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Anadolu Agency: News in English, 99-06-25

Anadolu Agency: News in English Directory - Previous Article - Next Article

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

AA Daily

25 June 1999 Friday


CONTENTS

  • [01] TURKEY-PRESS SCAN
  • [02] MINISTER OF TOURISM, ERKAN MUMKU SPEAKS TO AUSTRIAN JOURNALISTS: ''CANCELLATION OF RESERVATIONS STOPPED, HOTELS STARTED FILLING UP''
  • [03] 700TH ANNIVERSARY OF FOUNDATION OF OTTOMAN EMPIRE - ''TURQUIE: LA BELLE'' CONTINUES ITS TOUR IN SOUTH AMERICA
  • [04] PRESIDENT DEMIREL RECEIVES ALIYEV, DEPUTY SPEAKER OF AZERI PARLIAMENT - DEMIREL: ''WE ARE TWO STATES OF ONE NATION''
  • [05] NATIONAL EDUCATION MINISTER BOSTANCIOGLU IN BUDAPEST TO ATTEND EU EDUCATION MINISTERS CONFERENCE
  • [06] PARLIAMENT DECISIONS ON LAW CHANGES
  • [07] DTM EVALUATES TURKISH ECONOMY
  • [08] KOSOVAR REFUGEES RETURN TO THEIR COUNTRY - A TOTAL OF 2,822 KOSOVAR REFUGEES LEAVE FOR KOSOVO BETWEEN APRIL 21 AND JUNE 24
  • [09] PROBLEMS IN TOURISM SECTOR - MUMCU: ''LET US GIVE ALL THE DECISION ABOUT PROMOTION, INVESTMENT AND THE FUTURE OF THE SECTOR TOGETHER AND REALIZE THE IMPLEMENTATIONS TOGETHER''
  • [10] FOREIGN TRADE DATA - IN JANUARY-APRIL PERIOD OF THIS YEAR, TURKEY REALIZES 7.9 BILLION U.S. DOLLARS IN EXPORT, AND 11.1 BILLION U.S. DOLLARS IN IMPORT
  • [11] TOURISTS TO FLOCK TO TURKEY TO WATCH LAST SUN ECLIPSE OF MILLENIUM ON AUGUST 11
  • [12] FOREIGN TRADE DATA
  • [13] TRNC PRESIDENT DENKTAS: - ''PRESSURES CAN NOT FORCE TURKISH CYPRIOTS TO MOVE'' - ''CLERIDES PLANS A NEW GENOCIDE OPERATION''
  • [14] IMF DELEGATION IN ASO - CAGLAYAN, CHAIRMAN OF ASO: - ''A CERTAIN AMOUNT WAS NOT DETERMINED REGARDED WITH IMF'S FINANCIAL AID AT THE MEETING''
  • [15] TEB SIGNS 40 MILLION U.S. DOLLARS CREDIT AGREEMENT WITH IFC
  • [16] BULGARIAN PARLIAMENT APPROVES NATO AGREEMENT THAT ALLOWS KFOR FORCES TO PASS VIA BULGARIAN TERRITORIES - TURKISH TROOPS TO LEAVE FOR KOSOVO ON JUNE 30
  • [17] COUNCIL OF MINISTERS MEETING ENDS - SOCIAL SECURITY REFORM, STRUGGLE AGAINST ORGANIZED CRIMES, TRANSFER OF TRANSMITTERS TO TRT AND THE ARRANGEMENTS THAT WILL BE MADE IN RTUK LAW ARE DISCUSSED IN THE MEETING

  • [01] TURKEY-PRESS SCAN

    These are some of the major headlines and their brief stories in Turkey's press on June 25, 1999. The Anadolu Ajansi does not verify these stories and does not vouch for their accuracy.

    HURRIYET (LIBERAL)

    WHAT A COINCIDENCE!
    The date of the decision which will be given for accused Abdullah Ocalan, the head of the terrorist organization, was the date when Sheik Said, a person who revolted against the Republic of Turkey in 1925 by saying that ''they are taking our religion away from us'', was executed. Sheik Said and 47 rebellions were executed on June 29, 1925 in southeastern Diyarbakir province.

    SECRET OF ROBE OF GULEN
    It is revealed that the robe which Fethullah Gulen wore in his sermons is a robe worn by the Sheikhulislam, the dignity responsible for all the matters connected with the canon law and the religious schools and coming next to the Grand Vizier in precedence. Gulen had a desire to become a sheikhulislam, which is the highest religious authority by wearing this robe in his sermons.

