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Anadolu Agency: News in English, 01-03-25

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

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

Anadolu Agency

ANADOLU AGENCY

NEWS

25 MARCH

2001 Monday

-TURKEY-PRESS SCAN

These are some of the major headlines and their

brief stories in Turkey's press on March 25, 2001. The Anadolu Agency does not

verify these stories and does not vouch for their accuracy.

HURRIYET (LIBERAL)

U.S. PRESIDENT BUSH: WE SUPPORT TURKEY

The U.S. President George W. Bush said they

would support Turkey on the way of economic and social reforms. Bush said

''Modern Turkey's founder and visionary, Mustafa Kemal Ataturk, rightly said,

'the government's most creative and significant duty is education,'' noting

that he also attributed importance to this issue.

YILMAZ: MARKETS TO REACH STABILITY IN THREE

MONTHS

Mesut Yilmaz, the state minister and deputy

prime minister, said the markets would reach a certain stability within three

months, noting that the right economic program would continue to be

implemented by the end of this year from where it left. Yilmaz said the

economic stagnation would end within six months.

MILLIYET (LIBERAL)

THEY AGAIN PREDICTED THE QUAKE

The station set up by Dr. Berk Ustundag and

Lutfu Canyaran predicted Saturday's minor quake 41 hours before. The

equipments, which were settled by Ustundag and Canyaran in six districts of

Istanbul because of lack of financial support, predicted the quake.

Ustundag and Canyaran earlier informed about

the quakes in Denizli and Afyon.

SPK AND BDDK TO MERGE UNDER ONE ROOF

The government will merge Capital Market Board

(SPK) and Banking Regulatory and Supervisory Board (BDDK), under one roof. The

target is to protect the investors who purchased the shares of the banks which

were transferred to the Savings Deposits Insurance Fund.

SABAH (LIBERAL)

LEAVE DERVIS ALONE

Prime Minister Bulent Ecevit said that State

Minister Kemal Dervis should not be kept busy with some made-up scenarios and

that Dervis has to intensify on economy. About the scenarios that Dervis will

enter into politics or will return to the U.S., Ecevit said, ''everybody who

is involved in politics can face some problems and rumours. It is hard to bear

them. Dervis can protect his morale. This is very pleasing. It is wrong to

keep a person who has undertaken responsibilities for Turkey, busy. We have to

provide comfortable working atmosphere.''

QUAKE IN ISTANBUL

Istanbul was rocked by an earthquake measuring

only 3.5 on the Richter scale but all the residents rushed into the streets.

The earthquake, the epicenter of which was the Marmara Sea was felt in

Bakirkoy, Yesilkoy and Avcilar the most. The tremor had a preliminary

magnitude but it was enough to scare the people.

CUMHURIYET (LEFT)

KARAKAS RESIGNS

Resignations from the Republican People's Party

(CHP) continued also on Saturday. Nearly 300 people, including Ercan Karakas,

Perihan Argun, Halil Ergun, Tulay Ates, administrators of Social Democracy

Foundation (SODEV), and members from Bakirkoy and Avcilar townships resigned

from CHP.

IOC GIVES HOPE FOR 2008

International Olympiad Committee (IOC)

Evaluation Commission completed its works in Istanbul, which is one of the

candidate cities to 2008 Olympic Games. Verbruggen, the commission chairman,

said they saw that the government and people of Istanbul supported the 2008

Olympic Games.

RADIKAL (LEFT)

''DEATH IS APPROACHING''

Today is the 157th day of the death fasts of

the inmates. A group of doctors in Ankara and Istanbul said that sudden deaths

can be recorded.

STILL PICASSO PAINTINGS

Four people who had two paintings which were

said to be the paintings of world-famous painter Picasso were detained in

Uskudar district of Istanbul. Acting on a tip-off, the security forces seized

two paintings which were claimed to be the paintings of Picasso. Four people

were taken into custody in the operation.

CIVIL CODE IN JUNE

Justice Minister Hikmet Sami Turk said that he

hopes the draft Civil Code which is a matter of discussion can be adopted in

June. Turk said that the discussions on the property regime chapter of the

draft were postponed and that the Justice Commission started to debate the

provisions related with the kinship on Thursday.

''RESTRICTION HAS NO MEANING''

Mesut Yilmaz, the deputy prime minister and the

leader of the Motherland Party (ANAP), said that the restrictions about the

brodcasting and education in Kurdish do not have a meaning in practice.

Speaking in a programme broadcast in the private CNN Turk channel, Yilmaz said,

''we have not fully met the expectations of the European Union (EU) about the

language. Although Turkey is one of the 13 candidate states, it is the only

country which has not started full membership negotiations with the union.

TURKIYE (RIGHT)

DERVIS HAS INTENSE PROGRAM IN THE U.S.

State minister Kemal Dervis, responsible for

economy, will carry out an intense program in the U.S. to provide urgent

foreign source. Dervis will make evaluations regarding the situation of

Turkish economy during the meeting of Turkish-American Council.

