Anadolu Agency: News in English, 98-09-23

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

23 SEPT 1998

CONTENTS

[01] THE 53RD UN GENERAL ASSEMBLY MEETINGS - FOREIGN MINISTER CEM MEETS WITH HIS SPANISH COUNTERPART MATUTES - EUROPE EXPECTS A ''NEW PROPOSAL'' FROM PRESIDENT DENKTAS OF THE TRNC

[02] PRIME MINISTER YILMAZ IN NEW YORK

[03] SEZGIN, DEPUTY PRIME MINISTER, RECEIVES KUWAITI PARLIAMENTARY DELEGATION

[04] NORTHERN IRAQ ... - THE AGREEMENT BETWEEN BARZANI AND TALABANI IS DESCRIBED AS ''AN IMPORTANT COMPROMISE IN AN IMPORTANT PERIOD'' - PROVISIONS OF AGREEMENT ARE IN PARALLEL WITH THE PRINCIPLES OF THE ANKARA PROCESS - A US OFFICIAL: ''THE US DOESSN'T SUPPORT THE ESTABLISHMENT OF AN INDEPENDENT KURDISH STATE IN NORTHERN IRAQ''

[05] EXPORTS FROM THE GAP REGION TO THE CIS COUNTRIES AND TO EASTERN EUROPE

[06] TORRENTIAL RAINS CAUSE FLOOD IN ISTANBUL - MANY HOUSES AND BUSINESS PLACES INUNDATED

[07] CELEBI, THE STATE MINISTER: ''WE STARTED TO REAP THE RESULTS OF OUR ECONOMIC PROGRAMME''

[08] CHINESE ZIGONG LANTERNS EXHIBITION IN ANKARA

[09] SEZGIN, DEPUTY PRIME MINISTER, LEAVES FOR PORTUGAL - SEZGIN TO ATTEND AT UNOFFICIAL MEETING OF DEFENCE MINISTERS OF NATO

[10] CENTRASBAT 98 MILITARY EXERCISE STARTS

[11] AUSTRIAN CHIEF OF GENERAL STAFF IN ANKARA - GENERAL MAJCEN VISITS GENERAL KIVRIKOGLU

[12] TURKISH PRESS REVIEW (1)

[13] TURKISH PRESS REVIEW (2)

[14] ANATOLIA FROM OBJECTIVE OF DUTCH PHOTOGRAPHER - EXHIBITION ''KESIKKOPRU: AN OASIS ON THE STEPPE'' OF LEO DIVENDAL TO BE OPENED ON 4 OCTOBER

[15] ATAKOGLU CHARMS MORE THAN 15 THOUSAND PEOPLE IN ANCIENT ASPENDOS THEATRE IN ANTALYA AT THE CONCERT ORGANIZED FOR 75TH ANNIVERSARY OF REPUBLIC OF TURKEY

[16] ALAATTIN CAKICI, THE NOTORIOUS MAFIA BOSS TO APPEAR AT COURT IN FRANCE ON THURSDAY

[17] IRISH SPEAKER OF THE PARLIAMENT IN ANKARA - PATTISON VISITS HIS TURKISH COUNTERPART CETIN

[18] RELATIONS BETWEEN TURKEY AND LIBYA - TURKISH UNION OF CONTRACTORS: - ''TURKISH CONTRACTORS HAVE CONTRIBUTED TO THE DEVELOPMENT OF ECONOMIC RELATIONS BETWEEN TWO COUNTRIES''

[19] SUPREME COURT OF APPEALS APPROVES THE VERDICT OF DIYARBAKIR STATE SECURITY COURT CONCERNING THE PECUNIARY PUNISHMENT AND TEN MONTHS IMPRISONMENT OF ERDOGAN, THE MAYOR OF ISTANBUL

[20] AGREEMENT SIGNED BETWEEN BARZANI AND TALABANI MAKES CLEAR THE DIFFERENCE OF POLICY OF TURKEY AND THE US REGARDING THE REGION

[21] KUWAITI-TURKISH FRIENDSHIP GROUP VISITS PARLIAMENT

[22] AKTAS, MINISTER OF INTERIOR, DEPARTS FOR ITALY - BILATERAL COMMITTEE TO CARRY OUT SECURITY AND COOPERATION STUDIES

[01] THE 53RD UN GENERAL ASSEMBLY MEETINGS - FOREIGN MINISTER CEM MEETS WITH HIS SPANISH COUNTERPART MATUTES - EUROPE EXPECTS A ''NEW PROPOSAL'' FROM PRESIDENT DENKTAS OF THE TRNC

The meeting of the two foreign ministers focused on the relations between Turkey and the European Union (EU) and the Cyprus question.

