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Anadolu Agency: News in English, 99-04-13Anadolu Agency: News in English Directory - Previous Article - Next ArticleFrom: The Anadolu Agency Home Page at <http://www.anadoluajansi.gov.tr/>AA Daily13 April 1999 TuesdayCONTENTS
[01] FIVE FIRMS PARTICIPATE IN BID FOR SAFE PASSAGE OF SHIPS THROUGH ISTANBUL AND CANAKKALE STRAITSANKARA, April 13 (A.A) - Five firms participated in the bid for the ''Automatic Computer Supported Ship Traffic Control System'' which will be built for the safe passage of ships through Istanbul and Canakkale straits, it was reported on Monday.The Marıtıme Undersecretariat will receive price lists after evaluating the firms' proposals. The project which was delayed twice in the past will be financed by foreign credit worth of 40 million U.S. dollars. The participating firms are the famous Lockheed from the United States; Stn. Atlas and Daimler Benz, and Simko from Germany; Hitt from the Netherlands and Thomson CSF from France. Eight Traffic Control Centers will be built on Istanbul strait while five of them will give service on Canakkale strait. The construction work will start this year for the project which will provide safety for passing ships, regulate ship traffic, and decrease the accidents to a minimum level. The project includes two ship traffic control centers, 13 traffic watch stations with radars only where no people will have to work, two DGPS reference stations, and four VHF stations. Several instutions including the Department of Ports, the General Directorate of Borders and Coasts, coast safety and ship rescue institutions, the Customs Organization, the Marine Police, the Coast Guard, different units related to environmental pollution, the Port Management and several agengies will benefit from the project. [02] ''TRANSFER OF CASPIAN SEA OIL TO WESTERN MARKETS AND ROLE OF TURKEY'' - MEETING TO BE ORGANIZED IN ISTANBULANKARA, April 13 (A.A) - ''The Transfer of Caspian Sea Oil to Western Markets and Turkey's Role'' meeting will be organized at Ciragan Palace in Istanbul on Tuesday.Ismail Cem, the Foreign Minister and Ziya Aktas, the Minister of Energy and Natural Resources will speak at the meeting which will also be attended by Richard Morningstar, Clinton's Special Representative, officers from the Foreign Ministry and representatives of oil companies. The meeting will focus on subjects including Baku-Ceyhan pipeline, the energy capacity in the Caspian, Turkish-American relations, the preservation of environment at the straits and their safety. A tour along the strait will also be organized for those who will attend the meeting. [03] TURKEY-PRESS SCANThese are some of the major headlines and their brief stories in Turkey's press on April 13, 1999. The Anadolu Agency does not verify these stories and does not vouch for their accuracy.HURRIYET (LIBERAL)LIVE BOMBS CAPTUREDTwo live bombs who were planning to commit suicide attacks to Gaziantep Governor and some politicians were captured alive in southeastern Gaziantep and southern Adana provinces. Two hand grenades, one TNT bar and many ammunition were also seized. NUMBER OF LAWYERS OF OCALAN REACHES 70 MILLIYET (LIBERAL)LAST DAY OF MED-TVThe 21 day-period which was given to the Independent Television Commission (ITC) to submit its defense for med-tv which was closed temporarily on charges of having ''violence'' in its broadcasts, ends today. The diplomatic sources said that the decision on whether or not the med-tv will be closed will be declared today. SABAH (LIBERAL)FIRE HORRORExplosions occured in a two-folded oil warehouse in Ikitelli Organized Industry Zone in Istanbul and these explosion led to a fire, killing one Romanian and injuring four other Romanians. The fire was later put out by the efforts of the fire brigade. ITO RECEIVES ISO-9001 QUALITY DOCUMENT CUMHURIYET (LEFT)DEMIREL THANKS TIRANAPresident Demirel thanked Tirana, the capital of Albania, which declared that she will give permission to the NATO forces. Demirel also said that he wishes the same stance from Macedonia in his visit to the Balkans. Stating that only the NATO took action to end the violence and tragedy in Kosovo, Demirel noted that the international community should support the alliance and the operations against the Serbians for the humanity. MORNINGSTAR IN ANKARA MINISTRY OF JUSTICE LAUNCHES INITIATIVES FOR BINGOL'S EXTRADITION RADIKAL (LEFT)NORTHERN IRAQ OPERATION NEARLY ENDSA part of the operation which was launched by the Turkish security forces against the terrorist organization (PKK) in Northern Iraq is nearly completed. Measures are taken in the Turkish-Iraqi border to prevent the possible infiltrations to Turkey. INITIATIVE OF TURKISH GOVERNMENT FOR TRNC YENİ YÜZYIL (LIBERAL)BOMB ATTACK TO KOMILI, FAMOUS BUSINESSMAN, PREVENTEDThe efforts to stage a bomb attack against Halis Komili, a famous businessman, was prevented at the very last moment. A time-bomb was found in a reservoir of a toilet in the executive flat of the building. The bomb was rendered ineffective by the security forces. THE CONTRACTS WITH THE MOBILE PHONE COMPANIES TO BE RENEWED TÜRKİYE (RIGHT)TERRORIST ATTACK IN EASTERN TUNCELI PROVINCETwo soldiers died in a terrorist attack which the terrorist organization PKK staged against a military vehicle patrolling in a highway between Tunceli and Pulumur while one terrorist was killed in the attack. DEMIREL: ''LET'S UNDERSTAND THE OTTOMANS'' ZAMAN (CONSERVATIVE)TAN, TOURISM MINISTER: ''WE ARE FACE TO FACE WITH AN ORGANIZED EMBARGO''Ahmet Tan, the Tourism Minister, said that the efforts of the European Union (EU) for preventing the inflow of the tourists to Turkey is more this year. Stating that this is a competition in tourism sector, Tan noted that the big tour operators in Europe aim at marketing Turkey at a cheap price by benefetting from this situation. [04] ECEVIT ISSUES NOTICE FOR PUBLIC INSTITUTIONS TO ASSIGN ONE OF THEIR UNITS TO DEAL WITH TRNC RELATIONSANKARA, April 13 (A.A) - Prime Minister Bulent Ecevit Monday asked all public institutions to assign one of their units to carry out relations with the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC).Ecevit issued a notice for the better and faster coordination of all work which deal with different aspects of relations with the TRNC. Ecevit said they aim to deepen