause of peace and stability in our widening region; a turbulent one which is in need of a successful model of modernization and enlightenment capable to reassure individual liberties. That Turkey fulfils this role is of great interest not only for Europe and the countries of our wider region, but for the whole world. Turkey is about fostering a better prospect for the mankind. The Turkish nation has high expectations from itself. Likewise, the world has high expectations from Turkey,'' Demirel said.

President Demirel noted, ''evidently, Turkey has to pursue a multi-faceted foreign policy. This has become still more relevant after the decisions of the Helsinki Summit in December, announcing the candidate status of Turkey for full membership to the EU. As the frontiers of the Union extend, the need for the establishment of lasting stability in the beleaguered regions around Turkey becomes a more urgent taks. In the Balkans and the Caucasus, we have cause for concern. The multi-ethnic character of Bosnia-Herzegovina and Kosovo must be preserved. For the first time in centuries, the peoples in the Balkans share the same aspiration that it to be part of the European Project. However, lack of democratic credentials on the part of the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia is the only obstacle to make this region as a whole part of the European integration.''

''Balkan Stability Pact is the key instrument for the realization of the shared dreams and ideals of the countries in the Southeastern Europe. Therefore, we have been actively involved in the Balkan Stability Pact and we will also be pursuing every effort that has any chance of bringing solutions to the problems that affect the future well-being and prosperity of this region that are vastly important for Turkey as weel as for Europe as a whole for obvious geographic, historic, economic, humanitarian, cultural and security reasons,'' President Demirel emphasized.

He noted, ''Turkey is on legitimate grounds when desiring to secure and safeguard her interests, and this explains our active and full support of NATO when this organization had to interfere twice to stop further tragedy, bloodshed and the horrible consequences of aggressive ethno-nationalism.''

''In a similar vein, the Caucasus has been the scene of great tragedies recently. While we do not condone any form of terrorism, and support the territorial integrity of all nations as a general principle, the suffering of the civilian population in that region is a cause for great concern. There is an urgent need for humanitarian relief operations. Conditions must be created for the refugees and displaced persons to return to their homes in safety and dignity,'' he said.

''Within a longer perspective, there is every reason for the international community to work to lay down the foundations of lasting stability in the Caucasus. It was with this understanding that I have written to concerned leaders to form a stability pact for the Caucasus along the lines of the stability pact in the Southeastern Europe. I am pleased by the reactions I received thus far. We will actively pursue this idea and build on these reactions. Peace, stability and security of both the Balkans and the Caucasus cannot be separated from the overall peace, stability and security in Europe. And, Turkey has been playing an active role in both regions to this effect,'' Demirel noted.

Referring to the relations between Turkey and Russia, President Demirel said, ''the Turkish-Russian relationship is important in the new landscape of international relations. Turkey has become the second ranking trade partner of the Russian Federation and we regard the cooperation of that country to be essential politically and economically. From our point of view, the giant trans-frontier projects of energy and infra-structure that we pursue, underpin not a rivalry but a joint effort in rendering our region richer, integrated and thus peaceful. Turkey is set on its way to become a major energy terminal in its own right, providing the safest and most economical routes for the transport of the oil and gas resources of the Caspian Basin to Western markets. These are projects that require joint efforts, and the stability of the Caucasus Region is of paramount importance for all, including Turkey and Russia. Here and elsewhere, we have clearly demonstrated our principled stance that there cannot be a degree of understanding and showing leniency to terrorism. This scourge is the most blatant form of attack against human rights. Turkey herself, has been under the onslaught of one of the most vicious forms of terrorism.''

Demirel noted, ''to the South, Turkey has historic ties to the Middle East and we have been longing for the ushering of an era of expanding cooperation based on lasting stability that will allow the people of the region to fully enjoy the benefits of their rich resources and human capital. In this understanding, we attach great importance to the Middle East peace process. After all, great benefits will accrue to Turkey from the establishment of stability in the Middle East. We belive there is a historic opportunity and we will continue to actively support the peace process.''