SLAP FROM ARMENIAN PATRIARCH TO ARMENIA

Mesrob II, who attended a religious ceremony in

Kayseri Surp Srikor Lusarovic Church, harshly reacted to Armenia's demand from

Turkey calling for territory, and said, ''those are some odd people. There is

not an official demand. Also, Turkey does not have a territory to give.''

ZAMAN (CONSERVATIVE)

NEARLY 70 HOUSES INUNDATED IN DIYARBAKIR

Almost 70 dwellings and workplaces were

inundated in southeastern Diyarbakir province due to torrential rains. The

dwellings and workplaces in Baglar hamlet and Surici and Sehitlik districts of

Diyarbakir were inundated by flood triggered by torrential rains which

continued since last night without interruption.

LABOUR PLATFORM DISCUSSES ECONOMIC SITUATION

Bayram Meral, the Chairman of the Confederation

of Turkish Labour Unions (Turk-Is), said on Saturday that the country had a

very serious heart attack today because of the economic crisis it experienced.

Meral said, ''for years we have pointed out the mistakes of the IMF policies

to the politicians. If savings will be made in the county, parliament should

also make savings. We think 550 deputies are so much in the parliament.''

-EARTHQUAKE ROCKS ISPARTA

ANTALYA - Two earthquakes rocked Uluborlu

township of Isparta province in the Mediterranean Region on Sunday.

Officials of the Bogazici University Kandilli

Observatory Center and Seismology Institute said that two separate earthquakes

measuring 3.6 and 3.2 on the Richter scale were recorded in Uluborlu at 7.52

and 8.02 a.m.

There was no report of deaths or injuries in

Isparta and Uluborlu.

-VERBRUGGEN, CHAIRMAN OF IOC EVALUATION COMMISSION, SAYS

OFFICIALS IN ISTANBUL ASSURED THEM ABOUT SECURITY ISSUES

ISTANBUL- Hein Verbruggen, the chairman of the

International Olympic Committee (IOC) Evaluation Commission, said on Saturday

that the officials in Istanbul assured them about the security issues.

Following their observations in Istanbul,

Verbruggen told a press conference that they consider transportation and

environment as problems and that these problems are observed in every big city

which is a candidate to host the olympic games.

Verbruggen said that they were informed that if

the olympiads were held in Istanbul, an olympic traffic commission would be

set up and the traffic would be conducted only by one organ.

Many people will come to the city, Verbruggen

noted, and they were given the necessary assurances.

Verbruggen stated that they were also assured

about the security issues and that the security can never be totally ensured.

Officials of the Istanbul Police Organization

made a detailed presentation about this issue, Verbruggen said, and they were

affected by this presentation.

Verbruggen pointed out that it is important

that the olympic project is of high quality.

They will write a report after they visit all

the five candidate cities, Verbruggen said.

Verbruggen noted that the IOC members will

choose among the candidates in respect to the quality of the projects.

Holding the olympic games will improve the

sports concept in that country, Verbruggen said.

Verbruggen stated that the city which will

provide the best standards will host the olympiads but that he can say it

means that Istanbul proved that it can host the olympics because it is a

candidate.

They also take into consideration the former

international meetings or conferences held in the candidate cities, Verbruggen

said.

Verbruggen noted that the experiences of the

candidate cities have utmost importance.

They discussed Turkey's problems with its

neighbours during their four-day visit to Istanbul, Verbruggen said, and they

were given necessary assurances.

Gilbert Felli, the deputy chairman of the IOC

Evaluation Commission, said that Istanbul will have sufficient number of

installations to organize 2008 Olympic Games.

Felli noted that they visited the Ataturk

Olympic Stadium and Bagcilar Sports Hall.

Responding to questions on social problems,

Felli said that if the social problems do not affect the olympics, they will

ignore them because they are technical committee.

Bob Elphinston, a member of the commission,

said that they saw the railway projects and that a perfect infrastructural

plan has been prepared.

Elphinston noted that the 152-kilometre long

railway system will be built.


CONTENTS

  • [01] JUSTICE MINISTER TURK:
  • [02] ''RETURN FROM IMPLEMENTATION OF F TYPE PRISONS IS NOT IN QUESTION''
  • [03] STATE MINISTER DERVIS IN WASHINGTON D.C
  • [04] PARLIAMENT SPEAKER IZGI LEAVES FOR UZBEKISTAN
  • [05] PEARSON, U.S. AMBASSADOR TO TURKEY, EXPRESSES
  • [06] PRIME MINISTER'S CHIEF CONSULTANT ALP LEAVES FOR THE U.S.
  • [07] DSI DIRECTOR GENERAL ALTINBILEK:
  • [08] DAY-LIGHT SAVING TIME STARTS
  • [09] ELECTRICITY MARKET REGULATORY BOARD TO BE SET UP UNTIL JUNE
  • [10] TURKEY-WEATHER
  • [11] TEMPERATURES TO BE 8-10 DEGREES ABOVE THE SEASONAL AVERAGES
  • [12] EFFORTS UNDERWAY TO RESCUE SAINT VINCENT FLAGGED SHIP
  • [13] WATER LEVEL IN DICLE DAM INCREASES 3 METRES BY RAINFALL
  • [14] AGREEMENT ON 35 MILLION U.S. DOLLAR LOAN FOR QUAKE ZONE SIGNED
  • [15] NARCOTICS TEAM CONFISCATE 140 KG HEROIN
  • [16] PRIME MINISTRY ASKS VIEWS OF CONCERNED MINISTRIES
  • [17] TURKISH-AMERICAN SCIENTISTS CONVENE IN WASHINGTON D.C
  • [18] A.A PHOTO REPORTERS PRESENTED AWARDS
  • [19] FOREIGN MINISTER CEM IN BRUSSELS
  • [20] TURKISH-EU RELATIONS DISCUSSED IN EVALUATION MEETING
  • [21] WORLD TRADE CENTER EXECUTIVE BOARD TO HOLD MEETING ON MARCH 31
  • [22] TOBB-BANKING UNION MEETING TO TAKE PLACE ON MONDAY

