Anadolu Agency: News in English, 97-12-08

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

08 DEC 1997

CONTENTS

[01] TURKEY-PRESS SCAN

[02] TURKEY-ISRAEL - ISRAELI DEFENSE MINISTER MORDEHAY ARRIVES IN TURKEY

[03] TURKEY-OIC - STATE MINISTER ANDICAN: ''OUR COOPERATION WITH ISRAEL IS NOT DIRECTED AGAINST ANY MOSLEM STATE OR ANY THIRD COUNTRY''

[04] TURKISH PRESS REVIEW

[05] TURKEY-ECONOMY - PUBLIC AND PRIVATE SECTORS TO REALIZE 12.5 QUADRILLION LIRAS OF INVESTMENT IN 1998 - PRIVATE SECTOR'S TOTAL INVESTMENT TO BE 77.3 PERCENT AND 9.7 QUADRILLION LIRAS

[06] TURKEY-OIC - PRESIDENT DEMIREL LEAVES FOR IRAN - DEMIREL TO HOLD BILATERAL CONTACTS IN IRAN

[07] TURKEY-INTERNAL - YENER DINCMEN APPOINTED AS NEW TREASURY UNDERSECRETARY

[08] TRNC-OIC - TRNC FOREIGN AND DEFENSE MINISTER ETKIN: ''WE WISH TO BE A FULL MEMBER OF OIC''

[09] TURKEY-INTERNAL - CLOSURE CASE OF WELFARE PARTY

[10] TURKEY-FOREIGN POLICY - FOREIGN MINISTER CEM TO VISIT GERMANY, BELGIUM AND DENMARK

[11] TURKEY-ECO-FAO - ECO AND FAO SIGN COOPERATION MEMORANDUM - ECO SECRETARY GENERAL OZAR: ''ECO COUNTRIES ATTACH GREAT IMPORTANCE TO AGRICULTURE''

[12] TURKEY-US-OIL - COOPERATION IN OIL RESEARCH - TPAO AND AMERICAN AMOCO COMPANY TO REALIZE JOINT OIL RESEARCH ETUDES IN MERSIN BAY

[13] TURKEY-OPERATION - FM: ''NEWS REGARDING OPERATION HAS BEEN EXAGGERATED''

[14] TURKEY-ISRAEL - DEPUTY PRIME MINISTER AND DEFENSE MINISTER SEZGIN RECEIVES ISRAELI DEFENSE MINISTER MORDECHAI - SEZGIN: ''OIC RESOLUTION IS NOT BINDING FOR US''

[15] TURKEY-GERMANY - FOREIGN MINISTER CEM LEAVES FOR GERMANY - CEM: ''CENTRAL ADMINISTRATION SHOULD BE STRENGTHENED TO INSTALL LASTING PEACE IN BOSNIA''

[16] TURKEY-OIC - FM: ''SYRIA AND IRAQ HAVE BEEN ENLIGHTENED IN OIC INTERDELEGATIONARY MEETINGS''

[01] TURKEY-PRESS SCAN

HÜRRİYET (LIBERAL)

EU'S DINNER FOR TURKEY
EU Term President Luxembourg formed a draft formula for Turkey before the EU Summit. Turkey will not have ''candidate status,'' but it is invited to the dinner that will be held after EU Summit and European Conference just like other candidate states.

MİLLİYET (LIBERAL)

YENER DINCMEN APPOINTED TO TREASURY
Director General of Ziraat Bank Yener Dincmen is appointed to Undersecretary of Treasury, because former Undersecretary Mahfi Egilmez resigned on Friday.

SABAH (LIBERAL)

CUMHURİYET (LEFT)

TÜRKİYE (RIGHT)

RADİKAL (LEFT)

ZAMAN (CONSERVATIVE)

YENİ YÜZYIL (LIBERAL)

FİNANSAL FORUM (ECONOMY)

[02] TURKEY-ISRAEL - ISRAELI DEFENSE MINISTER MORDEHAY ARRIVES IN TURKEY

Israeli Defense Minister Mordehay will meet Prime Minister Mesut Yılmaz, Deputy Prime Minister and National Defense Minister Ismet Sezgin, Chief of General Staff General Ismail Hakkı Karadayı and Parliament Speaker Hikmet Cetin in Ankara.