Addressing the meeting, Cem stressed that Turkey attributes great importance to the confederation proposal of President Rauf Denktas of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) and described the proposal as a new approach including the same parameters with the UN. Matutes gave the message to the Cem that the EU hasn't welcomed the proposal, pointing out that Europe expects a more developed proposal from President Denktas.

Mentioning the relations between Turkey and the EU, Cem stressed that Turkey expects Europe to discuss clearly the membership process during the EU's summit in Vienna in December.

Ismail Cem also participated at the Foreign Ministers' meetings of the Black Sea Economic Cooperation (BSEC). The issue of establishing a free trade region between the BSEC countries was discussed at the meeting.

Cem later attended the meeting of ''Renewed Democracies'' and went to the luncheon of the members of the Foreign Relations Council. Addressing the luncheon, Cem stressed Turkey's strength in the region and gave information about the new energy corridors in Eurasia.

Explaining Turkey's dynamic attributes, Cem mentioned Turkey's role in the region as a leading country.

Cem will sign on behalf of Turkey on Wednesday the agreement banning biological weapons.

He will meet with his Brazilian, Albanian, Romanian and Bulgarian counterparts the same day.

Ismail Cem will also meet at a luncheon with the foreign ministers of the member states in the G-8.

[02] PRIME MINISTER YILMAZ IN NEW YORK

Cavit Kavak and Gunes Taner, the Ministers of State, and Ismail Cem, the Foreign Minister, who is already in New York, will accompany him during his visit to the US.

Mesut Yilmaz attended the concert at the Lincoln Center Alice Tully Hall organized within the celebrations for the 75th anniversary of the Republic of Turkey.

Baki Ilkin, the Turkish Ambassador to the US, Aytug Plumer, the

Permanent Representative of Turkey to the United Nations (UN), and Fuat Tanlay, the Turkish Consul General in New York, were also in attendance at the concert.

Mesut Yilmaz will proceed to Mexico on 27 September for an official visit and return to Turkey on 29 September.

Yilmaz is scheduled to address the meeting organized by the ''Global Securities'' on Wednesday. He will meet separately with Prime Minister Inder Kumar Gujral of India and Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif of Pakistan following the meeting.

[03] SEZGIN, DEPUTY PRIME MINISTER, RECEIVES KUWAITI PARLIAMENTARY DELEGATION

Addressing the meeting, Sezgin pointed out that there are close historical ties between the two countries, and described Kuwait as a friend of Turkey.

Noting that the Kuwaiti people have overcome the difficulties rapidly following the Gulf War, Sezgin expressed Turkey's satisfaction with Kuwait's development process.

Reminding that the legal basis already exists between Turkey and Kuwait in order to improve economic and industrial cooperation, Sezgin stressed that the volume of trade between Turkey and Kuwait which is currently 250 million US dollars, should be increased up to one billion US dollars.

Mentioning Turkey's powerful defence industry, Sezgin requested Kuwait to cooperate in the defence industry with Turkey.

Ghanam Ali Al-Jamhour noted that they share the same opinions with Sezgin, adding, ''we will be pleased with establishing cooperative relations with Turkey in every field.

Pointing out that Turkey has shown her willingness towards peace ano friendship during the Gulf War, Al-Jamhour thanked Turkey for her support to Kuwait.

Reminding that the Baghdad Administration has been holding many Kuwaiti captives since the Gulf War, Al-Jamhour stressed that President Saddam Hussein of Iraq has done nothing about the captives despite the warnings of several international organizations, including the United Nations. He asked Iraq to fulfill the decisions of the UN.

Sezgin stressed, ''I had brought the issue of the Kuwaiti captives onto the agenda during an official visit to Iraq and requested the officials to release the captives or give information about their destinies. President Saddam Hussein told me that there were no captives in Iraq, but if there were he would release them immediately.''

