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Anadolu Agency: News in English, 01-11-15

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

15 MARCH

2001Thursday

-TURKEY-PRESS SCAN

These are some of the major headlines and their brief stories in Turkey's press on November 15, 2001. The Anadolu Agency does not verify these stories and does not vouch for their accuracy.HURRIYET (LIBERAL)

WILLINGLY FOR TURKEY

Forty-seven year old longing ended and Turkey wrote its name in the 2002 World Soccer Cup finals. The first biggest support to the campaign named ''Willing For Turkey'' to boost morale of Turkey which is facing an economic crisis, came from Turkish footballers. Yildiray, Hakan Sukur and Okan each scored one goal while Arif scored two goals in the game.

RESIDENTS OF KUCUKARMUTLU

Life started to normalize in Kucukarmutlu district of Istanbul, where people death fasted to extend support to the inmates. Police eradicated the houses, where people used to death fast and started to stay in the former house of Oya Gokbayrak, a member of the Association of the Relatives of Inmates (TAYAD), temporarily. The municipality teams cleaned the roads and re-painted the walls. Eight of the 18 people who were taken into custody during the operations staged in Kucukarmutlu and Alibeykoy, were arrested by Istanbul State Security Court (DGM).

MILLIYET (LIBERAL)

GOOD NEWS FROM IMF ON THE WAY

The pre-decision of approval regarding the additional finance around 9-10 billion U.S. dollars which the International Monetary Fund (IMF) shed light is expected to be taken this week. The loan tranche of 3 billion U.S. dollars will be released in the last week of November. Additional finance for 2002 which Turkey had asked for and reforms were debated and given shape during the last contacts of the IMF delegation in Turkey. IMF Executive Board is expected to reach a pre-agreement on additional finance of 9-10 billion U.S. dollars and to make a statement about this decision this week.

ADDITIONAL SOURCE MORALE IN MARKETS

The stock exchange which was cautious about the news that the additional source that the International Monetary Fund (IMF) would extend to Turkey would be around 10 billion U.S. dollars was indexed on the statements that State Minister Kemal Dervis for Economy would make. The stock exchange increased 470 points to 10.636 on Wednesday and reached the highest level since July 5. The shares gained 4.63 percent in value. One U.S. dollar which traded at 1 million 565 to 1 million 570 thousand Turkish liras (TL) in the morning, fell after the statements of Dervis and TL need in the markets. The U.S. dollar closed the day at 1 million 543 thousand TL.

SABAH (LIBERAL)

COLLINA BRINGS GOOD LUCK AGAIN

Italian referee Collina brought us good luck again. We also won the ninth football match that he refereed. We have gained six victory and we have drawn in two of the games refereed by Collina so far.

GUNES TO RESIGN

National Football Team's coach Senol Gunes announced that he would resign when Turkey was cheered up with the 5-0 victory against Austria. Sources said that Gunes took that decision to restore the confidence and that he would send his resignation four days later.

CUMHURIYET (LEFT)

TURKEY WANTS POLITICAL ROLE

Prime Minister Bulent Ecevit approved Turkey's pioneering the Peace Force formed by Muslim countries and requested that Turkey take part in the 6+2 formation, which would be composed of the United States, Britain and six neighbours of Afghanistan. Ecevit warned that the prior target in Afghanistan was to fill the political and administrative vacuum by the participation of all ethnic groups and said, ''if this vacuum is not filled, a chaos may occur.'' Turkey became the first country which opened its embassy in Kabul, which is now under control of the Northern Alliance.

MOST CRITICAL YEAR IS 2002

Future of Turkey-European Union (EU) relations will become clearer by the EU's enlargement schedule which will be announced in 2002. If Turkey does not fulfil the necessary conditions to start the full membership negotiations during this time, the train of 2002 will be missed. If the EU set date of full membership of Greek Cypriot administration in a period during which Turkey's membership date is not clear, a tense period may start in EU-Turkey relations.

