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Turkish Press Review, 99-09-28

Turkish Press Review Directory - Previous Article - Next Article

From: Turkish Ministry of Foreign Affairs <http://www.mfa.gov.tr>

28.09.99

Summary of the political and economic news in the Turkish press this morning


CONTENTS

  • [01] PAPANDREU: "IF THE BARRIERS ARE DEMOLISHED, THEN THE PROBLEM IS SOLVED"
  • [02] FROM THE COLUMNS...FROM THE COLUMNS...FROM THE COLUMNS...
  • [03] ECEVIT IN THE U.S.
  • [04] ECEVIT AT THE WHITE HOUSE
  • [05] PAPANDREU: "IF THE BARRIERS ARE DEMOLISHED, THEN THE PROBLEM IS SOLVED"
  • [06] EXPLOSION IN PENDIK
  • [07] DENKTAS: "CYPRUS ISSUE CANNOT BE SOLVED IN THE U.S."
  • [08] TURCO-SLOVAKIAN COOPERATION
  • [09] TUZMEN: "A CONSENSUS BETWEEN TURKEY AND THE U.S. CAN BE REACHED"
  • [10] DEMIREL CONGRATULATES MUBARAK
  • [11] U.S. PLEASED WITH THE RELEASE OF AKIN BIRDAL
  • [12] EBSO DELEGATION IN BOSNIA-HERZEGOVINA
  • [13] AZERBAIJANI AND GEORGIAN INFANTRY IN KOSOVO
  • [14] TSK IN NORTHERN IRAQ
  • [15] "TROUBLES IN TOURISM WILL BE OVERCOME"
  • [16] ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS CAPTURED
  • [17] STEP FORWARD AGAINST LEUKEMIA
  • [18] DEMIRBANK RECEIVES SYNDICATION LOANS
  • [19] OKUYAN: "JOINT POLICY NEEDED TO END CHILD LABOUR"
  • [20] STRONG POLITICAL WILL KEY FOR IMF AGREEMENT
  • [21] JAPANESE LOANS FOR BOTAS
  • [22] RONA YIRCALI TO DELIVER SPEECH AT WORLD CONGRESS OF CHAMBERS
  • [23] FIRST TURKISH ROCKET
  • [24] TRI-PARTITE SUMMIT IN ISTANBUL
  • [25] CAKMAKOGLU PRAISES TURKISH AIR FORCE
  • [26] GREAT INCENTIVE
  • [27] A REPORT ON TURKEY BY DEUTSCHE BANK
  • [28] OKSUZ IN BULGARIA
  • [29] SILK ROAD '99 INTERNATIONAL INDUSTRY AND TRADE FAIR
  • [30] 'TURCO-EU COOPERATION' CONFERENCE
  • [31] 'KITCHEN ACCIDENTS' IN ROMANIA
  • [32] VEHBI KOC FOUNDATION
  • [33] TURKISH SOLDIERS DUE IN EAST TIMOR
  • [34] ATHENS PAYS ATTENTION TO WASHINGTON
  • [35] ECEVIT: "WE CANNOT SUSTAIN LOSS SINCE WE ARE ALLIES"
  • [36] NETAS IN FAR EAST
  • [37] HOPE FOR EXPORTS TO AFRICA
  • [38] FOREIGN EXCHANGE DEPOSITS 52 BILLION DOLLARS
  • [39] BONDS OF 575.5 MILLION DOLLARS FROM THE TREASURY
  • [40] OCALAN: "VIOLENCE IS THE LAST RESORT"
  • [41] NATO PATCHING UP EARTHQUAKE DAMAGE
  • [42] MINISTER CAY IN MONGOLIA
  • [43] GERMANY HELPED MOST
  • [44] THE PKK PUBLISHES IN 46 MAGAZINES
  • [45] FROM THE COLUMNS...FROM THE COLUMNS...FROM THE COLUMNS...
  • [46] THE PKK AND KURDS -BY TAHA AKYOL (MILLIYET)
  • [47] FROM BAYRAMPASA TO ULUCANLAR -BY MUSTAFA BALBAY (CUMHURIYET)

  • [01] PAPANDREU: "IF THE BARRIERS ARE DEMOLISHED, THEN THE PROBLEM IS SOLVED"

    [02] FROM THE COLUMNS...FROM THE COLUMNS...FROM THE COLUMNS...