the existing relations with the TRNC and added that they formed a ''Cooperation Council'' to determine a policy about TRNC. ''The protocol agreements signed between various ministries of the two countries are increasing in number as well as in subject matters. However, the fact that more than one unit is responsible for TRNC related issues in one institution, causes deficiencies. ''The Prime Ministry Cyprus Affairs Consultancy has been formed to provide coordination between public institutions and the TRNC. However, these institutions must assign one of their units to deal with relations with TRNC for an effective and rational coordination,'' Ecevit said in his notice. The public institutions, according to the notice, will report the names of the persons who will head these units to the Cyprus Affairs Consultancy. [05] PRESIDENT DEMIREL RECEIVES RICHARD MORNINGSTAR, CLINTON'S SPECIAL REPRESENTATIVE TO CASPIAN REGIONANKARA, April 13 (A.A) - President Suleyman Demirel received Ambassador Richard Morningstar, Clinton's Special Representative to Caspian Region on Monday.Morningstar briefed President Demirel about the latest state of Baku-Ceyhan oil pipeline and Turkmenistan-Turkey natural gas pipeline project which will pass through the Caspian. President Demirel stated that Baku-Ceyhan and the natural gas pipeline project are Turkey's priorities and that this became a state policy. ''Even if the governments change, Turkey's determination on this matter will remain the same,'' President Demirel added. ''The developments are pleasing regarding the Turkmen natural gas pipeline which will pass through Caspian,'' Demirel said and added that sale and purchase agreements with Turkmenistan will finalize soon. President Demirel told Morningstar that Turkey appreciates the strong support of the United States and stressed that Turkey is determined to sustain close cooperation with the United States to complete the two pipeline projects. [06] PARLIAMENT SPEAKER CETIN VISITS KOSOVAR REFUGEES AT GUESTHOUSEKIRKLARELI, April 13 (A.A) - Hikmet Cetin, the Parliament Speaker visited the Kosovar refugees at Kirklareli Refugee Guesthouse on Monday.Cetin said he was pleased to see how helpful Turkish people were and added that hosting such a high number of people and expendıng them foodstuff three times a day was a great success. ''The Kosovo incident is one of the worst disasters of this century which we are about to leave behind. I belive that the world and especially the NATO must find a solution to this problem as soon as possible. For a long time a solution has been sought through diplomatic ways. But unfortunately, when does not work, using force is unavoidable. A very high price was paid for what happened in Bosnia. Currently three thousand 274 people (127 families) are living in the camp. Around 300 more people arrive everyday at the guesthouse. You cannot see another country which opens its heart to refugees like Turkey did,'' Cetin said. The Parliament Speaker pointed out that Turkey is planning to accept twenty thousand refugees and added that this number might increase depending on the development of events. The NATO's air strike gave no results so far, Cetin stated and continued:''The air strike even increased the genocide. This must stop soon. We hope that more people will not have to leave their homes. A solution has to be found without loosing any more time. Otherwise, what Belgrad administration has been after for centuries, an ethnic cleansing will happen. I cannot think of a Kosovo without Albanians. These people must definitely return back''. [07] NATO COUNCIL - CEM, FOREIGN MINISTER, ''THERE CAN NOT BE A BALKAN CONTACT GROUP WHERE BALKAN COUNTRIES ARE NOT INCLUDED''BRUSSELS, April 13 (A.A) - Ismail Cem, the Foreign Minister said on Monday ''There are two Balkan NATO countries. We stated that it was necessary for these two countries, ourselves and Greece, to be included in the decision- making process in the Contact Group.''Cem said Turkey and Greece, two NATO members and Balkan countries, which have experience in the Balkans, would have had important contributions to the Contact Group and added that Ankara's sensitiveness regarding this issue was understandable. Speaking to press following NATO Council meeting Cem briefed about ''Economic Cooperation, Stability and Good Neighbourhood Plan'' and said Athens supported this plan and his views regarding the Connection Group. France, Germany, Iceland, Norway also openly supported the plan. ''What will happen in Kosovo after the strike and what is suggested must be explained more clearly'', he explained to the NATO authorities during his contacts, Cem told the Turkish press. ''The NATO, the Contact Group and the European Union are using different terminology in various statements. These might be interpreted differently. It leads to a confusion of concepts,'' Cem explained. The Kosovo crisis is not only a military test, but a political maturity test for the NATO, the Foreign Minister said. ''All the ally countries have the same responsibility to provide the safe return of the Kosovars to their homes. Turks have experience of 500 years in Kosovo. We share the history, culture and religion with those people. They are very valuable for us. We proved our determination on this issue and this will continue,'' Cem concluded. The NATO is not planning to send a land troop to Kosovo right now, Cem said and he added that what will happen depends on the developments and conditions. The Foreign Minister also added that Russia has an important mission to find a solution as a member of the Connection Group and as a country which has close ties with Serbia. [08] AKTAS, ENERGY AND NATURAL RESOURCES MINISTER: - ''THE NEGOTIATIONS ON THE BAKU-CEYHAN PIPELINE ARE UNDERWAY''ANKARA, April 13 (A.A) - Ziya Aktas, Minister of Energy and Natural Resources, said on Monday evening that the negotiations and the initiatives on the Baku-Ceyhan pipeline project are underway.Addressing a statement to the A.A correspondent, Aktas evaluated his meeting with Richard Morningstar, the Special Envoy of Bill Clinton, the U.S. President, Responsible for the Energy Policies in the Caspian Basin. Aktas said that they exchanged views about the Baku-Ceyhan pipeline project and Turkmenistan natural gas pipeline project in the meeting. Stating that the negotiations