RADIKAL (LEFT)

JOURNEY WITH FLAMES ON HIGHWAY

Two more Mercedes 0 403 type passenger buses caught fire when they were carrying passengers on the highway. The carefullness and attention of the drivers prevented disasters. Mercedes 0 403 type buses are claimed to catch fire easily due to a production defect.

BRIGADE TO AFGHANISTAN

Turkey, which is getting prepared to pioneer the peace force to be on mission in Afghanistan, is determining its own model. Ankara thinks of sending a brigade of at least 1500 people. The model of peace force was discussed at a meeting held at the Prime Ministry. A peace force comprised of a few countries and away from the eyes will be defended against the broad coaliiton of the United States.

TURKIYE (RIGHT)

15-DAY CLOSURE PUNISHMENT TO STAR TELEVISION CHANNEL

Radio and Television Higher Board (RTUK) gave the biggest punishment to private Star television channel since it was established. RTUK decided to close private Star television channel for 15 days due its broadcastings against another media organization.

''THEY ARE OFFERING CYPRUS ON GOLDEN TRAY''

True Path Party (DYP) leader Tansu Ciller accused Prime Minister Bulent Ecevit of offering Cyprus to Greek Cypriots in a golden tray. Speaking at the group meeting of her party, Ciller criticized the government's foreign policy. Ciller noted, ''the invoice that Yilmaz-Ecevit couple and Mr.Bahceli, who submitted to everything that this couple is doing silently, put forward in front of Turkish nation and history, has been Cyprus.'' Ciller said that this was a diplomatic scandal.

ZAMAN (CONSERVATIVE)

DOGAN JOINS AK PARTY WHILE TANIK JOINS DYP

Two more deputies were transferred to two political parties on Wednesday. Avni Dogan, a deputy from southern Kahramanmaras province who had resigned from Felicity Party (SP) a short time ago, joined the Justice and Development Party (AK Party). Suha Tanik, a deputy from western Izmir province who had resigned from the Motherland Party (ANAP), joined True Path Party (DYP).

YILMAZ SAYS ANAP READY TO DO WHAT IS NECESSARY

Deputy Prime Minister and Motherland Party (ANAP) leader Mesut Yilmaz claimed that when they announced the solution proposals, they did not aim to strengthen the position of their party by benefitting from the crisis. Yilmaz stressed that there was need for some changes in the coalition protocol and government's programme and said that they would do their best to contribute to these initiatives.


CONTENTS

  • [01] TOURISM MINISTER CALLS FOREIGN TOUR OPERATORS TO VISIT TURKEY
  • [02] DIRIOZ: ''THERE ARE 39 TURKISH CITIZENS IN PRISONS IN NEW YORK AND NEW JERSEY''
  • [03] STATE MINISTER GUREL SAYS TURKEY WILL NOT MAKE CONCESSIONS OF CYPRUS
  • [04] FOREIGN MINISTER CEM SAYS WHEN AND WHOM TERRORISM WILL HIT IS NOT DEFINITE
  • [05] PRESIDENT SEZER EXPRESSES BELIEF THAT TRNC TO TAKE PLACE IT DESERVES IN MODERN WORLD SOON
  • [06] TRNC CELEBRATING 18TH ANNIVERSARY OF ITS FOUNDATION
  • [07] STATE MINISTER GUREL SAYS TRNC HAS PROVED ITSELF
  • [08] PRESIDENT SEZER SAYS BOTH PALESTINIAN AND ISRAELI ADMINISTRATIONS HAVE HISTORICAL RESPONSIBILITY TO END VIOLENCE IN THE REGION
  • [09] IMF DELEGATION LEAVES TURKEY
  • [10] DSP GROUP MEETING HELD (2) -PRIME MINISTER ECEVIT: ''A PERSON WHO CLAIMS THAT I WOULD GIVE UP NORTHERN CYPRUS DOES NOT HAVE ANY SENSE''
  • [11] DENKTAS:''WE WANT OUR STATE TO BE RECOGNIZED''
  • [12] DSP GROUP MEETING HELD (3) -ECEVIT: ''FROM NOW ON, THE WAR IN AFGHANISTAN WILL BE A VAIN AND USELESS FIGHT THAT WILL BE CONTINUED BY TALIBAN''

  • [01] TOURISM MINISTER CALLS FOREIGN TOUR OPERATORS TO VISIT TURKEY

    LONDON - Tourism Minister Mustafa Tasar called on Thursday the foreign tour operators to bring more tourists to Turkey.