    [03] ECEVIT IN THE U.S.

    Prime Minister Bulent Ecevit, who is currently visiting the U.S., said that his target was to carry Turco-U.S. relations into the 21st century in the best way possible and as two equal partners. Reports prior to Ecevit's meetings have stated that no compromise will be made on Turkey's attitude towards the Cyprus issue. Ecevit will stay at the Blair House during his visit. Deputy Prime Minister and Energy and Natural Resources Minister Cumhur Ersumer, Foreign Minister Ismail Cem, State Minister Recep Onal and Trade and Industry Minister Kenan Tanrikulu are also accompanying Ecevit. Ecevit will meet U.S. President Bill Clinton today. Prior to his meeting with Clinton, Ecevit will attend a reception to be given by the Turkish Banks' Union because of the IMF and World Bank meeting. /Cumhuriyet/

    [04] ECEVIT AT THE WHITE HOUSE

    Turkish Prime Minister, Bulent Ecevit, and the American President, Bill Clinton, are meeting today. The meeting at the White House will begin with a discussion between Ecevit and Vice-President Al Gore. Then, Clinton, Ecevit and the delegations with them will hold a study meeting including a working lunch.

    During the Turco-American Summit, the Turkish Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ismail Cem, some Ministers and high-ranking bureaucrats will join Ecevit. International Security Advisor Sandy Berger, Secretary of State, Madeleine Albright and the Ministers and diplomats responsible for the various issues will accompany Clinton. /Milliyet/

    [05] PAPANDREU: "IF THE BARRIERS ARE DEMOLISHED, THEN THE PROBLEM IS SOLVED"

    Greek Foreign Minister George Papandreu issued a statement concerning Turco-Greek relations and the Cyprus issue yesterday. Papandreu spoke to the 'Ta Nea' newspaper and said that if the barriers between the nations were demolished, then the Cyprus problem could be solved. He also pointed out that the recent dialogue between Greece and Turkey had been welcomed by the Greek-Cypriot Administration. /Cumhuriyet/

    [06] EXPLOSION IN PENDIK

    As a result of an explosion in a dye factory in Pendik, Istanbul yesterday, six people died and 20 people were injured. The Minister of Labour and Social Welfare, Yasar Okuyan, issued a statement yesterday in which he expressed his sorrow over the accident. He stated that an investigation into the explosion was underway. /Cumhuriyet/

    [07] DENKTAS: "CYPRUS ISSUE CANNOT BE SOLVED IN THE U.S."

    The President of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC), Rauf Denktas, said that views and comments claiming that decisions concerning the Cyprus issue will be taken during the visit of Turkish Prime Minister Bulent Ecevit to the U.S. were unfounded. He added, "The Cyprus issue is a matter between the two nations on the Island. Washington wants to help. However, it would be wrong to expect that the problem will be solved in Washington". Denktas arrived in Aydin yesterday to attend a ceremony during which he was to receive a honorary scientific doctorate from the Adnan Menderes University (ADU) Senate. /Cumhuriyet/

    [08] TURCO-SLOVAKIAN COOPERATION

    An agreement concerning the 'Exchange and Protection of Sensivitive Defence Industry Information and Materials' was signed between Turkey and Slovakia; National Defence Minister Sabahattin Cakmakoglu signed the agreement on behalf of Turkey, while Defence Minister Pavol Kanis signed it on behalf of Slovakia. Before signing the agreement, the two Ministers held a meeting prior to which Cakmakoglu stated that the Slovakian Defence Minister was in Ankara for the opening of the 'Fourth International Defence Industry Aviation and Naval Fair'. Cakmakoglu remarked that friendly relations between Turkey and Slovakia were continuing to be further developed. Slovakian Defence Minister Kanis said for his part that Slovakian and Turkish relations had shown a positive improvement and added that Turkey's support for Slovakia's acceptance into NATO was important for his country. He expressed his desire to further develop relations with Turkey in the area of defence, the Anatolia News Agency reports.