[04] NORTHERN IRAQ ... - THE AGREEMENT BETWEEN BARZANI AND TALABANI IS DESCRIBED AS ''AN IMPORTANT COMPROMISE IN AN IMPORTANT PERIOD'' - PROVISIONS OF AGREEMENT ARE IN PARALLEL WITH THE PRINCIPLES OF THE ANKARA PROCESS - A US OFFICIAL: ''THE US DOESSN'T SUPPORT THE ESTABLISHMENT OF AN INDEPENDENT KURDISH STATE IN NORTHERN IRAQ''

An American official who is closely interested in Northern Iraq said ''this agreement is an important step for both the two Kurdish groups, other ethnic groups and also for other countries such as the US, Turkey and Britain; which are closely interested in the region.'' ''For the first time, the real Iraqis, meaning Barzani and Talabani, expressed their sincere will to establish a better future in their region,'' said the US official, adding that they agreed on the method of solving such issues as the sharing of border incomes and power and the establishment of security.

The US official said that concrete steps will be taken within the framework of the agreement, stressing that the steps and results to be taken will be in parallel with the agreement signed in 1996 within the framework of the Ankara Process.

Noting that the two groups which are parties to the agreement agreed on the establishment of security in the region and particularly at the borders, the official pointed out that this agreement will secure the borders of Turkey and Iran with Iraq, will provide for regional security and won't permit the activities of the ''unauthorized armed elements.''

The official said that the two Kurdish groups don't support the existence of the PKK, the separatist terrorist organization in the region, adding that the US is aware of the fact that Turkey has an important security interest in the region and the US will continue to support Turkey's right to protect herself. ''The establishment of an atmosphere of stronger stability in the region will decrease the need for the struggle against the PKK terrorism,'' he added.

Noting that Talabani and Barzani are in a regular consultation with each other and with the countries which are closely interested in the region, the same official stressed ''we won't be surprised if the two Kurdish leaders meet with each other again soon in Ankara or London.''

The leaders of the Iraqi administration aren't pleased with the agreement reached between Talabani and Barzani, the official said, adding that Turkey seems ''satisfied'' with the agreement.

''The US doesn't support the establishment of an independent Kurdish state in the region,'' said the US official, adding that the establishment of a such state will cause instability in the region.

Stressing that the US supports the territorial integrity of Iraq, the American official stated that the Iraqi people have the right to choose their own governments.

The official emphasized that the US has two targets in Northern Iraq, firstly to prevent the threat of Saddam Hussein and to establish an atmosphere of stability in the region.

''At the last stage of the compromise reached between the two Kurdish leaders, the rights of the Turcomans should also be protected,'' he added.

[05] EXPORTS FROM THE GAP REGION TO THE CIS COUNTRIES AND TO EASTERN EUROPE

The GAP region has realized exports worth 25.4 million US dollars to the Eastern European countries in the same period with an increase of 182.3 percent.

In the same period last year, a total of 8.1 million US dollars of goods were exported to the Commonwealth of Independent States and a total of 9.2 million US dollars of goods were exported to Eastern Europe.

Abdulkadir Cikmaz, the Chairman of the Southeastern Anatolia Union of Exporters, told the A.A correspondent that in the January-August 1998 period, they exported animal products worth 6 thousand US dollars, grains and pulses worth 46 million US dollars, dried fruits worth 50 thousand US dollars and plastic sack worth 7.1 million US dollars to the Commonwealth of Independent States.

Cikmaz added that they exported animal products worth 705 thousand US dollars, grains and pulses worth 2.1 million US dollars, dried fruits worth 858 thousand US dollars and textiles worth 21.7 million US dollars to the Eastern European countries in the same period.

Carpets, biscuits, sweet cakes, chocolates, candy, margarine, plastic sacks, cotton thread, synthetic thread, pistachio nuts and dried apricots are among the goods exported the most.

[06] TORRENTIAL RAINS CAUSE FLOOD IN ISTANBUL - MANY HOUSES AND BUSINESS PLACES INUNDATED

The heavy rains affected the Gaziosmanpasa, Bayrampasa, Merter, Esenler and Bahcelievler Districts inundating many houses and business places.

The torrential rains also paralyzed the daily life and traffic in the city. Several traffic accidents occurred in Istanbul causing financial damage.

The Istanbul Municipality units continue their pumping activities.

Meanwhile, the officials from the Meteorology Regional Directorate said that the heavy rains will continue today.