between Turkey and Azerbaijani International Operation Company (AIOC), the consortium operation company which will transfer the Azerbaijani and Caspian oil to the western markets, are foreseen to resume on April 14, 1999; Aktas noted that they are waiting for the answer of Azerbaijan on this issue. Aktas emphasized that the negotiations which are expected to start on April 14 have not a quality of being the final negotiations. [09] ITO RECEIVES ISO-9001 QUALITY GUARANTEE SYSTEM DOCUMENT, BEING THE FIRST IN TURKEYISTANBUL, April 13 (A.A) - Istanbul Chamber of Commerce (ITO) received on Monday the ISO-9001 quality guarantee system document, thus become the first institution which receives this document in Turkey.Serdar Uzel, the Representative of Bureau Veritas Quality International in Turkey, gave the ISO-9001 document to Mehmet Yildirim, the Chairman of the Executive Board of ITO by a ceremony held in Istanbul. Emphasizing that he took the document on behalf of all the workers of ITO, Yildirim said that ITO is the third respectable chamber of commerce in the world. ITO, which serves to its 265,000 members and the Turkish economy in wide scale, set up ''the quality guarantee system'' within the auspices of the Chamber in the end of intensive and fastidious studies which lasted for 17 months. The ISO-9001 document, which covers the most comprehensive standart among the documents in the ISO-9000 standarts series, is given to the institutions which have creativity in their productions and services. [10] ONE DIES, FOUR INJURED IN FIRE WHICH STARTS DUE TO AN EXPLOSIAN IN OIL WAREHOUSE IN IKITELLI ORGANIZED INDUSTRY ZONEISTANBUL, April 13 (A.A) - One died and four others injured in a fire which started due to an explosion, the reason of which could not be determined, in an oil warehouse in Ikitelli Organized Industry Zone of Istanbul on Monday night.An explosion caused a fire in a two-folded building at 11.20 p.m., killing a Romanian and injuring four other Romanians. All the walls of the building collapsed while the frame of the building was still surviving. Depending on the information they get from the injured people, the officials said that the fire may have started due to an explosion which was caused by one worker's throwing his cigarette to the ground whereas the witnesses said that they heard three big explosions. The fire was later put out by the efforts of the fire brigade. [11] CLAYDERMAN, FAMOUS PIANIST, GIVES CONCERT FOR THE FAMILIES OF THE MARTYRSISTANBUL, April 13 (A.A) - Richard Clayderman, the famous pianist, gave a concert for the families of the martyrs in Istanbul on Monday.Addressing a speech prior to the concert, Cumhur Asporuk, the Staff Officer of the Air Forces, said that the Kartal (the Eagle) Foundation which was set up one and a half years ago provides aid for all kinds of social and economic needs of the families whose relatives died while performing their air mission. Richard Clayderman performed his most-loved works in the concert to which Ilhan Kilic, the Air Forces Commander, and many other famous Turkish people attended. It was reported that the income from the concert will be donated to the Kartal Foundation. [12] TURKISH AUTHORITIES SET UP SIX UNIVERSITIES AND SEVEN FACULTIES IN MANY FOREIGN COUNTRIES, ESPECIALLY IN TURKISH REPUBLICSANKARA, April 13 (A.A) - Turkish authorities set up six universities and seven faculties in many foreign countries, especially in the Turkish Republics, it was reported on Tuesday.The Board of Higher Education (YOK) said that the number of universities which were set up in foreign countries by the various companies, associations, foundations and persons in Turkey reached six while the number of faculties in these countries reached to seven. Yok stated that most of the higher education institutions which were set up in the foreign countries serve in religious and language fields. The Turkish entrepreneurs set up higher education institutions in Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzistan, Turkmenistan, Tatarstan, Bulgaria, Albania, Afghanistan, Mongolia and Dagestan. These higher education institutions are set up after the YOK decides to establish them in the end of its investigations. Not only the Turkish lecturers but also the lecturers in the country where the university is set up work in these institutions. International Hoca Ahmet Yesevi Turkish-Kazakh University in Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan-Turkey Manas University in Kyrgyzstan not only educate the students of these two countries but has a quota for the Turkish students. These students are placed in these universities according to the results of the university entrance exam which is realized by the Examination for Student Selection and Placement (OSYM). [13] GREEK CYPRIOTS WHO CAME TO TRNC FOR RELIGIOUS CEREMONY RETURN TO GREEK CYPRIOT SIDELEFKOSA, April 13 (A.A) - A total of 1452 Greek Cypriots who came to the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) on Monday morning to hold a religious ceremony in the Apostopolos Andreas Monastery in Dipkarpaz region of TRNC due to Easter returned to the Greek Cypriot side in the evening.Celebrating the Easter by lighting their candles, the Greek Cypriots drank the water which is situated in the courtyard of the monastery and which they consider as ''holy'' and they also took some water to their side with themselves. The visit of the Greek Cypriots ended without any problems since the TRNC authorities took all kind of security and health measures. [14] GERMANY OPPOSES TO SPORTS EMBARGO IMPOSED ON TRNC - GERMAN SSF BONN SWIMMING CLUB PARTICIPATES IN FIRST INTERNATIONAL TRNC SWIMMING TOURNAMENTANKARA, April 13 (A.A) - Germany becomes the second country which opposes to the sports embargo imposed on the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC), following Turkey; it was reported on Tuesday.Germany showed that she did not impose a sports embargo on the TRNC by participating in the First International Swimming Tournament which was held in Lefkosa between April 2 and 4, 1999 with its SSF Bonn swimming club. SSF Bonn club became the champion in the tournament in which many swimming clubs from Turkey also participated. [15] CONFERENCE ON ''THE TRANSFER OF CASPIAN OIL TO THE WESTERN MARKETS: THE ROLE OF TURKEY'' STARTS IN ISTANBUL - FM CEM: ''MODERN TURKEY AIMS AT BEING THE LEADING ECONOMIC AND POLITICAL ACTOR IN THE EUROSIA''ISTANBUL, April 13 (A.A) - The Conference on ''The transfer of the Caspian oil to the Western Markets: The Role of Turkey'' which is held by the Strategic and International Studies Centre in Washington D.C. started on Tuesday in Istanbul.Addressing a speech, Ismail Cem, the Foreign Minister, said that modern Turkey aims at being the leading economic and political actor in the Eurosia and that Turkey's mission is not only limited with the borders of Europe but her mission has an important role in the Eurosia fact which is recently revealing. Emphasizing that if the foreign policy is standing on a power balance, the nature of this balance changed; Cem noted that only the military power is not the basic determined of the international status of the countries. Stating that the new paradigma stands on the economic power, Cem stressed that the historical, cultural and political features o a country can shape the role of a country in the following century. Stressing that many observers have a consensus that the centre of the new century will be Eurosia, Cem stated that Europe and Asia will be a whole. Recalling that new independent states occured after the cold war era, Cem pointed out that Turkey has historical, religious and linguistic similarities with these countries which are situated in the Balkans, Caucasus and Central Asia and that this fact led to a new international vicinity for Turkey. Noting that this infrastructure sets up a platform for strong economic relations and political cooperation, Cem emphasized that Turkey, which has the most-developed military power, the oldest democracy and the most- dynamic economy, has the optimal conditions to contribute to the stability of the region. Recalling that Turkey and the U.S. support the transfer of the Caspial oil to the foreign markets via Baku-Ceyhan pipeline, Cem said that they are really very sensitive about this issue. Drawing the attention to the dangers of transferring the Caspian oil via the Straits, Cem noted that hundreds of accidents happened in the last two decades and that 77 people died in these accidents. Cem added that many financial damages occurred to this end and that the world is face to face with cultural and environmental danger due to transition of 450 tankers from theStratis. [16] TURKISH FOOD STAFF INTRODUCED TO 20,000 BUYERS IN FAIR IN U.S.IZMIR, April 13 (A.A) - An official from Ege Exporters Union said on Tuesday that the Turkish food staff was introduced to 20,000 buyers in the International Fancy Food and Confection Show Fair which was held in Chicago city of the U.S. between March 21 and 23, 1999.Issuing a written statement, the official noted that the fair had an important role in introducing the Turkish food staff in the U.S. markets and that the business contacts between the Turkish companies and the U.S. buyers led to successful results. The official stated that these positive results make them prepare more willingly to the food staff fair which will be held in New York city of the U.S. between July 11 and 14, 1999. Emphasizing that the fair has an important role in laying the groundwork for increasing the trading volume in food staff between Turkey and the U.S., the official stressed that the Turkish exporter companies get more interested in participating in the U.S. fair. [17] DIE OPENS INTERNATIONAL TENDER TO PURCHASE ELECTRONIC EQUIPMENTANKARA, April 13 (A.A) - The State Institute of Statistics (DIE) opened an international tender to purchase computers, printers, data processing and other equipments related with computer, it was reported on Tuesday.International companies interested in the tender will participate by sealed bids. The announcement concerning the issue was published the same day in the Official Gazette. In accordance with the announcement, the DIE will use one part of the loan it obtained from the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development (IBRD) for the purchase of the electronic equipment in question. The international companies willing to bid for the tender can obtain the spacifications by depositing 50 U.S. dollars to the account of the DIE at the Ziraat Bank's branch office in Anittepe district in Ankara. The letter of bid should be submitted to the Employment and Education Project, Project Coordination Unit till 14:00 local time on 14 May 1999. The tender for which the bid bond is 20 thousand U.S. dollars, will be carried out in accordance with the regulations of the World Bank's standard tender documents regarding the purchase of goods. [18] FOREIGN INVESTMENTS IN BURSABURSA, April 13 (A.A) - The difficulties faced in the markets are causing companies look for strong foreign partners. The foreign companies have a share of 37,9 trillion Turkish liras in 111 companies in Bursa, it was reported on Tuesday. The automotive industry and its sub-industry are the sectors which are invested most frequently by the foreign companies.The number of companies in Bursa which use foreign capital reached to 111 during the 1954-1999 period, according to the Bursa Trade and Industry Chamber. The capital of these countries with foreign partners is 79 trillion 672 billion Turkish liras and the share of the foreign partners from this total amount has been reported as 37 trillion 994 billion Turkish liras. OYAK Renault and TOFAS are the biggest two automobile companies which operate with foreign capital. The Italian Fiat S.P.A has 38 percent of TOFAS's capital. The French Renault S.A., on the other hand holds 51 percent of OYAK Renault Automobile Factory Cooperation. Coast Turkiye Thread Inc. is Bursa's oldest company with foreign credit. The British Coast and Clark Inc. holds 73 percent of its capital. Other campanies which have foreign partners are BP Petrol Cooperation (The
British Petroleum Co. Plc.), Bosch Cooperation (Robert Bosch GMBH), Turkish
Siemens Cable Cooperation (Siemens A.G), Mako Cooperation (Magnetti
Marelli), Borusan A.S. (Mannesmann Handel AG), Nestle Turkey Cooperation
(Nestle S.A), Kav Match Cooperation (Sveska Tandticksbolaget, Swedish
Match), Valeo Cooperation (Valeo S.A), Grammer Armchair Cooperation (Martin
Grammer A.G), Aunde Teknik (Archter Ebels Ulrich), Bon Frutti (Nemr
Sadettin Ay Wazsan), Borcelik A.S. (Sollac, Sowestra B.H), Technical