    [09] TUZMEN: "A CONSENSUS BETWEEN TURKEY AND THE U.S. CAN BE REACHED"

    Foreign Trade Undersecretary Kursat Tuzmen, who has been attending the meetings in Washington concerning an increase in textile quotas said that a consensus could be reached between Turkey and the U.S. in the next couple of days. Tuzmen delivered a speech at the briefing by the Turkish Ambassador to Washington, Baki Ilkin, of Turkish businessmen accompanying Prime Minister Bulent Ecevit on his visit to the U.S. The Head of the Turco-American Business Council, Mustafa Koc, also made a speech at the meeting and stated that business circles were playing a greater role in the determination of U.S. policies. Koc remarked that it would be beneficial if Turkish businessmen used their influence on these business circles. Foreign Trade Undersecretary Tuzmen will meet U.S. Undersecretary of Trade, David Aaron. During the meeting, in addition to the increase in the textile quotas, Turco-American relations within the guidelines of the reconstruction of the earthquake disaster region in Turkey will be discussed, the Anatolia News Agency reports.

    [10] DEMIREL CONGRATULATES MUBARAK

    President Suleyman Demirel conversed with Egyptian President Husnu Mubarak on the telephone yesterday. According to a statement issued by the Presidential Press Centre, Demirel congratulated Mubarak who has been re-elected as the Egyptian President, the Anatolia News Agency reports.

    [11] U.S. PLEASED WITH THE RELEASE OF AKIN BIRDAL

    The U.S. has stated that it is pleased with the temporary release of the former head of the Human Rights Association, Akin Birdal. A statement issued by the U.S. State Department said, "The release of Birdal is another positive step taken by the Turkish Government headed by Prime Minister Bulent Ecevit in the field of human rights. We appreciate all concrete steps taken in human rights", the Anatolia News Agency reports.

    [12] EBSO DELEGATION IN BOSNIA-HERZEGOVINA

    A delegation from the Aegean Regional Chamber of Industry (EBSO) went to Bosnia-Herzegovina yesterday. The delegation, headed by EBSO Chairman Kemal Colakoglu, will also visit the ZEPS '99 Fair to be held on September 28-October 3 in Zenica, a large economic centre in Bosnia-Herzegovina, the Anatolia News Agency reports.

    [13] AZERBAIJANI AND GEORGIAN INFANTRY IN KOSOVO

    Azerbaijani and Georgian infantry units who will be stationed as part of the Turkish Peace-Keeping Force in Kosovo and had arrived in Turkey on September 1, 1999, will go to Kosovo tomorrow. A fare-well ceremony was held to mark the occasion yesterday. The First Mechanized Infantry Division's Commander, Major General Melih Tunca delivered a speech at the ceremony and remarked that the Turkish Armed Forces (TSK) were actively participating in many undertakings as part of the UN, the Western European Union (WEU) and NATO, within the guidelines of the changing conjecture in the world. /Cumhuriyet/

    [14] TSK IN NORTHERN IRAQ

    The Turkish Armed Forces (TSK) have started a cross-border military operation against the PKK terrorist organization in Northern Iraq. Nearly 5,000 security forces and 1,000 peshmergas from the Iraqi Kurdistan democratic Party (IKDP) are taking part in the operation. It is also reported that operations are being carried out in three different parts of Sirnak. /Cumhuriyet/

    [15] "TROUBLES IN TOURISM WILL BE OVERCOME"

    President Suleyman Demirel issued a message on 'World Tourism Day', saying that some troubles currently being experienced in the tourism sector would be completely overcome. He added, "The tendency towards progress in this sector should continue and priorities should be re-determined". /Cumhuriyet/

    [16] ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS CAPTURED

    Thirty-eight immigrants who illegally came to Turkey from Iran, Northern Iraq, Morocco, Tunisia, Algeria and Gambia and wanted to pass through to European countries were captured in Avcilar, Istanbul, yesterday. /Cumhuriyet/

    [17] STEP FORWARD AGAINST LEUKEMIA

    A Turkish doctor, Ass.Prof.Sukran Sahin has discovered an antibody which will be used in the diagnosis of Leukemia. Sahin said that she had completed her research over a two-year period and added that she had received the patent a few days ago. The antibody has been named "MAR-1". /Cumhuriyet/

    [18] DEMIRBANK RECEIVES SYNDICATION LOANS

    Demirbank has received a one-year syndication loan worth $80 million. The General Director of Demirbank, Selahattin Serbest, said that the loan would be used to finance exports. Meanwhile, Toprakbank has authorized four banks in a $40 million syndication loan which will also be used to finance exports. /Aksam/

    [19] OKUYAN: "JOINT POLICY NEEDED TO END CHILD LABOUR"

