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Anadolu Agency: News in English, 99-07-08

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

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

AA Daily

08 July 1999 Thursday


CONTENTS

  • [01] TURKEY-PRESS SCAN
  • [02] UTKAN, TURKISH AMBASSADOR TO ITALY: - ''ITALIAN FOREIGN MINISTRY ATTEMPTED TO PROTEST TURKEY VERBALY''
  • [03] TURKISH PEACE FORCE IN KOSOVO
  • [04] TOURISM MINISTER GOES TO CHINA TO ATTEND TURKISH-CHINA SECOND TERM TOURISM COMMISSION MEETING
  • [05] PRESIDENT DEMIREL: ''TERRORISM IS VIOLENCE AND A CRIME OF HUMANITY''
  • [06] TRNC PRESIDENT DENKTAS: ''IF THE WHOLE ISSUE WERE TO SAVE 100-200 TURKS, THEN TURKEY WOULD HAVE TRANSFERRED US TO SOMEWHERE ELSE''
  • [07] IMF SUPPORT TO TURKEY WILL CONTINUE
  • [08] IMF EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR WILLY KIEKENS EXPRESSES DISTRESS OVER ULUGBAY'S SUICIDE ATTEMPT
  • [09] BTV TO PAY THREE BILLION TL TO GENERAL DIRECTOR OF ANATOLIAN AGENCY, MEHMET GULER
  • [10] PRESIDENT DEMIREL INVITES HIS ROMANIAN COUNTERPART CONSTANTINESCU TO CELEBRATIONS FOR 700TH ANNIVERSARY OF FOUNDATION OF OTTOMAN EMPIRE ON SEPTEMBER 15
  • [11] TURKISH ARMED FORCES (TSK) PURCHASES 50 BLACK HAWK HELICOPTERS - FIRST TEN HELICOPTERS INCLUDED IN TSK'S INVENTORY
  • [12] GOKALP, AGRICULTURE AND RURAL AFFAIRS MINISTER, MEETS WILSON, BRITISH MINISTER OF TRADE
  • [13] TURKISH-SLOVAKIAN BUSINESS COUNCIL'S MEETING
  • [14] COHEN, U.S. DEFENSE SECRETARY, DUE IN TURKEY
  • [15] GREEN'S MEMBER, CLAUDIA ROTH'S PRESS MEETING - ROTH SAYS IT IS WRONG TO PRESSURE TURKEY TO SUSPEND OCALAN'S EXECUTION
  • [16] TURKISH-ROMANIAN BUSINESS COUNCIL MEETING - PRESIDENT DEMIREL: ''I BELIEVE THAT CONSTANTINESCU'S VISIT TO TURKEY WILL IMPROVE THE FRIENDSHIP AND SOLIDARITY BETWEEN THE TWO COUNTRIES AND WILL SET UP NEW OPPORTUNITIES FOR COOPERATION''
  • [17] MEETING BETWEEN DEMIREL AND DENKTAS - PRESIDENT DEMIREL: ''WE WILL NOT ABANDON CYPRUS CASE'' - ''CYPRUS IS A NATIONAL CASE FOR US'' - PRESIDENT DENKTAS: ''TURKISH CYPRIOT PEOPLE ARE THANKFUL TO YOU''
  • [18] TURKISH-ROMANIAN BUSINESS COUNCIL MEETING - CONSTANTINESCU, ROMANIAN PRESIDENT: - ''THE COOPERATION BETWEEN ROMANIA AND TURKEY IS THE MOST IMPORTANT CONDITION OF DEVELOPMENT IN ECONOMIC AND BUSINESS RELATIONS''
  • [19] CEYHUN, DEPUTY OF EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT FROM GERMAN GREENS PARTY: ''THE POLITICIANS SHOULD REFRAIN FROM PAYING UNNECESSARY VISITS TO TURKEY''
  • [20] SUICIDE ATTEMPT OF ULUGBAY, STATE MINISTER - PRIME MINISTER ECEVIT: - ''HE IS A DISTINGUISHED POLITICIAN. I WILL ASK HIM TO RETURN BACK TO HIS DUTY''
  • [21] MAKOVSKY, U.S. EXPERT ON TURKEY: ''PKK LOST THE WAR''
  • [22] PRESIDENT DEMIREL RESPONDS QUESTIONS - DEMIREL: ''I CONSIDER SYMPATHY FOR TERRORISM AS INVOLVEMENT IN CRIME. THIS MEANS BEING AN ACCOMPLICE OF ATTACKS. IF ITALY DOES THIS, IT MEANS SHE IS AN ACCOMPLICE TO THE ATTACKS''
  • [23] PRESIDENT DEMIREL RESPONDS QUESTIONS - DEMIREL: ''I CONSIDER TODAY'S ECONOMIC PROBLEMS AS SERIOUS''
  • [24] A TOTAL OF TEN PERSONS WHO STAGED ILLEGAL DEMONSTRATIONS TO PROTEST CAPITAL PUNISHMENT GIVEN FOR OCALAN, CAPTURED IN ISTANBUL
  • [25] DOG OWNERS NOW HAVE PSYCHOLOGICAL TREATMENT CENTER FOR THEIR PETS
  • [26] PARLIAMENT NATIONAL DEFENCE COMMISSION ACCEPTS FOUR DRAFT LAWS
  • [27] EUROPEAN HUMAN RIGHTS COURT FINDS TURKEY GUILTY IN 15 SEPARATE CASES FOR VIOLATING HUMAN RIGHTS
  • [28] WORLD BANK PLANS TO GIVE 30 MILLION US DOLLARS CREDIT FOR PRESERVATION OF TURKEY'S CULTURAL HERITAGE
  • [29] GAYDALI, STATE MINISTER, RECEIVES PARRIS, U.S. AMBASSADOR TO TURKEY
  • [30] CAKMAKOGLU, NATIONAL DEFENSE MINISTER, MEETS WITH HENDERSON, BRITISH STATE MINISTER RESPONSIBLE FOR DEFENSE
  • [31] GREENS DEPUTY CLAUDIA ROTH: ''TURKEY SHOULD BE OFFERED A CREDIBLE PERSPECTIVE ABOUT ITS MEMBERSHIP TO EU''
  • [32] DEMIRALP, TREASURY UNDERSECRETARY: - ''I ACCEPTED THIS ASSIGNMENT BECAUSE OF INSISTENCE OF ULUGBAY'' - ''THE TREASURY HAS NOT STARTED ANY INITIATIVES CONCERNING THE DEVELOPMENTS IN STOCK EXCHANGE''
  • [33] GREEK CYPRIOT SPEED BOATS VIOLATE TERRITORIAL WATERS OF TRNC - TRNC AUTHORITIES PROTEST THE INCIDENT TO THE U.N. PEACE FORCES
  • [34] PARLIAMENTARY JUSTICE COMMISSION ADOPTS THE DRAFT RESOLUTION RELATED WITH ESTABLISHMENT OF INTERNATIONAL LAW AND FOREIGN AFFAIRS GENERAL DIRECTORATE WITHIN THE STRUCTURE OF JUSTICE MINISTRY
  • [35] STATE OF EMERGENCY TO BE EXTENDED IN SIX PROVINCES
  • [36] KASHMIR PROBLEM - FOREIGN MINISTRY: ''TURKEY WELCOMES EFFORTS OF PAKISTAN AND INDIA TO SOLVE THEIR PROBLEMS WITH A PEACEFUL UNDERSTANDING''
  • [37] OIC 26TH FOREIGN MINISTERS MEETING - FOREIGN MINISTRY: ''THE MEETING AND BILATERAL CONTACTS ARE PLEASING FOR TURKEY''
  • [38] TURKISH CULTURAL HERITAGE PROJECT - REPORTS ARE DISCLOSED REGARDING 30 MILLION U.S. DOLLAR CREDIT, PLANNED TO BE GIVEN BY THE WORLD BANK TO TURKEY FOR THE PRESERVATION OF CULTURAL HERITAGE

  • [01] TURKEY-PRESS SCAN

    These are some of the major headlines and their brief stories in Turkey's press on July 8, 1999. The Anadolu Ajansi does not verify these stories and does not vouch for their accuracy.

    HURRIYET (LIBERAL)

    IMF REGRETS FOR MISUNDERSTANDING
    Willy Kiekens, the Executive Director of the International Monetary Fund (IMF), expressed deep sorrow over suicide attempt of Hikmet Ulugbay, the State Minister, and he wished quick recovery for Ulugbay. Pointing out that the word ''consolidation'' in the statement of Carlo Cottarelli, the Chief of IMF's Turkey Desk, did not mean ''postponement of debts'', Kiekens stressed that Turkey does not need to postpone her debts.