    MILLIYET (LIBERAL)

    LATE RETIREMENT TO BECOME LAW SOON
    Two alternatives are being discussed regarding retirement age; 58-60 or 60- 62 for women and men. The first alternative is more likely to be approved by the cabinet. Yasar Okuyan, the Minister of Labour and Social Security said they will try to pass the law before the Parliament goes on a recession. The rights of those who are already paying primiums will be protected by some adjustments.

    NO DEMOCRACY, NO TRADE
    Baron Georges Jocobs pointed out that political and social problems block Turkish private sector. Turkish Industrialists' and Businessmen's Association (TUSIAD) and Turkish Union of Chambers and Commodity Exchanges are getting ready to 'democracy report' and 'civil Constitution' discussions to overcome this obstruction.

    CRIMES OF HUMANITY TO BE PREVENTED BY LAW
    The draft law is on the way which suggests eight years of prison term for officers who are engaged in torture and two years for medical personnel who give false reports. The legal measures against torture were reviewed in the draft law prepared by Ali Irtemcelik, the Minister responsible for Human Rights. The government studied the out-of-date laws and want to change the description of torture in Articles 243 and 354 and make punishments more deterring.

    SABAH (LIBERAL)

    ARCELIK TO SELL TECHNOLOGY TO WORLD
    Arcelik is presenting its engine trouble shooting system (MQM) to the world. Arcelik is in contact with 11 companies to discuss the early warning system (MCM) developed by Turkish engineers which is based on MQM. Ahmet Duyar, the General Director of Arcelik Technology Systems said the MQM system targets a market of 25 million US dollars yearly. One European firm already started using the MQM system while four European and one US firms carry out tests of the product.

    OPPORTUNITY OF 'BEING CORNERED'
    Famous businessman Bulent Eczacibasi who spoke at Turkish Industrialists' and Businessmen's Association (TUSIAD) said Turkey was cornered and added that this was a historical opportunity to take radical measures. ''It is relatively easier to take radical measures when you are cornered. The business world sees realities better and suports the necessary policies for a healthy economic growth,'' Eczacibasi stated.

    CUMHURIYET (LEFT)

    DISCUSSIONS ON ''NATIONAL STRATEGY''
    The ''National Strategy'' concept which the National Security Council (NSC) put forward in struggling against the fundamentalism, will lead to a new political discussion. The NSC emphasized in its last statement the ''Kemalist Nationalism.'' The strategy which is planned to be used in the struggle against ''separatism, fundamentalism, extreme racism, and organized crime'' can never be changed in accordance with the ideologies of the governments.

    IMF TO DISCUSS STANDBY AGREEMENT
    The delegation of International Monetary Fund (IMF) which is paying an official visit to Turkey will start its contacts for the standby agreement after Willy Kikens, an IMF executive director, came to Turkey to participate in the contacts. The IMF delegation earlier visited Ziraat Bankasi, the Agriculture and Rural Affairs Ministry, the Privatization Administration Directorate, Halk Bankasi, and the Industry and Trade Ministry. The IMF is expected to discuss the main points of the agreement this weekend.

    RADIKAL (LEFT)

    PREMIER ECEVIT: ''ARTICLE 163 WILL NOT BE INCLUDED IN THE CONSTITUTION
    AGAIN''
    Premier Bulent Ecevit said that the government will pass the laws on the struggle against fundamentalism but that the former Article 163 of the Constitution will not be included in the Constitution again. Mesut Yilmaz, the leader of the Motherland Party (ANAP), said that nobody can carry out initiatives by obstinacy while Devlet Bahceli, the leader of the Nationalist Movement Party (MHP), did not respond the question about this issue.

    OPERATION IN INTERIOR MINISTRY
    The coalition government had a compromise in changing some of the staff in the Interior Ministry. The government decided to appoint 30 governors, including the governors of Ankara, Istanbul and the State of Emergency Regional Governor; 200 head officials; 28 chiefs of police organizations and 18 directors of some units; to some other places. Necati Bilican, the Chief of the Directorate General of Security, is planned be appointed as a governor and his four deputies to be appointed to some other offices.

    TÜRKİYE (RIGHT)

    RATE OF INCREASE IN SALARIES CAUSES PROBLEM AMONG MEMBERS OF GOVERNMENT
    The rate of the increase in the salaries of the civil servants caused a problem among the members of the government. The members of the government try to find a joint opinion on the rate of the increase.