[07] CELEBI, THE STATE MINISTER: ''WE STARTED TO REAP THE RESULTS OF OUR ECONOMIC PROGRAMME''

Addressing the Sanlıurfa Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Celebi said that the growth rate will be more than 4 percent in Turkey, while there is an economic crisis in Russia and the world.

Noting that the government aims to provide stability in the economy and to decrease the inflation rate to 50 percent, Celebi stated ''the increase in the prices of wholesale goods was 67 percent during the last eight months. We think that it will decrease to less than 60 percent by the end of this year. It means that we have decreased the inflation rate from the brink of 100 percent to 50 percent.''

''The young entrepreneurs working at the medium-scale industries in Turkey didn't permit the growth rate to decrease below 4 percent,'' said Celebi, adding that the foreign currency exchange reserves of the Central Bank increased to above the level of 20 billion US dollars.

''As long as we control the inflation rate, this will be advantageous for both export transactions and for investors. The important thing is to create stability for the enterpreneurs in Turkey. Therefore the target of the financial beginning, which will start to be implemented on 30 September, is to take the budget deficit under control, to increase the budget income and control expenditures,'' he said.

[08] CHINESE ZIGONG LANTERNS EXHIBITION IN ANKARA

Kuangyi Yao, the Chinese Ambassador to Turkey, and Altan Kocer, the General Director of the Vakifbank, were in attendance at the opening ceremony of the exhibition at the Vakifbank Cultural Center. The exhibition aims at supporting cultural and artistic activities in order to acquaint nations with each other.

Many lanterns reflecting the Chinese people's lively imagination, creativity and mastery of the crafts, are at the exhibition.

[09] SEZGIN, DEPUTY PRIME MINISTER, LEAVES FOR PORTUGAL - SEZGIN TO ATTEND AT UNOFFICIAL MEETING OF DEFENCE MINISTERS OF NATO

Addressing the journalists at the Esenboga Airport before his departure, Sezgin reminded that the NATO unofficial meeting is being held once in a year.

Sezgin noted that they will discuss the international problems before the meeting of the defence ministers of the NATO that will be organized in Brussels later this year.

Ismet Sezgin told the reporters, ''tomorrow's first meeting will focus on the latest developments in Kosovo. We will exchange opinions on the United Joint Mission Force and security in Europe during the second session. The issues of strategical concept bio-initiatives, reciprocal workability and the spreading of the mass destruction weapons will be discussed on Friday.''

Pointing out that he will later proceed to Macedonia in order to attend the third meeting of the defence ministers of the Southeastern European countries, Sezgin noted that the defence ministers of Turkey, the US, Italy, Albania, Greece, Bulgaria, Romania, Slovenia and Macedonia will sign the document at the meeting foreseeing a peacekeeping force to be established in the Balkans. Sezgin reminded that Turkey attributes great importance to the Balkans, stressing that she supports all initiatives aimed at peace and stability in the region.

Ismet Sezgin will return to Turkey on 27 September.

[10] CENTRASBAT 98 MILITARY EXERCISE STARTS

Addressing a press briefing upon the opening ceremony of the military exercise, which will be carried out within the framework of the NATO's Partnership for Peace (PFP) programme, Yure Agzamov, the Uzbek Deputy Minister of Defense, said that the Centrasbat 98 military exercise has an important place for international cooperation in the military field.

The Turkish, American, Russian, German, Azerbaijani, Turkmen, Kazakh, Kyrgyz and Georgian ambassadors and 55 observors from the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS), several European countries and many Uzbek ministers and high ranking officials watched the official ceremony held for the Centrasbat 98.

Addressing the official ceremony, Hikmetullah Tursu Tursunov, the Uzbek Defense Minister, said that the security of the region is under threat due to the incidents in Afghanistan. ''The most important element for Uzbekistan is protection of regional security and peace,'' he added.

Noting that Afghanistan has become a nest of terrorism, Tursunov pointed out that Centrasbat, which was established between Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan as a Central Asian battalion, contributes to the regional peace.

The military exercise will be carried out in two parts, firstly in Uzbekistan and then in Kyrgyzstan.

[11] AUSTRIAN CHIEF OF GENERAL STAFF IN ANKARA - GENERAL MAJCEN VISITS GENERAL KIVRIKOGLU

General Majcen was welcomed by General Kivrikoglu at the General Staff Headquarters with a military ceremony.