  • [01] JUSTICE MINISTER TURK:

    [02] ''RETURN FROM IMPLEMENTATION OF F TYPE PRISONS IS NOT IN QUESTION''

    IZMIR- Justice Minister Hikmet Sami Turk said

    on Saturday that return from the implementation of the F type prisons is not

    in question.

    Turk visited the F type prison which is under

    construction in Buca township of western Izmir province.

    Turk later told a press conference that the

    Buca Kiriklar F type prison can imprison 373 people and that the construction

    was over but the prison was not opened due to some deficiencies.

    The one-person cells are ten square metres

    while the three-person cells are 50 square metres, Turk said.

    Turk noted that there are toilets and showers

    in the cells and that music can be listened in these cells.

    The inmates can buy television or refrigerator

    if they wish, Turk stated.

    Turk said that four F type prisons have started

    to function so far and that six F type prisons have been constructed while the

    construction of five others are underway.

    ''There are mainly inmates who were convicted

    of terrorism and interest crime gangs in F type prisons. There are 1109 people

    convicted of terrorism in Ankara, Kocaeli, Edirne and Tekirdag F type prisons

    and 57 people convicted of interest crime gangs. The total number of inmates

    in F type prisons is 1211,'' Turk said.

    Touching on ongoing hunger strikes and death

    fasts in prisons, Turk said that currently, 415 people are on limitless hunger

    strike and 319 people on death fast.

    Turk noted that the hunger strike and death

    fast are continuing in 21 prisons and that the number of the illegal

    organizations backing these incidents is 25.

    Reminding that an operation on prisons was

    staged as no result was gained in the efforts to persuade the inmates to end

    their protests, Turk said, ''those days, I told that the F type prisons would

    be postponed until a social compromise was provided to put an end to these

    protests. But, we have not marked any development in these efforts. This

    promise which was welcomed at the first stage, was later considered as

    insufficient due to the instruction from outside. The state sovereignty in the

    prisons was fully ensured after the operation.''

    Turk continued, ''but, some inmates gave up

    their protests after they were transferred to other prisons while many of the

    inmates continued their protests. The calls to put an end to the protests did

    not give any result. This protest is a protest based on human life. The

    terrorist organizations pushed their friends to death.''

    Cengiz Soydas, a death fasting inmate, died on

    March 21, Turk said.

    Turk went on saying, ''a person lost his life.

    Those who pushed him to death should be revealed. The prosecutors will do what

    is necessary for this issue. The protests in prisons should be ended in the

    possible shortest time. There are 36 inmates who are hospitalized for the time

    being. 35 of these inmates are in hospitals in Ankara and one of them in

    Izmir.''

    ''We do not want any of our people to die due

    to these protests. I call on everybody to behave with common sense. The

    parents should make suggestions to their children. The support of the non- governmental

    organizations are needed. There is not any punishment for committing suicide

    but we have some initiatives to give heavy punishments to those who lead to

    this,'' Turk added.

    Pointing out that there would not be any return

    from the implementation of F type prisons, Turk said the F type prisons lifted

    the difficulties of the ward system.

    Turk said the ward system helped those strong

    to put pressure on the weak ones, noting that the ward system would be totally

    lifted. Turk said, ''there is not ward system in civilized countries.''

    Stressing that the F type prisons were

    contructed according to the U.N. Prisons standarts and Council of Europe

    Prisons rules, Turk said they wanted to stage an international symposium that

    will open the prisons and the F type prisons to an evaluation. Turk said

    experts from Europe and the U.S. will be invited to this symposium, adding

    that imposing threats to the people in F type prisons were out of question.

    Turk said they prepared various draft laws

    regarded with prisons, stressing that Turkish Execution Law would be renewed

    totally. He said the commission, which was set up in this respect, continued

    its works on the issue.

    Turk said with an amendment to Article 16 of

    the Anti-Terrorism Law, they planned to change the mutual living areas in F

    type prisons so that they will be appropriate to cultural activities, and

    noted that judicial control will be provided for every kind of procedures in

    the prisons.

