Anadolu Agency: News in English, 00-06-07

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NEWS

07 JUNE 2000 Wednesday

CONTENTS

[01] TURKEY-PRESS SCAN

[02] AFTERMATH OF CERKES TREMOR

[03] TURKEY TO PRODUCE DOCUMENTARY ON JEWS SHE HAD SAVED FROM NAZIS

[04] HEALTH MINISTER DURMUS LEAVES FOR MEXICO TO ATTEND 5TH

[05] PRIME MINISTER ECEVIT ADDRESSES DSP GROUP MEETING

[06] FOREIGN MINISTER CEM IN LATVIA

[07] DSP GROUP MEETING

[08] FOREIGN MINISTER CEM IN LATVIA

[09] PRESIDENT SEZER NOT TO ATTEND ECO SUMMIT IN TEHRAN

[10] PRESIDENT SEZER NOT TO ATTEND ECO SUMMIT IN TEHRAN

[11] FOREIGN MINISTER CEM IN LATVIA

[12] ANAP LEADER YILMAZ:

[13] TURKEY WARNS ITS EUROPEAN ALLIES OF THEIR ATTITUDE TOWARDS ESDI

[14] TURKEY OFFICIALLY INFORMS IRAN ABOUT PRESIDENT SEZER'S

[01] TURKEY-PRESS SCAN

HURRIYET (LIBERAL)

IMF: NO NEED TO WORRY ABOUT INFLATION
Carlo Cottarelli, International Monetary Fund's (IMF) Turkey Desk Chief, said there is nothing to worry about the increase by 1.7 percent in wholesale prices and by 2.2 in consumer prices in May, as compared to the previous month. Cottarelli said that the increase in the production prices in the month of May, might have resulted from the temporary increase in costs. Referring to the increase in consumer prices index and the wholesale price index, Cottarelli said that the prices of agricultural goods had not yet dropped down to the desired levels, and that the figures had to be evaluated on not a monthly basis but on a seasonal basis, in order to be able to come up with reliable results. He also expressed hope that the government would hit very close to its target in the anti-inflation program at the end of the year, if it were to sustain its present compatibility.

ALMOST HALF OF EU NATIONS SUPPORT TURKEY
A survey carried out in EU member countries indicated that 44 out of every 100 European Union member country citizens are in favor of Turkey's membership in the Union. The major obstacle that stands in Turkey's way of becoming an EU member, as the survey indicates, is Turkey's human rights standards. The survey had been carried out before the Helsinki Summit, in November 1999 on 11 thousand people by the International Research Associates, and the results were announced yesterday at a press conference.

MILLIYET (LIBERAL)

LOCALS OF DENIZLI SPEND THE NIGHT OUTSIDE
Scared by the 29 tremors they felt over the past 2 days, the locals of Denizli spent last night outside their homes: either on soccer fields, or on the streets. Though the tremors were light in strength, they were frequent enough to scare people out of their homes. In the early morning hours, people started to return to their homes. Officials said all hospitals, health services, and the related bodies and institutions were on alert, as a means of precaution against a possible disaster.

WE FOUND WHAT SADDAM HAD STOLEN
The famous painting 'Madame Putma' of Pablo Picasso, which had been stolen from Qowait's Royal Palace 9 years ago, during Iraq's occupation, was seized in Izmir. The Izmir police travelled last week to Izmir, and contacted two smugglers, namely Jamal Ibrahim and Hasan Ali, and made a so-called deal with the smugglers to buy the famous painting at 6,5 million U.S dollars. Upon this, the smugglers brought the painting over to Izmir, and were caught red handed by their ''police customers''.

SABAH (LIBERAL)

AMERICAN PACKARD BELL COMPUTER COMPANY TO GIVE 50 MILLION U.S. DOLLARS
FOR EXCAVATIONS IN BELKIS ANCIENT CITY
Intense efforts are underway in Belkis ancient city. This ancient city would remain under the waters of Birecik dam, yet President Ahmet Necdet Sezer postponed this for 10 days. Turkish and French archeologists are trying to save historical works in the first stage within 10 days. Yet, archeologists reached a consensus that 10 days would not be enough to save the first stage of the ancient city.