Equipment Cooperation (Societe de Part.de Sieges d,Automobile), B Plast
Cooperation (Compagnie Plastic Omnium), Matay Automotive (Magneti Marelli
S.P.A). The foreign partners hold shares of 18 companies in textile sector, 11 in food sector, 4 in forest products and contstruction sector and 15 in foreign trade. Other sectors which use foreign credit are education, chemistry, petroleum, tourism, restaurant and cafeterias. Germany is on top of the list of foreign companies with partnership with 25 Turkish companies. Germany is followed by 15 French, 12 Italian, 10 Sweden, 5 British partnerships. Other partners are from the United States, Indonesia, Iraq, Iran, Azerbaijan, Greece and Ethiopia. [19] TURK, NATIONAL DEFENSE MINISTER, ADDRESSES TO JANE'S WEEKLY - TURK: ''WE CAN OWN ANTI-BALISTIC MISSILES. WE ARE BUYING READY DEFENSE SYSTEMS IN THE SHORT TERM TO THIS END''ANKARA, April 13 (A.A) - Hikmet Sami Turk, National Defense Minister, said on Tuesday that Turkey has not an intention to attack her neighbours but that Ankara should be prepared to any initiatives of her neighbours in southern and southeastern parts for developing the defense systems which cover herself.Addressing a statement to Jane's Defence Weekly, a magazine which is an expert on defense issues, Turk pointed out that the most prior worry of Turkey about the security is that her south and southeastern neighbours have some ballistic missile system capabilities. Turk said, ''since our neighbours develop defense systems which includes Turkey, we have to prepare ourselves to any kind of possibilities. The aim is to purchase ready defense systems in the shortest term. This is realized by the purchase of Patriots.'' Turk did not give details when responding a question on the plans of Turkey's purchasing the anti-ballistic missile system Arrows which is an American and Israeli joint production. The magazine wrote that Ankara government, which worries that the U.S and Iraqi tension can spread to Turkey had an agreement with the U.S. on the Engagement Rules Document of the Northern Watch Operation which could not be ended. Turk summarized the agreement between Turkey and the U.S. to prevent the divertion in the aim of the Northern Watch Operation as follows: -The flights within the framework of the Northern Watch Operation are limited with the north of the 36th parallel. The flights did not pass to the south and the air spaces of Syria and Iran. -The aircrafts of this operation will not be permitted to any other operations like attack and retalliation than self-defense. -The command and control plants and military airports, civilian aircrafts and helicopters are excluded from the concept of targets. Jane's Defense pointed out that the uneasiness which Turkey feels about the security in the region led to the pioneership of Turkey in setting up many security organizations. The magazine said that one of these pioneerships is setting up BLACKSEAFOR, which is a working group for the Black Sea Fleet Cooperation to which Turkey, Bulgaria, Romania, Russia, Ukraine and Georgia will be members. Recalling that the meetings which will lead to the establishment of this force is done within the coordination of Turkey, Turk said, ''we believe that such military organizations have an important role in increasing the trust between the countries. Being friends with the foreign military force which you consider as a hostile for years and against which you took measures will provide you to lead to realizing savings because you will decrease your forces and preparations.'' Stating that the members of the BLACKSEAFOR aim at reaching the targets of cooperating and working together in naval forces, the magazine noted that the countries to this end will start initiatives to realize joint naval training, search-research operation and realizing humanitarian aids in the natural calamitiss, mine search-sweeping and peace force operations. When reminded the words of Bill Clinton, the U.S. President, saying that the war in the Balkans can cause a war between Turkey and Greece, which are members of NATO; Turk emphasized that Turkey and Greece can solve their problems peacefully. Turk added that the protection policy of the European Union (EU) to Greece, which supports the terrorist organization PKK does not help solving the problems between Turkey and Greece. Blaming Europe for applying double standard, Turk said, ''the EU sees the terrorist attacks in the union and in Greece in a different way. This is a double standard. Abdullah Ocalan is responsible for the deaths of 30,000 people.'' Recalling that the defense policy of Turkey aims at having small but high- mobilized forces, Turk said that Turkey plans to spend 67 million U.S. dollars in the following decade. Pointing out that Turkey prepares the armed forces foo the ''data operation'' of the 21st century not only at national level but also at NATO level, Turk said, ''maybe the fifth dimension of the war will be data operation. Turkish Armed Forces is setting up command, control, communication, computer and intelligence (C41) system which can be integrated with NATO and the countries which are not the members of NATO to support the joint operations.'' Turk stressed that the Turkish Armed Forces realizes the projects including Turkish Armed Forces Integrated Communication Systems (TAFICS), Command Control Data Systems (KKBS), Turksat Satellite Project, Tactics Field Battle Systems (TASMUS), Reinforcement Package Project, Radio Systems, Land Reinforcement Systems and Electronic War Systems step by step. [20] FOREIGN MINISTER CEM URGES CAUCASIAN COUNTRIES TO TAKE STEP ON BAKU- CEYHAN OIL PIPELINE PROJECTISTANBUL, April 13 (A.A) - Ismail Cem, the Foreign Minister stated on Tuesday that the sides must take another step and display their determination on Baku-Ceyhan Oil Pipeline project.Cem who attended the ''Transfer of Caucasian Oil to Western Markets and Turkey's Role'' conference in Istanbul said that the sides must commit themselves to this project and clarify what they will do in the future. ''I hope this step will be taken soon'' Cem said. The Foreign Minister pointed out that they work in cooperation with the United States on the transportation project in the Caucasian and stressed that any step that the Caucasian countries will take will be very important for their own