    CONSTANTINESCU RECEIVES TURKISH BUSINESSMEN
    Romanian President Emil Constantinescu who paid an official visit to Turkey as guest of President Suleyman Demirel, received Turkish businessmen. Bulent Eczacibasi, Faruk Suren and Husnu Ozyegin were among the businessmen. At the meeting, Turkish businessmen's investments in Romania were taken up. President Constantinescu said that he hopes Turkish businessmen will increase their investments in Romania.

    MILLIYET (LIBERAL)

    ITALIAN OBSTINACY
    In the report accepted by the Italian parliament which convened to discussed latest developments in Ocalan affair, it was said, ''it is Italian government's duty not to carry out capital punishment given to Ocalan.'' Meanwhile, Italian Prime Minister Massimo D'Alema who continued to make harsh statements about Turkey, wanted to be influencial on Turkey. Necati Utkan, Turkish Ambassador to Italy, was summoned to the Italian Foreign Ministry and given a verbal note.

    PKK TERRORISTS: WE ARE DYING FOOLISHLY
    The PKK camps in Northern Iraq were informed about situations of two terrorists who were killed in clashes with the security forces in the wake of the attack where 4 people lost their lives and 6 others were injured, through the transceivers. Terrorists said in their conversations that their two friends died foolishly.

    250 MILLION U.S. DOLLARS COME FROM WORLD BANK
    The World Bank provided 253.5 million U.S. dollars bank loan to Turkish Exim Bank. The loan will be used to meet the needs of the private sector exporters, including the export of the raw materials, the purchase of devices, the period of production and services. The World Bank statement said that the credit will be given to encourage the private sector investors of Turkey and to make positive contributions to the Turkish export sector which was negatively affected by the global financial crisis.

    SABAH (LIBERAL)

    FOR THE SAKE OF HIS HONOUR
    Slander claiming, ''Secret document belonged to the International Monetary Fund (IMF) was leaked, and used to make profit in the stock exchange,'' lead Hikmet Ulugbay, State Minister, to suicide.

    SABANCI'S GOLDEN LETTERS IN LOUVRE
    The Calligraphy Collection of Sakip Sabanci will be displayed in Louvre Museum in Paris. The protocol regarded with the exhibition of calligraphy collection of Sakip Sabanci, was signed in French capital Paris. Sakip Sabanci, and Pierre Rosenberg, the Director of Louvre Museum, attended the signing ceremony. The collection will be displayed in Louvre Museum between March 17 and May 29, 2000. A total of 71 samples of the calligraphy which belonged to the period between 15th century and 20th century, will be displayed in the Louvre Museum.

    CUMHURIYET (LEFT)

    TERRORIST ATTACK IN CUKURCA
    One major and one private lost their lives when a group of terrorist opened fire on a military convoy near Cayirli village in Cukurca county of eastern Hakkari province. Major Erdogan Ozdemir, and Private Selim Kubanc lost their lives when terrorists attacked the convoy with long barrelled guns, and rocket-launchers. An official funeral took place in Hakkari Commandership for Ozdemir and Kubanc.

    REASONED VERDICT FINALIZED
    The written verdict of the Ankara State Security Court (DGM) No.2 about Abdullah Ocalan, the head of terrorist organization PKK, was finalized. The verdict is composed of 280 pages and eight parts. The verdict stressed, ''implementation of Article 59 will not be appropriate because the accused did not give up his intentions to separate the country, he did not surrendered to the security forces, and he did not give information about terrorist organization PKK which will be sufficient to eliminate the organization''

    RADIKAL (LEFT)

    TERRORIST OSMAN OCALAN IN IRAN
    Ferhad Barzani, the Representative of the Iraqi Kurdistan Democratic Party (KDP) in Washington D.C. said that Osman Ocalan who is the brother of Abdullah Ocalan, the head of terrorist organization PKK, is in Iran. Barzani pointed out that KDP peshmergas captured three terrorists in the rural area east of Arbil on Sunday with 10 kg of TNT and 8 hand grenades who were coming from the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan (PUK) region. Barzani noted that these three terrorists confessed that they were planning to stage a big bomb attack in Arbil.

    CYPRUS QUESTION JUST LIKE A BLACK CAT
    Alan Makovsky, the U.S. expert on Turkey, said that Turkey and the U.S. have never contradicted with each other on Cyprus question until today, and it can damage the relations between two countries. Makovsky noted the Congress carries out serious activities against Turkey.

    TÜRKİYE (RIGHT)

    ULUGBAY SHOCK
    Prime Minister Bulent Ecevit evaluated the suicide attempt of Hikmet Ulugbay, the State Minister responsible for the economy, saying, ''I cannot know what caused him to attemp suicide, but he is respectful to his responsibilities. I think negotiations with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) suffocated him too much.''

    GREAT CROSS MEDAL FOR GENERAL KIVRIKOGLU
    Romanian President Emil Constantinescu who pays an official visit to Turkey as the guest of President Suleyman Demirel, received General Huseyin Kivrikoglu, the Chief of General Staff, and decorated him with the Romanian ''Great Cross'' medal. General Kivrikoglu also added that cooperation between Turkey and Romania will bring peace and stability to the region.

    ZAMAN (CONSERVATIVE)

    COLONEL ISERI LAID TO REST
    Retired Colonel Ertugrul Iseri who lost his life when the vehicle belonging to the Turkish Petroleum Corporation (TPAO) crashed into a landmine which was planted by terrorists, in southeastern Batman province, was laid to rest in Niksar county of Tokat province.

    [02] UTKAN, TURKISH AMBASSADOR TO ITALY: - ''ITALIAN FOREIGN MINISTRY ATTEMPTED TO PROTEST TURKEY VERBALY''

    ROME, July 8 (A.A) - Necati Utkan, Turkish Ambassador to Italy, said on Wednesday that the Italian Foreign Ministry attempted to protest Turkey verbally.

    Addressing a press conference to inform journalists about the latest developments in Italy, Utkan noted that the Italian Foreign Ministry found statements of President Suleyman Demirel, Prime Minister Bulent Ecevit, and Yildirim Akbulut, Speaker of Parliament, ''unfair'', and gave a verbal protest to Turkey to this end.

    Evaluating the resolution adopted by the Italian parliament about Abdullah Ocalan, the head of terrorist organization PKK, Utkan told reporters, ''overall political parties in Italy signed the proposal, and it was adopted as a result of Italian public opinion's reaction to the capital punishment.''

    Recalling that Italian Prime Minister Massimo D'Alema described Turkey as a ''friendly and significant country'', Utkan stressed that relation between Turkey and Italy should be eased.

    [03] TURKISH PEACE FORCE IN KOSOVO

    PRIZREN, July 8 (A.A) - The deployment of a big part of Turkish peace force personnel and equipment has been completed, it was reported on Wednesday.

    A total of 457 personnel who came to Kosovo by air were deployed in Dragas. The group will be completed when the 5th and the 6th trains reach Prizren on Thursday.

    So far, 170 military vehicles reached the region, the authorities said and it was reported that the containers, tanks, and armoured vehicles would be in Dragas within one week. The Turkish Peace force troops will be deployed in Dragas and another troop of 128 soldiers will be kept in Mamusa.

    A total of 17 medical personnel, including two women, serve in Turkish peace force. The specialized Turkish doctors aim to give service to people who are under the control of Turkish peace force.

    [04] TOURISM MINISTER GOES TO CHINA TO ATTEND TURKISH-CHINA SECOND TERM TOURISM COMMISSION MEETING

    ISTANBUL, July 8 (A.A) - Erkan Mumcu, the Minister of Tourism went to China on Wednesday to attend the 'Turkish-China 2. Term Tourism Commission Meeting''.

    Prior his departure, Mumcu told reporters that during his visit he will sign a tourism agreement which was prepared by previous ministers.

    ''China has a concept called 'officially visitable country'. There are some countries which they declare visitable, and they want to include Turkey in this list,'' Mumcu stated.

    According to the figures of the World Tourism Organization, until 2020 China will be the fourth country which sends and receives the greatest number of tourists to the world. ''When this fact is considered, Turkey must get prepared for the next 20 years,'' Mumcu stressed.

    Turkey and China have been developing relations in political and economic fields, Mumcu reminded and said it will be for the interest of both countries to strengthen relations in tourism as well.

    Mumcu said he will discuss simplification of visa procedures during his contacts. Mumcu and his delegation will return to Turkey on July 12.

    [05] PRESIDENT DEMIREL: ''TERRORISM IS VIOLENCE AND A CRIME OF HUMANITY''

    ISTANBUL, July 8 (A.A) - ''Terrorism is violence and a crime of humanity'' President Suleyman Demirel told reporters on Wednesday prior to his visit to Dolmabahce Palace with Emil Constantinescu, his Romanian counterpart.