    TARGET OF BUDGET IS DECREASING INFLATION
    The target of the budget of 1999 fiscal year is decreasing the inflation to a one-digit number. Sumer Oral said that the budget carries importance for not only the state but also for the country economy and that the budget is the basic indicator of the economic decisions which will be taken for the benefit of the country.

    ZAMAN (CONSERVATIVE)

    COURT TO ANNOUNCE DECISION ON TUESDAY
    Trial of the head of the terrorist Abdullah Ocalan was completed. The court delegation will convene on Tuesday after an interval to announce its decision. If he is sentenced to death by the court, the Parliament must approve this decision. Turkey which has been trying to recover its human rights record has not carried out an execution in the last 15 years. It is believed that Turkey will be caught between Europe who oppose death penalty and the Turkish public opinion who want Ocalan to be executed.

    [02] MINISTER OF TOURISM, ERKAN MUMKU SPEAKS TO AUSTRIAN JOURNALISTS: ''CANCELLATION OF RESERVATIONS STOPPED, HOTELS STARTED FILLING UP''

    KEMER, June 25 (A.A) - Erkan Mumcu, the Minister of Tourism said on Thursday that some tourist reservations were cancelled because of the protests in Europe after the capture of the head of the terrorist organization Abdullah Ocalah, however this trend did not last long and the tourists recently started filling the hotels.

    Mumcu spoke to Austrian journalists at a press conference after the first flight of Airbus A-340 which was recently joined the fleet of Austrian Airlines. Austrian journalists who were hosted at Magic Life Der Club World in Kemer Kiris as Gulet Tourism's guests directed to the Minister various questions from Ocalan's trial to tourism.

    In his opening speech, Mumcu pointed to the historical ties between Turkey and Austria and said Austria was a very important country for Turkey not only because it sends many tourists to Turkey but because of the two countries' pasts. Austria with its population of eight million, sends 300 thousand tourists to Turkey which is a big share in Turkey's tourism income. ''People who come from Europe gets to know our culture. Every tourist who visits Turkey return home leaving their prejudices behind. This is a great gain for us. Turkey not only wants to make money from tourism. We want to be a productive and participating member of the civilized world, '' the Minister stated.

    Responding to a question, Mumcu said Turkey this year has a 25 to 30 percent loss in tourism according to the figures of the first five months of 1999. ''The reservations started to be cancelled in February parallel to the protests in Europe. But the tour operators are saying that this was a temporary swing and the reservations restarted in June. The airport statistics show that June figures almost caught up with June 1998,'' he stressed and said that the situation will get even better in September and October.

    ''Those who cancelled their reservations were going to visit Turkey for the first time. Tourists who have been to Turkey before did not cancel their reservations. You, journalists can visit Turkey freely. When you go back you will tell about your impressions and this will have a very positive effect on Turkish tourism. Europeans who have relatives or friends in Turkey realize that their fears are baseless,'' Mumcu explained.

    Mentioning Ocalan's trial, the Minister emphasized that Turkish judiciary system is the same with Germany's and this fact is not known by the European public opinion. ''The trial is progressing very fairly in front of everyone's eyes. I believe that it will also pass the European Human Rights Court. It will be understood that he was tried justfully and impartially. The matter will be discussed in international platforms and Turkey will prove itself right,'' he continued.

    When asked to speculate on the court decision, Mumcu said he could not state his opinion regarding a case that is still going on. ''Turkey has the principle of Separation of Powers. The judiciary is independent. If I tell my opinion, this would influence the judiciary,'' Mumcu stated.

    The Minister later answered some questions as below:

    ''Fifty thousand people lost their jobs because of the problems in tourism. In the next 20 years, we will have an important advantage over other countries. We have very high quality facilities. As long as we have these seas and geography, we will be superior. Noone can make a second Gocek, Cappadocia, or Nemrut. As a government, we allocated 100 million US dollars to overcome this problem. Some of this amount will be given as credit to managements who need it, and the rest of it will be used in Turkey's promotion. We give 35 percent discount on charter flights per passenger. These planes could buy their fuel 50 percent off. We will also take other measures, because we care for tourism.''

    [03] 700TH ANNIVERSARY OF FOUNDATION OF OTTOMAN EMPIRE - ''TURQUIE: LA BELLE'' CONTINUES ITS TOUR IN SOUTH AMERICA

    ANKARA, June 25 (A.A) - The ''Turquie: La Belle'' Group which was formed by the Classical Turkish music, folk dances, and fashion show teams, continue its tour in South America within framework of the activities for the 700th anniversary of foundation of Ottoman Empire, it was reported on Thursday.