    Tasar hosted Turkish and foreign tour operators, British press and Westminister Mayor Lord Mayor at a Turkish Night in the Kensington Hotel.

    During the night, Tasar said, ''come to Turkey! There is not terrorism in our country. Turkey is a secure country.''

    Tasar noted that the number of tourists coming from Britain to Turkey was more than the expectations in 2001 and that they predicted that the number of British tourists who would visit Turkey would be higher in 2002.

    That the September 11th terrorist attacks on the United States were staged by a group of Muslims would not mean that all Muslims were terrorists, Tasar said.

    Tasar noted that the incident should be considered just as a terrorist attack and it should be fought against without making any religious, linguistic, racial or national discrimination.

    Within this framework, Turkey was supporting the operation of the United States and Britain staged against Afghanistan, Tasar stressed.

    Tasar pointed out that nobody should be feared of the activity in Afghanistan and that Afghanistan was 4,000 kilometres away from Turkey.

    Calling on all British people to visit Turkey, Tasar noted that although Turkey was a Muslim country, it sheltered people of four different religions and everybody could find the opportunity to fulfil the requirements of his or her religion in Turkey.

    Tasar stressed that Turkey was the most brilliant tourism heaven of the Mediterranean basin with its high quality hotels and service.

    [02] DIRIOZ: ''THERE ARE 39 TURKISH CITIZENS IN PRISONS IN NEW YORK AND NEW JERSEY''

    ANKARA - Foreign Ministry Spokesman Huseyin Dirioz has said that there were 39 Turkish citizens as of Nov. 8 in prisons in New York and New Jersey.

    As part of the operations carried out against foreigners who work illegally in the United States after Sept. 11 terrorist attacks, Dirioz said that several Turkish citizens who were illgelly employed were taken into custody. He indicated that the detained Turkish citizens currently stay at Passaic County Prison and Hudson County Prison. These Turks are regularly visited by Turkish citizens and Embassy representatives, he added.

    ''During these visits, we are collecting information about the detention reasons and periods and asking them if they need a lawyer or need to contact their families. Their demands are being conveyed to the prison administration,'' he explained.

    Dirioz also said that the information obtained is being sent to the Turkish institutions regularly and the Foreign Ministry is offering information to the relatives of the detained Turks who apply to the ministry.

    [03] STATE MINISTER GUREL SAYS TURKEY WILL NOT MAKE CONCESSIONS OF CYPRUS

    LEFKOSA - State Minister Sukru Sina Gurel said on Thursday that Turkey would not make concessions of Cyprus to prevent an interruption in its European Union (EU) process.

    Gurel, who interviewed with the special newspaper that the Turkish Cypriot Journalists' Association published upon the Republic Day of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC), said that those who expected Turkey to make concessions of its national interests were making a historic mistake.

    State Minister Gurel stressed that it was not correct to consider relations with EU as equal to relations with TRNC.

    Gurel stated that Turkey would neither permit Turkish Cypriots to be turned into a minority nor it would turn a blind eye to Cyprus' being taken to another geography.

    Turkey's determination and support continued uninterruptedly, Gurel noted.

    Gurel said, ''it is out of question for us either to give up Cyprus for EU membership which is not on the horizon yet or to give up the membership for Cyprus. There is no more cost that Turkey will pay in return for the security and welfare of TRNC because, Turkish Cypriot people and Turkey have already paid all the costs related with Cyprus.''

    Turkey and TRNC had always assumed constructive approaches related with Cyprus question so far, Gurel pointed out.

    Gurel noted that the call that TRNC President Rauf Denktas made to Glafcos Clerides, the leader of the Greek Cypriot administration, for face-to-face meeting was very appropriate and constructive.

    TRNC and Turkey did not intent to make concessions of fundamental rights and interests, Gurel underlined.