    Regarding the approval of the report at the Italian Parliament which was about the head of the terrorist organization, Ocalan, the President said supporting terrorism in Turkey meant participating in future terrorist acts that might occur in Turkey and other places in the world. Some people and countries find justifications for terrorism and this means they support it, Demirel added and described the act as ''shameful''.

    [06] TRNC PRESIDENT DENKTAS: ''IF THE WHOLE ISSUE WERE TO SAVE 100-200 TURKS, THEN TURKEY WOULD HAVE TRANSFERRED US TO SOMEWHERE ELSE''

    TRABZON, July 8 (A.A) - ''If the whole issue were to save 100-200 Turks, then Turkey would have transferred us to somewhere else and solved the problem,'' said Rauf Denktas, the President of Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC).

    Denktas ended his five day visit to Turkey's Black Sea region with the conference ''The Situation and Future of Cyprus'' on Wednesday.

    ''Cyprus is a vital issue. Cyprus is geopolitically very important for Turkey. If Cyprus becomes a part of Greece, Turkey's all southern coasts starting from Iskenderun would be closed. Therefore, Turkey can not give up Cyprus. It will never give it to Greece,'' Denktas stated.

    ''Which nation in the world gave the struggle that we gave, gained their independence like we did, and was saved from genocide, established their state, and formed its Parliament? This nation has established its state 16 years ago, and now they are telling me to forget about the state, and being a president, and to speak as a community leader. We won't accept this,'' Denktas continued.

    [07] IMF SUPPORT TO TURKEY WILL CONTINUE

    WASHINGTON, July 8 (A.A) - The IMF said on Wednesday that the State Minister Hikmet Ulugbay's suicide attempt caused them deep grief and and wished him a speedy recovery. The statement also said the IMF will continue to support the government's efforts to recover Turkish economy.

    ''Mr. Ulugbay had big contributions to Turkish economy and to the development of public finance administration. He headed the talks held with the IMF delegation and he had a big role in the successful result of the meetings. IMF's support to the government's economic policies will definitely continue and we will work together with the Turkish government to recover the economy,'' it was said in the statement.

    [08] IMF EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR WILLY KIEKENS EXPRESSES DISTRESS OVER ULUGBAY'S SUICIDE ATTEMPT

    WASHINGTON/ANKARA, July 8 (A.A) - Regarding the State Minister responsible for Economy, Hikmet Ulugbay's suicide attempt, Willy Kiekens, the Executive Director of IMF said this was a very saddening incident for them and added that they hoped Ulugbay would recover soon.

    Kiekens stressed that the term ''consolidation'' did not mean ''postponing the debts'' and stated that Turkey did not need to postpone any debts. Kiekens said the IMF pointed out that Turkey's finacial deficit had to be decreased but they never discussed delaying debts.

    Hikmet Ulugbay represented Turkey very successfuly during the meeting with the IMF delegation, Kiekens told the A.A. correspondant on the phone. He noted that through Ulugbay's attempts, the relations between Turkey and the IMF reached to a very good point.

    When asked how Ulugbay's suicide attempt would affect the Turkey-IMF relations, Kiekens stated that this incident would not have a negative effect on Turkey-IMF contacts. In its final statement, the IMF already said that we have reached a positive stage, he emphasized.

    [09] BTV TO PAY THREE BILLION TL TO GENERAL DIRECTOR OF ANATOLIAN AGENCY, MEHMET GULER

    ANKARA, July 8 (A.A) - Ankara Civil Court decided that the private tv channel BTV will pay three billion TL to Mehmet Guler, the General Director of Anadolu Agency for causing anguish with its baseless and degrading subtitles which targets his personal rights.

    Guler's lawyer Teoman Evren and BTV's lawyer Selma Altunbulak attended Wednesday's hearing.

    Altunbulak repeated her earlier defence and asked the court to cancel the case. At the end of the hearing, the judge, Levent Yavuz sentenced BTV to pay a total of three billion TL to Mehmet Guler for the anguish it caused him.

    In the court statement prepared by Guler's lawyer, Evren, it was said that BTV attacked Guler's personal rights during its broadcast on November 18, 1998. The broadcast carried baseless subtitles in the news bulletin and intended to degrade Guler. Evren had asked the court to sentence BTV to pay five billion TL for its wrong doing.

    [10] PRESIDENT DEMIREL INVITES HIS ROMANIAN COUNTERPART CONSTANTINESCU TO CELEBRATIONS FOR 700TH ANNIVERSARY OF FOUNDATION OF OTTOMAN EMPIRE ON SEPTEMBER 15

    ISTANBUL, July 8 (A.A) - President Suleyman Demirel invited his Romanian counterpart Emil Constantinescu to the celebrations for the 70th anniversary of foundation of Ottoman Empire which will take place in the Dolmabahce Palace between September 14-15, on Wednesday. Recalling that heads of states and governments of 70 countries have been invited to the celebrations, President Demirel stressed that he will be glad to host his Romaian counterpart in Turkey once again.

    [11] TURKISH ARMED FORCES (TSK) PURCHASES 50 BLACK HAWK HELICOPTERS - FIRST TEN HELICOPTERS INCLUDED IN TSK'S INVENTORY

    ANKARA, July 8 (A.A) - Huseyin Kivrikoglu, the Chief of General Staff said on Wednesday that the Turkish Armed Forces (TSK) which is becoming one of the greatest armed forces of the world will protect the secular Turkish Republic against every kind of threat.

    The first ten of the 50 Black Hawk helicopters purchased from the US Sikorsky firm were included into the TSK's inventory on Wednesday with a ceremony held at the Military Aviation School. Gen. Kivrikoglu; Sabahattin Cakmakoglu, the Minister of Defence; Ilhan Kilic, the Air Forces Commander, and other high level authorities attended the ceremony.

    Kivrikoglu, in his speech, said that 50 Sikorsky helicopters were bought to modernize the TSK and continued:''Our country is located on a geography where peace and stability is frequently threatened and it is possible that this situation may continue. We must be strong in military field as much in politics and economy. Therefore, the TSK continues to modernize itself and and become an effective army by increasing its combative and supportive elements.''

    Kivrikoglu also stated that the TSK had to support NATO to prevent crisis in the world and to maintain peace.

    ''The TSK's most important task during peace is being a deterring force. This requires trained, disciplined troops, and the modern equipments. The TSK aims to become a force equipped with strong firing and maneuvering skills. The new Sikorsky helicopters will make the TSK stronger,'' he continued.

    Atilla Ates, the Land Forces Commander who also spoke at the ceremony said this project will helped to develop good relations with the US.

    Mark R.Parris, the US Ambassador pointed out that the Sikorsky's had high performance and survival skills even under the most difficult conditions. One reason the US supported Turkey to buy the helicopters was that the helicopters will contribute to a joint operation in case of an international crisis, Ambassador Parris stressed.

    Armagan Kuloglu, the Commander of Aviation and Training Center also said the 50 Sikorsky's will significantly increase the TSK's capacity and stated that the Turkish aviation would become one of the five strongest aviations of the world in the next decade.

    [12] GOKALP, AGRICULTURE AND RURAL AFFAIRS MINISTER, MEETS WILSON, BRITISH MINISTER OF TRADE

    LONDON, July 8 (A.A) - Husnu Yusuf Gokalp, the Agriculture and Rural Affairs Minister who is paying a three-day official visit to Britain, met Brian Wilson, the British Minister of Trade, on Wednesday.

    Following the meeting, Gokalp told A.A correspondent that he said in the meeting that the trading volume between Turkey and Britain is very high and that he proposed him to have joint investments.

    Recalling that Turkey has an important position by not only being a bridge between East and West but being a transition path between North and South, Gokalp said that expressed the importance of Southeastern Anatolia Project (GAP).

    Stressing that GAP can irrigate fields which is equal to the whole territory of Belgium, Gokalp noted that Wilson told him that he wants to visit the region and will send a delegation firstly to carry out investigation in the region.

    Gokalp stated that Wilson told him that Britain is interested in making investments in the plants which will be set up in this region.

    When recalled that some environmental groups and the some associations of the terrorist organization in Britain oppose to the British encouragement for the Ilisu Dam project of Turkey and asked whether or not this issue was discussed in the meeting, Gokalp emphasized that Wilson told him that he will send an expert to investigate this issue at its spot and Gokalp added that he pointed out that Britain should separate this issue from politics.

    Noting that Wilson drew the attention that Turkey is not only a significant market, but is also at a position of reaching all of the surrounding markets, Gokalp stressed that they decided to carry out joint education projects.