    The Foreign Ministry issued a statement saying that the group has begun its tour on June 6, and presented several performances in Mexico and Venezuella first.

    The ''Turquie: La Belle'' Group performed in Santiago (Chile), Buenos Aires (Argentina), and Brasilia (Brazil) between June 14-18.

    [04] PRESIDENT DEMIREL RECEIVES ALIYEV, DEPUTY SPEAKER OF AZERI PARLIAMENT - DEMIREL: ''WE ARE TWO STATES OF ONE NATION''

    ANKARA, June 25 (A.A) - President Suleyman Demirel received on Thursday the Azeri parliamentary delegation headed by Yasar Aliyev, the Deputy Speaker of Azeri Parliament.

    Addressing the meeting, President Demirel said that Turkey and Azerbaijan are two states of one nation.

    Expressing satisfaction over Azeri delegation's visit to Turkey, President Demirel pointed out, ''we monitor closely Azerbaijan's improvement, and try to assist her. Azerbaijan became a significant country on international platform after she gained her independence. We believe that Azerbaijan will continue to further develop in future.''

    President Demirel underlined the importance of solidarity and unity in Azerbaijan.

    Recalling that he wanted the Turkish Republics Summit to be postponed to November due to Azeri President Haydar Aliyev's ilness, President Demirel also noted that Aliyev's health condition is better.

    Meanwhile, Yasar Aliyev, the Deputy Speaker of Azeri Parliament, said in his part that they pay a visit to Turkey within framework of the Black Sea Economic Cooperation contacts.

    Aliyev stressed that they have established a ''Demirel Lovers Association'' in Azerbaijan upon demand of Azeri people.

    Mehmet Nevruzoglu, the Azeri Ambassador to Turkey, was also in attendance at the meeting.

    [05] NATIONAL EDUCATION MINISTER BOSTANCIOGLU IN BUDAPEST TO ATTEND EU EDUCATION MINISTERS CONFERENCE

    BUDAPEST, June 25 (A.A) - Metin Bostancioglu, National Education Minister, arrived in Budapest on Thursday night to attend the European Union (EU) Education Ministers Conference.

    Addressing journalists at the Budapest Airport, Bostancioglu said that the conference which will end on June 26, is expected to focus on Kosovo crisis' effects on education in Europe.

    Stressing that Turkey has been invited the conference for the first time since 1963 when the partnership agreement was signed with the EU, Bostancioglu described it as a very positive development.

    [06] PARLIAMENT DECISIONS ON LAW CHANGES

    ANKARA, June 25 (A.A) - The change in law which enables to increase the number of deputy prime ministers, was published in the official gazette and took effect on Friday.

    The Article 3046 which regulates the founding of ministries and describes their basic responsibilities was adjusted to allow appointments of the necessary number of ministers as deputy prime ministers to help the Prime Minister and to coordinate with the Ministers Council.

    The law approving charter of the the Blacksea Economic Cooperation's (BSEC) also appeared in the Official Gazette on Wednesday. The BSEC charter was signed in Yalta on June 5, 1998, approved by the parliaments of 10 member countries, and took effect on May 1, 1999.

    The Parliament decision which allows to prolong the Northern Operation Launch carried out by the UN Security Council's decision for six months was also published in Wednesday's official gazette. The Parliament decision emphasized that Iraq's territorial unity must be preserved and the launch will be limited by patroling flights. The Ministers Council was given authority to take necessary decisions regarding the matter.

    [07] DTM EVALUATES TURKISH ECONOMY

    ANKARA, June 25 (A.A) - The Foreign Trade Undersecretariat (DTM) evaluated the Turkish economy as of the end of 1998 on Friday.

    The DTM said that Turkey was negatively affected by the financial crisis which occured in the Far East, Russia, and the Latin American countries in 1998.

    The DTM noted that the crisis which occured in the economies of the developing countries limited the exports and that the investments and productions in the manifacture industry decreased.

    The DTM stated that the imports in 1998 were beyond the import programme in parallel with the stagnation in the domestic production and while the exports were under the expectation due to the effects of the global crisis.

    The DTM stressed that the luggage trade decreased since 1997 and listed the reasons of the decrease as some negativeness which the people who came to make luggage trade to Turkey face, the decrease in the quality of the products, the decrease in the interest of the economic circles, and the limitative measures which are imposed by the countries.

    The stagnation in demand and in the production occured when there was shortage of cash in the markets due to the lack of foreign capital and the high rate of interests.

    The withdraw of the foreign investors increased the interest rates, but decreased the prices of shares.