ınterest. [21] TRANSPORTATION OF CASPIAN OIL - AKTAS, MINISTER OF ENERGY AND NATURAL RESOURCES: ''THERE IS A NEED FOR ECONOMIC AND POLITICAL STABILITY AND A PERMANENT PEACE FOR THE PROSPERITY IN REGIONAL COUNTRIES'' - ''THE ISTANBUL PROTOCOL WILL BE SIGNED TODAY''ISTANBUL, April 13 (A.A) - Ziya Aktas, the Minister of Energy and Natural Resources, said on Tuesday that there is a need for economic and political stability and a lasting peace for the prosperity in the countries in the Caspian basin.Addressing the conference on ''Transfer of Caspian Oil Into Western Markets: Turkey's Role'' held at the Ciragan Palace in Istanbul, Ziya Aktas said the energy is considered as the only field for cooperation in the region, stressing the importance of cooperation in providing peace among the countries. Aktas mentioned that the trade of natural gas and oil from the region will contribute not only to the lasting peace and stability in the region but also to the supply of energy demands of other countries. Noting that Turkey is on the intersection point of the road, which connects Caspian to Mediterranian, Cantral Asia and Balkans and connects Middle East to Europe, Aktas said that all of the sea and motorways connecting the region pass via Turkey. Pointing out that Turkey, which is a reliable and stable transit country, is trying to develop the Baku-Ceyhan Oil Pipeling Project by making use of geographical advantages, Aktas said that the project is not only reliable but also advantageous for the export of oil to international markets regarding environment and cost. Aktas said although the Baku-Ceyhan route seems to be longer than the Baku- Soupsa and Baku-Novorossisk, this negativity was overcomed with other positivities of the Baku-Ceyhan. Recalling that first of all, the Baku-Ceyhan line provided variety in the transport of oil to the world energy market and Turkey is a consumer of the oil to be carried, Aktas said that the Ceyhan terminal enables 300 thousand dwt tankers to load, as it is a deep water seaport. Stressing that the most important factor is environment, Aktas said that the transportation of Caspian basin oil via the Istanbul and Canakkale Straits will create an intense and excessive vessel traffic at the Straits. Ziya Aktas said the studies for bringing the Caspian oil into the international markets with the Baku-Ceyhan Oil Pipeline continue, adding that a protocol will be signed the same day to confirm that they reached a principle decision for accelerating those studies. Speaking to reporters during the break at the conference, Aktas recalled that Azerbaijan, Georgia and Kazakhstan support the Baku-Ceyhan project. Aktas said the protocol, which will be signed the same day, will constitute the continuation of the studies carried out by Turkey, Azerbaijan and international consortium company AOIC and foresees the completion of those studies within a period which won't exceed more than three months. Aktas said the Turn-Key Delivery Agreement and the State Guarantee Agreement were included in the Inter State Agreement and Hosting State Agreement earlier planned to be signed in March 1999. Aktas added that Richard Morningstar, the U.S. President Bill Clinton's Special Representative for Caspian Basin, will attend today's signing ceremony as an observer. [22] UTKAN, TURKEY'S AMBASSADOR TO ROME: ''ASK THE PEOPLE WHO VISITED TURKEY ABOUT THE SAFE TOURISM IN TURKEY'' - ''THE BELGRADE ADMINISTRATION WAS CAUGHT RED-HANDED ON THE KOSOVO ISSUE. IT CAN'T DECEIVE ANYBODY'' - ''TURKEY IS A COUNTRY HAVING HISTORICAL VISION''ROME, April 13 (A.A) - Necati Utkan, Turkey's Ambassador to Rome, said on Tuesday that Turkey is the most secure, contemporary and beautiful country in the region and that ten million tourists spent a nice holiday in Turkey last year despite several hampering campaigns.Speaking to Italian journalists, Ambassador Necati Utkan evaluated the issues like the Turkish tourism, Kosovo crisis and Turkey's membership to the European Union (EU). Utkan said a total of 300 thousand tourists visited Turkey in the first two months of the year although it was a quiet season for tourism. Pointing out that the Turkish tourism was exposed to a terrorist blackmail, Utkan said but that impudent blackmail can't work in Turkey. Noting that some potential tourists thinking of visiting Turkey may be influenced by such blackmails, Utkan said, ''the tourists who want to visit Turkey should not be affected by blackmails. I want them to ask the people, who earlier visited Turkey, about the safe tourism. This is the most objective way.'' Stating that Turkey is following the tragedy in Kosovo with a great concern, Utkan said Turkey tries to help the Kosovar refugees in solving their problems. Noting that many Kosovars have been settled at the camps in Turkey up until now, Utkan said that Turkey will accept 20 thousand refugees. Stressing that the Belgrade administration is implementing an ethnic cleansing, Utkan said the Belgrade administration this time was caught red- handed and can't deceive anyone while the Bosnia issue is fresh in the memory. Responding to the questions of Italian reporters about Turkey's membership to the EU, Ambassador Utkan said Turkey is a country which has a historical vision. ''There are not many countries which can carry the history burden on their shoulders. The history factor exists in Turkey and Italy. This historical vision was missing at the EU summit and the EU made a historical mistake,'' Utkan emphasized. Utkan added that the Turkish people can't change their religion to be a EU member if the EU is a Christian club. [23] TURKEY CURRENTLY HOSTS MORE THAN NINE THOUSAND REFUGEESEDIRNE, April 13 (A.A) - The number of the Kosovar refugees who came to Turkey to escape from Serbian attacks raised to 9 thousand 128, it was reported on Tuesday.A total of 5 thousand 747 refugees entered Turkey from Kapikule border gate since March 22. There are two thousand children and about two thousand women among them. Meanwhile, three thousand 381 Kosovars came by planes to Corlu Airport. More refugees are expected to arrive to Corlu Airport between 1 pm and 3 pm on Tuesday. Three thousand 274 refugees are currently staying at Kirklareli's Gaziosmanpasa Refugee Guesthouse. More than 400 refugees left the guesthouse to stay with their relatives. About 400 children who