    Meanwhile, Gokalp earlier visited the Royal Agriculture Fair and held bilateral meetings with British officials; Nick Brown, British Minister of Agriculture, and Brazilian, Mongolian and Hungarian agriculture ministers; and Dean Gibson, British Parliamentary Food and Health Commission.

    Gokalp will return to Turkey this afternoon.

    [13] TURKISH-SLOVAKIAN BUSINESS COUNCIL'S MEETING

    ISTANBUL, July 8 (A.A) - The 1999 joint meeting of Turkish Slovakian Business Council which operates under the Foreign Economic Relations Council (DEIK), was held in Istanbul on Wednesday.

    Vehbi Burcak, the Chairman of Turkish-Slovakian Business Council said in the meeting that Turkish and Slovakian private sectors must cooperate in various fields.

    ''The two countries must bring their strong fields together. Besides Turkey and Slovakia, we can also do business in other countries,'' he stated.

    Burcak explained that the dynamic Turkish private sector would be the right partner for Slovakian firms, therefore urged the Slovakian side to include Turkey in their search for partners besides the Western European countries.

    Stefan Ziak, Burcak's Slovakian counterpart in the meeting, pointed out that the meeting was a step in the development of bilateral economic and business relations between Turkey and Slovakia and stated that the businessmen from both countries had the chance to discuss cooperation posibilities during this occasion.

    Ziak stressed that his country implemented some economic reforms since 1993 and added that they had big firms in metalurgy, chemistry, construction, machinery, and equipment industry fields.

    Ziak said they aimed to develop friendly relations with Turkey in every area.

    Husamettin Kavi, the Chairman of Istanbul Industry Chamber's (ISO)Executive Board, stated that Turkey, with its eight percent growth rate, had a powerful and dynamic private sector in recent years, and said Turkey and Slovakia must work to increase their share from the international trade.

    Central and Eastern Europe, Balkan countries, CIS, and North African countries will emerge as important markets as the growth rate of the US is expected to be around one percent in the coming years, he noted.

    [14] COHEN, U.S. DEFENSE SECRETARY, DUE IN TURKEY

    WASHINGTON D.C., July 8 (A.A) - William Cohen, the U.S. Defense Secretary, will pay visits to Turkey and Greece next week within the framework of his tour including seven NATO members in Europe, it was reported on Thursday.

    Among the issues which will be taken up during Cohen's contacts in Turkey, Turkey's proposal to set up multi-national peace force in Caucasia also takes place.

    Diplomatic sources pointed out that Turkey offered to set up a multi- national peace force in Caucasia within the framework of the Partnership for Peace Programme of NATO, adding that the U.S. has a positive approach to the prophosal.

    Azeri officials support Turkey's proposal for a Peace Force in Caucasia, noting that Armenia which has occupied Azeri territories, can try to prevent the initiative.

    The Peace Force in the Balkans was also established with Turkey's proposal and the U.S. support.

    Meanwhile, an official at the U.S. Defense Department (Pentagon) stressed that the issue of terrorism will be brought onto the agenda of Cohen's contacts in Greece.

    Reiterating that the U.S. has concerns on the issue, the official emphasized that they try to create a more secure atmosphere for the American citizens living in Grecee.

    The official refrained from making comments on the terrorist organization PKK.

    Cohen is scheduled to visit Turkey on July 14. He is expected to departs Turkey the next day.

    The official also noted that Cohen will come together in Ankara with President Suleyman Demirel, Prime Minister Bulent Ecevit, General Huseyin Kivrikoglu, the Chief of General Staff, and Sabahattin Cakmakoglu, the National Defense Minister.

    [15] GREEN'S MEMBER, CLAUDIA ROTH'S PRESS MEETING - ROTH SAYS IT IS WRONG TO PRESSURE TURKEY TO SUSPEND OCALAN'S EXECUTION

    ANKARA, July 8 (A.A) - Claudia Roth, Chairwoman of German Parliament's Human Rights Commission and member of Greens said that Turkey expected a credible perspective from Europe regarding its membership to the EU.

    Roth, during a press meeting at German Embassy in Ankara on Wednesday stated that Joschka Fischer, the German Foreign Minister wanted to be open towards Turkey and follow a credible policy and added that the Helsinki summit would be an important step in this regard. Roth said she invited Mehmet Ali Irtemcelik, the State Minister responsible for Human Rights and the Parliament's commission members to Berlin during her contacts.

    Fighting for human rights has become a universal value and it is no longer considered countries' internal affairs, Roth stressed and asked Irtemcelik to inform her should he see any human rights violations in Germany. Roth said she has taken into consideration the ''racism movements, language, and religious freedom and immigrants' problems'' which was brought to her attention by Sema Piskinsut, the Chairwoman of Parliament's Human Rights Commission.

    Roth said the German Foreign Minister Fischer's visit in the second half of July will constitute an important stage in the relations between Turkey and Germany.

    She also emphasized that they didn't view the EU as a ''union of common religion,'' but a ''union of common values'' and added that a democratic Turkey must be one of the members of this union.

    Responding to questions about the death sentence given to the head of the terrorist organization Abdullah Ocalan, Ruth said she did not believe it was right to pressure Turkey over this matter and added that she did not approve the Italian Prime Minister Massimo D'Alema's calls to EU to suspend Ocalan's execution.

    When reminded about the terrorist attacks which took place in Turkey, Roth said violence could not help to solve any problems and condemned the occupation of Turkish Consulate in Rome on Tuesday.

    [16] TURKISH-ROMANIAN BUSINESS COUNCIL MEETING - PRESIDENT DEMIREL: ''I BELIEVE THAT CONSTANTINESCU'S VISIT TO TURKEY WILL IMPROVE THE FRIENDSHIP AND SOLIDARITY BETWEEN THE TWO COUNTRIES AND WILL SET UP NEW OPPORTUNITIES FOR COOPERATION''

    ISTANBUL, July 8 (A.A) - President Suleyman Demirel said on Wednesday that he believes that the visit of Emil Constantinescu, Romanian President, to Turkey will improve the friendship and solidarity between the two countries and will set up new opportunities for cooperation.

    Speaking in the Turkish-Romanian Business Council meeting, Demirel noted that they have participated in this meeting to determine how can contribute to the common quest.

    Emphasizing that Constantinescu and himself reiterated their joint determination in improving the relations in their tete-a-tete meeting, Demirel noted that the businessmen undertake the biggest responsibility in improving the relations.

    Stressing that Turkey is the first economic partner of Romania in the Balkans and fourth in the world, Demirel stated that Turkey is in the first place in respect of foreign investments in Romania and in the third place in respect of foreign investors.

    Noting that the trading volume between Turkey and Romania reached 813 million U.S. dollars and the Turkish investments exceeded 1.2 billion U.S. dollars, Demirel emphasized that these figures indicated that the trade between the two countries increased by two times in six years.

    Demirel pointed out that the trading volume between the two countries is expected to exceed one billion U.S. dollars by the contributions of the free trade agreement which was put into effect on February 1, 1998.

    Recalling that there are 15,000 Turkish businessmen and 5231 Turkish companies in Romania, Demirel said that Turkish businessmen and investors trust Romania.

    Requesting that the Turkish businessmen should increase their activities in Romania, Demirel noted that the number of the Romanian companies in Turkey should also increase.

    Pointing out that the regional, economic, and commercial cooperation should be improved to play a significant role in the global economy in this global competitiveness of 21st century, Demirel stressed that Turkey plays a leading role within this context and that Turkish economy is the 16th biggest economy with a gross national domestic product (GNDP) of 400 million U.S dollars.

    Demirel said, ''Istanbul becomes a finance and trading centre in a big geography which includes the Balkans. Turkish industry will rise to the first places in Europe and the world. We are ready to share our experiences which we have in telecommunication, iron-steel production, engineering, textile, and automative sectors with Romania with our partnership and cooperation understanding.

    Recalling that tourism is another potential sector in cooperation, Demirel stated that Turkey is the 19th country in the world which hosts the highest number of tourists and that Romania should evaluate having a cooperation in tourism sector with Turkey.

    Stressing that the reconstruction of Kosovo will be realized after the violence in Kosovo ends, Demirel emphasized that they will work together to ensure a long-term stability and development in the region and that he is sure that the Turkish and Romanian businessmen will carry out efforts to enhance a lasting peace and welfare in the region.

    [17] MEETING BETWEEN DEMIREL AND DENKTAS - PRESIDENT DEMIREL: ''WE WILL NOT ABANDON CYPRUS CASE'' - ''CYPRUS IS A NATIONAL CASE FOR US'' - PRESIDENT DENKTAS: ''TURKISH CYPRIOT PEOPLE ARE THANKFUL TO YOU''

    ISTANBUL, July 8 (A.A) - President Suleyman Demirel met with President Rauf Denktas of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) who paid a visit to Eastern Black Sea region, on Wednesday.