Israeli Embassy in Ankara said that it was the first time that an Israeli Defense Minister visited Turkey, adding that the Israeli government attributed importance to this visit.

Recalling that high ranking officials accompany Mordehay in his visit to Ankara, the same sources pointed out that Israeli-Turkish-American joint naval operation, modernization of F-5 aircrafts are expected to be taken up during the contacts.

[03] TURKEY-OIC - STATE MINISTER ANDICAN: ''OUR COOPERATION WITH ISRAEL IS NOT DIRECTED AGAINST ANY MOSLEM STATE OR ANY THIRD COUNTRY''

Addressing a statement to A.A, State Minister Andican stressed that ''We clearly said that we will continue to stage short-term operations as long as there is a lack of authority in Northern Iraq.''

Andican pointed out that ''we told OIC foreign ministers that Turkish- Israeli agreement is not a military agreement, but a cooperation agreement in the field of education and it is not directed against any Moslem country or any third country.''

State Minister Andican noted that several Arab countries also cooperate with Israel, adding that the adopted draft resolutions are not that binding for Turkey and Turkey put forward two reservations to the Final Declaration which was adopted at the end of OIC Foreign Ministers meeting.

State Minister Andican hosted a dinned in the honour of Foreign Ministers of Turkish Republics the same day.

[04] TURKISH PRESS REVIEW

(Derived from Newsspot of Turkish Directorate of General Press and Information)

CEM: ''A NEW BEGINNING FOR US-TURKISH TIES''
Turkish Foreign Minister Ismail Cem, after meeting with US Secretary of State Madeleine Albright at the US State Department, told the Turkish press that this was the time for a new beginning in US-Turkish relations. Cem said during a press conference he held with Turkish journalists at the Turkish Embassy that the conjunction of the two different nations created a unique confluence of interests between the two NATO allies. Cem said that on certain issues there had been ''serious developments'' during his meetings. As a result, the Turkish Foreign Ministry will go through a restructuring process, similar to the one experienced by the US State Department, Cem said. For example, a new plan was underway for working groups to meet regularly on different themes, like energy and the economy. ''We reached an agreement to establish a mechanism of continous consultation,'' he said. Washington proposed a calendar to regulate the meetings,'' Cem added. /Milliyet/

''BOTH COMMUNITIES MUST REPRESENT CYPRUS AT EU MEMBERSHIP TALKS''
Prime Minister Mesut Yilmaz stressed on Sunday in Ankara after his meeting with Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) Prime Minister, Dervis Eroglu, that a delegation to represent Cyprus in accession talks with the European Union must include representatives from the two ''sovereign entities'' on the island. The Prime Minister noted that Turkey had already made clear the path it will follow if negotiations between Cyprus and the EU proceed with only the Greek Cypriots. Yilmaz signaled that the coming days are crucial for Cyprus and important developments are expected. /Cumhuriyet/

MEETING OF FOREIGN MINISTERS
Foreign ministers of the Islamic Conference Organization (ICO) member countries came together in Tehran last week on the eve of an ICO summit of heads of state and government. During the meeting, the Arab countries directed harsh criticism towards Turkey for its military cooperation agreement with Israel and the recently launched cross-border operation in Northern Iraq. President Demirel will leave today for Tehran to attend the ICO summit. In response to criticism against Turkey, Demirel will urge the Arab countries to give up support for terrorism and to cooperate with Turkey in the struggle against the PKK separatist organization. /Cumhuriyet/

ISRAELI DEFENSE MINISTER IN TURKEY
Israeli Defense Minister Ishak Mordekay arrives today in Ankara for an official visit. During his contacts with Turkish representatives, Mordekay will dwell on joint military maneuvres between Turkey and Israel as well as on joint defense projects. /Cumhuriyet/

CROSS-BORDER OPERATION IN NORTHERN IRAQ
The Turkish Armed Forces have launched a cross-border operation in Northern Iraq in a move to sweep the PKK terrorist organization out of the region. According to reports by the Voice of the Kurdish Democratic Party (KDP) Radio, 23 PKK terrorists have been killed in the clashes and 17 PKK strong- holds have been destroyed. /Cumhuriyet/

