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Anadolu Agency: News in English, 02-01-17Anadolu Agency: News in English Directory - Previous Article - Next ArticleFrom: The Anadolu Agency Home Page at <http://www.anadoluajansi.com.tr/>Anadolu AjansıANADOLU AJANSI HABERLER 17 January 2002 Thursday Türkiye Dünya Parlamento Ekonomi Spor Sanat-Magazin Sağlık Türkiye CONTENTS
[01] TURKEY-PRESS SCANThese are some of the major headlines and their brief stories in Turkey's press on January 17, 2002. The Anadolu Agency does not verify these stories and does not vouch for their accuracy.HURRIYET (LIBERAL)NEW PERIOD OPENS WITH THE U.S. IN ECONOMYA new page was opened in Bush-Ecevit summit. The U.S. will reflect its strategic cooperation with Turkey to economic and trade fields. The meeting between Prime Minister Bulent Ecevit and the U.S. President George Bush, which was planned to last for 35 minutes, lasted for 55 minutes. The U.S.President Bush said they were grateful to Turkey for the support it expended in fight against terrorism. Prime Minister Bulent Ecevit clearly revealed Turkey's economic expectations at the summit. Bush said they were determined to reflect strategic relations in economic and trade relations. Economic Partnership Commission will be set up between the two countries. THEY WILL MEET THREE TIMES A WEEK The two leaders, who want to solve the question in six months, will meet three times a week in the Buffer Zone. The days will be Monday, Wednesday and Friday. MILLIYET (LIBERAL)DERVIS AND CEM ARE THE FAVORITES OF DELEGATIONState Minister Kemal Dervis and Foreign Minister Ismail Cem, who accompany Prime Minister Bulent Ecevit during his tour to the U.S., add a positive atmosphere to the contacts held in Washington D.C. The U.S. officials said the two ministers undertook the pioneership of important reforms in their own fields. ANOTHER STEP IN HARMONIZATION WITH THE EU The draft law which amends the second paragraph of article 7 of the Anti- Terrorism Law titled ''terrorist organizations'', cover the provision about ''fining those who aid and abet the terrorist organizations and who make propaganda regarding an organization in a way it incited others to carry out terrorist activities to pay money between 500 million and 1 billion Turkish liras (TL) or imprisoning the above mentioned people between one to five years even if their actions create another crime.'' With this regulation, the imprisonments were preserved while the fine which is 50-100 million TL is increased by ten-fold. SABAH (LIBERAL)THANKS FOR 261 TURKISH SOLDIERSDuring his visit to the United States, Prime Minister Bulent Ecevit met with U.S. Secretary of Defense Donald Rumsfeld. The meeting focused on the issue of Afghanistan, Rumsfeld thanked Turkey for its decision to sent a military troop to Afghanistan. TREASURY ISSUES 10-YEAR DEBENTURE BOND AT GLOBAL MARKET CUMHURIYET (LEFT)ECEVIT GETS PROMISEFull support from Bush: Economic relations will be improved to the level of political relations. A commission will be set up for Turkey's military debts. Iraqi issue will be consulted with Ankara, and limitations on tourism will be lifted. The U.S. President George Bush, during his meeting with Prime Minister Bulent Ecevit, gave messages of support pertaining to economic relations and increasing trade with Turkey. Bush also gave assurances that a decision would not be given on Iraqi issue without consulting with Turkey. TOWARD COOPERATION BETWEEN SMSEs Rifat Hisarciklioglu, the Chairman of the Union of Chambers and Commodity Exchanges (TOBB), said that they reached agreement in principle with the U.S. Chambers of Trade for a project to improve economic and trade cooperation between the Small and Medium Scale Enterprises (SMSEs) and the U.S. companies. Hisarciklioglu is currently in Washington within the framework of Prime Minister Bulent Ecevit's tour to the U.S. Hisarciklioglu said Thomas Donahue, the Chairman of the U.S. Chambers of Trade, would pay a visit to Turkey in April within the framework of a project entitled ''Turkey-U.S. Business Partnership Initiative''. RADIKAL (LEFT)A NEW PAGE WITH UNITED STATESPrime Minister Bulent Ecevit who is currently paying an official visit to the United States held a meeting with U.S. President George W. Bush. During the meeting, President Bush eulogized Prime Minister Ecevit's leadership. He has pledged to open a new page in commercial relations between Turkey and the United States. The United States will closely consult with Turkey before any decision on launching a military operation against Iraq. SOLUTION REACHED BETWEEN HEALTH MINISTRY AND PHARMACISTS Pharmacists closed their shops on Tuesday to protest Health Ministry's 10 percent reduction in domestic medicine by the Health Ministry. KDP AND PUK RELEASE A JOINT STATEMENT TURKIYE (RIGHT)NEW PROPOSAL FROM YILMAZ: EMERGENCY RULE SHOULD BE LIFTEDWhen the Motherland Party (ANAP) Diyarbakir parliamentarian Seydaoglu said