    The Minister of Labour and Social Welfare, Yasar Okuyan, said that in order to resolve the problem of child labour, State, workers' and employers' associations and voluntary organizations have to establish a joint policy. Okuyan delivered the opening speech at the seminar "Child Labour in Turkey and in the World" organized by the Confederation of Turkish Employees' Unions in Istanbul yesterday. /All papers/

    [20] STRONG POLITICAL WILL KEY FOR IMF AGREEMENT

    World Bank data shows that Turkey lost 1.5 % of its national output due to the August 17 quake, said Treasury Undersecretary Selcuk Demiralp, who added that 'in spite of the quake, Turkey's year 2000 projections will not change'. Demiralp delivered a speech at the World Bank "Post-quake reconstruction in Turkey" symposium held in Washington as part of the programme of annual meetings of the IMF and the World Bank. He said that the government is determined to achieve its privatization goals and added that constitutional amendments pertaining to privatization will be passed in order to attract foreign capital. /All papers/

    [21] JAPANESE LOANS FOR BOTAS

    Japanese loans of $28.9 million will be used to increase the capacity of the natural gas pipelines currently importing gas from Russia. An agreement was signed with the Japanese Mitsubishi Corporation last week for this purpose. Meanwhile, South Korea will offer $30 million worth of low-rate loans to Turkey in the aftermath of the earthquake disaster. /Turkiye/

    [22] RONA YIRCALI TO DELIVER SPEECH AT WORLD CONGRESS OF CHAMBERS

    The Head of the Executive Board of the Yapi Kredi Bank, Rona Yircali, has been invited to the World Congress of Chambers in Marsailles to deliver a speech as the Head of the Balikesir Chamber of Industry. A statement issued by the Yapi Kredi Bank said that Yircali would be the only Turkish speaker during the Congress to be held on September 30-October 1; he will brief listeners about economic developments in the region but especially in Turkey. /Turkiye/

    [23] FIRST TURKISH ROCKET

    Turkey has accelerated its efforts to develop rocket and missile technology. The Defence Research and Development Institute, set up as part of the Turkish Scientific and Technical Research Institution (TUBITAK), which developed a complete rocket from its engine to its oil, has completed its test-launch successfully. The rocket weighs 150 kilos and has a 60-km range. /Turkiye/

    [24] TRI-PARTITE SUMMIT IN ISTANBUL

    U.S. Secretary of State Madeleine Albright said that she will make every effort to solve the Cyprus problem. She added that during the Summit to be held in Istanbul in October, President Bill Clinton and the Prime Minister of Turkey, Bulent Ecevit, and the Prime Minister of Greece, Kostas Simitis, would hold a meeting. /Turkiye/

    [25] CAKMAKOGLU PRAISES TURKISH AIR FORCE

    National Defence Minister Sabahattin Cakmakoglu said that the Turkish Air Force had the greatest number of F-16 fighters, second only to the U.S. He also said that the Air Force had the greatest potential for training with its current staff, equipment and opportunities in Europe. Cakmakoglu praised the Turkish Air Force in an interview published in a recent issue of "Jane's Defence Weekly". /Turkiye/

    [26] GREAT INCENTIVE

    An initial consensus has been achieved concerning the Framework Trade Agreement between Turkey and the U.S. The agreement will include incentives and is expected to be signed by Prime Minister Bulent Ecevit and U.S. Vice-President Al Gore. Following the signing of the agreement, many U.S. businessmen will arrive in Turkey and go on a tour of observation in the Eastern and Southeastern Anatolian regions and the earthquake disaster zone. /Sabah/

    [27] A REPORT ON TURKEY BY DEUTSCHE BANK

    In a report on Turkey published by the Deutsche Bank, it is reported that the markets are focused on the visit of Prime Minister Bulent Ecevit to the U.S. The report said, "It is not expected that Ecevit will return with a stand-by agreement. However, there is a consensus of opinion that a stand-by agreement will be signed with the IMF by the end of this year". /Sabah/

    [28] OKSUZ IN BULGARIA

    Minister of Transport Enis Oksuz left for Bulgaria yesterday to attend the '17th Term Meeting of the Turco-Bulgarian Joint Transport Commission' to be held today in Sofia. Following the two-day meetings, Oksuz will return to Turkey on September 30, the Anatolia News Agency reports.