    Turk said efforts were underway for the

    establishment of a system which will enable the inmates to talk with their

    relatives on the phone.

    Turk said, ''we attribute great importance to

    the amendment to Article 16 of the Anti-Terrorism law to make the inmates pas

    their time with beneficial activities.''

    Responding to a question that Sevgi Erdogan, a

    woman inmate who was on death fast, lost her life, Turk said they have not

    received such an information.

    [03] STATE MINISTER DERVIS IN WASHINGTON D.C

    WASHINGTON D.C- State Minister Kemal Dervis

    arrived in Washington D.C, the U.S, on Sunday.

    Dervis will hold an evaluation meeting with the

    economy officials who are in Washington D.C. to attend the American-Turkish

    Council (ATC) annual conference.

    State Minister Dervis will later attend the

    opening reception of the annual ATC conference.

    Dervis, who will deliver a speech about the

    current situation of Turkey's economy on Monday morning, will meet with Horst

    Kohler, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) Managing Director; James

    Wolfensohn, World Bank President; and Paul O'Neill, the U.S. Secretary of the

    Treasury.

    State Minister Dervis will attend the breakfast

    hosted by the ATC on March 27.

    After staging a press conference for the

    foreign press, Dervis is expected to depart from Washington D.C. on March 28.

    [04] PARLIAMENT SPEAKER IZGI LEAVES FOR UZBEKISTAN

    ANKARA - Parliament Speaker Omer Izgi left on

    Sunday for Uzbekistan.

    Prior to his departure for 13-day visit

    covering Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan and Turkmenistan, Izgi told

    reporters that he will discuss the ways to further improve the political,

    economic, cultural and parliamentary relations with his counterparts.

    Izgi said that he will meet with Uzbek

    President Islam Kerimov, Kazakh President Nursultan Nazarbayev, Kygryz

    President Askar Akaev, Turkmen President Saparmurat Turkmenbasi and the

    parliament speakers of these countries.

    Parliament Speaker Izgi is accompanied by his

    wife Aysel Izgi; Beyhan Aslan, the acting group leader of the Motherland Party

    (ANAP); Avni Dogan, the acting group leader of the Virtue Party (FP); Ali

    Gunay, the acting group leader of the Democratic Left Party (DSP); Bedri

    Yasar, a deputy of the Motherland Party (MHP); Nihan Ilgun, a deputy of the

    True Path Party 'DYP); and Parliamentary General Secretary Vahit Erdem are

    accompanying Izgi.

    Izgi is expected to return to Turkey on April

    6.

    -TANKER HIT BY A SHIP PULLED TO GREECE BY
    TUGBOATS
    CANAKKALE- A tanker which was loaded with fuel

    oil and which was hit behind by a ship loaded with coal 15 days ago was pulled

    to Greece by tugboats on Sunday.

    The 9,117 gross ton Cambodian-flagged ship

    which was carrying coal from Ukraine, hit the Maltese-flagged tanker from its

    poop, when it entered the Canakkale strait from Marmara Sea. The 17,246 gross

    ton tanker named ''Fair Skies'' was carrying 27,850 tons of fuel oil from

    Ukraine to Greece.

    The Maltese-flagged tanker was permitted to

    continue its course under security measures after it was repaired.

    The ''Fair Skies'' then was pulled to Greece by

    one tugboat and accompanied by four more tugboats.

    -LEADING JAPANESE CHOCOLATE COMPANY MAIJI SEIKA
    KAISHE STARTS
    TEST PRODUCTION BY TURKISH HAZELNUT
    ANKARA - Leading Japanese chocolate company

    Maiji Seika Kaishe started test production by Turkish hazelnut.

    The promotion campaigns carried out by the

    Hazelnut Promotion Group set up under the coordination of the Foreign Trade

    Undersecretariat (DTM) since 1998 bear fruit.

    Advertisements were published in magazines and

    newspapers in Japan since January 1999 by the help of Daiko Advertising and

    World Morine Trade companies.

    By these efforts, the Japanese dry fruit

    importers were interested in Turkish hazelnut and the Japanese chocolate

    company Maiji Seika Kaishe started test production by Turkish hazelnut.

    Officials said that it is very pleasing to get

    positive signals from Japan in such a short time and that the second promotion

    campaign in this country will be launched in June.

    The Hazelnut Promotion Group also continues

    promotion campaigns to put the Turkish hazelnut into the U.S. and Chinese

    markets.

    Besides the advertisements in the U.S.,

    competitions on recipes with hazelnut are being held.

    The Hazelnut Promotion Group will start its

    campaign in China in June.

    [05] PEARSON, U.S. AMBASSADOR TO TURKEY, EXPRESSES

    BELIEF THAT NEW ECONOMIC PROGRAM IN TURKEY BE ACCOMPLISHED
    WASHINGTON D.C - Robert Pearson, the U.S.

    Ambassador to Turkey, expressed on Sunday belief that new economic program in

    Turkey will be accomplished.