ECEVIT REAFFIRMS HIS DOMINATION OF DSP
Deputy Prime Minister Bulent Ecevit reaffirmed on Sunday his domination of the DSP party during the party's first convention while in power as a coalition partner. Ecevit did not have a rival in the convention. /All papers/

MAHFI EGILMEZ RESIGNS
Treasury Undersecretary Mahfi Egilmez resigned on Friday. General Director of Ziraat Bank, Yener Dincmen has taken over the position. Eximbank General Director, Selcuk Demiralp has been appointed as the new Zirat Bank General Director. The new appointments have already been approved by President Suleyman Demirel./All papers/

TORRENTIAL RAINS IN CANAKKALE
Torrential rains have paralyzed life in Istanbul. Rain water overflowed the Atikhisar dam near Canakkale. According to metereology officials, the heavy rain will continue for one more week. /Milliyet/

[05] TURKEY-ECONOMY - PUBLIC AND PRIVATE SECTORS TO REALIZE 12.5 QUADRILLION LIRAS OF INVESTMENT IN 1998 - PRIVATE SECTOR'S TOTAL INVESTMENT TO BE 77.3 PERCENT AND 9.7 QUADRILLION LIRAS

State Planning Organization (DPT) officials said that the annual investment amount this year rose to 7.3 quadrillion lira from 3.7 quadrillion lira in 1996 and it is expected to reach 12.5 quadrillion lira in 1998.

Private sector will realize the majority of total investment for 1998. Private sector institutions will realize 77.3 percent of total investment in 1998. The annual investment amount of private sector is expected to reach 5.7 quadrillion lira this year and 9.7 quadrillion lira in 1998.

Public sector institutions' annual investment amount for 1998 will be 2.8 quadrillion lira and 1.2 quadrillion of that total amount will be met from the budget.

State Economic Enterprises (SEE) will realize 655 trillion liras of investment, local administrations will make 535 trillion liras of investment, funds will realize 371 trillion liras of investment, Provincial Bank will realize 70 trillion liras of investment, revolving fund will make 28 trillion liras of investment and social security public institutions will realize 11 trillion liras of investment next year. Thus public sector will share 22,7 percent in total anuual investment for 1998.

[06] TURKEY-OIC - PRESIDENT DEMIREL LEAVES FOR IRAN - DEMIREL TO HOLD BILATERAL CONTACTS IN IRAN

Addressing a statement at Esenboga Airport before leaving for Iran to participate in OIC Summit meeting that will be held in Tehran between December 9-11, President Suleyman Demirel stated that OIC has succeeded to strengthen solidarity in Islamic world since it was established.

President Demirel stressed that the Middle East issue and the status of Jerusalem, Cyprus question, the invasion of Azeri territory by Armenia, Bosnian, Kashmir and Afhgan problems, nuclear disarmament, economic development of Islamic countries will all be taken up during the OIC Summit.

Noting that Turkey is one of the important members of OIC, President Demirel said ''I will speak about Turkey's approach and views regarding the aims of OIC, important regional and international problems during the summit.''

President Demirel said that he will also submit a report concerning the activities of OIC Economic Cooperation Permanent Committee, which is headed by him.

Suleyman Demirel added that he will hold bilateral contacts with the heads of states and governments of various countries, particularly with Iranian President.

[07] TURKEY-INTERNAL - YENER DINCMEN APPOINTED AS NEW TREASURY UNDERSECRETARY

''We will do everything we can to continue the existing economic programme to decrease inflation,'' Dincmen said at a ceremony where he took over the post from Mahfi Egilmez who resigned last Friday in a row over economic policy.

Mahfi Egilmez in his part stated that their administration succeeded in important issues within four and a half months, adding that he will extend support to Dincmen in his new and difficult task.