He stressed, ''the past year has indeed received more than its fair share of importance developments. On August 17 last, the Turkish nation had united in grief. A very powerful earthquake struck the most populous and urbanized region of the country. The sheer magnitude of the disaster represented a unique challenge for people around the world to reaffirm human solidarity. Humanity is honoured by way of the resilient and generous support extended to the people of Turkey. If the tragedy we survived had one positive aspect, it is that the world has seen the essence of humanity shining through the darkened skies of the disaster areas. As we reached deeper into ourselves, the international community extended us a powerful hand in saving lives and comforting our people morally and materially. We are grateful. Help and assitance poured from all over the world. Yet, it was the genuine feelings of shared grief on the part of our Greek neighbours especially, that carved an indelible mark in our hearts. In a twisted, and most undesirable way, we had the chance to reciprocate when another earthquake struck Athens few weeks later. Heeding the call of geography, we the Turks and the Greeks started to negotiate substantial issues, tactfully evading more divisive questions. We have been calling for this dialogue, and we are pleased by the degree of improvement that we have achieved so far in this ongoing process. We are as well pleased to see civil organizations and the business communities take an active part in this process. There is room for optimism, and we hope to take up the remaining issues soon. However, no one should expect a quick-fix for the parties that have found themselves at odds since so many years. Yet, I am confident that we both have a clearer understandirng today of the mutual concerns that tie the destinies of our nations together.''

He added, ''Turkey enjoys a special relationship with the U.S., forged during the long decades of the Cold War. After the end of the Cold War, this relationship is rendered with new qualities of a strategic partnership. Whereas the security dimension of Turkish-U.S. relations was dominant during the preceding decades, today this relationship is being diversified to highlight the important economic and trade aspects as great potentials exist in this field. Indeed, in this area of globalization, the happiness of nations are not safeguarded by the sheer strength of armed forces. It is more and more about freedoms, sustainable prosperity, better income levels, and access to better education and health. It is about creating enlightened societies where people guard hope for the future and where the individuals fulfil their promises. At the threshold of a new age, Turkey's strength in the Eastern horizons will foster her place in Europe and the West. Her increasing strengths within Europe and the Western fold in turn, will further help Turkey to tap the potentials in the East. As such, Turkey will be a veritable bridge of interaction between the two; in every sense of the word; culturally, economically, and politically. It is on this axis stretching the world across that Turkish foreign policy will be actively pursued to defend freedoms, and to further the cause of peace, security, stability and prosperity in the new century.''

(End)

[15] HISTORY OF GALATASARAY'S MATCHES WITH BRITISH TEAMS IN EURO CUPS

ISTANBUL - Galatasaray play its nineth match with British soccer teams in European Cups in its 95-year history with the match it will play with Leeds United of Britain in UEFA Cup semifinal.

In the past eight matches with British teams, Galatasaray never won a match. They received five defeats, while three matched ended with a tie.

Galatasaray's matches with British soccer teams in Euro Cups, the results of the matches and names of Galatasaray players who scored the goals are as follows:

Season Cup Opponent Result Scorers

------- ----- ------------------ ------ ------------
1978-79 UEFA West Brownic Albion 1-3 Fatih Terim (pen)

1978-79 UEFA West Brownic Albion 1-3 Turgay

1993-94 C.L.Q Manchester United 3-3 Arif, Kubilay (2)

1993-94 C.L.Q Manchester United 0-0 -

1994-95 C.L. Manchester United 0-0 -

1994-95 C.L. Manchester United 0-4 -

1999-00 C.L. FC Chelsea 0-1 -

1999-00 C.L. FC Chelsea 0-5 -

</pre>

C.L.: Champions League

C.L.Q: Champions League Qualifier

[16] NATIONAL DEFENSE MINISTER CAKMAKOGLU DUE IN TBILISI

TBILISI - Sabahattin Cakmakoglu, the National Defense Minister, will come to Georgian capital of Tbilisi on Saturday to hold a series of official contacts.

Cakmakoglu is scheduled to come together with Georgian President Eduard Shevardnadze, General Coni Pirtskalaishvili, the Chief of Georgian General Staff, and with his Georgian counterpart David Tevsadze.

Cakmakoglu's contacts with Georgian officials are expected to focus on military cooperation between Turkey and Georgia.

He will also attend inaugurations of some military installations which were constructed by the Turkish firms in Georgia.

[17] STATE MINISTER YALOVA DUE IN KAZAKHSTAN

ALMATY - Yuksel Yalova, the State Minister, will come to Kazakhstan on Saturday for a three-day official visit as the guest of Daniyal Ahmetov, the Deputy Prime Minister of Kazakhstan.

Yalova will visit the mausoleum of Hodja Ahmet Yesevi and the International Kazakh-Turkish University of Ahmet Yesevi the same day.