    The DTM emphasized that the Treasury realized its foreign borrowing target with success while it could not be successful in the domestic borrowing due to demand inflexibilty.

    [08] KOSOVAR REFUGEES RETURN TO THEIR COUNTRY - A TOTAL OF 2,822 KOSOVAR REFUGEES LEAVE FOR KOSOVO BETWEEN APRIL 21 AND JUNE 24

    ANKARA, June 25 (A.A) - Kosovar refugees who have taken shelter in Turkey after being forced to leave their homes as a result of ethnic cleansing campaign in Kosovo, continued to return to Kosovo on Friday.

    A total of 2,822 Kosovar refugees left Turkey from the Edirne-Kapikule border gate between April 21 and June 24, 1999.

    The officials said that a total of 406 Kosovar refugees left Turkey from Kapikule border gate in the last 24 hours; adding that a total of 1,050 refugees left Turkey in the last two days.

    Meanwhile, the officials at the camp-site in northwestern Kirklareli province, said that a total of 200 more refugees who were staying at the camp-site left the camp will leave Turkey today; adding that 1,233 refugees left the camp until today.

    [09] PROBLEMS IN TOURISM SECTOR - MUMCU: ''LET US GIVE ALL THE DECISION ABOUT PROMOTION, INVESTMENT AND THE FUTURE OF THE SECTOR TOGETHER AND REALIZE THE IMPLEMENTATIONS TOGETHER''

    ISTANBUL, June 25 (A.A) - Erkan Mumcu, the Tourism Minister, said on Thursday night that they should give all the decisions about the promotion, investment and the future of the tourism sector together and realize the implementations together.

    Speaking at the meeting held by the Turkish Union of Travelling Agencies (TURSAB), Mumcu noted that they continue their efforts to solve the financial problems in tourism sector.

    Stressing that they believe that the promotion is important as a policy and a method which increases the demand, Mumcu recalled the bad and saddening events which happened after the capture of Abdullah Ocalan, the terrorist chief.

    Noting that in case the promotion campaigns can be left aside, the image of the country can never be left aside, Mumcu stated that Turkey has realized that she is not a country which can be understood well and that nobody knows nothing about Turkey when she saw that the reservations were cancelled.

    Emphasizing that the tourism sector is not a sector which can be run by only public initiative, Mumcu pointed out that all the persons or institutions that are in this sector should share the responsibilities and should carry out efforts for tourism.

    Mumcu advised giving joint decisions about the investment, the promotion and the future of this sector and realizing the implementations together.

    Pointing out that the sector should be a few steps forward in its initiatives and liabilities, Mumcu emphasized that they have to develop a more-advanced immmunity system if they do not want to have crisis in this sector.

    Mumcu said, ''we want to put into effect some promotion projects by the second week of July. A promotion campaign will start by the resources of the promotion fund and by the resources allocated from the non-governmental organizations including the Turkish Union of Chambers and Commodity Exchanges (TOBB) and Turkish Industrialists' and Businessmen's Association (TUSIAD).
    ''The effects of the crisis start to decrease by July. I hope that we will overcome the decrease which we faced in the first six months, in the second half of this year,'' Mumcu added.

    [10] FOREIGN TRADE DATA - IN JANUARY-APRIL PERIOD OF THIS YEAR, TURKEY REALIZES 7.9 BILLION U.S. DOLLARS IN EXPORT, AND 11.1 BILLION U.S. DOLLARS IN IMPORT

    ANKARA, June 25 (A.A) - In January-April period of 1999, Turkey realized 7 billion 955 million U.S. dollars in export, and 11 billion 178.8 million U.S. dollars in import, it was reported on Friday.

    According to the data of the State Statistical Institute (DIE), Turkey's export decreased 8.1 percent, and her import reduced 25.4 percent compared with figures of the same period of 1998.

    Meanwhile, foreign trade deficit reduced 49 percent to 3 billion 223.8 million U.S. dollars.

    In the same period of last year, Turkey had realized 8 billion 652.4 million U.S. dollars in export, and 14 billion 978 million U.S. dolarlık in import. Turkey's foreign trade deficit in January-April 1998 period was 6 billion 325.5 million U.S. dollars.

    According to the data of the DIE, Turkey exported goods worth of

    1 billion 826.9 million U.S. dollars, imported goods worth of 3 billion 309.6 million U.S. dollars in April. The export reduced 4.7 percent, and import decreased 8.9 percent in April.

    In April, the foreign trade deficit reduced 13.6 percent to 1 billion 482.7 million U.S. dollars.