laws were not implemented in his region, Mesut Yilmaz, the Deputy Prime Minister and the leader of ANAP, said this is because there is the implementation of Emergency Rule in those region. He said, ''we wish the implementation of the emergency rule to be lifted as a whole.'' MINISTER MADE CONCESSIONS PHARMACIES OPENED According to the agreement, 10 percent reduction will be met in another way and 18 percent Value Added Tax (VAT) will be reduced. ZAMAN (CONSERVATIVE)TURKISH-AMERICAN FRIENDSHIP TO BE CONSOLIDATED WITH ECONOMIC COOPERATIONDuring the meeting between Prime Minister Bulent Ecevit and U.S. President George W. Bush, it was decided to increase economic cooperation between Turkey and the United States to the level of strategical partnership between the two countries. President Bush described Turkey as an exemplary country. President Bush also assured Prime Minister Ecevit that the United States would closely consult with Turkey before any decision on launching a military operation against Iraq. DENKTAS AND CLERIDES TO MEET THREE TIMES IN A WEEK -PRIME MINISTER ECEVIT MEETS WITH U.S. SECRETARY OF TREASURY O'NEILL State Minister Kemal Dervis for Economy; Foreign Minister Ismail Cem; Faruk Logoglu, the Turkish Ambassador to United States; Treasury Undersecretary Faik Oztrak; and Central Bank Governor Sureyya Serdengecti were also in attendance at the meeting. Meanwhile, State Minister Tunca Toskay; Foreign Minister Ismail Cem; Faruk Logoglu, the Turkish Ambassador to United States; and Foreign Trade Undersecretary Faik Oztrak attended the meeting between Prime Minister Ecevit and Zoellick. Zoellick told reporters following the meeting that a new economic commission was formed between Turkey and the United States, and added that economic affairs would be coordinated by the commission. -U.S. PRESIDENT BUSH SAYS TURKEY IS A MAGNIFICENT COUNTRY It was reported that Prime Minister Bulent Ecevit's meeting with the U.S. President Bush at the White House was sincere. Prime Minister Ecevit invited the U.S. President Bush to Turkey at the meeting and Bush responded positively to the request. Bush said Turkey was a magnificent country. The U.S. President Bush's National Security Adviser Condoleezza Rice, the U.S. Secretary of Treasury Paul O'Neill, White House Europe Eurasia Director Dan Fried, White House Spokesman Ari Fleischer, the U.S. Assistant Secretary of State for Europe-Eurasia relations Elizabeth Jones, and the U.S. Ambassador to Ankara Robert Pearson attended the meeting. The sides discussed Iraq, Afghanistan, Caucasia, Azerbaijan, Middle East, Turkish-Greek Relations, Cyprus, Baku-Tbilisi-Ceyhan oil pipeline, relations with the EU, and Turkish-U.S. economic cooperation. While discussing Afghanistan issue, cooperation of the two countries in fight against terrorism, and the process which Turkey would cover with the U.S. regarded with Afghanistan's rebuilding was evaluated. The U.S. President Bush stressed that Turkey was an important model being a secular, democratic, and Moslem country. Pointing out that he was sure that efforts for Afghanistan would be resulted successfully by acting in a determined way and patiently, Bush said the operation would succeed soon. Bush, while speaking about Iraqi issue, said they knew Turkey's sensitivities about Iraq, stressing that this issue was brought onto the agenda often recently. Bush also expressed the uneasiness felt over weapons of mass destruction. Bush also reiterated the views of the U.S. administration regarded with changing of the Iraqi regime. Bush said they would consult to Turkey in respect to close relations between the U.S. and Turkey. Speaking about Cyprus issue, Ecevit said the fact that there are two states and two nations on the island should be accepted, and reminded the things which had been experienced before 1974 peace operation and the things after the operation. Ecevit said face-to-face talks which started between President Rauf Denktas of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) and Greek Cypriot leader Glafcos Clerides should be supported. Bush said he also shared the views that face-to-face talks should be supported. Prime Minister Ecevit thaned to the U.S. President George Bush for the U.S. support expended for European Union (EU), stressing that this support should continue. Speaking about European Security and Defense Policy, Ecevit thanked to the support expended by the U.S. side. Bush said they attributed great importance to Turkish-Greek relations, noting that the U.S. administration supported the efforts of the two countries. The U.S. President Bush said they knew about Turkey's expectations regarded with economy issues. Pointing out that Turkey entered to a reform process, Bush said they supported this process. It was reported that the issue of ''Qualified Industrial Zone'' which Prime Minister brought onto the agenda during the meeting was mainly discussed. Improving trade, which is the weakest