    Businessmen from Turkey and some U.S. states

    participated in a conference held within the framework of the Appalachian- Turkish

    Trade Project.

    The project which is an initiative pushed by

    Senator Robert Byrd of West Virginia and organized by the U.S. Department of

    Commerce foresees establishment of direct links between the U.S. commercial

    and business circles and the Turkish businessmen.

    The Turkish-American businessmen exchange views

    about the investment opportunities in the conference held in Shepherdstown.

    Speaking in the meeting, Pearson said that by

    this project, the trade and investments between 13 states in the U.S. and

    Turkey will be encouraged.

    Pearson noted that this project is just the

    beginning of a high potential and that the U.S. supports investments in

    Turkey.

    As Paul O'Neill, the U.S. Secretary of the

    Treasury, had said, Turkey is an important friend and ally for the U.S.,

    Pearson stated.

    Pearson said that the U.S. extends support to

    Turkish economic program backed by the International Monetary Fund (IMF).

    But, this is the program of Turkey, Pearson

    stressed.

    Pearson pointed out that the Turkish government

    has entered into an intensive process in which it increased the support of the

    labour unions and the private sector.

    The Turkish officials are working on the

    banking reforms and the free market economy for the time being, Pearson said,

    expressing belief that this new program will be accomplished.

    Pearson emphasized that the Turkish nation also

    wants this program to be accomplished and that within this framework, the

    financial discipline has vital importance.

    The confidence in the stock exchange should be

    built, Pearson said.

    Pointing out that taking Ataturk's reforms as a

    guide is important, Pearson said that the U.S. considers these reforms as

    essential values.

    Emphasizing the importance of economic

    opportunity equality, equality in front of laws, struggle against corruption,

    transparent economy and transparent society, Pearson praised the successful

    operations of Interior Minister Saadettin Tantan and said that the government

    headed by Premier Bulent Ecevit can overcome problems.

    Pearson noted that the U.S. and Turkey are

    strategic partners, adding that the two countries share similar values and

    targets.

    Baki Ilkin, the Turkish Ambassador to the U.S.,

    said that Turkey is an important market for foreign investments.

    Ilkin noted that Turkey is determined to

    overcome the recent economic crisis and that the new economic program will be

    implemented.

    Stating that reforms will be made in banking

    and financial sectors, Ilkin said that Turkey will continue to work together

    with the IMF, World Bank, other international circles and the U.S. to overcome

    the economic crisis.

    [06] PRIME MINISTER'S CHIEF CONSULTANT ALP LEAVES FOR THE U.S.

    ISTANBUL - Prof. Dr. Ahmet Vefik Alp, the prime

    minister's chief consultant, left for the U.S. to attend 20th American Turkish

    Relations Conference, and to hold some contacts.

    Alp, who left for Miami, will later proceed to

    Washington D.C. and attend the conference titled, ''Turkish-U.S. Relations, ''

    which will last till March 28.

    It was also reported that Alp will hold

    contacts in various institutions and organizations regarding the quake

    resistant new building technologies and accelerated dwelling systems to

    replace shanty houses.

    [07] DSI DIRECTOR GENERAL ALTINBILEK:

    ''HYDROELECTRIC ENERGY PRODUCTION WILL BE
    CONSIDERABLY LOW THIS YEAR''
    SANLIURFA- Dogan Altinbilek, the Director

    General of State Water Works (DSI), said on Sunday that some cuts in energy

    could be in question when any power plant breaks down.

    Responding to the questions of A.A

    correspondent, Altinbilek said there was drought in March, however noted that

    the situation is better than February.

    Pointing out that the farmers who grow products

    by getting water from the irrigation dams would not have problems this year,

    Altinbilek said, ''however, our dams on Euphrates river will not be filled

    this year, and will produce less electricity than last year. Hydroelectric

    energy production will be considerably low this year.''

    When asked if there will be regular cuts in

    energy, Altinbilek said the natural gas coming from Russia was increased, and

    recalled that some power plants would take effect in July. He said, ''Turkey

    has come today without making regular cuts. Supply and demand balance are

    close to each other. Energy cuts can be in question if any power plant breaks

    down.''

    Responding to a question about the works which

    foresee giving 19 dams of the DSI to the new electricity production company

    that will be set up with the Electricity Market Law, Altinbileck said, ''no

    work has been made so far in this respect.''

    Altinbilek recalled that construction of hydro-electric

    dams with build-operate-transfer model became more difficult with the new

    Electricity Market Law, and noted that, ''we think number of dams that will be

    built by DSI will be more in this period. Construction of dams will be the

    only field which the state will be active.''

    When asked if there was a problem regarding the

    water that is given to Syria, Altinbilek said the 500 cubic meters waters,

    which had to be given to Syria, could not be given in months when there was

    drought, noting that this was understood by Syria.

    Altinbilek said the water that was given last

    autumn was below 500 cubic meters, adding that around 460 cubic meters water

    was given last year.

    [08] DAY-LIGHT SAVING TIME STARTS

    ANKARA- Day-light saving time started early on

    Sunday.