The U.S. Packard Bell computer company promised to give more than 50 million U.S. dollars within the scope of a five-year project for the excavation efforts that would be carried out in the second and third stages.

CUMHURIYET (LEFT)

briefing at the end of the 45th Joint Parliament Commission's (JPC)

FEHRIYE ERDAL REARRESTED
Fehriye Erdal who was involved in Sabanci assasination, was ''released in theory'' but then rearrested by the order of the Belgian Interior Ministry. Erdal's lawyers applied to the Bruges Court where she is kept under arrest and opposed to the decision of the Interior Ministry. As a result of her lawyers' efforts, the court decided ''to release her on bail to be tried without detention.'' The Interior Ministry stated that she applied for political asylum and prevented her release by asking the court not to release her until her application is finalized.

RADIKAL (LEFT)

BOAT SINKS INTO BLACK SEA
A vessel, plated 'Fakas-1' sank off the shores of Karasu, Sakarya, en route to Eregli port of Zonguldak. The vessel sent S.O.S signals at around 12.30 on Tuesday, some 16 miles off Karasu, and sank shortly after, into the waters of the Black Sea. All 11 on board managed to save their lives.

BELGIAN INTERIR MINISTRY DOUBTFUL ABOUT ERDAL
Following the decision of Belgian Interior Ministry to continue to keep Fehriye Erdal, one of the suspects of Sabancı assassination, in prison, the lawyers of Erdal applied to Bruges Court against the decision of the Ministry on Tuesday. Lawyers claim that the decision of the Belgian Interior Ministry to keep Erdal in prison till a response is given to Erdal's request for political asylum is not legal. They say that their client should be released on bail and be tried without detention for crimes of carrying a gun, explosive and using fake identity in Belgium.

YENI BINYIL (LIBERAL)

WE'RE LIVING WITH FEAR
Experts say that an earthquake can be expected anytime in Turkey which is located on a quake zone. Tuesday's earthquake of 5.9 magnitude which hit Cerkes township of Cankiri caused cracks in Guldurcek Dam in Orta township. However, authorities said the cracks did not pose any threat. Ankara's Cubuk 1 and Cubuk 2 dams suffered no damage in the quake.

The state displayed a flawless performance this time after gaining experience in Marmara and Duzce quakes. Red Crescent sent tents, blanket, one mobile hospital and a kitchen to the quake hit area. Turkish Armed Forces and civilian defense units reached the area immediately after the incident and started hauling away the rubble.

TURKIYE (RIGHT)

A MASSIVE QUAKE IS NOT EXPECTED
Prof. Ahmet Mete Isikara, Bogazici University Kandilli Observatory and Quake Research Center said aftershocks of the quake would continue, yet pointed out that no massive quake was expected.

SHIP SINKS IN THE BLACK SEA
The 72-gross tones Turkish-flagged Fakas-1 sank at about 12:30 p.m. 12 miles off-shore after its cargo hold started to take on water.

Eleven-member crew of Fakas-1 which sank Tuesday off-shore Karasu township of Sakarya province in Marmara region were rescued.

ZAMAN (CONSERVATIVE)

RELATIONS BETWEEN ANAP AND MHP ARE TENSE
Constitutional Court argument between the Motherland Party (ANAP), and the Nationalist Movement Party (MHP) continues. Devlet Bahceli, leader of the MHP, addressing his party group meeting, said, ''be acquitted in public conscience.'' Bahceli also said they would serve for the government under every condition.

[02] AFTERMATH OF CERKES TREMOR

Some settled in tents sent over to the region by the Red Crescent, and some built sheds from blankets and plastic bags for themselves.

Officials said that 4 thousand tents are needed for the Orta township of Cankiri, and that they have received only 1,500 as yet.

Meanwhile an 8 man search and rescue team called 'Hellenic' from Greece arrived in the region to take part in operations together with other search and rescue teams.