    Addressing the meeting, Demirel stressed, ''Turkey will not abandon the Cyprus case. Our sisters and brothers on Cyprus do not need to worry about it. We will mark anniversary of the Peace Operation on July 20. Cyprus is a national case for us.''

    Expressing satisfaction over his visit to Eastern Black Sea region, President Denktas said that he visited many parts of the world, but has not seen such a beautiful place.''

    President Denktas thanked both Turkish government and President Demirel for their supporting attitude towards the TRNC.

    Meanwhile, President Denktas who concluded his visit to Eastern Black Sea region left at 22.35 local time for the TRNC.

    [18] TURKISH-ROMANIAN BUSINESS COUNCIL MEETING - CONSTANTINESCU, ROMANIAN PRESIDENT: - ''THE COOPERATION BETWEEN ROMANIA AND TURKEY IS THE MOST IMPORTANT CONDITION OF DEVELOPMENT IN ECONOMIC AND BUSINESS RELATIONS''

    ISTANBUL, July 8 (A.A) - Emil Constantinescu, Romanian President, said on Wednesday that the cooperation between Romania and Turkey is the most important condition of development in economic and business relations.

    Speaking in the Turkish-Romanian Business Council meeting, Constantinescu noted that they have participated in this meeting to determine how they can contribute to the common quest.

    Emphasizing that the meeting constitutes an opportunity to evaluate the relations and to find new resources for cooperation, Constantinescu said that Foreign Economic Relations Committee (DEIK) and Turkish-Romanian Business Council are the indispensible institutions of this joint cooperation of Turkey and Romania.

    Constantinescu stated that Romania will increase the cooperation in infrastructure and small and medium scale enterprises and will have a close cooperation in non-governmental organizations.

    Stressing that they aimed at realizing one million U.S. dollar trading volume this year, Constantinescu emphasized that a good cooperation was established between Turkish and Romanian businessmen and that the Turkish- Romanian partnerships occured within this framework.

    Constantinescu stressed that Romania faced some problems in the transition period from communism to liberalism but that this transition did not negatively affect the businessmen.

    Constantinescu said that they know what they can realize with a lasting partnership with Turkey and that the businessmen are the ones who can directly realize this partnership; adding that they should be respectful to each other to be friends in the Balkans.

    [19] CEYHUN, DEPUTY OF EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT FROM GERMAN GREENS PARTY: ''THE POLITICIANS SHOULD REFRAIN FROM PAYING UNNECESSARY VISITS TO TURKEY''

    BONN, July 8 (A.A) - Ozan Ceyhun, deputy of European Parliament (EP) from German Greens Party, said on Wednesday that the European politicians started a ''political tourism'' to Turkey after Abdullah Ocalan, the head of the terrorist organization, was sentenced to capital punishment; adding that the politicians should refrain from paying unnecessary visits to Turkey.

    Issuing a written statement, Ceyhun drew the attention that Europe launched ''rescue operations for Ocalan'' against Turkey and noted that many politicians rushed into Turkey claiming that they will prevent the execution of the capital punishment given for Ocalan.

    Emphasizing that since the mentioned persons are not in political cooperation with the European Union (EU) Commission and with their own governments, they are not taken seriously by the Turkish government during their visit to Turkey; Ceyhan noted that these people led to the reactions of some circles in Turkey which are provoked by some press organs against Europe.

    Stressing that the ''Turkey policy'' which is carried out by German Foreign Ministry and some related institutions, should not be influenced by some individual interventions, Ceyhun stated that such intervention will help nothing, rather than hardening the responsibility of the diplomats who are facing some difficult conditions.

    Pointing out that the visit of Joschka Fischer, German Foreign Minister; by the accompany of Cem Ozdemir, a deputy from Greens Party and the domestic policy spokesman of the party; to Turkey was more meaningful than many other visits, Ceyhun stressed that the visit and unplanned programmes of some politicians led to the increase of the reactions of Turkey against Europe and Germany.

    Ceyhun added that it will be better if such politicians keep themselves away from Ocalan case, a very sensitive issue.

    [20] SUICIDE ATTEMPT OF ULUGBAY, STATE MINISTER - PRIME MINISTER ECEVIT: - ''HE IS A DISTINGUISHED POLITICIAN. I WILL ASK HIM TO RETURN BACK TO HIS DUTY''

    ANKARA, July 8 (A.A) - Prime Minister Bulent Ecevit evaluated on Wednesday the suicide attempt of Hikmet Ulugbay, the State Minister responsible for the Treasury, saying, ''it is very natural and at the same time necessary to convey documents which are being prepared regarded with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) to three leaders of political parties forming the coalition government by the State Minister responsible for the Treasury. I do not think this will give rise to a touchiness.''

    Ecevit said in a program in ATV channel that he was informed about the incident at the early hours of Wednesday morning, and added, ''We went to the hospital when we heard the news. Doctors told us that he was not in a critical condition, but our sorrow is so deep.''

    Stressing that Ulugbay is respectful to his responsibilities, Ecevit reiterated, ''the negotiations with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) suffocated him too much. But he should not attempt to suicide because IMF officials praised his success many times, and they stressed that they are confident about the Turkish economy.''

    When asked whether it was as suicide attempt or an accident, Ecevit said that he was told Ulugbay attempted to suicide.

    Responding to a question whether Ulugbay will return to his position again, Ecevit stressed, ''He is a distinguished politician. I will ask him to return back to his duty.''

    When reminded the allegation claiming that he wanted Ulugbay's resignation, Ecevit denied the allegations.

    Ecevit also emphasized that Ulugbay made a considerable contribution to the revival of the economy in Turkey.

    [21] MAKOVSKY, U.S. EXPERT ON TURKEY: ''PKK LOST THE WAR''

    WASHINGTON D.C., July 8 (A.A) - Alan Makovsky, U.S. expert on Turkey, said on Thursday that the supporters of the terrorist organization PKK accepted that they lost the war they declared to Turkish Republic.

    Makovsky, an expert from The Washington Institute, a leading think-tank institution, said in a panel that he thinks that Abdullah Ocalan, the head of the terrorist organization, will not be executed before the European Court of Human Rights gives a decision.

    He also noted that the U.S. Congress will try to prevent the selling of weapons to Turkey due to Cyprus question.

    Emphasizing that there is a significant improvement in Ankara-Damascus relations after terrorist Ocalan left Syria by the pressure of Turkey, Makovsky stated that the Turkish officials think that Iran started to support the terrorist organization after Syria ended her support.

    Pointing out that the government of Turkey depends on a strong majority in the domestic policy, Makovsky stressed that the Nationalist Movement Party (MHP) longs to become the representative of the central right wing.

    Stating that Ocalan's apology in the court sessions was not expected, Makovsky emphasized that he thinks that the Turkish nation which is so sensitive about this issue, felt the relief which they will feel if he is executed during his confessions in the sessions.

    Noting that the Supreme Court will probably approve the capital punishment given for Ocalan and that this issue will be discussed in the European Court of Human Rights in Strasbourg; Makovsky pointed out that this trial will last for four years as a lawyer who represented Turkey in Strasbourg earlier said.

    Claiming that to this end, Ocalan will exist for a long time, Makovsky stressed that this existence is also bound to the stance of the PKK terrorists.

    Makovsky said that the supporters of the PKK have accepted that they lost the war they started against Turkey and that southeastern Diyarbakir province is safer today than it was six years ago and that the daily life normalized in Diyarbakir.

    Evaluating the Turkish-American relations and the Cyprus question, Makovsky noted that the Cyprus question deteriorates the Turkish-American relations and that the U.S. Congress can launch an initiative against the U.S. administration to bring conditions concerning Cyprus for the selling of weapons or prevent the sellings of weapons to Turkey.

    Noting that Ankara-Washington D.C. relations are perfect for the first time since 1960 despite some uneasiness about Cyprus question and issues like weapons and Northern Iraq; Makovsky stated that Turkey welcomes the support of the U.S. against PKK terrorism.

    Expressing his views about the domestic policy of Turkey, Makovsky stressed that the first impression of extreme nationalism of the Turkish government, was deceiving and that the Ankara government handles the issues with radicalism, not with nationalism.

    Stating that Turkey will not permit the efforts of using religion as an instrument of politics, Makovsky emphasized that Turkey is today a big power in its region with its strong army, increasing welfare, and new opportunities which occured after the former Soviet Republic collapsed; and criticized the European Union (EU) policies which exclude Turkey.