link within the framework of strategic partnership, was brought onto the agenda. It was reported that the U.S. President Bush gave the message of strong support to Turkey in economic issues. Bush said Turkey was going through a serious process. Prime Minister Ecevit thanked to the support which the U.S. expended to Turkey following the economic crisis. Baku-Tbilisi-Ceyhan pipeline was brought onto the agenda, and the U.S. support in this respect was stressed. Meanwhile, Bush asked the position of the Turkish citizens living in the U.S. and said training of those students was an investment to future. Ecevit, during the meeting, spoke about the steps taken to get the interest of foreign investors and the constitutional amendments. -ECEVIT: ''PRESIDENT BUSH TOLD ME THAT THEY WOULD LISTEN TO Addressing journalists after wrapping up his second day contacts in the United States, Prime Minister Ecevit said, ''in the past, when Turkish and U.S. officials came together, they would discuss issues concerning the two countries. However, during my visit to the United States, all international problems were taken up. We held multi-dimensional meetings. This shows the real dimension of relations between Turkey and the United States.'' ''It was understood in a statement released by the U.S. State Department that Turkey and the United States would act together on economic issues. It is not possible to solve economic problems at once,'' he said. Prime Minister Ecevit told reporters, ''President Bush excluded Turkey from the list of risky countries for U.S. tourists. This is an important issue. This will make commercial contributions to Turkey.'' Prime Minister Ecevit said that the United States-Turkey Economic Partnership Commission was formed. Responding a question about Iraq, Prime Minister Ecevit said, ''during our meeting, U.S. President George W. Bush assured me that the United States would closely consult with Turkey before any decision on launching a military operation against Iraq. It is a well-known fact that the United States does not want Iraqi President Saddam Hussein. The United States has been assessing a possible military operation against Iraq. The United States does not plan to launch a military operation against Iraq in short term. Turkey's strategical importance is vital. Turkey's has a significant position in the region.'' When asked whether or not the issue of meeting expenditures of Turkish soldiers sent to Afghanistan was taken up at the meeting, Prime Minister Ecevit said, ''details were not discussed. Works on the issue have been continuing.'' -UNITED STATES-TURKEY ECONOMIC PARTNERSHIP COMMISSION FORMED Reeker said that U.S. State Department official Alan Larson for economic affairs, would leave for Ankara to attend the first meeting of the commission between February 26 and 27, 2002. He said that Turkey and the United States had reached a compromise to increase their economic partnership to the level of their strategical partnership. Phil Reeker said that the United States-Turkey Economic Partnership Commission would be a new page in relations between Turkey and the United States. Reeker said that the new economic commission would further improve commercial relations between the two countries and increase mutual investments. He added that the commission would assist Turkey in successfully implementing its economic reform programme. -CONSTITUTIONAL COURT LISTENS TO KANADOGLU IN HADEP CLOSURE CASE Mehmet Turhan, the rapporteur of the case, is also in attendance at the session. Vural Savas, the Supreme Court of Appeals Chief Prosecutor then, filed a lawsuit at the Constitutional Court with the request of closure of the HADEP on January 29, 1999. HADEP administrations presented their pre-defense on April 5, 1999 while Savas expressed his views regarding the merits of the case on April 9, 1999. On June 23, 1999, the party administrators made their final defense against the merits of the case. Meanwhile, HADEP administrators will make their verbal defense on January
30, 2002. The indictment claimed that HADEP had organic connection with the terrorist organization PKK. It noted that HADEP was totally under the control of the terrorist organization PKK like People's Labour Party (HEP) and Democracy Party (DEP) which had earlier been closed down. The indictment said that this organization staged activities in the direction of the orders and instructions of the central committee of the terrorist organization. It claimed that HADEP congresses were turned into grounds where demonstration in favour of Abdullah Ocalan, the head of the terrorist organization, was made. People who attended seminars organized by HADEP branches and meetings held by youth, woman, health and worker commissions of HADEP were tried to be imposed views like enmity towards the constitutional order and unitary state structure, the indictment said. The indictment stated, ''acitivities like organizing citizens of Kurdish