[03] TURKEY TO PRODUCE DOCUMENTARY ON JEWS SHE HAD SAVED FROM NAZIS

Turkey has reached agreement with 3 companies for the documentary, which is going to tell the story of the Jews in Germany and France, who had been provided with Turkish passports to be able to travel to Palestine during the years of World War II.

The agreement signed between the three companies and the Turkish Embassy in Washington was enforced as of May 1.

Officials said that the movie would be screened next year in May, particulary on American television channels and at U.S schools. The documentary is expected to receive applause from the Jewish associations in the U.S.

Turkey will receive the income to be obtained from the documentary, officials said.

[04] HEALTH MINISTER DURMUS LEAVES FOR MEXICO TO ATTEND 5TH INTERNATIONAL HEALTH CONFERENCE

A statement issued by Health Ministry pointed out that Durmus will attend ''5th International Health Conference,'' staged together with Mexican Health Ministry and Pan-American Health Organization.

Durmus will sign an agreement during his visit regarding cooperation in health.

Durmus is expected to return to Turkey on June 10.

[05] PRIME MINISTER ECEVIT ADDRESSES DSP GROUP MEETING

Addressing the DSP group meeting, Ecevit evaluated the tension experienced between the partners of the coalition government recently.

Prime Minister Ecevit said he felt concerned over a shake in the government, and noted that continuation of this problem would give damage to the positive developments within and outside the country.

Pointing out that none of the parties or any leader will be able to bear the responsibility of this if it turns into a crisis, Ecevit said, ''it will be smashed under the responsibility of this.''

Ecevit said all the parties and politicians should avoid from a method that will escalate tension.

[06] FOREIGN MINISTER CEM IN LATVIA

In a statement he made before receiving Cem, the Latvian premier said that he wanted his country to further develop relations with Turkey, and expressed belief that the talks to take place between Foreign Minister Cem and Latvian officials would contribute greatly to bilateral relations.

Cem expressed contentment over visiting Latvia, and stressed on the significance that Turkey attributed to her relations with Latvia. He reiterated that National Defense Minister Sabahattin Cakmakoglu was to arrive in Latvia next week to sign a military cooperation agreement with Latvian officials.

Cem is to discuss also EU-NATO affairs within the framework of his contacts with officials of Baltic countries, as will as the latest developments in Russia.

Diplomatic sources say that Latvia, Estonia, and Lithuania, candidates for NATO membership, are expecting support from Turkey in their membership processes. Same sources said that the trade volume between Turkey and Latvia presently stood at 14 million U.S dollars, and that it could be pulled higher up with improved relations.

Cem is to hold a joint press conference with his Latvian counterpart Indulis Berzins at the end of their talks.

Cem is then to lay a wreath on the Liberty Monument. He will be received by President Vaira Vike-Freiberga in the afternoon hours.

[07] DSP GROUP MEETING

''There are floods and earthquakes taking place in Turkey. In the meanwhile the parties shouldn't muddy the water,'' Ecevit said.

Speaking in the opening of his party group meeting, Prime Minister Bulent Ecevit said that if a government crisis appears, this will damage the positive developments both in and outside Turkey. No party or leader can hold liability of a crisis for the moment, Ecevit said.

All parties and politicians should abstain from escalating the tension. ''Style is very important in politics,'' said Premier Ecevit and added that ''Ataturk responded to countries which made many bad things to Turkey in a very soft style. He always thought that we could make cooperation with them if necessary. We should learn many things from Ataturk. Parties can always need each other. We shouldn't hurt each other. I regard this important as an old politician who has experience.''

Expressing sorrow over the earthquakes and floods, Ecevit said that although few people died, the buildings were damaged in Cerkes quake.

''Our state has many things to do,'' said Ecevit adding that the wounds will be healed as soon as possible. Ecevit expressed condolences for those who lost their lives.

Ecevit stressed that he is the first Turkish Prime Minister who went to Norway after 22 years. ''It was again me who who went there 22 years ago as the prime minister.'' He is very close to Norway and all Scandinavian countries, he added.

Prime Minister Ecevit said that Norwegian administrators know everything about Turkey and are interested in Galatasaray soccer team.