Major General Atila Isik, the Secretary General of the General Staff was also in attendance at the ceremony.

[12] TURKISH PRESS REVIEW (1)

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

CEM IN NEW YORK
Ismail Cem, the Foreign Minister, who is in New York for the 53rd UN General Assembly, said yesterday that the stance assumed by Turkey regarding relations with the European Union (EU) following the Luxembourg Summit has yielded positive results. Cem met yesterday with Hans Van Den Broek, the EU Commissioner for Foreign Relations, and during their meeting, a strategy to prepare Turkey for full EU membership was discussed. Following the meeting, Broek said, ''the EU

Commission is working hard on the Cardiff Document, which includes a European strategy for Turkey aimed at bringing Turkey and the EU closer. Broek promised that the EU would exert efforts for releasing EU financial assistance to Turkey. Foreign Minister Cem also met with his Spanish counterpart Abel Matutes. It was reported that during the meeting, the Cyprus issue was discussed. Matutes gave a message that the European countries were expecting new proposals instead of the establishment of a Confederation on Cyprus from the Turkish Cypriot President Rauf Denktas. Cem said that Turkey regarded the proposals of Denktas as ''serious''. /Sabah/

DENKTAS PROPOSES COMMISSION
Rauf Denktas, the President of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC), proposed yesterday the establishment of a joint independent commission to deal with the settlement of property and compensation issues on the divided island. ''There is an independent commission dealing with the issue of missing people. A similar commission for property and compensation can be established on the basis of mutually agreed processes and criteria,'' Denktas said.

CELEBRATIONS FOR 75TH ANNIVERSARY OF REPUBLIC OF TURKEY
The 75th anniversary of the foundation of the Republic of Turkey will also be celebrated in the Romanian capital of Bucharest.

According to a statement by the Foreign Ministry, the Turkish Businessmen's Association (TIAD), which includes 120 Turkish businessmen whose firms are operating in various industrial sectors in Bucharest, will organize various activities in Bucharest in celebration of the 75th anniversary of the Republic of Turkey.

ACADEMIC SUPPORT FOR TURCO-GERMAN RELATIONS
Fifteen lecturers from Munich University in Germany arrived in Turkey yesterday to contribute to the further development of Turkish-German relations. The German lecturers will later proceed on to the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) and meet with TRNC President Rauf Denktas there.

TURCO-IRANIAN SECURITY MEETINGS
A delegation headed by Hossein Mirzai Mutahhar, the Security General Director of the Iranian Ministry of the Interior, arrived in

Turkey yesterday. The delegation met with Sami Sonmez, the Deputy Undersecretary of the Ministry of the Interior. The delegation will hold meetings on the struggle against smuggling, organized crime and terrorism. The delegation will leave Turkey on 25 September.

KURDISH FEDERATION AGREEMENT
It is reported that a peace agreement signed in the US between Massoud Barzani, the Chairman of the Iraqi Kurdistan Democratic Party (KDP) and Jalal Talabani, Chairman of the Iraqi Patriotic Union of Kurdistan (PUK) includes some elements which could be used to establish a Kurdish state. When the Washington, D.C., administration sent a copy of the agreement document to Turkey, it was found that there is a sentence which refers to an ''Iraqi Kurdish Federation'' in the document. Ankara has conveyed its concern to the US administration verbally. The Foreign Ministry will hand a note to Britain, which also played an important role in the preparation of the agreement. /Cumhuriyet/

NGOs MEET IN PARIS

Institutions which are against the Multilateral Agreement for Investments (MAI), are organizing various activities to inform the world public opinion of their views. ''21-29 September International Action Week Against MAI'' has started. Over 700 non-governmental organizations (NGOs) from 70 countries, which constitute the International Coalition Against MAI, will hold meetings in Paris and outline a ''Societies Agreement'' prepared as an alternative to the MAI. A Turkish Working Group including Ridvan Budak, the Chairman of the Confederation of Progressive Labour Unions (DISK), will attend the meetings in Paris. /Cumhuriyet/

PKK OPERATION IN ISTANBUL
Members of the Istanbul Department for the Struggle Against Terrorism arrested 10 persons of the PKK terrorist organization yesterday and seized one pistol and many organizational documents. /Cumhuriyet/

CYPRUS CONCERN IN EU
While the US and UN initiatives are continuing for a solution to the Cyprus problem, three important members of the European