origin around the terrorist organization PKK, carrying out activities to send militants to mountain quadre of PKK through internal and external terrorist camps are carried out in HADEP provincial and town organizations. Thus, it has been clearly seen that HADEP has turned into 'enlisting units' of the terrorist organization PKK.'' The indictment asked for the closure of HADEP under Article 68 of the Constitution which regulates the conditions ''for a party to become the focus point of activities against the inseparable integrity of the state with its country and nation'' on charges that the party acted against Article 78 of the Political Parties Law about ''laws on protection of democratic state order'', Article 79 of the Political Parties Law regulating ''the protection of independence'', Article 80 of the Political Parties Law foreseeing ''the principle of uniqueness of the state'', Article 81 covering ''prevention of creation of minority'', Article 82 foreseeing ''ban of racism and regionalism.'' [02] CLOSURE CASE AGAINST HADEP-CONSTITUTIONAL COURT DELEGATION LISTENS TO THE VERBALSTATEMENTS OF CHIEF PROSECUTOR KANADOGLU ANKARA - Constitutional Court on Thursday listened to the verbal statements of Sabih Kanadoglu, the Chief Prosecutor of the Supreme Court of Appeals, in the case filed to close People's Democracy Party (HADEP) on charges of ''becoming a focus point of actions against inseparable integrity of the state with its country and nation''. Kanadoglu conveyed his views to the Constitutional Court for nearly one hour and 15 minutes. Speaking to reporters, Kanadoglu said, ''inseparable integrity of the Turkish Republic with its country and nation is the fundamental principle of our constitution and the fundamental reason of our existence.'' Kanadoglu said he explained that HADEP became the focus of the activities which contradict with this fundamental principle. Kanadoglu said he disclosed his reasons regarded with his claim. Kanadoglu said he demanded the party in question to be closed in respect to the dimensions and qualities of the activities. -PRIME MINISTER ECEVIT SAYS HIS VISIT TO UNITED STATES IS EXTREMELY Ecevit, who is currently in the United States, held a press conference to address the Turkish journalists. Prime Minister Ecevit said that Turkey had become a world country which was interested in all global problems. Ecevit called on the U.S. businessmen to invest in Turkey and said, ''from now on, the businessmen who want to make investments in Turkey will knock on only one door and take the final result within three months.'' (BRC-AÖ) Ecevit, who is currently in the United States, held a press conference to address the Turkish journalists. State Ministers Kemal Dervis and Tunca Toskay, Foreign Minister Ismail Cem and Energy and Natural Resources Minister Zeki Cakan were also in attendance at the press conference. Prime Minister Bulent Ecevit said that Turkey had become a world country which was interested in all global problems. Ecevit called on the U.S. businessmen to invest in Turkey and said, ''from now on, the businessmen who want to make investments in Turkey will knock on only one door and take the final result within three months.'' His visit to the United States was extremely positive, Ecevit said and continued, ''until recent years, Turkey had held bilateral contacts regarding foreign relations. It used to establish relations with direct interlocutors of the issues directly concerning itself. But, this has changed. Turkey's position has changed. Turkey is now interested in all global problems. During our contacts in Washington, all the world from the Central Asia to Middle East, from Far East to the European Union (EU), from Bosnia and Caucasus to Afghanistan were on the agenda. This indicates that Turkey has become a world country.'' Ecevit stated that Turkish-U.S. relations had exceeded alliance relations and gained a partnership status. ''This partnership is based on politics and security. We stressed that the economic partnership point of this strategic partnership was weak. Our U.S. friends shared this observation of us during our bilateral contacts. They have launched significant initiatives to add economic dimension to our strategic relations to overcome this deficiency. A statement was issued regarding this issue in the United States yesterday,'' Ecevit said. Ecevit went on saying, ''this statement said that the U.S. State Department was pleased to announce that a high-level deelgation headed by Alan Larson, the U.S. State Department official for economic affairs, would attend the first meeting of the economic partnership commission meeting to be held in Ankara between February 26 and 27. The statement noted that United States and Turkey had been in close strategic partnership for a long time and said that the two countries agreed to promote their economic partnership to the same level. The statement said that an economic partnership commission