    Gurel added, ''any solution proposal which is not based on TRNC's existence and sovereignty, Turkey's efficient guarantee and continuation of its special relations with TRNC will not be accepted. TRNC has proved its existence and has gained a state identity which has been deserved by the identity struggle of Turkish Cypriot people for years. Turkish Cypriot people will continue to claim their state and freedom with the support of

    Turkey.''

    [04] FOREIGN MINISTER CEM SAYS WHEN AND WHOM TERRORISM WILL HIT IS NOT DEFINITE

    ANKARA - Foreign Minister Ismail Cem said on Thursday that when and whom terrorism would hit was not definite.

    Responding to the question motion of Deputy Parliament Speaker Murat Sokmenoglu, Cem noted that they hoped that the western parliamentarians would also understand that reality in time.

    Cem said that Turkish parliamentarians had presented three motions for a change on the declaration related with fight against terrorism during the General Assembly of the NATO Parliamentary Assembly held in Ottowa.

    The motions were about full implementation of the decision of the United Nations (U.N) to fight against terrorism and assistance to be made by NATO to all of its allies which would be target of terrorist attacks, Cem noted.

    Cem stated that Turkish parliamentarians also requested that the allies should be asked not to protect the terrorist organizations and people who aided and abetted them.

    The view to link the declaration with the September 11th terrorist attacks prevailed during the meeting, Cem said and noted that the motion of the Turkish parliamentarians was not accepted.

    Cem said, ''it is possible to consider this incident as a sign of habitual approach of the western parliamentarians, who have negative registrations about this issue, regarding the terrorist organization PKK which is known by everybody. It is seen that they have not given up their former habits despite the September 11th terrorist attacks. However, as it was seen by these attacks that it is not definite when and whom terrorism will hit. We hope that western parliamentarians will understand this reality in time.''

    The views defended by Turkish parliamentarians related with fight against terrorism had earlier been voiced under the umbrella of NATO, Cem noted and said that some progress was recorded related with that matter.

    Cem said that there was not any definition of terrorism which had been accepted by all the nations and announced Turkey's approach as follows. ''Turkey, which has had an active role in all international organizations related with fight against terrorism and which has had contributed to the preparation and ratification of many international documents, is condemning every type of terrorism, (like warriors of freedom and terrorist), without any discrimination.''

    ''There are not any sides of the initiatives of some countries to narrow the scope of terrorim with the expression (warriors of freedom) which affects Turkey. Turkey is ready to take part in every initiative aiming to handle and define terrorism comprehensively,'' Cem noted.

    Cem added that the view that terrorism was also a violation of human rights started to settle in international law arena, thanks to the drafts presented by Turkey on the ground of the U.N.

    [05] PRESIDENT SEZER EXPRESSES BELIEF THAT TRNC TO TAKE PLACE IT DESERVES IN MODERN WORLD SOON

    ANKARA - President Ahmet Necdet Sezer said on Thursday that Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) would take the place it deserved in the modern world soon.

    A statement of the Presidential Press Center said that Sezer sent a congratulatory message to TRNC President Rauf Denktas upon the 18th anniversary of the foundation of TRNC.

    Sezer said in his message that the reality that a permanent solution could not be reached on the island by ignoring the existence of TRNC would be accepted by all international community soon.

    TRNC was the biggest indicator that TRNC, which was the symbol of the resistance of Turkish Cypriot people against violence and pressure, would not abandon historical and legal rights of those people, Sezer stressed.

    Sezer said, ''We are proud of TRNC, which represents the sovereign will of a self-respecting nation that keeps its freedom above everything, as it strengthens its existence and gains a respected place in its region as a modern state of law. We believe that the reality that a permanent solution will not be reached in the island by turning a blind eye to TRNC's existence will be accepted by all international community soon and that TRNC will take the place it deserves in the modern world.''

    ''Turkey will continue to support development of Turkish Cypriot people and their rightful case in every condition. There is no doubt that our efforts will carry TRNC and Turkish Cypriot people to prosperous days. I would like to express my best wishes to you and Turkish Cypriot people,'' Sezer added.