Union (EU), France, Italy and Spain have given significant messages to the EU Term-President Austria. The EU Representatives of these three countries have noted that if a solution on Cyprus cannot be achieved in the period of one year, then they will veto the application of the Greek Cypriot Administration for full EU membership. Meanwhile, according to the news in the Greek press, if the stance assumed by these three countries continues, Greece will veto the entry of five countries which are currently holding negotiations for full EU membership. /Cumhuriyet/

[13] TURKISH PRESS REVIEW (2)

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

ONE YEAR FOR CAKICI
The second hearing of the case opened against Alaaddin Cakici, the head of a large criminal organization in Turkey, and his bodyguard, Muradi Guler, will be held tomorrow in Nice, France. It is expected that the case will end during this hearing. Cakici is expected to be sentenced to between three months and one year's imprisonment for his crimes in violation of the French law. /Milliyet/

21 PKK TERRORISTS KILLED
In a military operation organized by security forces in and around Hakkari, Mardin, Tunceli and Van Provinces against the PKK terrorist organization, a total of 21 terrorists and two security officials have died. /Sabah/

IRAN: SAHAP-3 MISSILES DON'T TARGET TURKEY
The Iranian Sahap-3 missiles don't target ''friendly and brotherly'' country Turkey, the Iranian Embassy in Ankara asserted in a written statement yesterday. The statement was issued in response to claims by Uri Bar Ner, the Israeli Ambassador to Turkey, who has maintained that the Iranian missiles pose a threat to Turkey as well. /All papers/

12 TURKS AMONG 600 LEADING FINANCIAL FIGURES
In an article printed in the October issue of Global, a US finance magazine, entitled the ''600 Strongest Persons in the Financial World'', 12 Turks, including businessmen and economic bureaucrats, are also mentioned. /Hurriyet/

EUROPEAN COUNCIL AWARDS TURKISH HUMAN RIGHTS FOUNDATION
The Human Rights Foundation shares the ''Human Rights Award'', given by the European Commission once every three years, with Chiara Lubich, founder of the Focolari Movement in Italy, and the Justice Committee in Ireland. /Milliyet/

SYRIA DENOUNCES TURKEY
Syria denounced Turkey yesterday for deploying troops in Northern Iraq. It declared that this movement was aimed at changing the Arab identity in the region. Syria claimed that Turkey, in fact, wants to ''occupy'' the region. /Milliyet/

SHARP INCREASE IN ISTANBUL STOCK EXCHANGE
Following the announcement by Prime Minister Mesut Yilmaz of a package of measures to restore stability on the Istanbul Stock Exchange (IMKB), and a global upward trend in the stock exchange trading, the IMKB surged yesterday by 9.39 percent. The IMKB trade index increased by 201 points to 2,342. /Milliyet/

THREAD AND TEXTILES EXPORTS
Exports of thread and textiles from the Southeastern Anatolia Project (GAP) region in the first eight months of the year increased by 39.5 percent to 180,468 million US dollars. Abdulkadir Cikmaz, the Chairman of the Southeastern Anatolia Union of Exporters, said that in the January-August 1998 period, they exported thread and textiles to Kazakhstan, Iran, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, Romania, Azerbaijan, Syria, Saudia Arabia, the US, Italy, Belgium, Jordan, France, Spain, Lebanon, Israel, Portugal, Russia, Greece and Algeria.

HASHISH OPERATION
According to a statement made by the Security Department, during operations carried out by members of the department in the struggle against smuggling and organized crimes, 87 kilograms of hashish were seized yesterday in Malatya. Nine people were taken into custody in connection with the incident. Meanwhile, during operations in the Cumayeri District of Bolu Province, 10.5 kilograms of hashish were confiscated. Two people were taken into custody. The market value of the hashish totals 6 billion TL. Investigations into the incidents are continuing.

[14] ANATOLIA FROM OBJECTIVE OF DUTCH PHOTOGRAPHER - EXHIBITION ''KESIKKOPRU: AN OASIS ON THE STEPPE'' OF LEO DIVENDAL TO BE OPENED ON 4 OCTOBER

Divendal came to Turkey for the first time in 1990 with the initiative of Bekir Tecimer, the former Mayor of Kesikkopru. His photographs have been displayed previously in the Netherlands.