    The time was advanced by one hour at 1.00 a.m.

    on Sunday in order to abide by the European countries and to decrease demand

    for energy, which is particularly high in the evenings.

    The day-light saving time will end on October

    28 at 2.00 a.m. by setting the time back by one hour.

    A total of 4,448 billion kilowatthours (khw) of

    energy were saved since 1990 by day-light saving time.

    Turkey expects to save 600-625 million khw of

    electricity by the implementation of the day-light saving time this year.

    [09] ELECTRICITY MARKET REGULATORY BOARD TO BE SET UP UNTIL JUNE

    ANKARA- The Electricity Market Regulatory Board

    has to be set up until June.

    After the Electricity Market Law took effect,

    the Electricity Market Regulatory Board which is foreseen to be set up under

    the law is expected to be set up as soon as possible.

    The members of the board have to be appointed

    by the Council of Ministers within three months.

    The board will be comprised of seven people,

    including a president and vice-president.

    The members have to be chosen among graduates

    of political sciences, law, administrative sciencies, public management,

    economics, engineering, management, or finace faculties.

    The members of the board have to serve the

    public or private sector for at least ten years.

    Personnel cannot be appointed before the board

    is set up.

    [10] TURKEY-WEATHER

    [11] TEMPERATURES TO BE 8-10 DEGREES ABOVE THE SEASONAL AVERAGES

    ANKARA- No precipitation is expected on Monday

    throughout Turkey. The temperatures will be 8-10 degrees above seasonal

    averages.

    State Meteorology Affairs General Directorate

    told A.A correspondent that there will not be precipitation throughout Turkey

    on Monday. Northwestern regions will be partly cloudy, and northern and

    western regions will be clear.

    On March 27, northern and western regions will

    be partly cloudy and other regions will be open.

    On March 28, precipitation is expected in

    northern regions.

    On March 29, precipitation is expected in

    Eastern Black Sea and northern parts of Eastern Anatolia.

    On March 30, precipitation is expected in

    shores of Eastern Black Sea region.

    Minumum and maximum temperatures expected in

    the coming three days are as follows:

    PROVINCE MARCH 26 MARCH 27 MARCH 28

    ------ ------------ ----------------

    ISTANBUL 14/21 11/17 13/17
    KOCAELI 13/25 11/22 13/23
    BURSA 12/26 13/27 15/25
    SAMSUN 10/22 9/15 11/20
    TRABZON 10/18 11/16 13/21
    IZMIR 17/28 18/29 20/27
    MUGLA 11/27 13/28 15/26
    AFYON 9/21 11/23 13/21
    ANTALYA 16/27 16/28 18/28
    ANKARA 8/24 10/25 12/25
    SIVAS 5/18 7/20 7/20
    ERZURUM 1/15 5/17 7/17
    MALATYA 10/21 12/23 14/23
    HAKKARI 1/18 6/22 8/24
    SANLIURFA 11/24 13/26 14/26 .

    [12] EFFORTS UNDERWAY TO RESCUE SAINT VINCENT FLAGGED SHIP

    ISTANBUL- Efforts are underway to rescue Saint

    Vincent flagged ship which ran aground offshore Beykoz, Istanbul.

    The efforts to pull the ship which ran aground

    offshore Beykoz district of Istanbul on Friday night to deep waters did not

    give any result.

    Officials of the Coastal Security and Ship

    Rescue Enterprises General Directorate said that since the ship totally ran

    aground, it is very difficult to rescue it.

    The unloaded ship named ''Akado'' ran aground

    offshore Beykoz around 9.00 p.m.

    The captain of the ship requested help from the

    Coastal Security and Ship Rescue Enterprises General Directorate at midnight.

    The ship which was 124 metres in length and

    5,683 gross tons in weight, was en route from Russia to Greece.

    [13] WATER LEVEL IN DICLE DAM INCREASES 3 METRES BY RAINFALL

    DIYARBAKIR- The water level in Dicle Dam

    increased 3 metres on Sunday due to the 55 kilogram per square metre rain in

    southeastern Diyarbakir province.

    The rainfall in recent two months increased the

    water level in Dicle Dam by 23 metres.

    Thus the water level in the dam reached 705

    metres.

    Officials said that the water level in Dicle

    Dam is enough for electricity production, adding that production will start

    this week.

    [14] AGREEMENT ON 35 MILLION U.S. DOLLAR LOAN FOR QUAKE ZONE SIGNED

    ANKARA- Agreement on 35 million U.S. dollar

    loan provided by the European Development Bank for the quake zone was signed.

    The agreement on the 35 million U.S. dollar

    portion of the 253 million U.S. dollar loan was signed by the Treasury

    Undersecretariat and the officials of the concerned loan organization in the

    previous week.

    The loan will be used to finance the

    construction of 2 thousand dwellings in the quake zone.

    Total of 275 of the dwellings will be

    constructed in Bolu, 500 in Korfez, 300 in Derince, 765 in Yalova and 260 in

    Istanbul.

    A total of 15 thousand 514 dwellings were built

    by 218 million U.S. dollars which was the first portion of the loan.