meeting would be held to this end and pointed out that this new forum would help improvement of economic and international trade relations, increase in investments, and implementation of economic reform program of Turkey successfully.'' ''Thus, all factors of our strategic partnership with the United States have been fulfilled with all its dimensions in a balanced way. In this case, our economic relations with the United States will gain momentum starting from the end of February. Meanwhile, it has become certain that some possibilities could be provided. As you know, there is an industrial zones agreement between Jordan and Israel directed towards the United States. This provides significant opportunities for these countries in their exportation to the united States. We have stated that establishment of such industrial zones were of utmost importance for Turkey in our meetings. Our U.S. friends welcomed this and noted that they would launch initiatives in this direction,'' Ecevit said. Ecevit noted that the United States had listed Turkey among countries risky and jeopardous for tourism and said, ''although tourism has developed so much in Turkey, the number of U.S. tourists visiting Turkey has not been sufficent. We said that this was not right. U.S. President, in person, excluded Turkey from the risky countries category during our meeting yesterday.'' ''From now on, we will have the opportunity to see more U.S. friends in our country. This is very important because tourism provides good opportunities for the meeting of people beyond the meeting of the governments. To this end, improvement of our relations with the United States in the field of tourism will have utmost importance,'' Ecevit noted. Ecevit stated that they wanted the United States to make more economic investments in Turkey and pointed out that the U.S. officials sincerely shared that view. The U.S. officials complained about the bureaucratic hurdles before the investors, Ecevit said and noted that the investors had to knock on 40 doors to invest in Turkey. Ecevit continued, ''they had to wait for two years to get a response. We have put an end to this situation with a law issued a few days ago. From now on, not only Turkish but also foreign businessmen who want to make investments in Turkey will not knock on 40 doors, but only one door. They will take the final result within three months. We have started to announce this to all world. We have published the announcements in the newspapers like World Street Journal, Financial Times and some European newspapers.'' The United States was not contented with only attributing importance to economic relations between Turkey and the United States, but also supported Turkey's economic program backed by IMF and World Bank, Ecevit said. Ecevit noted that the United States was very uneasy about the conflicts and clashes among the religions and cultures following the September 11th tragedy. ''We have shared that uneasiness for a long time. Our U.S. friends also stress that Turkey is among the example countries which can overcome the conflicts and clashes among the religions and cultures. They stress the importance of Turkey in the world and its responsibilities,'' Ecevit said. (To be continued) -PRIME MINISTER ECEVIT: (3) Ecevit, who is currently in the United States, held a press conference to address the Turkish journalists. State Ministers Kemal Dervis and Tunca Toskay, Foreign Minister Ismail Cem and Energy and Natural Resources Minister Zeki Cakan were also in attendance at the press conference. Prime Minister Ecevit said, ''U.S. President George Bush assured us. He stressed for a few times that they would establish a dialogue with Turkey if a step regarding Iraq was to be taken.'' Asked about the timing of a probable operation on Iraq and if he obviously expressed Turkey's sensitivities, Ecevit said, ''President Bush touched on this issue during our meeting yesterday. Bush had obviously expressed his views. He obviously stated that they could not establish a relationship or cooperation with Saddam Hussein. But, he did not say anything about an operation on Iraq and he did not mention any intention at this stage. Thus, he definitely expressed his sensitivity once more. But, it is seen that an operation on Iraq is out of question at the moment. Bush assured us that a dialogue would be established with Turkey if a step regarding Iraq is to be taken.'' When asked what Turkey's position would be in such an operation, Ecevit said, ''I cannot talk on hypothesis regarding such sensitive issues. I will not say anything which will give the impression that an intervention is inevitable and what kind of a stance we will assume towards that unavoidable operation. I think that it will not be right to detail this issue.'' Responding to a question if the United States had any disturbance about Turkey's Iraq policy, Ecevit said, ''no. The United States does not have any disturbance. Iraq is our