[08] TRNC-OIC - TRNC FOREIGN AND DEFENSE MINISTER ETKIN: ''WE WISH TO BE A FULL MEMBER OF OIC''

Addressing a statement to A.A, TRNC Foreign and Defense Minister Etkin said that TRNC has an observor status in OIC, adding that ''We must have a full membership status in OIC and we are hopeful about it.''

Taner Etkin stated that he had the opportunity to meet foreign ministers of many countries in Tehran and he explained the past and current situation of the Turkish Cypriots in detail and stressed that TRNC is a state with all of its institutions.

Noting that the Greek Cypriot administration ''applied for membership to European Union (EU) illegally and unilaterally,'' Etkin said that Greek Cypriots can not apply for membership to an institution, if both Turkey and Greece are not members of it according to international agreements.

''We have to keep the balance between Turkey and Greece. We will not permit efforts to change the guarantee system that exists in the island. As EU accepted an unjust and illegal application, we are free to take counter- measures. We can participate in EU membership negotiations only if the delegation is based on the principle of two states,'' he said.

[09] TURKEY-INTERNAL - CLOSURE CASE OF WELFARE PARTY

Responding to questions of A.A correspondent regarding the hearing which will take place on December 10, Ozden stated that ''rapporteurs can speak to everybody and can get information from everybody. The report is not binding, yet the Court will evaluate the result of it.''

[10] TURKEY-FOREIGN POLICY - FOREIGN MINISTER CEM TO VISIT GERMANY, BELGIUM AND DENMARK

Addressing a press briefing, Foreign Ministry Deputy Spokesman Sermet Atacanlı stated that Foreign Minister Cem will be in Bonn between December 9-10 to represent Turkey in the meeting.

Atacanlı recalled that Foreign Ministers, who participated in a meeting of Peace Implementation Council by the end of last May, overviewed the implementation of Daiton Peace Agreement and a deadline was accepted regarding the implementation of civilian respects of this agreement.

Atacanlı pointed out that many countries and international institutions will participate in Bonn meeting where an evaluation will be made about the developments that are recorded concerning the developments in the implementation of Dayton Peace Agreement and a new deadline will be prepared for 1998.

Foreign Ministry Deputy Spokesman Atacanlı stressed that Foreign Minister Cem will leave for Brussels on December 16 and participate in Organization on Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) Council of Ministers meeting in Copenhagen between December 18-19.

Atacanlı stated that Foreign Minister Ismail Cem will represent Turkey in North Atlantic Council meeting which will be held on December 16 in Brussels and in OSCE Council of Ministers meeting in Copenhagen.

[11] TURKEY-ECO-FAO - ECO AND FAO SIGN COOPERATION MEMORANDUM - ECO SECRETARY GENERAL OZAR: ''ECO COUNTRIES ATTACH GREAT IMPORTANCE TO AGRICULTURE''

ECO Secretary General Onder Ozar and FAO General Director Jacques Diouf signed the memorandum aiming to strengthen the cooperation between ECO and FAO.

Addressing a speech in the signing ceremony in Iranian Agriculture Ministry, ECO Secretary General Onder Ozar said ECO attributes great importance to agriculture sector, emphasizing that ECO found opportunity to make use of FAO's wide experiences in agriculture field.

Ozar said that FAO will give financial and technical aid to ECO regarding the preperations of regional programmes, projects and plannings.

FAO General Director Diouf said in his part that FAO aims to set up close cooperation with ECO member countries.

Iranian Agriculture Minister Isa Kalantari, Development Minister Saidi Kiya, ECO member countries' Ambassadors and Charge d'Affaires to Tehran and Tehran representatives of UN organizations and other international organisations also participated in the signing ceremony.

[12] TURKEY-US-OIL - COOPERATION IN OIL RESEARCH - TPAO AND AMERICAN AMOCO COMPANY TO REALIZE JOINT OIL RESEARCH ETUDES IN MERSIN BAY

Amoco said in a written statement that the agreement foresees joint geological and geophysical studies in the region for next two years.

If hydrocarbon reserves are found or fixed after those etudes, the shaft sinking programme of partnership exploration wells will continue and that process will be concluded in the year 2000 or 2001.

Pointing out that the cooperation between two companies has turned out to solidarity with that agreement, Amoco Vice President David John said, ''I hope that further cooperation would be provided between our two companies.''