    According to the DIE data, the foreign trade figures are as follows:

    . APRIL CHANGE JANUARY-APRIL CHANGE
    . 1998 1999 (Percent) 1998 1999 (Percent)

    . ------- ------- ------- ------- ------- ------
    Export 1.917,2 1.826,9 -4,7 8.652,4 7.955,0 -8,1

    Import 3.633,6 3.309,6 -8,9 14.978,0 11.178,8 -25,4

    Foreign

    Tr.Deficit-1.716,4 -1.482,7 -13,6 -6.325,5 -3.223,8 -49,0

    </PRE>

    [11] TOURISTS TO FLOCK TO TURKEY TO WATCH LAST SUN ECLIPSE OF MILLENIUM ON AUGUST 11

    ANTALYA, June 25 (A.A) - The last sun eclipse of the millenium will be best observed in Turkey and this pleases those who work in tourism sector. Those who want to see the last sun eclipse of the millenium on August 11 at 14.30 will flock to Anatolia. The sun eclipse which is observed every 20 years, could be watched on a 100 kilometer wide region streching from Zonguldak coast to Cizre. The meteorologic data of the last 40 years suggest that the weather conditions in Turkey will be most favourable to see the sun eclipse. Therefore groups of scientists and amateurs will come to Turkey to enjoy the last sun eclipse of the millenium.

    Yesim Ozguc, the tour operator of Equinox Travel which is one of the companies which organize 'sun eclipse tours' said the eclipse will be best viewed in Amasya, Elazig, Batman and Cizre. ''However, because of the recent incidents, those who wanted to watch it in Batman and Cizre shifted to Amasya,'' she stated. Ozguc reminded that those wanted to secure accomodation made their reservations at the hotels in the region from last year.

    ''We organized a two week sun eclipse tour. More than five thousand tourists from Japan and the US will come to watch the sun eclipse. The tourists who earlier made reservations in Diyarbakir cancelled their reservations. Now everyone wants to watch it in Amasya, however all the hotels in Amasya and its surrounding filled up from last year. Tourists will flock to this region,'' she explained. Ozguc pointed out that Japanese and US scientists prefer Turkey for this rare astrological event. ''The experts came earlier and decided on the points most suitable to watch the eclipse. NASA recommended Turkey on the internet to those who want to see the last astronomical event of the millenium. The weather conditions will be the best in Amasya on August 11,'' she continued.

    Tuncay Ozisik, research assistant at Istanbul University Science Faculty Astronomy and Space Studies stated that they have been working for three years for the total sun eclipse which will occur in August.

    ''The last sun eclipse was observed in 1976 in Turkey. The Corona layer of the sun which is not seen under normal conditions will be observed during the eclipse. The physical structure and chemical combinations of this layer will be studied through these observations. Also, those who make calculations in sky and orbit mechanics will have the chance to test their calculations' accuracy,'' Ozisik explained. He also warned people against some permanent sight impairments and recommended to use special filters. ''You cannot look at the sun without special filters. You cannot use dark coloured glasses either, this might result in blindness. The sun can only be looked at with a naked eye during the two minutes of its total eclipse. At other times, sun filters musts definitely be used,'' he warned. Ozisik said they wanted to prepare special glasses to watch the eclipse but they need sponsors to support this project financially. They published a book telling about sun eclipses and will start its distribution next week. Ozisik's group also has an internet site on this subject which is http:www.Istanbul.edu.tr//fen//astronomy.

    The next sun eclipse will be observed on March 29 in 2006 and last for four minutes and cover an area of 155 kilometers between Rize and Antalya.

    [12] FOREIGN TRADE DATA

    ANKARA, June 25 (A.A) - The imports of capital and intermediate goods, which are the reflections of the economic recession, decreaed by 29 percent in the January-April 1999 period, it was reported on Friday.

    According to the State Institute of Statistics (DIE) data, the imports of capital goods, which were 3 billion 174.5 million U.S. dollars in the first four months of 1998, decreased to 2 billion 253.9 million U.S. dollars. The imports of intermediate goods reduced from 10 billion 66.3 million U.S. dollars to 7 billion 466.3 million U.S. dollars.

    In the same period, the imports of consumer goods decreased from 1 billion 663.1 million U.S. dollars to 1 billion 370.8 million U.S. dollars. The imports of consumer goods reduced by 17.6 percent and its share in total imports became 12.3 percent.

    In April 1999, the imports of capital goods fell 19.1 percent; the imports of intermadiate goods decreased 7.3 percent and the imports of consumer goods reduced 2.8 percent.