neighbour. It is a natural thing to have relations in every field with a neighbouring country. Our relations with Iraq continue as the other neighbouring countries. Any of the countries cannot show a reaction to Turkey regarding this issue. Such a reaction has not been shown by the United States to Turkey even indirectly. We agree with the sensitivity of the United States about armament of Iraq. We permit the use of Incirlik and Turkey's territories within the framework of the measures taken to prevent this. Let's not bring into the agenda this issue when this issue is not brought to the agenda during our yesterday's and the previous day's contacts except Bush's reiterating his well-known views.'' (To be continued) -PRIME MINISTER ECEVIT: (4) Ecevit, who is currently in the United States, held a press conference to address the Turkish journalists. State Ministers Kemal Dervis and Tunca Toskay, Foreign Minister Ismail Cem and Energy and Natural Resources Minister Zeki Cakan were also in attendance at the press conference. Asked if he received any signal which would help implementation of compromise reached on ESDP, Ecevit said, ''no, we did not talk about this issue so much. I touched on this issue once or twice during our contacts. You know the reason. The United States mediated the talks on this issue between Britain and Turkey. And, it had made significant contributions. I expressed our gratitude to the United States.'' Ecevit noted, ''we were stressing on especially that there should not be any stance, concrete attitude and behaviour against Turkey in any operation to be made by the European army with its own sources. Greece's opposing to this is very surprizing. This unwillingly brings into minds the suspicion if Greece has in mind a tendency of an operation towards Turkey. I believe that Greece does not have such a thought. But, this impression can occur. To this end, I hope Greece will not insist on its objection.'' (To be continued) -PRIME MINISTER ECEVIT SAYS UNITED STATES HAS IMPORTANT Ecevit, who is currently in the United States, held a press conference to address the Turkish journalists. State Ministers Kemal Dervis and Tunca Toskay, Foreign Minister Ismail Cem and Energy and Natural Resources Minister Zeki Cakan were also in attendance at the press conference. Asked if Turkey received cash money at the end of his contacts, Ecevit said, ''the United States had important impact on the assistance made by IMF and World Bank to Turkey last year. The IMF and World Bank committed to assist Turkey with great deal of money. The share of the United States in this assistance cannot be ignored. Even if this is not obviously stated, this is a well-known reality.'' Ecevit continued, ''of course, commercial and economic issues cannot be solved by bringing them into the agenda during a visit. However, the United States has brought into the agenda a reliable mechanism to solve them. It has brought forth a different model which is not related with the commission meetings held so far. And, it has become definite that dialogue will be made and negotiations will be held among high-level officials of Turkey and the United States under a partnership understanding. Of course, the most sensitive issues in respect of trade and economy will be brought to the agenda during the negotiation process. The date has already been set. An efficient and authorized official of the United States Mr. Larson will represent his country in the meeting scheduled for the end of February. That is, the United States has taken this issue seriously.'' ''It is not possible to expect anything more at this stage. But, as I have said, the United States expressed its clear intention related with the organized industry zones. I think that shedding light to tourism is very important. However, it is not possible to solve the problems in such two- three day meetings. It is possible to bring them into the agenda and to express intention. These have been made. But, as you know, cash payment has not been seen in such meetings so far,'' Ecevit added. (To be continued) -PRIME MINISTER ECEVIT SAYS NO PRECONDITIONS ARE PUT FORTH REGARDING CYPRUS WASHINGTON D.C., Jan 17 (A.A) - Prime Minister Bulent Ecevit said on Thursday that no preconditions had been put forth regarding Cyprus during his contacts. Ecevit, who is currently in the United States, held a press conference to address the Turkish journalists. State Ministers Kemal Dervis and Tunca Toskay, Foreign Minister Ismail Cem and Energy and Natural Resources Minister Zeki Cakan were also in attendance at the press conference. Asked how Cyprus question came to the agenda during his contacts, Ecevit said that they touched on this issue during his meeting with U.S. President George Bush. Ecevit noted that they expressed their pleasure with the dialogue process launched by Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) President Rauf Denktas and Greek Cypriot administration leader