stay at the guesthouse have started primary or high school. About 300 children under 5 years old were vaccinated against measles at the guesthouse where 49 health officers work. The refugees are also given free phone cards by Telekom to call their relatives in Kosovo. [24] DEMIREL'S EVALUATION IN NATO MAGAZINE - ''TURKEY TO PLAY KEY ROLE IN SOLUTION OF REGIONAL AND GLOBAL PROBLEMS''BRUSSELS, April 13 (A.A) - President Suleyman Demirel said on Tuesday that Turkey will play a key role in solution of regional and global problems.Making an evaluation in the special issue of NATO magazine, which was published due to the 50th anniversary of the alliance, Demirel pointed out that NATO was not the ''gendarme of the world'' yet noted that several risks which form a threat towards mutual values should be given a response. Demirel said reliable and effective existence of NATO was required so much in the world which is changing. Demirel noted that NATO, which is adjusting to the conditions of the time, is resolved to preserve peace and stability in European-Atlantic region. Mentioning about expansion of the Alliance, Demirel reflected the importance Turkey attributed to the participation of Southeastern European countries and mentioned about the contributions of this to the turbulent region and to the Alliance. Stressing the ''new risks and threats'' and showing the international terrorism, far nationalism, immigration movements, mass destruction weapons and regional clashes like Bosnia Herzegovina and Kosovo as examples, President Demirel noted that the Washington Summit will define the NATO in the 21st century. Stressing the importance of the Alliance's assuming a more careful approach to the Caucasian and Central Asian countries with which it is cooperating while entering a new century, President Demirel said that the intense cooperation with those countries is necessary for NATO's interests and will strengthen peace and stability. Emphasizing that Turkey has always been a reliable ally of the NATO, Demirel touched on the primary role she played during the cold war period. Demirel said Turkey, whose situation got more strength as a result of her dependence on democratic values of the contemporary world, also played a role in reflecting NATO's common values in the Central Asia. ''Turkey will not only continue to have a vital importance for the protection of prosperity and security in allied countries but also play a key role in the solution of regional and global problems in the future,'' President Demirel added. [25] BAKU-SUPSA EARLY OIL PIPELINE OPENED - PRESIDENT DEMIREL SENDS LETTER TO GEORGIAN PRESIDENT SHEVARDNADZEANKARA, April 13 (A.A) - President Suleyman Demirel sent a message to Georgian President Eduard Shevardnadze due to the opening of the Baku-Supsa Early Oil Pipeline, it was reported on Tuesday.''Mr. President, I congratulate you on the occasion of the opening of the Baku-Supsa Early Oil pipeline. This step is important as it constitutes the first outcome of our resolved studies for the transfer of the Caspian basin energy resources into the world markets with the lines to be set up and pass via Georgia. Our joint initiatives about the energy transfer line projects, which will contribute to peace and stability in our region and to the strengthening of Georgia's independence and increase of her prosperity, will be crowned in near future with the implementation of the Baku-Ceyhan Project as the main oil pipeline. The determined attitude you have showed up until now to this end deserves every kind of appreciation,'' President Demirel said in his message. [26] TRANSFER OF CASPIAN OIL - TURKEY AND AZERBAIJAN SIGN ISTANBUL PROTOCOLISTANBUL, April 13 (A.A) - The Turkish and Azerbaijani Working Groups signed on Tuesday the Istanbul Protocol regarding the Azerbaijani Main Export Pipeline (Baku-Tbilisi-Ceyhan).The protocol was signed by Ziya Aktas, the Chairman of the Turkish Working Group and the Minister of Energy and Natural Resources; Metin Aral, the Deputy Undersecretary of the Ministry; and Valeh Alaskarov, the Deputy President of the Azerbaijani Oil Company SOCAR. Richard Morningstar, the U.S. President Bill Clinton's Special Advisor for Caspian Basin, signed the protocol as the observer. In accordance with the protocol, the sides will expend every kind of efforts to finalize the Inter State Agreement, Host Country Agreement and Turn-Key Delivery Agreement concerning the Baku-Ceyhan project within three months, expressing their pleasure with the important progress recorded at talks on these agreements. The sides also decided to assign the Turkish Pipeline Oil Transportation Corp. (BOTAS) as the turn-key delivery contractor for the Main Export Pipeline. [27] ATTACK OF SERBS ON ALBANIAN VILLAGES - ECEVIT, PRIME MINISTER: ''WE HAVE NOT RECEIVED ANY OFFICIAL INFORMATION.''ANKARA, April 13 (A.A) - Prime Minister Bulent Ecevit, responding to a question about the attack of Serbs on several villages in northern parts of Albania, said they have not received any official information to this end.When asked about the Serbian attack on Albania, Ecevit said ''I am covering the issue from the news agencies. We have not received any official information to this end. There were some informations which said there were several trivial border clashes. Yet, we have not received a concrete information about the enterance of Serbs into Albanian territories.'' Responding to a question if NATO requested Turkish F-16s to participate in the bombardment, Ecevit said ''no, it did not. They are making arrangements within themselves.'' [28] TURKEY IN BRIEF - 13 APRIL 1999ISTANBUL - The Men's Free-Style Wrestling Team left on Tuesday for Belarus.The team including eight wrestlers will attend the European Championships to take place in Minsk between 15-18 April. BURSA - The Second International Lale (Tulip) Festival will start on 29 April in Bursa, it was reported on Tuesday. The Netherlands, Japan, Germany and Israel will participate as guest countries in the festival will will last on 3 May. BRUSSELS - The Third European-Mediterranean Conference, which has been held since 1995 within the scope of the Barcelona Process and aimed at developing cooperation among the Mediterranean countries and the European Union (EU) members, will take place in Stuttgart, Germany between 15-16 April at