Leo Divendal who works at the Photograph Department of the Amsterdam Art Academy, give place to the traditions, relations and the remembrances in his works.

[15] ATAKOGLU CHARMS MORE THAN 15 THOUSAND PEOPLE IN ANCIENT ASPENDOS THEATRE IN ANTALYA AT THE CONCERT ORGANIZED FOR 75TH ANNIVERSARY OF REPUBLIC OF TURKEY

More than 15 thousand people watched the concert where the musicians played the composition named the Republic during a display of fireworks.

Tahsin Ciftcioglu, the Deputy Governor of Antalya, Hasan Subasi, the Mayor of Antalya, and other high level officials watched the concert that was organized by the Global Stock Exchanges.

[16] ALAATTIN CAKICI, THE NOTORIOUS MAFIA BOSS TO APPEAR AT COURT IN FRANCE ON THURSDAY

Cakıcı will be tried for entering France with a fake passport, while Muradi Guler, his bodyguard, who was captured together with Cakıcı, will be tried for carrying an unlicensed gun. Cakıcı can be imprisoned for up to two years for entering France with a fake passport.

Cakıcı, who was arrested in Nice, France, was interrogated by Belgian officials at the beginning of September.

Turkey asked France to extradite Cakıcı to Turkey on 2 August.

The Foreign Ministry has sent five separate files to the French Foreign Ministry asking for the extradition of Cakıcı to Turkey, the files were later submitted to the French Ministry of Justice for examination and lastly they were transferred to the Appellate Court composed of three judges at Aix-en-Provence, France. If the court decides not to extradite Cakıcı to Turkey, then the French government doesn't have the right to change this decision. If the opposite happens, then the French Ministry of Justice has the right to say the last word.

Elizabeth Guigou, the French Minister of Justice has to publish a written decree including the signature of Jacques Chirac, the French President, for the extradition of Cakıcı.

There are eight cases pending against Cakıcı at a court in Istanbul and one case in Bursa. If Cakıcı is extradited to Turkey, he will be tried at court concerning nine cases where prosecutors will request from capital punishment to heavy imprisonment varying from 25 years to 64 years.

Turkey referred to the European Convention concerning the extradition of criminals and stressed in the files sent to France that the death penalty hasn't been applied in Turkey in practice for a long time.

[17] IRISH SPEAKER OF THE PARLIAMENT IN ANKARA - PATTISON VISITS HIS TURKISH COUNTERPART CETIN

Addressing the meeting, Cetin stressed that Ireland's decision towards opening an embassy in Turkey, will positively affect the relations between Turkey and Ireland.

Reminding that the volume of trade between the two countries is nearly 300 million US dollars annually, Cetin pointed out, ''this figure increases year by year. Both countries are determined to improve the relations.''

Cetin also emphasized that Ireland has contributed to the solution of the dispute between Northern Ireland and Britain.

Seamus Pattison said that their visit to Turkey aims at further improving the mutual cooperation and friendship with Turkey. Expressing satisfaction with the developments in the fields of trade and tourism, Pattison stressed that Ireland's decision for opening an embassy in Turkey will also help the development of the political and commercial relations.

Mentioning the Northern Ireland question, Pattison added that they believe that Northern Ireland will attain a peaceful solution in the near future.

[18] RELATIONS BETWEEN TURKEY AND LIBYA - TURKISH UNION OF CONTRACTORS: - ''TURKISH CONTRACTORS HAVE CONTRIBUTED TO THE DEVELOPMENT OF ECONOMIC RELATIONS BETWEEN TWO COUNTRIES''

Reminding that the separatist terrorists carrying the photographs of Abdullah Ocalan, the Leader of the separatist terrorist PKK organization, joined the parade during the celebrations for the anniversary of the Libyan Revolution on 1 September, the Union stressed that the incident has caused a rightful reaction in Turkey. The Union stated, ''the Turkish firms in Libya have concluded projects worth of 11 billion US dollars and provided at least 6 billion US dollars in foreign currency and a great deal of employment.''

[19] SUPREME COURT OF APPEALS APPROVES THE VERDICT OF DIYARBAKIR STATE SECURITY COURT CONCERNING THE PECUNIARY PUNISHMENT AND TEN MONTHS IMPRISONMENT OF ERDOGAN, THE MAYOR OF ISTANBUL

The State Security Court in Diyarbakır also gave Erdogan a pecuniary punishment of 716,666,666 Turkish Liras.