Glafcos Clerides. ''We noted that some positive results can be gained during this process although it cannot be obtained immediately,'' Ecevit added. Asked if the postponement of military debts was brought to the agenda, Ecevit said, ''we expressed our wish. I am sure that this issue will be discussed priorily at the meeting to be held at the end of February.'' When asked if he had gained what he had hoped from his visit to the United States, Ecevit said, ''I have continuously stressed that we should be cautious when expressing our expectations. However, the public wants the improvement of our commercial and economic relations with the United States. I have stressed that some concrete results could not be gained immediately.'' Asked how much Turkey was ready for a model role in Islam countries, Ecevit said, ''we do not have to do anything. We have to introduce our own model to the world. We have taken a significant distance in this issue. Especially, it has naturally been seen how much importance Turkey's regime is for both Islam world and the west-east relations following the September 11th relations. It has been seen that, the Turkey model has showed that Islam can coincide with Islamic democracy, modernization, and even with secularism if wanted. Turkey has proved these. Now, many Islam countries, although not all of them, is following this model of Turkey with interest and they have started to consider this as a source of inspiration.'' (To be continued) -ECEVIT SAYS SIGNING OF ECONOMIC PARTNERSHIP AGREEMENT WITH U.S. IS VERY After holding a press conference at the Ritz Carlton Hotel where he is staying, Ecevit answered questions of journalists. When asked whether or not corruption and extravagance in Turkey had been discussed during his contacts, Ecevit said that the International Monetary Fund (IMF) received rightful or unjust criticisms from some countries while the IMF had some complaints about some countries. ''During our talks, it was understood that there is consensus that Turkey uses the monetary facilities it obtains from the IMF in a very careful and responsible way. There was not any criticism against us. Even the government's attitude toward this matter was praised. As far as I remember that the IMF Managing Director said 'everything is on track. It may be a long marathon and actually, it should be.' and I said 'we do know to run the marathon fast'. This is clearly seen at the Parliament. By working day and night, the Parliament is trying to fulfil the IMF's expectations which we consider right. This is a rare situation in the world. According to some foreign observers, this is an example which has not been seen so far,'' Ecevit said. When asked whether or not any progress had been recorded about the Turks who had been detained after the terrorist attacks on September 11, Ecevit said that the U.S. Acting Secretary of Interior had said that they would do their best in addition to legal opportunities for release of those Turks. When asked about the aim of presenting a Koran as a gift to U.S. President George W. Bush, Ecevit said that the operation in Afghanistan was considered an operation against Islam by some circles so U.S. President Bush had stressed for many times that the operation did not and could not target Islam. ''As a contribution to President Bush's statement, we considered it appropriate to present a Koran to him as a gift. Also the Head of Religious Affairs joined this visit and he held beneficial meetings,'' Ecevit added. Asked if there had been a concrete development related with textile quotas, Ecevit said that he knew that textile issue was not an issue which could be easily and immediately solved. Ecevit noted, ''the board which will make its first meeting at the end of February will of course handle such issues, including textile.'' Asked to grade his visit to the United States over 10, Ecevit said, ''I have found my visit very satisfying. It is a very important incident that an economic partnership agreement has been added to our partnership agreement with the United States, which is related with politics and military. This is an event which deserves 10.'' When asked if the draft resolutions on so-called Armenian genocide which was brought forth from time to time in the U.S. Congress came to the agenda at his meeting with Bush, Ecevit said that this issue did not come to the agenda at their meeting. (End) -DERVIS SAYS CENTRAL BANK GOVERNOR AND HE WILL SIGN LETTER OF INTENT ON WASHINGTON D.C. - State Minister Kemal Dervis for Economy said on Thursday that the letter of intent had been completed except some minor details and that the Central Bank Governor and he would sign it on Friday. During his press conference, Prime Minister Bulent Ecevit was asked whether or not some new pre-conditions had been put forward for the letter of intent for the new stand-by deal with the IMF. State Minister Dervis answered the question, saying, ''the letter of intent