    [22] PRESIDENT DEMIREL RESPONDS QUESTIONS - DEMIREL: ''I CONSIDER SYMPATHY FOR TERRORISM AS INVOLVEMENT IN CRIME. THIS MEANS BEING AN ACCOMPLICE OF ATTACKS. IF ITALY DOES THIS, IT MEANS SHE IS AN ACCOMPLICE TO THE ATTACKS''

    ANKARA, July 8 (A.A) - President Suleyman Demirel said on Thursday that he considers sympathy shown for terrorism as an involvement in crime and that this means being an accomplice to the attacks; adding that if Italy does this, it means that she is an accomplice to the attacks.

    Demirel received Orhan Uguroglu, the Chairman of the Presidency and Prime Ministry Journalists' Association, and the members of this association.

    Responding a question of the delegation about the trial of Abdullah Ocalan, the head of the terrorist organization, and the developments following this trial; Demirel noted that Turkey suffers from terrorism for 15 years.

    Noting that this terrorism is a ''separatist terrorism'', Demirel stated that innocent people have been killed for this terrorism and that targeting the innocent people is the most shameful thing in the world.

    Demirel said, ''it is not important to which aim it serves. The incident itself is very bad. To this end, terrorism was condemned and damned by the world. Every person and every country was called for supporting the struggle against terrorism. If you are a member of the United Nations (U.N), the U.N. documents bind you. If you are a member of NATO, its documents bind you.''

    ''That is, there is not a single country which is not bound to any documents. So, I consider the sympathy to terrorism as an involvement in these crimes. The ones who sympathize and support those who committed these crimes, not only leave aside all their commitments under the documents, but also participate in the attacks. This means 'accomplice of attacks' in law. If Italy does this, it means that she is an accomplice of these attacks. If other countries does this, then they are accomplices of the attacks,'' Demirel added.

    Demirel recalled that Turkey tried to make the world understand that this is terrorism for ten years.

    Pointing out that when the foreign people said that those people are searching for their rights, this meant supporting terrorism, but that the foreign countries say that they oppose to terrorism, so they should oppose it without any conditions.

    Demirel said, ''when you consider this as a method of obtaining rights, then this means that you support terrorism. How can this dilemma be solved? What do the foreign countries support? Are they in favour of terrorism? When don't you protect the right of living, what else do you protect? Saying that we are trying to get our rights by killing innocent people, cannot be the reason of the crimes.''

    Demirel added that Turkey will continue to explain this terrorism to the foreign countries.

    Demirel pointed out that the trial on the Imrali Island ended, but that the legal process continues in the Supreme Court; adding that the execution depends on the decision of the parliament.

    Stressing that the execution is a political issue and that it is not a decision which interrogates the decision of the law, Demirel stated that the political side of the execution is not the business of the judges and that to this end, the execution is bound to the decision of the parliament.

    Demirel said that Turkey accepted to obey the decisions of the European Court of Human Rights; adding that to this end, the Court interferes with the domestic law.

    Demirel recalled that Turkey did not sign the protocol on the capital punishment.

    Demirel continued, ''to this end, we will altogether see the developments after this case is discussed in the European Court of Human Rights following the Supreme Court's decision. The court sessions were realized in accordance with the law. I congratulate our judges. They proved the whole world that Turkish justice is the supreme justice.''

    [23] PRESIDENT DEMIREL RESPONDS QUESTIONS - DEMIREL: ''I CONSIDER TODAY'S ECONOMIC PROBLEMS AS SERIOUS''

    ANKARA, July 8 (A.A) - President Suleyman Demirel said on Thursday that he considers today's economic problems as serious but that there is nothing to panic about.

    Responding the questions of the Presidency and Prime Ministry Journalists' Association, Demirel noted that if Turkey can be more patient and careful, she can easily oercome the economic problems and that Turkey should welcome the future in confidence.

    Responding a question about the economic problems and the suicide attempt of Hikmet Ulugbay, the State Minister; Demirel stated that suicide attempt of Ulugbay was very saddening and that he cannot make a comment on this issue.

    Demirel said that he wishes quick recovery of Ulugbay without any deteriorations.

    Evaluating the situation of Turkish economy, Demirel stressed that nobody can deny the pressure of the inflation, high prices of goods, and difficulties of life on the people, but that this does not mean an economic crisis.

    Emphasizing that this is not only today's problem and that this problem also existed in the past, Demirel pointed out that Turkey will try hard to create better life standards.

    Demirel said, ''Turkey has a development rate of 5 percent. But, this year the development rate will be in zero level. There is everything in Turkey, but they are very expensive. But, there are not any queues and black markets in Turkey. The markets are full of products and the fields are full of crops.''

    Stressing that Turkey is a country which aims at industrialization, Demirel emphasized that 90 percent of the factories operate, but that there are some factories which do not operate and many citizens lost their jobs because of this.

    Demirel said, ''these are important issues. But, Turkey is the 16th in the global economy. Turkey is the 19th country in the world which hosts the highest number of tourists. Turkey is the 9th country in the world in respect of the construction industry. Turkey has a trading volume of 75 billion U.S. dollars. This means that Turkey is an important country in the threshold of 2000. Turkey welcomes 2000 with hope.''

    ''Turkey has commercial relations with 135 countries. Today's problems of such a big country is mostly the financial problems. It is so natural for Turkey to find foreign resources in the globe. Turkey will overcome her daily problems when she welcomes 2000.''

    Noting that Turkey has many expectations from the government, Demirel said that the government is trying to solve the problems.

    Demirel continued, ''Turkey has many factories, a production power, fields and many touristic plants. To overcome the problems, the exports should increase, tourism sector should improve, all the factories should operate and produce competitive products and the investments should be made. I consider today's problems as serious. But, we can overcome the problems by being more patient and careful. Turkey should welcome future days with hope.''

    [24] A TOTAL OF TEN PERSONS WHO STAGED ILLEGAL DEMONSTRATIONS TO PROTEST CAPITAL PUNISHMENT GIVEN FOR OCALAN, CAPTURED IN ISTANBUL

    ISTANBUL, July 8 (A.A) - A total of ten persons who staged illegal demonstrations to protest the capital punishment given for Abdullah Ocalan, the head of the terrorist organization, were captured in Istanbul; it was reported on Thursday.

    The Istanbul Anti-Terrorism Directorate statement said that some persons who wanted to stage an illegal demonstration to protest the Sivas incidents on July 2, 1999 in Kucukcekmece district of Istanbul, were taken into custody and interrogated after the demonstration.

    These persons said in their interrogation that the local illegal leftist organizations decided to stage joint attacks and that they set up a group titled ''Independent Work Group'', adding that the illegal demonstration was held within the leadership of this group.

    Later, the security forces captured ten persons who were working within the framework of this group and who are the members of some other illegal organizations.

    The security forces seized two handguns without a licence, seven missiles, two transceivers, one mobile phone, and many organizational documents.

    In the end of the interrogation, it was revealed that these persons placed a bomb to a coffee house in Sefakoy district on May 27, 1999; staged an illegal demonstration to protest the capital punishment given for Ocalan on June 30, 1999 and staged another illegal demonstration to protest the Sivas incidents in Kucukcekmece district on July 2, 1999.

    [25] DOG OWNERS NOW HAVE PSYCHOLOGICAL TREATMENT CENTER FOR THEIR PETS

    ISTANBUL, July 8 (A.A) - Dog owners who had to live with the psychological problems of their dogs now have a counselling and a psychological treatment center at Veterinary Faculty of Istanbul University.

    ''Dog Psychological Problems Counseling and Treatment Center'' established by Dr.Tamer Dodurka, lecturer at Istanbul University's Veterinary faculty opened two weeks ago and has been getting a lot of attention from dog owners. Dr. Dodurka is the only person who carries out scientific researches on this particular field in Turkey. The center accepts customers only by appointment.

    Dogs in Turkey suffer from more serious psychological abnormities than those who live in developed countries, Dr.Dodurka stated.

    ''Pet owners sometimes transfer their stress caused by economic difficulties to their pets. As a result of this, the dogs develop agression. Besides, mistreatments of dogs by their owners, especially treating dogs in a way which is against their nature result in some complications. If these complications occured between the 3rd and the 12th week of the dog's life, which is the socialization period, it is more difficult to treat them,'' Dodurka explained.

    ''People who plan to own pets should not forget that animals are not only flesh and bones, but they also have feelings and can suffer psychologically'' he emphasized.

    [26] PARLIAMENT NATIONAL DEFENCE COMMISSION ACCEPTS FOUR DRAFT LAWS

    ANKARA, July 8 (A.A) - Four draft laws were accepted at the Parliament's National Defence Commission on Thursday.

    The draft which adds an amendment and one temporary article to the Pension Fund law, aims to recover the situation of disabled soldiers who fought in battles and the wives and children of those who died at wars.