    The imports of agricultural and forestry products decrease 19.1 percent, the imports of mining and quarry products reduced 13.9 percent, the imports of fishery products decreased 20.6 percent, and imports of manufacturing industry goods dropped 26.9 percent in the first four months of 1999.

    In the January-April 1999 period, the imports of crude oil decreased from 720.8 million U.S. dollars to 702.9 million U.S. dollars while the imports of cereals increased from 110.9 million U.S. dollars to 126.2 million U.S. dollars.

    As of the January-April 1999 period, the exports of agricultural and forestry products decreased 2.6 percent, the exports of mining and quarry products fell 23.3 percent and the exports of manufacturing sector products dropped 8.5 percent while tyhe exports of fishery products increased 33.8 percent to 10 million 69 thousand U.S. dollars.

    In the first four months of the year, the exports of capital goods increased 23.2 percent to 429.7 million U.S. dollars while the exports of intermediate goods dropped 10.7 percent and the exports of consumer goods decreased 8.8 percent.

    Turkey's exports to the European Union (EU) countries increased 3.1 percent to 4 billion 170.3 million U.S. dollars in the first four monthe of 1999. Her exports to the European Free Trade Area (EFTA) countries climbed 13.3 percent to 129.4 million U.S. dollars.

    Turkey's exports to the European and Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) countries, which are not OECD members, decreased 45.2 percent to 1 billion 408.8 million U.S. dollars while her exports to the African countries increased 11.8 percent to 458.8 million U.S. dollars.

    In the January-April 1999 period, Turkey's imports from the EU member countries decreased 23.3; her imports from the EFTA countries fell 32.7 percent and her imports from the European and the CIS countries, which are not the OECD members, decreased 21 percent.

    [13] TRNC PRESIDENT DENKTAS: - ''PRESSURES CAN NOT FORCE TURKISH CYPRIOTS TO MOVE'' - ''CLERIDES PLANS A NEW GENOCIDE OPERATION''

    LEFKOSA, June 25 (A.A) - President Rauf Denktas of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) said on Friday that pressures of the G-8 countries, or the U.S. can't force Turkish Cypriots to move, stressing that they will not bow to pressures.

    Pointing out, ''we came to this point by sacrificing our lives and properties, and by using our rights given by the partnership agreements,'' President Denktas said, ''the Greek Cypriots thınk that they took the rıghts of the Turkısh Cyprıots under the roof of theır fake government. But if they look into their pockets, they will see that we are not over there.''

    Stressing that the Turkish Cypriots are free, and they have established their own state, President Denktas reiterated that they are ready to hold state to state negotiations.

    President Denktas received the members of the Executive Board of the Turkish Cypriot Farmers Union.

    Addressing the meeting, Denktas said that Turkey has given the necessary support and guarantee to the TRNC, and called on Turkish Cypriots to rely on future.

    Noting that Greece that aims at owning the whole Cyprus, shed blood on Cyprus by using the Greek Cypriots as a subcontractor, and they carry out a genocide operation by damaging the Turkish-Greek balance, Denktas said that NATO took action to stop a similar carnage in Kosovo, and Turkey had done the same on Cyprus in 1974.

    Denktas added, ''Today, NATO's operation is being considered as holy, but Turkey's operation on Cyprus was more holy operation and forms a model for others. Because Turkey had launched that operation on her own.''

    Pointing out that Glafcos Clerides, the leader of the Greek Cypriot side, is planning a new genocide action under the fake title of Republic of Cyprus, Denktas noted, ''Greek Cypriots tell the lie that they are sovereign on us, on the other hand they show their real face by arming and by speaking out about hoisting a flag in the northern part of Cyprus.''

    Pointing out that as the NATO takes Kosovars back to their homes, the Greek Cypriots talk about returning back to northern Cyprus,

    Denktas added, ''On Cyprus, Greek Cypriot immigrants have no opportunity to return their homes. Cyprus became bi-zonal, and a population exchange was made. The Greek Cypriots have settled down in properties once belonged to the Turkish Cypriots, and they became one of the richest countries of the Mediterranean region. The Turkish Cypriots have settled down in the properties belonged to the Greek Cypriots. A global properties exchange was also made. We should abide by the decisions of the such courts.''

    (UK-AY)
    - Bulgarian Parliament approved on Friday the NATO agreement which allows the KFOR forces to pass via her territories. The agreement envisaging arrival of the Turkish troops in Kosovo via Bulgarian territories, will come into force after being signed by Bulgarian President Stoyanov.