[13] TURKEY-OPERATION - FM: ''NEWS REGARDING OPERATION HAS BEEN EXAGGERATED''

Responding to a question during a press briefing, Atacanlı said that ''exaggerated news reports have been written concerning both the scope of the operation and also the number of security forces who participated in the operation.''

Recalling that Turkey sometimes involves in such kinds of cross border operations to prevent the terrorist threat coming from Northern Iraq, Sermet Atacanlı pointed out that the recent operation is limited in time and scope.

Noting that the aim of the operation is to hit the terrorist elements who tries to re-settle in Northern Iraq, Atacanlı added that the operation is not directed against the territorial integrity of Iraq, which is respected by Turkey.

Atacanlı stressed that the Turkish forces will return to Turkey when the limited operation achieves its goal.

[14] TURKEY-ISRAEL - DEPUTY PRIME MINISTER AND DEFENSE MINISTER SEZGIN RECEIVES ISRAELI DEFENSE MINISTER MORDECHAI - SEZGIN: ''OIC RESOLUTION IS NOT BINDING FOR US''

Ismet Sezgin received Israeli Defense Minister Yıtzhak Mordechai, who is currently in Ankara for a three-day official visit.

Addressing a statement before the meeting, Sezgin stated that the visit will further strengthen the relations between the two countries which has recently speeded up.

Noting that the military training and cooperation agreement which was signed with Israel aims to contribute to peace in the region, Sezgin stressed that ''I would like to say once again that this agreement is not directed against any third country.''

Sezgin noted that Turkey and Israel play an important role in the Middle East Peace Process and Turkey favours peace in the Middle East, therefore it supports solution of problems between regional states through dialogue.

Responding to a question, Sezgin pointed out that the date of Turkish- Israeli-American joint naval operation has not ben determined, but it will be done.

Israeli Defense Minister Yıtzhak Mordechai, in his part said that the relations between the two countries are strategical.

Noting that Israel wishes to further improve the existing relations with Turkey in the field of military, politics and industry, Mordechai stated that ''we will take up these issues in details during our contacts.''

Mordechai invited his Turkish counterpart Sezgin to Israel.

Mordechai later met Chief of General Staff General Ismail Hakki Karadayi.

General Karadayi said in the meeting that Israeli Defense Minister Mordechai's visit to Turkey carries great importance for the relations between the two countries.

Pointing out that the relations between the two countries have been further improved, Gen. Karadayi said that Turkey and Israel launch initiatives to provide peace and stability in the region.

Guest Minister Mordechai said in his part that he believes the relations between two countries will further improve by mutual high-level visits.

Israeli Defense Minister Mordechai will meet Prime Minister Mesut Yılmaz and Parliament Speaker Hikmet Cetin and proceed to Istanbul on Tuesday.

[15] TURKEY-GERMANY - FOREIGN MINISTER CEM LEAVES FOR GERMANY - CEM: ''CENTRAL ADMINISTRATION SHOULD BE STRENGTHENED TO INSTALL LASTING PEACE IN BOSNIA''

Addressing a statement at Ataturk Airport before leaving for Bonn to participate in Bosnian Peace Implementation Council meeting, Cem stated that Turkey attributes great importance to the solution of Bosnian problem because there is a historical relation between Bosnian and Turkish people.

[16] TURKEY-OIC - FM: ''SYRIA AND IRAQ HAVE BEEN ENLIGHTENED IN OIC INTERDELEGATIONARY MEETINGS''

Addressing a press briefing, Foreign Ministry Deputy Spokesman Sermet Atacanlı stated that several countries tried to submit draft resolutions which condemn Turkey. Recalling that Turkish delegation also participated in OIC conference, Atacanlı stressed that ''the concerned countries were enlightened regarding the initiatives of Turkey due to efforts of our delegation.''

Noting that the name of Turkey has been deleted from the draft resolutions, Atacanlı added that the studies of the conference still continue and the last stage of it will be the OIC Summit where the head of states will be present.

''Our delegation will continue to give information to OIC states till the end of the conference,'' said Atacanlı.

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