    A total of 12 thousand 68 dwellings were

    constructed by the loans provided by the World Bank following the massive

    earthquake which hit the Marmara Region in 1999.

    [15] NARCOTICS TEAM CONFISCATE 140 KG HEROIN

    ISTANBUL - Narcotics teams on Sunday

    confiscated 140 kg heroin, and captured 12 people in connection with the

    heroin. The heroin had come from Iran and was destined for Britain and the

    Netherlands.

    Istanbul Narcotics Department Directorate

    issued a statement and said acting on a tip off, they confiscated the heroin,

    which was brought to Turkey from Iran and was tried to be smuggled to Britain

    and the Netherlands.

    The statement said the operation started after

    two-months works, and noted that they arrested Urfi Nedim Avran, the owner of

    the drug, and organizator Aga Karacan.

    Upon the interrogation of Avran and Karacan,

    the police widened the operation and arrested 10 other people in Bakirkoy,

    Buyukcekmece and Bahcelievler districts.

    The statement said the haul, having a market

    value of 3.500 trillion lira, was confiscated together with those people.

    [16] PRIME MINISTRY ASKS VIEWS OF CONCERNED MINISTRIES

    ABOUT DRAFT NATURAL GAS MARKET LAW
    ANKARA - The Prime Ministry asked the views of

    the concerned ministries about the draft Natural Gas Market Law.

    If the law takes effect, a Natural Gas Market

    Board will be set up.

    This draft is among the laws which are planned

    to be passed during the European Union (EU) harmonization process.

    When the magnitude of the investments which

    will provide the consumption of the additional natural gas which will come

    from Iran and Russia in the following year is taken into consideration, the

    draft which will permit the private investments gains importance.

    The draft aims to determine the people and

    institutions that will serve the importation, distribution and use of the

    natural gas, to determine the provisions, to authorize people and to control

    the institutions.

    The importation, distribution and sale of the

    natural gas are included within the scope of the law.

    The draft foresees the establishment of Natural

    Gas Market Agency while it envisages that the regulations on natural gas

    market be harmonized with the EU regulations.

    The Natural Gas Market Regulatory Board will be

    set up within three months after the law takes effect.

    The draft restricts the right of the Pipeline

    Transportation Inc. (BOTAS) to make the gas purchase contract.

    No natural gas purchase contract will be signed

    until the natural gas importation decreases around 20 percent of the national

    consumption after the draft takes effect.

    In accordance with the draft, BOTAS will

    decrease its share to 20 percent until 2009 and transfer the current natural

    gas purchase and sale contracts to other importing companies.

    The mentioned companies have to take licence

    from the agency.

    The city natural gas distribution service will

    be given to the company which wins the tender by the agency for 25 years for a

    city where the investments will be made for the first time.

    The company will be given the service for 15

    years for a city where the gas network exists.

    [17] TURKISH-AMERICAN SCIENTISTS CONVENE IN WASHINGTON D.C

    WASHINGTON D.C - The 13th Science and Education

    Conference of the Association of Turkish American Scientists (ATAS) was held

    at the George Washington University on Sunday.

    The messages of President Ahmet Necdet Sezer,

    Foreign Minister Ismail Cem and National Education Minister Metin Bostancioglu

    were read out in the opening session of the conference.

    Oktay Ural, the ATAS President; Baki Ilkin, the

    Turkish Ambassador to the U.S.; Robert Pearson, the U.S. Ambassador to Turkey;

    and Kemal Guruz, the Chairman of the Institution of Higher Education (YOK);

    delivered speeches in the conference.

    Ilkin said that the anti-Turkish lobbies try to

    prevent the activities of the Turkish desks in the American universities and

    the formation of new desks.

    Representatives of Turskish society struggled

    against these efforts, Ilkin noted.

    Pearson said that Turkey and the U.S. attribute

    utmost importance to education and that U.S. President George Bush

    administration considers education as the prior issue.

    There are almost 14 thousand Turkish students

    in the American universities, Pearson noted, adding that these students have

    the opportunity to share the American system and values.

    Ural said that the two-year universities should

    be broadened in Turkey and that these universities should be upgraded.

    More students graduate from two-year

    universities than the four-year universities in the U.S., Ural added.

    Guruz said that almost 50 thousand Turkish

    students have education abroad.

    Lincoln McKurdy, the President of American-Turkish

    Council (ATC), said that Turkey ranks among first ten countries which sends

    the highest number of students to the U.S.

    McKurdy noted that the Turkish students having

    education in the American universities have 836 million U.S. dollar

    contribution to the American economy.

    Turkey is one of the best client of the U.S. in

    education, McKurdy said, expressing hope that some members of the U.S.

    Congress can understand this.

    Despite the high number of Turkish students who

    have education in the U.S., the number of American students who have education

    in Turkey is very low, McKurdy noted.

    McKurdy stated that this number should be

    increased, adding that it is important that the American students who have

    education in Turkey learns about the Turkish culture and bring it to the U.S.