    [29] SILK ROAD '99 INTERNATIONAL INDUSTRY AND TRADE FAIR

    The Silk Road '99 International Black Sea Industry and Trade Fair was opened on September 26 by Niyazi Surmen, the Acting Mayor of Trabzon. Addressing the opening ceremony, Surmen said that he saw foreign and Turkish automotive companies, various computer, electronics and communications firms, food retailers and manufacturers, detergent manufacturers, related industries, heavy-industry and handicrafts manufacturers displaying their wares. The Fair, which more than 200 thousand people are expected to visit, will remain open till October 3, the Anatolia News Agency reports.

    [30] 'TURCO-EU COOPERATION' CONFERENCE

    A conference on "Cooperation between Turkish and European Union (EU) Small and Medium-Scale Enterprises (SMSEs)" will take place in Mersin on September 29, the Anatolia News Agency reports. The conference was jointly organized by the Mediterranean Exporters' Unions and Cag University.

    [31] 'KITCHEN ACCIDENTS' IN ROMANIA

    The Izmit Municipal Theatre Group will take part in a theatrical festival called "Targu Muresh Drama Fest-99" with a play entitled "Kitchen Accidents" (Mutfak Kazalari). It will be the first time that Turkey has taken part in this festival which will be held between October 1 and 10. /Cumhuriyet/

    [32] VEHBI KOC FOUNDATION

    The Vehbi Koc Foundation, established in 1969 by the founder of the Koc Holding Company, Vehbi Koc, while celebrating its 30th anniversary today has become one of the largest seven foundations in Europe with its assets of 650 million dollars. The Foundation has a 10% stake in the Koc Holding Company and is investing donations from the group's firms. It has reached an annual expenditure of 100 million dollars. Evren Artam, the Deputy Chairman of the Koc Holding Company, responsible for the foundations said, "Up to now, our aim was to establish centres of excellence qualities and to train leaders. However, we will support projects which reach a wider audience from now on." /Hurriyet/

    [33] TURKISH SOLDIERS DUE IN EAST TIMOR

    Turkish soldiers, including gendarmes and policemen, will participate in the UN's Peacekeeping Force in East Timor. The size of the Turkish Force will not be as large as that in Bosnia-Herzegovina, Kosovo or Somalia, but will be a token force only. /Hurriyet/

    [34] ATHENS PAYS ATTENTION TO WASHINGTON

    Due to Prime Minister Ecevit's visit, all eyes in Athens have turned to Washington. The Greek Press has been following the visit carefully and has commented that it will determine the destiny of the Island of Cyprus. The 'Eksusia' newspaper stated that the President of the U.S. has become involved in the situation and the Clinton-Ecevit meeting will signal whether the Cyprus talks begin or not. The 'To Vima' newspaper issued the headline 'The key to the solution of the Cyprus issue is the Clinton-Ecevit meeting'. The 'Eleftorotopia' newspaper asserted that Ecevit was not expected to make any concessions on Cyprus. Additionally, the 'Fileleftheros' newspaper commented, 'The 'yes-no' day for Cyprus; Ecevit holds the key which may open the path to new initiatives on Cyprus.' /Hurriyet/

    [35] ECEVIT: "WE CANNOT SUSTAIN LOSS SINCE WE ARE ALLIES"

    Prime Minister Bulent Ecevit, pointing out that Turkey has incurred losses of 35 billion dollars due to the embargo on Iraq, said, "We needn't have sustained such losses since we are allied to America. Turkey has suffered greatly from the Iraqi embargo. Our loss, which now totals about 35 billion dollars, is increasing. Also, we have difficulties in reaching the other Arabian countries through Iraq, and the lack of the authority in Northern Iraq encourages terrorism, and this worses the situation." Ecevit also noted that he does not hold out much hope of an increase in the textile quotas. /Hurriyet/

    [36] NETAS IN FAR EAST

    Netas has won a tender in Bangladesh, outshining telecommunications firms from France, Germany, Japan, India and China. Netas will construct transmission networks in various regions in Bangladesh, as envisaged in the 9-million-dollar project bid. The General Director of Netas, M. Sait Gozum, stating they have been active in Bangladesh since 1998, said that with these networks the infrastructure of Bangladesh will be strengthened. He also emphasized that Netas aims to continue to invest in this country, the Anatolia News Agency reports.