    [14] IMF DELEGATION IN ASO - CAGLAYAN, CHAIRMAN OF ASO: - ''A CERTAIN AMOUNT WAS NOT DETERMINED REGARDED WITH IMF'S FINANCIAL AID AT THE MEETING''

    ANKARA, June 25 (A.A) - Zafer Caglayan, the Chairman of the Ankara Industry Chamber (ASO), said on Friday that during the meeting with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) delegation which was headed by Carlo Cottarelli, the Chief of the IMF Turkish Desk, a certain amount was not determined regarded with the IMF's financial aid.

    Addressing a press conference, Caglayan noted that the tax law was brought onto agenda of the meeting.

    Caglayan said, ''the IMF delegation noted that provisional tax can create problems in the first year, but these problems will be overcome in coming years.''

    Caglayan told reporters, ''we reminded the IMF delegation that Indonesia, Korea, Malaysia, and Brazil were given financial aids, and we told them that such positive attitudes should also been assumed for Turkey. We need a financial source of 4-5 billion U.S. dollars.''

    Noting that a positive report which will be given by the IMF will ease the markets in Turkey, Caglayan continued, ''Turkey should not waste even one moment. The parliament should adopt the necessary constitutional reforms as soon as possible.''

    [15] TEB SIGNS 40 MILLION U.S. DOLLARS CREDIT AGREEMENT WITH IFC

    ISTANBUL, June 25 (A.A) - Turkish Economy Bank (TEB) and International Finance Corporation (IFC), the subsidiary institution of the World Bank, signed a medium term credit agreement worth of 40 million U.S. dollars.

    A statement issued from the bank said 20 million U.S. dollars part of the credit was provided from IFC, and the remaining part was provided from the leading international banks.

    It was reported that this credit, which was provided under very appropriate conditions, was the indication of the confidence and credit which TEB has in finance markets in abroad.

    TEB earlier in March 1995 had taken 40 million U.S. dollars credit from IFC.

    [16] BULGARIAN PARLIAMENT APPROVES NATO AGREEMENT THAT ALLOWS KFOR FORCES TO PASS VIA BULGARIAN TERRITORIES - TURKISH TROOPS TO LEAVE FOR KOSOVO ON JUNE 30

    SOFIA, June 25 (A.A) - Bulgarian Parliament approved on Friday the NATO agreement envisaging allowance of the KFOR forces and military equipment to pass via her territories.

    The agreement which was signed between Bulgaria and the NATO last week, will come into force after being signed by Bulgarian President Stoyanov.

    A total of 213 deputies casted votes, and the agreement was accepted with 208 for and 3 against the votes.

    Following the Bulgarian parliament's approval of the agreement, the Turkish troops are expected to leave for Kosovo on June 30.

    Military equipments and armoured vehicles belonging to the Turkish Armed Forces, will be transported to Macidonian border by Bulgarian railway. Then, equipments and armoured vehicles will be transported to Kosovo by trucks.

    Turkish soldiers will be sent to Kosovo by airways.

    [17] COUNCIL OF MINISTERS MEETING ENDS - SOCIAL SECURITY REFORM, STRUGGLE AGAINST ORGANIZED CRIMES, TRANSFER OF TRANSMITTERS TO TRT AND THE ARRANGEMENTS THAT WILL BE MADE IN RTUK LAW ARE DISCUSSED IN THE MEETING

    ANKARA, June 25 (A.A) - Social security reform, struggle against organized crimes, transfer of tranmitters to TRT, and arrangements that will take place in the Supreme Radio and Television Board (RTUK) were discussed in the meeting of Council of Ministers on Friday.

    Mehmet Ali Irtemcelik, Minister of State and Government Spokesman, speaking after the meeting, said Yasar Okuyan, Minister of Labour and Social Security, briefed about the existing situation and targets in social security envisaged to be reached.

    Irtemcelik said a sub-commission was established with Council of Ministers to give the last shape to the draft resolution on the issue. The draft, which will be discussed in this commission on Monday, will be evaluated in Economic and Social Council that will convene on Thursday.

    Meanwhile, Sadettin Tantan, Minister of Interior, spoke about the draft resolution in struggle against organized crimes which had been prepared in the past period but not updated as it was outdated.

    Another sub-commission was also established in Council of Ministers related with this draft resolution.

    Yuksel Yalova, Minister of State, briefed Council of Ministers about the studies which were made to tranfer the tranmitters to TRT thus increasing the source provided to the institution.

    An agreement was reached in the meeting to re-arrage RTUK law.

    A.A


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