    Meanwhile, the award of State Minister Kemal

    Dervis was presented to Ilkin since Dervis did not attend the meeting.

    [18] A.A PHOTO REPORTERS PRESENTED AWARDS

    IN ANNUAL PRESS PHOTOGRAPHS COMPETITION
    ANKARA- Two photo reporters of the Anadolu

    Agency (A.A) were presented awards in the 16th press photographs competition

    of the Photo Reporters' Association (FMD).

    Hikmet Saatci and Erhan Sevenler of the A.A

    were presented with awards in the competition.

    Below listed the categories in the competition

    and the winners:

    News Photographs:

    1. Arif Akdogan (Star daily), ''Çakmağı Çaktı

    ve...'' (He lit his lighter and...)

    2. Ates Tumer (Star daily), ''İmam Bayıldı''

    (Imam faints)

    3. Murad Sezer (AP), ''Dumanaltı'' (Under

    smoke)

    Free Photographs:

    1. Adem Altan (Radikal), ''Protokolde Kedi

    Var'' (There is a cat in protocol)

    2. Hikmet Saatci (Anadolu Agency), ''Sergi'' (Exhibition)

    3. Sefa Ozkaya (Hurriyet daily), ''Kertenkola''

    Sports Photographs:

    1. Atilla Turker (Star daily), ''Saskin

    Halterci'' (Bewildered Weigh-lifter)

    2. Suleyman Alasya (Hurriyet daily), ''Amerikan

    Degil Turk Futbolu'' (It is Turkish football not American)

    3. Oner San (DHA), ''Biri Guresir, Biri Bakar''

    (One Wrestles, one looks)

    Environment and Life:

    - Erhan Sevenler (Anadolu Agency), ''Son Çığlık''

    (Last Scream)

    Jury Special Awards:

    - Hakan Denker (Hurriyet daily), ''Umut ve

    Kin'' (Hope and hatred)

    - Volkan Yildirim (Hurriyet daily, ''Kızılay'da

    Intifada''

    [19] FOREIGN MINISTER CEM IN BRUSSELS

    [20] TURKISH-EU RELATIONS DISCUSSED IN EVALUATION MEETING

    WITH AMBASSADORS
    BRUSSELS - Evaluation meeting between Foreign

    Minister Ismail Cem and the Turkish Ambassadors to 15 European Union (EU)

    member countries, ended on Sunday in Brussels.

    Turkey's ambassadors to EU member 15 countries,

    EU General Secretariat officials, and Turkey's permanent representatives to

    Council of Europe, EU, NATO and OECD attended the meeting which lasted for two

    days.

    It was reported that the participants

    comprehensively discussed relations with the EU, exchanged views on National

    Program, and examined how and to what extend the contents of the National

    Program coincided with the Accession Partnership Document. They also discussed

    how probable criticisms would be met.

    In the final part of the meeting the

    participants discussed the course of the EU, and how Turkey would connect to

    this course.

    It was reported that Cyprus and relations with

    Greece, which were brought onto the agenda within the strengthened dialogue,

    and human rights were discussed.

    Results of the meeting will be obtained within

    the framework of a written document and distributed to the Ambassadors and

    concerned units.

    Cem is scheduled to meet with Guenter Verheugen,

    the EU Commissioner for enlargement on Tuesday morning and leave for the U.S.

    [21] WORLD TRADE CENTER EXECUTIVE BOARD TO HOLD MEETING ON MARCH 31

    TRABZON - Trabzon Governor Adil Yazar said on

    Sunday that the World Trade Center Executive Board will hold a meeting in

    Trabzon on March 31.

    Yazar told A.A correspondent that Mehmet

    Yildirim, the chairman of the World Trade Center Executive Board, and the

    members of the executive board will attend the meeting.

    They consider the World Trade Center which will

    be set up in Trabzon as a very important infrastructure, Yazar said.

    Yazar noted that the center will be an

    important impact in Trabzon's path to become a world city.

    By the World Trade Center, Trabzon will have an

    international trade identity, Yazar said.

    Yazar noted that Trabzon can become a center to

    organize fairs and congresses in the Black Sea Region and Black Sea littoral

    states.

    The establishment of World Trade Center will

    cost 80 million U.S. dollars, Yazar stated, adding that the share of the

    Private Administration is 38 percent.

    [22] TOBB-BANKING UNION MEETING TO TAKE PLACE ON MONDAY

    ANKARA - Members of the Banking Union, Chambers

    Union and chairmen of the linked Chambers will convene on Monday to discuss

    the high interests imposed by the banks on the real sector because of the

    economic crisis.

    Council Chairmen of Turkish Union of Chambers

    and Commodity Exchanges (TOBB), executive board chairmen of 11 Chambers of

    Industry, executive board chairmen of Ankara and Istanbul Chamber of Commerce,

    Turkish Exporters Assembly, the Confederation of Turkish Tradesmen and

    Artisans (TESK) and the Turkish Confederation of Employers' Union (TISK) were

    invited to the meeting.

    Members of the Banking Union will attend the

    meeting representing the banks.


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