    The pensions of ex-soldiers or the wives and children of those who died on duty, will increase every year and their status will be upgraded every three years like employed soldiers. The law will take place after it appears in the Official Gazette.

    The medical expenses of soldiers who became disabled while fighting against terrorism or smuggling will be met by the National Defence Ministry's budget, the second draft suggests.

    The rehabilitation costs of the members of Turkish Armed Forces (TSK) who suffer from impaired sight, hearing, and other senses will be paid by the National Defence Ministry, Gendarmerie General Commandership, and Coast Guard Commandership budget, according to the third draft which makes an adjustment on TSK Internal Services Law.

    [27] EUROPEAN HUMAN RIGHTS COURT FINDS TURKEY GUILTY IN 15 SEPARATE CASES FOR VIOLATING HUMAN RIGHTS

    STRASBOURG, July 8 (A.A) - The European Human Rights Court found Turkey guilty of 15 separate complaints and sentenced her to pay about 110 billion TL payment for damages including court expenses.

    The Court decided that Turkey violated the Article 10 of the European Human Rights Agreement which regulates the freedom of expression, in 13 of the cases. It was also stated that Turkey violated, in eight cases, the Article 6 of the same agreement. The presence of military judges in State Security Courts (DGM) violated the impartiality of trial, it was claimed.

    Below are the names of those whose complained to the European Human Rights Commission about Turkey:

    Munir Ceylan (trade unionist), Gunay Arslan (author), Haluk Gerger (journalist writer), Edip Polat (author), Huseyin Karakas (author), Umit Erdogdu (magazine editor), Selami Ince (magazine correspondent), Fikret Baskaya (author), Zeki Okcuoglu (publisher), Kamil Tekin Surek (magazine owner), Yucel Ozdemir (magazine editor).

    Meanwhile, in the cases opened by the relatives of two people who were allegedly killed by security forces in South East Anatolia, Turkey was sentenced to pay 870 French Francs (about 56 billion TL).

    [28] WORLD BANK PLANS TO GIVE 30 MILLION US DOLLARS CREDIT FOR PRESERVATION OF TURKEY'S CULTURAL HERITAGE

    ANKARA, July 8 (A.A) - Meetings on ''Turkey's Cultural Heritage Project'' supported by the Ministry of Culture and the World Bank started at the National Library on Thursday.

    The project includes preservation, development, and promotion of Turkey's cultural heritage, restoration of architectural monuments, and landscape arrangements. The World Bank plans to give Turkey 30 million US dollars for the implementation of the project.

    Tekin Aybas, the Undersecretary of the Ministry of Culture said his ministry contacted the World Bank authorities at the UNESCO meeting in Stockholm about the matter.

    ''I feel sorrow when I see Ephesus Museum in Vienna, Bergama Museum in Berlin, and other historical objects that come from Turkey in the British Museum. My distress was doubled after I was appointed to this post,'' Aybas stated. His ministry puts all efforts to avoid the smuggling of historical objects to foreign countries and also works to bring them back, he pointed out and urged people and private institutions to support these efforts.

    The Undersecretary also said they recommended spending the 30 million US dollars credit for restoration works. The World Bank is very interested in Turkey's cultural heritage, he noted.

    [29] GAYDALI, STATE MINISTER, RECEIVES PARRIS, U.S. AMBASSADOR TO TURKEY

    ANKARA, July 8 (A.A) - Edip Safter Gaydali, the State Minister, received Mark Parris, the U.S. Ambassador to Turkey, on Thursday.

    Prior to the meeting, Gaydali said that Parris wanted to pay a courtesy visit to him after the 57th government was set up.

    Parris in his part said that Gaydali is responsible from some issues which carry importance for the Turkish-U.S. relations and that they will discuss these issues in the meeting.

    When asked about the visit which Premier Bulent Ecevit will pay to the U.S. soon, Parris said that the officials of the two countries are trying to determine the date of the visit which will be appropriate for both Bill Clinton, the U.S. President, and Ecevit.

    [30] CAKMAKOGLU, NATIONAL DEFENSE MINISTER, MEETS WITH HENDERSON, BRITISH STATE MINISTER RESPONSIBLE FOR DEFENSE

    ANKARA, July 8 (A.A) - Sabahattin Cakmakoglu, the National Defense Minister, met with Doug Henderson, the British Minister of State Responsible for Defense, on Thursday.

    Addressing a statement prior to the meeting, Cakmakoglu said that the relations between Turkey and Britain go back to very old times and that there are many joint projects about the defense industry.

    Cakmakoglu noted that they will exchange views about the bilateral relations, some regional issues, European Union (EU), the Balkans, and Kosovo dispute.

    Henderson said that Turkey is a strong ally and a good friend of Britain and that the cooperation between the two countries will increase.

    Henderson added that Britain was very pleased to carry out a joint operation with Turkey in Kosovo.

    Later, the inter-delegationary meetings between Turkey and Britain started under the leadership of the two ministers.

    [31] GREENS DEPUTY CLAUDIA ROTH: ''TURKEY SHOULD BE OFFERED A CREDIBLE PERSPECTIVE ABOUT ITS MEMBERSHIP TO EU''

    BONN, July 8 (A.A) - Claudia Roth, the Chairwoman of German Parliament's Human Rights Commission and Greens deputy, said Turkey should be offered a credible perspective about its membership to the EU at the Helsinki summit in December on Thursday.

    Roth briefed her visit to Turkey at a press meeting in Bonn. She said she met with representatives of human rights associations and foundations as well as political parties like Free Democracy Party (ODP) which is not represented in the Parliament. She also noted that that she had contacts with Turkish Red Crescent (Kizilay) about the Kosovor refugees who were offered shelter in Turkey.

    Roth told reporters that she proposed cooperation to Turkish authorities to recover human rights in Turkey and invited the Parliament's Human Rights Commission to Germany in fall. Racism in Germany, freedom of religion, integration of Turks, and the political rights of foreigners will be discussed during this visit, she stated.

    Roth said that there were positive efforts in Turkey to recover human rights, but also noted that they were insufficient. When territorial integrity and secularism issues are in question, some limitations to human rights come to the agenda, she explained and claimed that non-governmental organizations were under strict control.

    Regarding the court decision to execute Ocalan, Roth said their opposition had nothing to do with Ocalan and stressed that they were against death penalty in all countries.

    Turkey cannot be tried at the European Human Rights Court in Strasbourg for giving death penalty for Ocalan because it did not sign the Article 6 of the Human Rights Agreement, she explained and said only the trial process and limitations imposed on Ocalan's lawyers during the trial might constitute a reason to open a case.

    The hatred sentiments against Ocalan in the Turkish media left its place to discussion of ''how would it be good for Turkey if Ocalan is not executed'', Roth pointed out, and said this was a positive shift. Suspending Ocalan's death penalty would not show Turkey's weakness, but its strength, Ruth underlined and said pressuring Turkey on this matter from outside was meaningless, and would only make the conflicts to escalate.

    Over Turkey's membership to the EU, Ruth stressed that Turkey must be equally treated with other candidates and the only criteria must be human rights and democratization, and religion must not be a factor. ''This needs to be clearly explained to Turkey,'' she said.

    We can't say 'we will accept you in the EU if you don't execute Ocalan', but Turkey would exclude itself from the EU if it executes him, Roth said. She also underlined the significance of German Foreign Minsiter Joschka Fischer's visit to Turkey in this month and said she hoped that Turkey would be offered a clear membership status at Helsinki summit.

    Responding the question of A.A. correspondent about Turkey-Greece relations, Roth said the scheduled meeting of Turkish and Greek foreign ministers was a good sign.

    [32] DEMIRALP, TREASURY UNDERSECRETARY: - ''I ACCEPTED THIS ASSIGNMENT BECAUSE OF INSISTENCE OF ULUGBAY'' - ''THE TREASURY HAS NOT STARTED ANY INITIATIVES CONCERNING THE DEVELOPMENTS IN STOCK EXCHANGE''

    ANKARA, July 8 (A.A) - Selcuk Demiralp, the new Treasury Undersecretary, said on Thursday that he accepted this assignment because of the insistence of Hikmet Ulugbay, the State Minister.

    Responding the questions of journalists after he visited Ulugbay at Baskent Hospital, Demiralp noted that there is not any problematic situation which can deteriorate the balances.

    When asked whether or not an interrogation was launched about the developments which were faced in the Stock Exchange last Friday when the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and Ulugbay addressed a joint statement; Demiralp said that he does not have any information about this issue and that the Treasury has not started any initiatives concerning the developments in the stock exchange.

    When asked whether or not he was together with Ulugbay before Ulugbay attempted suicide, Demiralp stated that they work together that day until late hours.