The political life of Erdogan ended with the approval of the court decision of the Supreme Court of Appeals as he was convicted under Article 312/2 of the Turkish Penal Code and Erdogan lost his right to be elected.

[20] AGREEMENT SIGNED BETWEEN BARZANI AND TALABANI MAKES CLEAR THE DIFFERENCE OF POLICY OF TURKEY AND THE US REGARDING THE REGION

The Foreign Ministry had a cautious attitude following the signature of the agreement and began to examine the full text of the agreement. The Ministry Wednesday issued an official view regarding the agreement and expressed its uneasiness to this end.

Addressing the weekly conference Sermet Atacanli, the Deputy Spokesman of the Foreign Ministry said that Turkey didn't want to participate in the preparation process of the agreement. ''Thus,'' he added ''it can't be expected that Turkey will respond positively to the requests that will be made during the implementation of the agreement.''

Recalling that that a delegation of Jalal Talabani, the leader of the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan (PUK) and Massoud Barzani, the leader of the Kurdish Democratic Party (KDP) visited Turkey before proceeding to Washington, D.C., Atacanli said the two sides and the US knew the views of Turkey on this issue.

Noting that the agreement welcomed the contribution of Turkey and Britain to the peace and atmosphere of reconciliation, Atacanli said ''the agreement also said that it was according to the implementation of the principles of the Ankara Process''.

Atacanli said that the two Kurdish leaders were envisaged to convene once every two months from now on and that the first meeting was foreseen to take place in Ankara. Atacanli pointed out that ''nevertheless it is necessary to stress that this agreement wasn't prepared with the participation of Turkey.''

Atacanli noted that the most important principle Turkey attached significance in this respect was the preservation of the territorial integrity of Iraq, adding that the KDP and PUK voiced that they reiterated this principle during their meetings in Ankara.

Stressing the struggle of Turkey against the separatist terrorsit PKK organization in Northern Iraq, Atacanli said that Turkey welcomed that the two sides in the agreement committed that they won't give sheltering facilities to the separatist terrorist organization. Atacanli said this was an important development as it was expressed for the first time by the PUK.

Atacanli said that in the agreement it was said that the PKK will be prevented from establishing a base in Northern Iraq and violate the Turkish border, adding that Turkey will follow the realization of this commitment with sensitivity.

Noting that Turkey promoted the ongoing dialogue between the Northern Iraqi sides with the Baghdad administration, Atacanli said that activities which will be carried out within the framework of the agreement will be followed carefully and that the demands of the sides to be in close negotiation with Turkey will be evaluated as required.

[21] KUWAITI-TURKISH FRIENDSHIP GROUP VISITS PARLIAMENT

Yasin Hatiboglu, the Chairman of the Turkish-Kuwaiti Friendship Group and the Acting Speaker of the Parliament, said in the meeting that the relations between Turkey and Kuwait have been improving gradually and the two countries should also cooperate in the solution of international problems.

Stressing that Turkey feels great sorrow about the unsolved problem of the Kuwaiti prisoners of the Gulf War, Hatiboglu said that Turkey will continue her initiatives until the solution of that problem.

Ghanam Ali Al-Jamhour, the Chairman of the Kuwaiti-Turkish Interparliamentary Friendship Group, said that they feel regret about the failure in setting up satisfactory relations among the Islamic countries. Al-Jamhour added that they are very pleased with Turkey's efforts to have the Kuwaiti prisoners of the Gulf War be released by Iraq.

The members of the Kuwaiti-Turkish Interparliamentary Friendship Group also met with Yusuf Namoglu, the Chairman of the Parliamentary Commission for Public Works, Development, Transportation and Tourism.

[22] AKTAS, MINISTER OF INTERIOR, DEPARTS FOR ITALY - BILATERAL COMMITTEE TO CARRY OUT SECURITY AND COOPERATION STUDIES

The agreement signed yesterday includes cooperation between Turkey and Italy against terrorism, organized crimes, drug trafficking, human smuggling and money laundering. The agreement was signed by Aktas and Giorgio Naploitano, the Italian Minister of the Interior.

Within the context of the agreement, a bilateral committee, composed of Security Department representatives of the two countries, will convene whenever necessary and will try to accelerate the cooperation against the crimes in question.

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