    [37] HOPE FOR EXPORTS TO AFRICA

    From the Southeastern Anatolia Region, during the January-August period of this year, agricultural products amounting to 7,818 million dollars were exported to African countries, an 51.3% of increase compared to last year. According to the data supplied by the Union of Southeastern Anatolian Exporters, in the first eight months of this year, 831 thousand dollars of cereals, pulses, oily seeds and its by-products, 245 thousand dollars of dried fruit and 6,742 thousand dollars of textile products were exported to African countries. Of these countries, the largest portion of exports was to Egypt, 2,699 million dollars worth of products; knitted and cotton textiles were the most exported products, the Anatolia News Agency reports.

    [38] FOREIGN EXCHANGE DEPOSITS 52 BILLION DOLLARS

    Foreign exchange accounts held by Turkish people in commercial banks and the Central Bank have reached 42 billion dollars. The total held in deposit accounts climbed to 52 billion 278 million dollars as from 9th September. This includes foreign exchange deposits using loans, amounting to 11 billion 601 million dollars, opened by the Turks and enhanced foreign exchange accounts. Within the foreign exchange accounts, there was an increase of 1.8 billion dollars in the first eight months of this year. /Milliyet/

    [39] BONDS OF 575.5 MILLION DOLLARS FROM THE TREASURY

    The Treasury sold two-year bonds of 575.5 million dollars with a coupon rate which can be cashed in dollars. The bonds had been sold through the Central Bank using the TAB system; According to this system, the buyers can purchase as many of the above-mentioned bonds as they can afford. /Milliyet/

    [40] OCALAN: "VIOLENCE IS THE LAST RESORT"

    Abdullah Ocalan, stating that the majority of the Turkish people also want peace, added, "In most government institutions and establishments, it is possible to come face to face with those who favour peace." Ocalan issued a statement through his lawyers and said, "It is not right to oppose the issue completely by considering it to be separatism. It is vicious circle. Considering relations in the right way and leading them to a solution are big steps towards democracy. Solving problems through violence should be a last resort." /Milliyet/

    [41] NATO PATCHING UP EARTHQUAKE DAMAGE

    NATO, which implemented civil state of emergency plans after the earthquake that hit the Marmara Region, has launched initiatives within the Alliance in order to intervene in potential disaster areas in the future. The Deputy Secretary-General of NATO met the Turkish Minister of National Defence, Sabahattin Cakmakoglu, and the Turkish Search and Rescue Society (AKUT) during his visit to the earthquake-hit regions and then prepared a detailed report on the issue. None of the NATO members rejected the report. While work is underway, NATO has implemented a process within the Alliance, in the committees involved, concerning ways to intervene in disaster areas. In order to be prepared for disasters, education projects, the stock-piling of essential equipment and supplies and the supply of information to NATO by potential disaster areas have been implemented. /Milliyet/

    [42] MINISTER CAY IN MONGOLIA

    State Minister Abdulhaluk Cay left for Mongolia yesterday to pay an official visit there; Cay will be welcomed by Mongolia's President, N. Bagabandi, and meet many Ministers. In a statement by the Ministry of State, "Minister Cay will inspect the Orhun and Tonyukuk Monuments' maintenance, repair and restoration work in situ. He will also aim to help establish a Turco-Mongol Work Council. State Minister, Abdulhaluk Cay will hold meetings in order to improve economic and industrial relations between Turkey and Mongolia, acting as the Chairman of the Joint Economic Council. During Cay's visit, a "Customs Agreement" will also be signed between Turkey and Mongolia. Minister Cay and the delegation with him will come back to Turkey on 4th September 1999." /Milliyet/

    [43] GERMANY HELPED MOST

    It was stated that Germany was at the top of the list of countries which helped Turkey after the earthquake that hit the Marmara Region. In a statement by the Turkish Red Crescent's General Directorate, Germany continued to help Turkey as much as possible after 17th August, partly due to the number of Turkish people living in Germany. According to the statement, among those countries who helped are Holland and Belgium (in which our expatriates live) and the TRNC, England, France, Spain, Italy, Iran, the U.S., Japan, Switzerland, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, China, Jordan, Kazakhstan, Canada, Greece and Norway as well. /Milliyet/

    [44] THE PKK PUBLISHES IN 46 MAGAZINES

    It was stated that terrorist organizations in Turkey have used the mass media in the course of time in order to spread their ideologies. The banned books' list held by Security officials, who have warned parents at this time as the schools are beginning the new academic year, is therefore long. According to research carried out by the Directorate General of Security's Anti-Terrorism Department, organizations such as the PKK, Hizbullah, DHKP-C and TKP-ML are publishing many magazines. The PKK has a total of 46, 17 of which are in Turkey, Hizbullah's 8 and DHKP-C's 7 are still being published. /Milliyet/

    [45] FROM THE COLUMNS...FROM THE COLUMNS...FROM THE COLUMNS...