    Demiralp added that Ulugbay's health is in good condition and that he wished that Ulugbay will join them as soon as possible.

    [33] GREEK CYPRIOT SPEED BOATS VIOLATE TERRITORIAL WATERS OF TRNC - TRNC AUTHORITIES PROTEST THE INCIDENT TO THE U.N. PEACE FORCES

    LEFKOSA, July 8 (A.A)- Provocation acts of the Greek Cypriot side towards Turkish Cypriot Side increase in those days when international interest is focused on Cyprus question.

    A total of three Greek Cypriot speed boats violated territorial waters of Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) in Derinya region near Gazimagusa on Thursday. TRNC authorities protested the incident to the U.N. Peace Forces.

    A statement of TRNC Security Forces Commandership said three Greek Cypriot speed boats violated TRNC territorial waters in Derinya region at about 12:30 local time. Patrolling Coastal Security boat intervened to the violation of the Greek Cypriot boats and warned them verbally.

    TRNC Coastal Security boat opened warning fire in accordance with the international laws when the Greek Cypriot boats continued the violation without taking into consideration the warnings. Upon this, the Greek Cypriot boats left the territoral waters of TRNC.

    The statement said such kind of provocation activities increased recently, adding that they informed officials of the U.N. Peace Forces to prevent the repetition of such incidents. The statement said the incident in question was also protested to the U.N. peace forces.

    The statement stressed that measures taken against provocation activities of Greek Cypriot administration continue with determination.

    [34] PARLIAMENTARY JUSTICE COMMISSION ADOPTS THE DRAFT RESOLUTION RELATED WITH ESTABLISHMENT OF INTERNATIONAL LAW AND FOREIGN AFFAIRS GENERAL DIRECTORATE WITHIN THE STRUCTURE OF JUSTICE MINISTRY

    ANKARA, July 8 (A.A) - Parliamentary Justice Commission on Thursday adopted a draft resolution regarding establishment of International Law and Foreign Affairs General Directorate in Justice Ministry.

    The draft resolution had been prepared earlier but became out of date due to the general elections. The resolution was renewed by Prime Minister Bulent Ecevit in this period.

    In the draft resolution, establishment of European Union Coordination Department Chairmanship is foreseen.

    The duties of the general directorate are to provide information and documents for defenses that will be made against the applications against Turkey launched in Council of Europe Human Rights Commission, and to send representatives to the sessions when required.

    The draft resolution which will be discussed in Constitutional Commission, will also be taken up in Planning and Budget Commission.

    [35] STATE OF EMERGENCY TO BE EXTENDED IN SIX PROVINCES

    ANKARA, July 8 (A.A) - A Premiership statement regarding extending the State of Emergency Rule in six provinces for another four months starting from July 30, 1999, is submitted to the Parliamentary Speakership.

    State of Emergency Rule is currently carried out in southeastern Diyarbakir, Hakkari, Sirnak, Siirt, Tunceli, and Van provinces. The Premiership statement which foresees an extension, will be discussed on July 13, 1999 in Parliamentary General Assembly.

    Meanwhile, it was reported that Foreign Minister Ismail Cem's proposal to convene Parliamentary General Assembly on July 20 with a special agenda due to the 25th anniversary of Cyprus Peace Operation, will be discussed in Parliamentary Consultation Committee on Friday.

    [36] KASHMIR PROBLEM - FOREIGN MINISTRY: ''TURKEY WELCOMES EFFORTS OF PAKISTAN AND INDIA TO SOLVE THEIR PROBLEMS WITH A PEACEFUL UNDERSTANDING''

    ANKARA, July 8 (A.A) - Foreign Ministry said on Thursday that Turkey welcomed the efforts of India and Pakistan to solve their problems with a peaceful understanding.

    A Foreign Ministry statement pointed out that Turkey hoped that clashes between the two countries, which threaten regional peace, regarded with Kashmir problem will end before reaching to wider dimensions and also expressed hope that a ceasefire will be provided soon.

    The statement wanted the sides to act with discretion and to try to solve their problems, including Kashmir issue, though negotiations and under Lahor statement. The statement defined the agreement of the sides to take concrete steps to re-install former status quo in control line in Kashmir as an important development.

    The statement said ''in the meeting held between Pakistani Prime Minister and the U.S. President on July 4, 1999 in Washington D.C. it was confirmed that Lahor process is the most appropriate basis to solve problems between Pakistan and India'', adding that ''Turkey evaluates this as a constructive step.''

    [37] OIC 26TH FOREIGN MINISTERS MEETING - FOREIGN MINISTRY: ''THE MEETING AND BILATERAL CONTACTS ARE PLEASING FOR TURKEY''

    ANKARA, July 8 (A.A) - It was reported on Thursday that Organization of Islamic Conference (OIC) 26th Foreign Ministers meeting was very beneficial for Turkey and that many resolutions adopted during the conference were given shape in accordance with the views of Turkey.

    A Foreign Ministry statement recalled that a delegation headed by Mehmet Kececiler, Minister of State, represented Turkey during the OIC meeting held in Uagadugu, capital city of Burkina Faso, between June 28 and July 2. Officials of Foreign Ministry, State Planning Organization (DPT) Undersecretariat and the Red Crescent were in the delegation.

    The statement said the draft resolution regarded with Kosovo issue was submitted to the conference by the Turkish delegation, adding that the attending foreign ministers expended full support to the proposal of Turkey which envisaged holding a meeting in Turkey to coordinate the aid of Red Crescents of OIC countries, that will be given to refugees and Kosovars who return to their countries.''

    The statement said the meeting, in the direction of Turkey's proposal, called for the OIC countries to contribute to the aid campaign staged for the Kosovar refugees.

    The statement which said OIC had also supported humanitarian aid forwarded to Bosnia-Herzegovina, pointed out that ''the Conference has adopted an important decision which expended support to the rightful case of Turkish Cypriot people. With this decision, foreign ministers of Islam countries called on the sides in Cyprus to recongize each others' equal status, pointed out the importance of holding negotiations in equal political status to find a solution to Cyprus question and welcomed the confederation proposal of Rauf Denktas, President of Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) dated August 31, 1998.''

    ''The Conference also adopted a separate resolution which protected the rights of Moslem Turkish minority living in Western Thrace. The Conference, within this framework, expressed regret over the human rights violations of Greece imposed on Turkish minority in Western Thrace and called on Greece to put an end to these violations.''

    In the meeting the participant ministers adopted Struggle Against International Terrorism Agreement, prepared within the framework of OIC.

    The FM statement said none of the delegations mentioned about the military operations of Turkish Armed Forces held in Northern Iraq, adding that ''we hope that it is better understood now that these military operations did not target territorial integrity of Iraq.''

    Foreign Ministry statement said Kececiler, Minister of State, during the meeting, held bilateral contacts with the representatives of Sudan, Pakistan, Iraq, Saudi Arabia, Malaysia, Singapore and Gambia. The statement said Kececiler also held meetings with OIC Secreteray General Izzeddin Laraki and Ahmet Muhammed Ali, Chairman of Islam Development Bank.

    Turkish delegation, headed by Kececiler, was received by Blaise Compaore, President of Burkina Faso, and held meetings with the Foreign Minister, and Ministers of Trade, Industry and Hand Crafts.

    [38] TURKISH CULTURAL HERITAGE PROJECT - REPORTS ARE DISCLOSED REGARDING 30 MILLION U.S. DOLLAR CREDIT, PLANNED TO BE GIVEN BY THE WORLD BANK TO TURKEY FOR THE PRESERVATION OF CULTURAL HERITAGE

    ANKARA, July 8 (A.A) - Reports regarding the 30 million U.S. dollars credit, planned to be given by the World Bank to Turkey for the preservation of cultural heritage, were disclosed, it was reported on Thursday.

    Representatives of public organizations and institutions, ministries, universities and private sectors, participated in ''Turkey Cultural Heritage Project Concerned Sides'' meeting and conveyed their views regarding the usage of the credit that is planned to be given.

    Arlene Fleming, Representative of the World Bank, said an inventory of historical works of art and cultural heritage should be issued first of all, adding that world bank was ready to help for the issuing of this inventory.

    Adrienne Nassau, speaking on behalf of Work Bank, said although Turkey has invaluable facilities, there was no planning. Pointing out that World Bank was warm towards the project, Nassau said World Bank, of course, wants to help to profitable and sustainable projects.

    Cultural area administration is planned to be formed in Pamukkale, Catalhoyuk, Nimrod Mountain and Cappadocia, with the credit.

    Also restoration of St. Paul, St. Nicolas, St. Peter churches and Aspendos and Ephsesus threaters are planned to be completed with the credit.

    A.A


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