The commercial and economic relations with this country are below the existing potential, said Ecevit and added that these relations have to be developed. There are cooperation opportunities in energy investments, said Ecevit and noted that the Norwegian government does not have any suspicions about the Baku-Ceyhan Oil pipeline.

''EU can't use military capacities of non-EU NATO countries such as Turkey, Norway, Canada, U.S. and Iceland by itself. I saw that Norwegian government shares our view about it,'' Ecevit said. ''This is a great disrespect towards Turkey and non-EU NATO countries,'' he said.

Ecevit pointed out that the Norwegian government and opposition parties admire the coalition government in Turkey, adding Norway accepted to give the missiles the Turkish Armed Forces needed.

Ecevit said he will leave for Marmaris on Thursday and participate in the congress meeting of his party in Diyarbakır on June 11. He will discuss the measures to provide citizens' return to their villagse with commanders and representatives of industry and trade chamber.

[08] FOREIGN MINISTER CEM IN LATVIA

''Baltic countries are milestones in the future of NATO,'' Cem told in a press briefing with Latvian Foreign Minister Indulis Berzins.

''How do you evaluate the Russia's negative approach towards enlargement of NATO?'' asked a journalist to Cem who said that ''I don't want to make comment on other countries. But I know that some countries don't have a positive approach towards enlargement of NATO. We have to explain Russia that this enlargement is not against it. We support the candidacy of all nine candidate countries. I don't know if this will happen at the same time, but it will be appropriate if they become members as soon as possible.''

(to be continued)

[09] PRESIDENT SEZER NOT TO ATTEND ECO SUMMIT IN TEHRAN

The Foreign Ministry said on Wednesday that the President can't attend the Sixth ECO Summit due to his intense works on early days of his term in office.

It said Turkey attributes special importance to the ECO which has constructive functions in globalization process.

State Minister Mehmet Kececiler will represent Turkey in the ECO Summit in Tehran.

[10] PRESIDENT SEZER NOT TO ATTEND ECO SUMMIT IN TEHRAN

Speaking to reporters, Kececiler said the President had stated that he would attend next meetings at the earliest opportunity.

When asked whether he would leave for Tehran as the President's Representative, Kececiler said, ''as you all know that Ahmet Necdet Sezer has been elected as the tenth President of Turkey a few weeks ago. Due to his intensive schedule and as the agenda of the ECO Summit had been set earlier than his election, the President can't attend this summit. I will represent Turkey in the Summit in Tehran.''

Responding to a question, Kececiler said he could hold bilateral contacts with the participating heads of states or governments or foreign ministers if they wanted to hold such contacts.

Kececiler added that President Sezer had sent a courtesy message to Iranian President Mohammad Khatemi, saying that he won't attend the ECO Summit in Tehran.

[11] FOREIGN MINISTER CEM IN LATVIA

Speaking in a joint press briefing after meeting with Latvian Foreign Minister Indulis Berzins, Cem said that ''we aim at improving the relations by the free trade agreement that will be signed in July. Both countries are EU candidates and Turkey is in customs union with EU since 1996.''

The Business Council formed by Turkish and Latvian businessmen should function more, said Cem and added that ''we have experience in security field, we can share this with our Latvian counterparts. Turkey has a very active econmoy and it is in a big geography. We can make cooperation in the fields of culture, history and education with Latvia''

Turkey wants to renew the infrastructure of Latvia, said Cem and added that ''we can make cooperation in this field with joint firms. Turkish construction sector is one of the most powerful sectors of the world and we have a strong textile industry. We can also make cooperation in tourism. We can bring businessmen of two countries together to discuss these issues.''

''When do you think that Latvia will be a member of the EU?'' asked a journalist to Cem who said that ''I can't say a specific date for the membership of Latvia. But Latvia can be the first four-five countries who will be members of EU. Probably Latvia will be a member of the EU before Turkey. However Turkey has the advantage of being in customs union with EU since 1996.''

Indulis Berzins said in his part that the economic cooperation between the two countries should be improved.