    [46] THE PKK AND KURDS -BY TAHA AKYOL (MILLIYET)

    Columnist Taha Akyol writes on the recent developments concerning the PKK and their probable repercussions. A summary of his column is as follows:

    "Important developments are taking place: the PKK is trying to build new strategies in order to force Turkey's hand in the diplomatic arena. Ocalan is calling for peace and asking a group of PKK militants to surrender symbolically.

    Yesterday, the so-called Kurdish Parliament decided to dissolve itself and partipicate in the Kurdish National Congress (KNK). These are developments taken seriously, closely followed by those supporting the PKK. They will inevitably have political repercussions.

    The PKK is trying to enter the political arena. In the "Ozgur Gundem" newspaper, the organ of the PKK, Presidential Council member Ahmet Aktas said that the political fight had taken the place of armed conflict. However, he also added that the guerilla organization had not been disbanded. In other words, the PKK wants to be more influential in the West by politicizing itself, and at the same keep the weapon of terrorism as a threat.

    The Kurdish National Organization is an organization led by Syrian academic Serif Vanli; Ocalan is its honorary Chairman and a number of the Kurdish intelligentsia from all countries have joined it. It can also be called a 'Pan-Kurdish' organization. As it is not directly related to the PKK, nothing as unsavoury as murder, narcotics trafficking and violence is seen in the KNK. When the movement behind Ocalan stated that it will not be engaged in terrorism and will enter the political arena, it means it will be hiding behind the KNK. Most probably, after some time, the PKK will change its name to leave its violent past behind.

    The KNK is a small organization but will give the PKK a new platform which will force Turkey into a corner politically.

    The PKK may be gaining political ground but, as a society, is led towards anarchy. Associate Professor Umit Ozdag's statements on the subject are important. He said that, in essence, the PKK which was defeated on military grounds was a rural movement; it cannot lead a peaceful and diplomatic movement which gives priority to politics. It won't be a surprise to see the rise of an urban, peaceful, liberal Kurdish movement as the impact of terrorism decreases apart from the PKK.

    The question is what should Turkey do in such a situation. She has to think of new formulas within the principle of a unitary state, otherwise she could be left face to face with unexpected developments outside her control.

    Both Turks and Kurds are changing. No one can build a future based on old words."

    [47] FROM BAYRAMPASA TO ULUCANLAR -BY MUSTAFA BALBAY (CUMHURIYET)

    Columnist Mustafa Balbay comments on the recent incidents in the prisons. A summary of his column is as follows:

    "Before an investigation had been launched into the incidents at Bayrampasa prison in Istanbul, fresh violence was erupting in Ulucanlar prison in Ankara. There are great differences between the circumstances leading to them, the start of the incidents and their aftermath.

    We are faced with a dilemma. There is either a faltering of the Government's willpower or there are carefully planned developments; both of these theories are increasingly frightening. At Bayrampasa prison two groups fought, guns were drawn and seven people lost their lives. At Ulucanlar, when information about a "tunnel" was received, guards wanted to enter the wards but met with resistance; the number of dead was stated to be 10.

    In the search following the incidents, a large number of weapons were found in both prisons. It cannot be explained how the weapons were brought into the prison. It is believed that in Bayrampasa, the Mafia has established a system which is protected by the prison administration; weapons, drugs and money can be sent both in and out of the prison. The sales and exchange are carried out in an orderly fashion.

    In Ulucanlar weapons were also found. It is claimed that all the inmates involved in the riot are members of a terrorist organization. But the question is, how did the weapons get in to the prison? It shows that the problem lies not only within the prisons, but outside as well.

    The prisoners are considered to be held there under the responsible care of the State. The incidents show that this is not the case.

    The TGNA is going to be opened on October 1. The question of the Amnesty Law will be discussed soon after; itwill be deliberated in the light of these developments. It is hard to say how the Amnesty Bill will be passed. However, it is certain that the latest incidents in the prisons show that there are great flaws in the administration."

    END


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