Yalova's official contacts will start on Monday.

He is scheduled to come together with Ahmetov and Yerlan Idirisov, the Kazakh Foreign Minister, on Monday morning.

Yalova who will be received by Kazakh Prime Minister Kasimjomart Tokayev, will visit the Kazakh National Museum and Culture Center which has been constructed by a Turkish company.

Yuksel Yalova is expected to return to Turkey later on Monday.

Nurettin Yardimci, the Director General of Foundations; Bekir Okan, the Chairman of Okan Holding; Kayrat Saribay, the Kazakh Ambassador to Turkey, will accompany Yalova during his visit to Kazakhstan.

[18] FOREIGN MINISTER CEM DUE TO JAPAN

ANKARA - Foreign Minister Ismail Cem will leave for Japan on April 4 to pay a six-day visit.

The Japanese Yomiuri daily quoted on Friday Japanese Foreign Ministry Spokesman Ryuichiro Yamazaki as saying that bilateral and regional issues would be discussed during Cem's visit to Japan.

Noting that Cem would meet with his Japanese counterpart Yohei Kono, the daily reported Yamazaki as saying that Turkey, which connects Asia to Europe geopolitically, is the key country for stability and prosperity in the region.

[19] FRENCH PRESIDENT CHIRAC: - ''MY OFFICIAL VISIT TO TURKEY SHOULD NOT BE CONNECTED WITH HELICOPTER TENDER''

LISBON - President Jacques Chirac of France said on Friday that his official visit to Turkey should not be connected with helicopter tender.

Staging a press conference during the European Union's (EU) summit in Portuguese capital of Lisbon, President Chirac said that perfect relations between Turkey and France could not be damaged because of the tender.

He stressed that paying an official visit to a country and signing a commercial agreement were two separate issues.

Recalling that President Suleyman Demirel invited him to Turkey, President Chirac noted that they were trying to set a convenient date.

Noting that France would take over the Term Presidency of the EU in June, President Chirac pointed out the difficulty of setting a certain date due to his intense program.

President Chirac also added that helicopters produced by France, were among the best helicopters in the world.

[20] TUSIAD DELEGATION IN WASHINGTON, D.C.

ISTANBUL - A 16-member delegation of the Association of Turkish Industrialists and Businessmen (TUSIAD) is paying a visit to the U.S. within framework of its commercial diplomacy activities.

Releasing a statement on Friday, the TUSIAD said that the delegation's visit aimed at explaining political and economic developments in Turkey.

The TUSIAD delegation headed by Erkut Yucaoglu, the Chairman of TUSIAD's Executive Board, will hold contacts both in Washington, D.C, and New York between March 27-31.

The delegation will meet with U.S. Congress members, the State Department, the Trade Department, the International Monetary Fund (IMF), and World Bank officials, and representatives of prominent firms and think-tank organizations.

[21] DAYLIGHT SAVING TIME TO START AT THE END OF MARCH

ANKARA - The daylight saving time will start at the end of March.

Officials at the Energy and Natural Resources Minitry said on Friday that the standart time would be advanced by one hour at 01.00 a.m. on March 26.

The summer-time will last till October 29, 2000.

The summer-time which will be adopted together with the European countries, will last for seven months. More than 12 trillion Turkish liras are expected to be gained by energy saving.

Nearly, 390 million kilowatt hours of energy, which will be saved by daylight savings, is equal to one-year capacity of a middle-size thermic power station.

The energy savings of previous years are as follows:

.<BR>

Date Energy Savings (KWH)

---------------------------- ----------------------
March 25 - September 30, 1990 240 million

March 31 - September 29, 1991 270 million

March 29 - September 27, 1992 302 million

March 28 - September 26, 1993 300 million

March 27 - September 25, 1994 301.4 million

March 26 - September 24, 1995 360 million

March 31 - October 27, 1996 440 million

March 30 - October 26, 1997 501.5 million

March 29 - October 25, 1998 565 million

March 28 - October 31, 1999 568.7 million

</pre>

A.A


Anadolu Agency: News in English Directory - Previous Article - Next Article
Back to Top
Copyright © 1995-2023 HR-Net (Hellenic Resources Network). An HRI Project.
All Rights Reserved.

HTML by the HR-Net Group / Hellenic Resources Institute, Inc.
anadolu2html v1.01 run on Saturday, 25 March 2000 - 8:16:48 UTC