was completed except some minor details. The Central Bank Governor and I will sign the letter of intent tomorrow.'' Noting that there were some matters which should be fulfilled until the end of January in accordance with the economic programme's schedule, Dervis said, ''if these are finalized by the end of January, the Executive Board is expected to convene early in February to give a decision. There is a difference between completion of the letter of intent and fulfillment of conditions completely.'' When asked whether or not the the law on banking which the President had not approved yet should be evaluated within this framework, Dervis said, ''works are continuing to bring into effect the adopted laws, and restructure the public banks, and provide transparency and a suitable investment atmosphere.'' ''We always make public announcement after our programme is accepted also as a letter of intent. I mean to say that there is not any secrecy. However, it is not beneficial to make statement before reaching definite result on details. We will publicly announce the letter of intent,'' Dervis added. -CEM SAYS THEIR INTERLOCUTORS IN U.S. EXPRESS PLEASURE WITH PARTICIPATION Cem said that they had discussed that Britain had currently the 'lead nation status' and Turkey might take charge after Britain, adding that Turkey was positive about this matter. Responding a question during Prime Minister Bulent Ecevit's press conference, Cem gave information about Turkey's contribution to the ISAF. Noting that Afghanistan issue had become one of the top issues during Ecevit's meetings, Cem said that the currently existing cooperation between Turkey and the United States in the issue of Afghanistan and how this cooperation could be developed had been discussed duuring the contacts. ''Rebuilding of Afghanistan is the work we are carrying out in coordination with all ministries. Sharing of this plan with the Americans and setting up more closer cooperation in some fields were discussed. Our interlocutors expressed their pleasure with Turkish soldiers' participating in the international security force in Afghanistan. This is a very sensitive process which has many factors. An agreement was reached on the issue of evaluating this matter together with the United States and Britain and of finalizing it in course of time,'' Cem said. Noting that some developments which he believed important for Turkey had occurred during their meeting with the World Bank President, Cem said, ''the World Bank has a function of coordinating the economic infrastructure investments in Afghanistan, and with this respect, an intention and demand for a close cooperation with Turkey has emerged. It was foreseen that some experts from the Foreign Ministry will join the World Bank delegation which will work in Afghanistan and that some Foreign Ministry officials will come to Washington to meet with World Bank officials to help them and convey their experiences about Afghanistan.'' ''This is very important for Turkey. As we said during the meeting at the World Bank, we have many companies and enterprises in neighboring countries of Afghanistan. This gives a very important advantage to Turkey. We do know well about the region such as Uzbekistan, Turkmenistan and Pakistan and we are verly close to Afghanistan. With this respect, it is seen that Turkish companies and organizations can make very important and serious contributions to rebuilding of Afghanistan under the relations especially with the World Bank and the United States,'' Cem added. -TURKEY-GERMANY POLITICAL CONSULTATION MEETING TO BE HELD ON JAN 25 IN ANKARA - The regular political consultation meeting between Turkey and Germany will be held in Ankara on January 25. The Foreign Ministry said on Thursday that political and economic matters would be taken up at the meeting that would be presided by Foreign Ministry Undersecretary Ugur Ziyal and German Foreign Ministry Undersecretary Guenter Pleuger. The ministry said that exchange of opinions on the relations between Turkey and the European Union, situation of Turkish citizens living in Germany, regional and international issues was planned to be made during the meeting. -ECEVIT RECEIVES U.S. CONGRESS TURKISH FRIENDSHIP GROUP MEMBERS Ecevit met with Democrat Party Florida Congressman Robert Wexler, Republican Party Kentucky Congressman Ed Whitfield and Democrat Party Virginia Congressman James Moran as representatives of the 32-member Friendship Group. Foreign Minister Ismail Cem, Turkish Ambassador to the United States Faruk Logoglu and some deputies also attended the meeting. U.S. Congress Foeign Affairs Committee Advisor Alan Makovsky who was earlier Turkey analyst of think-tank organization Washington Institute and Bob Livingston, former chairman of the U.S. House of Representatives, were also in attendance at the meeting. Dünya Parlamento Ekonomi Spor Sanat-Magazin Sağlık
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