the foreign ministerial level, it was reported on Tuesday. Fifteen EU member countries and twelve Mediterranean countries (Turkey, Morocco, Algeria, Tunisia, Egypt, Lebanon, Syria, Israel, Malta, Jordan, Palestine and Greek-Cypriot administration) will convene at the conference. Mauritania and Libya will participate in the conference as special guests. Uluc Ozulker, the Deputy Undersecretary of the Foreign Ministry, is expected to represent Turkey. ISTANBUL - Prince of Jordan Hasan Bin Tallal visited on Tuesday the Holy Trusts room of the Topkapi Palace in Istanbul. Prince Tallal later proceeded to Kirklareli to visit Kosovar refugees. PARIS - According to a research published in the OECD Observer magazine, Turkey ranked third in the list of countries collecting less tax revenues after Mexico and Korea, it was reported on Tuesday. The research based on figures in 1996 said the total tax revenues constituted 25 percent of the Gross Domestic Product in Turkey. ANKARA - President Suleyman Demirel received on Tuesday Sjoerd Izaak Hendrik Gosses, the newly appointed Dutch Ambassador to Ankara. Ambassador Gosses submitted his letter of credence to President Demirel in the meeting. DIYARBAKIR/SIRNAK - The operation, which was launched in Northern Iraq against the terrorist organization, continues, it was reported on Tuesday. It was reported that the terrorists escaped to the Iranian border region controlled by the Patriotic Union for Kurdistan (PUK) led by Jalal Talabani. Lots of shelters including munitions and food stuffs which were found during the operations in the areas, that were bombed and swept off from the terrorists, were destroyed. The operation is supported by the temporary village guards and the peshmergas of the Iraqi Kurdistan Democratic Party (KDP) led by Massaud Barzani. It was mentioned that the security measures were tightened on the Turkish- Iraqi border against probable terrorist infiltrations into Turkey. [29] MORNINGSTAR, U.S. PRESIDENT'S SPECIAL ENVOY FOR CASPIAN ENERGY: ''CASPIAN PIPELINES WILL PROVIDE THE INFRASTRUCTURE OF INDEPENDENCE IN THE REGION''ISTANBUL, April 13 (A.A) - Richard Morningstar, U.S. President's Special Envoy for Caspian Energy said on Tuesday that they regard the Caspian oil pipelines as a structure which will prepare the infrastructure of the independence of countries in the region in the future and which will form policies of security against unstability in the region, adding this is very important for the U.S., Turkey and the regional countries.Addressing the conference on ''Transfer of Caspian Oil Into Western Markets: Turkey's Role'' Morningstar said that Turkey has advantages stemming from her geographical importance, adding Turkey is a bridge in the region in respect of geography, trade and culture. Noting that Turkish political leaders evaluate Baku-Ceyhan Oil Pipeline in respect of security interests of the country, Morningstar stressed that the pipeline will strengthen the links of a group of rich and stable countries with the U.S. and Turkey. Morningstar stressed that the pipeline will also transfer energy sources of the pipeline to world markets in an uninterrupted way, adding ''we have to work together in order to realize the economic and political reforms in the region.'' Pointing out that the U.S. is pleased about the recent progress recorded regarding Baku-Ceyhan oil pipeline, Morningstar recalled that Turkey is worried about the Straits in respect of environment and security. Richard Morningstar said that Turkey also works hard in order to make Baku- Ceyhan pipeline be attractive in respect of trade. [30] FOREIGN MINISTRY DELEGATION VISITS ETHIOPIAANKARA, April 13 (A.A) - A Turkish delegation headed by Numan Hazar, the Foreign Ministry's Coordinator for Africa and Organization for Islamic Conference (OIC) visited Addis Ababa, the capital of Ethiopia and held various contacts there, it is reported on Tuesday.Foreign Ministry said that the visit of the Turkish delegation was realized between 3-8 April 1999 and Numan Hazar was also received by Negasso Gidada, the President of Ethiopia. The statement noted that the officials from the two countries decided to futher improve their cooperation during the visit like setting up a friendship group between parliaments of the two countries, forming a business councils among businessmen and Turkey's giving scholarships and technical assistance to Ethiopia. [31] FM CEM: ''ALL OUR NATION, NOT ONLY FOREIGN MINISTRY TOOK PART IN HUMANITARIAN DIMENSION OF KOSOVO CRISIS''ISTANBUL, April 13 (A.A) - Ismail Cem, the Foreign Minister said on Tuesday that no body's heart is at ease concerning Kosovo crisis, adding ''no body knows what will happen. In fact I am not hopeful that this bombardment and immigration will stop in short term so that immigrants could return to their homes.''Receiving the award of ''Communicator of the Month'' given by Istanbul University, Ismail Cem said that Turkey had warned NATO about Kosova issue earlier when the first danger occured and she tried to explain the things that happened today to NATO countries before. ''We said that time worked against us. Unfortunately Kosovo has remained as the pain of our heart for a long time,'' said Ismail Cem, adding that a contact group has been given the mission of ''leadership'' which had earlier worked about the crisis in Bosnia-Herzegovina instead of Turkey which lived together with Kosovo for 500 years. ''Turkey has fulfilled her mission, not only our Foreign Ministry, but also all our people took a leading part regarding Kosova issue. Turkey has been the first country which accepted refugees and also the only NATO country which opened the land border, this will remain open,'' said Ismail Cem, adding they launch efforts to present Turkey abroad in a systematic way'' and they keep themselves remote from meaningless conflicts of the past. ''Turkey has a very important privilege, she has the biggest economy of a very big geography. Turkey has the most rooted understanding of democracy in this big geography. The most advanced armed forces is Turkey's. Besides Turkey has the most experienced, intelligent and educated people of her region. One has to see these facts,'' he added. A.A Anadolu Agency: News in English Directory - Previous Article - Next Article |
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