Recalling the reporters that Turkey is a NATO country, Berzins said that ''Turkish Defense Minister will come to our country for an official visit next week. The support of Turkey to NATO's enlargement and Latvia's membership is very important for us.''

After the press briefing, Cem laid a wreath in the Freedom Monument together with Berzins. Cem was later received by Latvian President Vaira Vike-Freiberga.

Latvian President said that he met Cem in Yalta, Bosnia and Israel, but they couldn't meet each other in each other's country.

(end)

[12] ANAP LEADER YILMAZ:

''I don't critize that a decision was given against us, but there is a contradiction with the findings and the decision,'' Yılmaz said, adding that ''there were probably political motivations behind this decision, as my signature for SEKA land didn't constitute any crime. SEKA file can't be criticized in respect of law or po litical ethics.''

[13] TURKEY WARNS ITS EUROPEAN ALLIES OF THEIR ATTITUDE TOWARDS ESDI

Some reliable foreign sources at the NATO General Headquarters in Brussels said that Turkey gave a note to 11 EU countries, including France, the Netherlands, Belgium, Luxembourg, Italy, Germany, Denmark, Spain, Portugal, Britain, and Greece, on May 31, 2000, in which it recalled the resolutions regarding ESDI which were taken at the Washington summit that was held between April 23 and 25.

The officials of the Turkish delegation confirmed that Turkey gave this note.

The NATO had supported the EU's having a security and defense dimension in the Washington summit but it emphasized the importance of the participation of all the European allies in this process and the acquisitions of West European Union (WEU).

Ankara drew the attention that the resolutions taken in NATO Council held in Florence between May 24 and 25, confirmed the resolutions of the Washington summit.

Ankara also drew the attention that the attitude of the EU countries regarding the participation of the non-EU but NATO countries, which was officially announced on May 22, did not abide by the resolutions taken by the NATO.

This last initiative of Turkey is considered as ''a last warning'' on the eve of taking concrete resolutions on ESDI at the EU Feira Summit that will be held between June 19 and 20.

Ankara wants the EU, which is searching for a defense and security identity, to give a significant place to the European NATO allies which are not the members of the EU, in the decision-making mechanism and wants the EU to take backward steps regarding this issue.

It is seen that the attitude of the EU countries is to exclude the European countries which are the members of NATO but not the EU, from the decision-making mechanism despite several solidarity and cooperation formulas.

The EU will take concrete resolutions in the summit which will be held in Fiera, Portugal.

Sources also said that Turkey submitted this note to Javier Solana, the EU Foreign Policy and Joint Defense Chief who was in Turkey on June 1.

[14] TURKEY OFFICIALLY INFORMS IRAN ABOUT PRESIDENT SEZER'S NON-PARTICIPATION IN ECO SUMMIT

Foreign Ministry Deputy Spokesman Sermet Atacanlı told a weekly press briefing that the information obtained regarding the investigation continuining on the connections of terrorist Hezbollah was also conveyed to Iran.

Atacanlı stated that President Sezer won't be able to take part in the ECO summit due to his heavy schedule, adding the preparations about Sezer's visits abroad in the future will be announced when the time comes.

Iranian Ambassador to Turkey Mohammed Hussein Lavasani was summoned to the Foreign Ministry the same day and he was officially informed that President Sezer won't take part in the ECO Summit, Atacanlı said.

''Positive relations between Turkey and Iran are to the interest of both countries and this is our policy,'' said Atacanlı and added that the relations between the two countries in the security field are not satisfying.

Upon a question, Atacanlı said that the American CBS television channel asked for appointment from them to make interview with Ahmed Behbani, who claims to be an Iranian intelligence official, but the Ministry refused it.

Atacanlı who didn't give an exact date for the CBS television channel's application, said that Iran didn't ask for extradition of Behbani.

Meanwhile Atacanlı said that the information obtained by Turkish security units within the framework of the operation staged against the terrorist organization Hezbollah was conveyed to the Iranian side through diplomatic channels.

''We expect Iran to take up and examine seriously these information and give us a response in an appropriate time,'' he added.

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