    [06] TRNC CELEBRATING 18TH ANNIVERSARY OF ITS FOUNDATION

    LEFKOSA - Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) is celebrating on Thursday the 18th anniversary of its foundation.

    TRNC President Rauf Denktas, Presidential Secretary General Kemal Nehrozoglu, Deputy Parliament Speaker Kamer Genc, Air Forces Commander Cumhur Asparuk, and State Minister Sukru Sina Gurel attended the ceremony held at Lefkosa Martrys Memorial and Ataturk Monument in Lefkosa.

    Denktas and Gurel will address the nation during the parade to be held on Dr. Fazil Kucuk Boulevard.

    Deputies, academicians and journalists from Azerbaijan, Ireland, Macedonia, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Bahrein, Israel, Gagauz Place, Pakistan, Belgium, Spain, Lebanon, Oman, Italy, United Arab Emirates and Belarus are also attending the ceremonies.

    [07] STATE MINISTER GUREL SAYS TRNC HAS PROVED ITSELF

    LEFKOSA - State Minister Sukru Sina Gurel said on Thursday that Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) had proved itself.

    Gurel, who spoke at the ceremony held in Lefkosa upon the 18th anniversary of the foundation of TRNC, said that Turkish Cypriot people deserved that feast due to their heroic resistance and noted that TRNC would take its place in international arena.

    Pointing out that paying debts regarding Cyprus were recently being mentioned, Gurel underlined that both Turkey and Turkish Cypriots had paid the costs so far.

    Gurel asked which costs those who sentenced Turkish Cypriots to live in ghettos for 11 years and who demolished the equality state by gunforce had paid and stated that what they did would not remain unpunished.

    Those who turned a blind eye to the existence of two states in the island and who tried to re-oppress Turkish Cypriots were trying to include Greek Cypriot administration, which had become a center of money laundering and terrorism in the European Union (EU), Gurel pointed out.

    Gurel said that this intrigue would never be achieved.

    Turkey did not consider its future separate from the future of Turkish Cypriots, Gurel underlined.

    Gurel stated that Turkey was making plans to revive economy in TRNC and those initiatives would be put into implementation in 2002.

    Turkey's aim was peace and stability in the region, Gurel noted and stressed that Turkey had always been the guarantee of peace and tranquility in its region.

    Gurel said that Turkey would never permit the Greek Cypriot-Greek couple to deteriorate the stability in East Mediterranean by getting armed within the framework of so-called joint defense doctrine and building air and naval bases.

    Close relations between Turkey and TRNC would be promoted, Gurel added.

    [08] PRESIDENT SEZER SAYS BOTH PALESTINIAN AND ISRAELI ADMINISTRATIONS HAVE HISTORICAL RESPONSIBILITY TO END VIOLENCE IN THE REGION

    ANKARA - President Ahmet Necdet Sezer said on Thursday that both Palestinian and Israeli administrations have a historical responsibility to end the escalating violence in the Middle East and to return to the Middle East Peace Process as soon as possible.

    President Sezer sent a message of congratulation to Palestinian Head of State Yasser Arafat upon the National Day of the Palestinian State.

    Sezer said in his message that ''I would like to congratulate the national day of Palestinian people on behalf of the Turkish nation and myself. I believe that our relations based on solidarity and friendship contribute positively to the efforts launched to create a peace, stability and cooperation atmosphere in the whole region and I am happy to see that we have the common will to develop our cooperation in all fields.''

    ''Both Palestinian and Israeli administrations have a historical responsibility to end the escalating violence in the Middle East and to return to the Middle East Peace Process as soon as possible. We believe that you will show the necessary responsibility, determination and constructive attitude in this framework. The continuation of the steps you took on the way to peace carries more importance in this difficult time period. We would like to reiterate our support to the right cause of the Palestinian people and the peace efforts,'' Sezer said.

    [09] IMF DELEGATION LEAVES TURKEY

    ANKARA - The IMF delegation headed by IMF Turkey Desk Chief Juha Kahkonen completed its tenth reivew and left Turkey on Thursday.

    There has been no difficulty in the tenth review meetings and the IMF delegation accepted the fact that Turkey needed additional finance.

    Meanwhile, Juha Kahkonen could not contact with the IMF Executive Directors by telecommunications on Wednesday.

    IMF Executive Directors, who were informed about the tenth review and additional finance need of Turkey by other means, will have unofficial meeting in Washington D.C. today and reivew the tenth review report and the additional finance.

    The amount of the additional loan to be given to Turkey will be clarified later by the IMF Executive Directors and the G-7s.

    This amount is not expected to be less than nine billion dollars and it is expected to be given by another Stand By.

    The additional loan can be provided by a combination of regulations like Stand By, Supplementary Reserve Facility and Extended Fund Facility. The amount, type and conditions of the additional source have not been determined yet.

    Meanwhile the amount of the savings measures package which was fixed as seven quadrillion liras can be reduced to support social circles, but the difference can be met by additional finance to reach the target of 6,5 percent in non-interest surplus.

    [10] DSP GROUP MEETING HELD (2) -PRIME MINISTER ECEVIT: ''A PERSON WHO CLAIMS THAT I WOULD GIVE UP NORTHERN CYPRUS DOES NOT HAVE ANY SENSE''

    ANKARA - Democratic Left Party (DSP) leader and Prime Minister Bulent Ecevit said on Thursday that Turkey would never allow Turkish Cypriots to fall under Greek Cypriot domination, adding, ''a person who claims that I would give up Northern Cyprus does not have any sense.''

    Spaking at his group meeting at parliament, Ecevit congratulated the 18th anniversary of the founding of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC).
    Noting that he wished the TRNC would always live in peace, Ecevit said that the Turkish Cypriots were exposed to most serious injustices in the world history.

    Recalling that some rights had been given to Turks in Cyprus in early 1960s in accordance with international agreements, Ecevit said that all of those rights had been made non-functional by the Greek Cypriots in the end of 1963.

    Stressing that terrorism and genocide on the Turkish Cypriots had been prevented as a result of Turkey's pressure, Ecevit said that the Northern Cyprus had acquired its sovereignty and independence as a result of the Peace Operation.

    Noting that the reason for the Turkish Cypriots' encountering such problems was their desire to keep their freedom and rights, Ecevit said, ''despite all obstacles, our Turkish Cypriot brothers and sisters founded a very sound and powerful democracy. They became a model to whole humanity in regard to human rights. So I congratulate all of our Turkish Cypriot brothers and sisters and I wish them success.''

    ''Any country except Turkey did not recognize the TRNC, but they will recognize them sooner or later,'' he said.

    ''If the Turkish Cypriots are forced to live together with Greek Cypriots on the island as the EU and the U.N. secretary-general are wanted, they will be exposed to genocide and terrorism,'' Ecevit said. He added that those who insist on this matter are under a very serious responsibility.

    Stressing that Greek Cypriots would raid the north of the island and occupy the houses of the Turkish Cypriots one day after if the two separate states were united by force, Ecevit said, ''we will not be willing, we can't be willing to allow Turkish Cypriots to fall under Greek Cypriot domination.''

    ''A person who looks to the Eastern Mediterranean map can easily see that the security of the TRNC is very important not only for the security of the Turkish Cypriots but also for the security of Turkey. Meanwhile, a person who claims that I would give up Northern Cyprus does not have any sense,'' he said.

    [11] DENKTAS:''WE WANT OUR STATE TO BE RECOGNIZED''

    LEFKOSA - Rauf Denktas, the President of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) said on Thursday that the world does not see and know Turkish Cypriots and regard it as a minority of the Greek Cypriots.

    Denktas said that TRNC is aware of the fact that it is a state, but others want them to say that TRNC is not a state at negotiation table.

    Addressing the ceremony held upon the 18th foundation ceremony of the TRNC, Denktas said that it is his mission to say ''no'' to invitations which consider TRNC as non-existant at negotiation table. This mission has been given to him by the Turkish Cypriot people, Denktas said.

    Presidential Secretary General Kemal Nehrozoglu presented President Ahmet Necdet Sezer's message of congratulation to Denktas.

    Denktas said that Greek Cypriots deceive the world under the title of pseudo ''Cyprus government'', and Greece continues its game of getting Cyprus by blackmailing the EU without listening to the views of TRNC.

    Denktas said that the ''EU train'' is a ''Greek Cypriot'' train, yet the Turkish side objects to this train, as Turkish Cypriots are treated unfairly.

    Noting that Turkish Cypriots are asked to make peace on the basis of injustice, Denktas said that they are also asked to say that Turkish Cypriots are not sovereign and to accept dilluting the guarantorship of Turkey on Cyprus.

    Denktas said that the Greek Cypriot side wants to get control of TRNC, adding that the way to protect the vested rights is only possible by knowing the way in which those rights were acquired.

    Young persons don't know the past, said Denktas and noted that they don't know what Greek Cypriots did in the past.

    Youngsters who are unemployed sometimes think that the solution is joining the EU, said Denktas and added ''there is no such solution. Our way is that of Turkey. If Turkish Cypriots join the EU without Turkey, Turkish Cypriots will be gotten rid of in EU.''

    Denktas said that Turkish Cypriots who founded their state want their state to be recognized, an added that ''we deserved that.''

    ''We exist and we will exist, because Turkey, the motherland is with us,'' Denktas said and noted that Britain forgot the fact that it is the guarantor of Cyprus, and it only serves the Greek Cypriot policies.

    Britain interpretes the guarantee agreement in line with its own interests, and it says that ''Guarantee Agreement is not an obstacle for Cyprus to join the EU although Turkey is not a member of EU.'' Britain also ignores the views of jurists, he said.

    Denktas said that Turkish Cypriots are also the people of The Commonwealth, adding that there is nobody in the Commonwealth who listens to or recognizes them. Turkish Cypriots have to quit from that community, he said calling Britain to give up its hostile attitude and to end its visa for Turkish Cypriots. Denktas said that TRNC wants equal treatment from Britain as this is their right.

    ''We don't beg to them, we want equality from Britain which signed 1960 treaty,'' Denktas said and noted that Turkish Cypriots fight to live freely rather than abiding with the others for 38 years.

    ''Turkish Cypriots exist, we are what the Greek Cypriots are. It is our mission to protect our rights forever,'' he added.

    [12] DSP GROUP MEETING HELD (3) -ECEVIT: ''FROM NOW ON, THE WAR IN AFGHANISTAN WILL BE A VAIN AND USELESS FIGHT THAT WILL BE CONTINUED BY TALIBAN''

    ANKARA - Democratic Left Party (DSP) leader and Prime Minister Bulent Ecevit said on Thursday that the war on terrorism in Afghanistan almost ended before it started.

    Speaking at his group meeting at parliment, Ecevit said, ''from now on, this will be a vain and useless fight that will be continued by Taliban.''

    Ecevit said that Taliban's resistence in some places could no more continue, communication between Taliban troops broke down and Taliban was running away in various directions.

    Noting that it was impossible to think that everything was on track by taking the success achieved in a short period of time into consideration, Ecevit said, ''there is still a very serious administrative and political vacuum in Afghanistan while there is a very cruel competition between the groups forming the opposition and ethnic groups. If a sound state structure can't be formed rapidly, it means that this fight was carried out in vain.''

    ''The biggest contribution to this matter can come from Turkey. Since 1920s, Turkey has showed that it is the best friend of Afghan people under every regime,'' Ecevit said.

    Stressing that Taliban regime had collapsed in a short period of time due to morale breakdown, Ecevit said that this happened after Turkey had announced that it would join fight against terrorism in Afghanistan.

    Prime Minister Ecevit stated that Afghan people knew that Turkey was the most modern and powerful country among the Muslim countries and any fight could not be carried out against it.

    Noting that the Republic of Turkey had proved that Islam could get along well with secularism and modernism, Ecevit said he believed this would be adopted by whole Islamic world.

    Wishing success to Afghan people in their fight against outworn pressure and terrorism pressure, Ecevit said Afghan people should believe that Turkey would always support them.


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