Anadolu Agency: News in English, 99-09-02

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AA Daily

02 Sept 1999 Thursday

CONTENTS

[01] U.N. SANCTIONS COMMITTEE APPROVES IRAQI OIL DONATION TO TURKEY

[02] FOREIGN MINISTER CEM IN LONDON - CEM: ''THE CLOSENESS THAT APPEARED BETWEEN TURKEY AND GREECE IS FOR THE BENEFIT OF THE TWO COUNTRIES''

[03] TURKEY-PRESS SCAN

[04] U.S. SUPPORTS U.N.'S APPROVAL OF IRAQI OIL DONATION FOR SURVIVORS

[05] EUROPEAN INVESTMENT BANK SENDS A LETTER TO PRESIDENT DEMIREL SAYING IT GRANTS ONE MILLION EUROS TO TURKEY FOR EMERGENCY AID

[06] PRESIDENT DENKTAS OF TRNC EXPECTED TO MEET ANNAN, U.N. SECRETARY GENERAL, IN THE U.S.

[07] DIPLOMACY TRAFFIC IN SEPTEMBER - SCHEDULED VISITS OF PRIME MINISTER ECEVIT AND FOREIGN MINISTER CEM TO THE U.S. HAVE GREAT IMPORTANCE

[08] TANTAN, INTERIOR MINISTER, ISSUES QUAKE CIRCULAR

[09] PRIME MINISTRY CRISIS ADMINISTRATION CENTER STATEMENT: - ''THERE IS NO OUTBREAK OF EPIDEMICS IN THE DISASTER ZONE''

[10] MEASURES TO BE TAKEN DURING DISASTERS - DECREE IN THE POWER OF LAW, THAT MAKES CHANGES IN THE LAW RELATED WITH THE AID AND MEASURES THAT WILL BE TAKEN DURING THE DISASTERS, PUBLISHED IN THE OFFICIAL GAZETTE

[11] ULUCEVIK, TURKEY'S AMBASSADOR TO BERLIN, THANKS TO GERMAN GOVERNMENT AND ITS PEOPLE FOR THE AID THEY EXTENDED

[12] U.S. DEPARTMENT OF STATE: - ''EU FUNDS SHOULD BE GIVEN TO TURKEY''

[13] FOREIGN MINISTER CEM WARNS EU - CEM: ''TURKEY MIGHT TRY ONLY ONCE MORE TO GET ACCEPTED AS A FORMAL CANDIDATE FOR EU MEMBERSHIP''

[14] JAPANESE EARTHQUAKE EXPERTS TO VISIT DISASTER AREAS AND GIVE A SEMINAR IN ANKARA ABOUT THEIR FINDINGS

[15] MINISTRY OF HOUSING AND PUBLIC WORKS AND TUBITAK TO HOLD MEETING ABOUT PROBLEMS OF EARTHQUAKE IN ANKARA

[16] PRIME MINISTER ECEVIT RECEIVES TOBB DELEGATION

[17] TURKISH-GREEK FRIENDSHIP IN BIGA

[18] RETURN OF AMNESTY LAW TO PARLIAMENT - PREMIER ECEVIT: ''DSP FORESAW AN AMNESTY WITH SOCIAL CONTENT, NOT POLITICAL''

[19] TRNC PRESIDENT DENKTAS MEETS WITH ANN DAME HERCUS, U.N. SECRETARY GENERAL'S SPECIAL ENVOY FOR CYPRUS

[20] 6.9 BILLION U.S. DOLLARS PAID IN FOREIGN DEBT SINCE JANUARY 1, 1999

[21] FOREIGN EXCHANGE RESERVES OF CENTRAL BANK INCREASE TO 23 BILLION U.S. DOLLARS

[22] FM CEM MEETS BRITISH FOREIGN SECRETARY COOK - COOK: ''WE COMPREHEND THE IMPORTANCE OF GIVING A NEW START IN RELATIONS BETWEEN TURKEY AND EU, AND FOLLOWING A NEW APPROACH'' - CEM: ''THERE IS A POSITIVE ATMOSPHERE BETWEEN TURKEY AND GREECE. IF THE PROBLEMS ARE TAKEN UP WITH GOOD WILL, I AM NOT PESSIMISTIC THAT AT LEAST THE PROBLEMS BETWEEN TURKEY AND GREECE CAN BE SOLVED''

[23] PRESIDENT DEMIREL: ''SUCH A CATASTROPHE SADDENED ALL OF US. WE WILL OVERCOME THIS WITH PATIENCE AND FORTITUDE''

[24] TRNC PRESIDENT DENKTAS TO MEET U.N. SECRETARY GENERAL ANNAN ON SEPTEMBER 9

[25] PRESIDENT DEMIREL RECEIVES PRIME MINISTER ECEVIT

[26] FM CEM IN LONDON - CEM: ''THE EU POLICY, THAT TURKEY DETERMINED FOLLOWING LUXEMBOURG SUMMIT, IS TRUE''

[27] TURKEY-ISRAEL - PRIME MINISTER ECEVIT AND HIS ISRAELI COUNTERPART BARAK ATTEND SPECIAL BROADCAST OF ISRAELI TELEVISION CHANNEL THROUGH SATELLITE

[01] U.N. SANCTIONS COMMITTEE APPROVES IRAQI OIL DONATION TO TURKEY

The Sanctions Committee informed Benon Savan, the Executive Director of the U.N. Office of the Iraq Program, about the consent of the members of the committee for the pumping of the Iraqi oil to Turkey for the survivors.

The members of the committee decided to give a deadline of 24 hours for the countries to whether or not to oppose to the donation and said that the donation would be granted if nobody opposed.

Peter Mollema, the spokesman for the Netherlands U.N. Mission, told A.A correspondent that the deadline was over at 11.00 p.m. on Wednesday and none of the countries opposed to the Iraqi donation.

Iraq earlier said that she would pump 100,000 barrels of oil starting from last Sunday to help the survivors. Iraq is expected to complete the pumping on Thursday.

Volkan Vural, Turkey's Permanent Representative to U.N., said, ''the Sanctions Committee approved the Iraqi oil donation worth of ten million U.S. dollars to Turkey as a quake assisstance. I am very pleased that the Iraqi gesture is approved by the sanctions committee.''

[02] FOREIGN MINISTER CEM IN LONDON - CEM: ''THE CLOSENESS THAT APPEARED BETWEEN TURKEY AND GREECE IS FOR THE BENEFIT OF THE TWO COUNTRIES''

Responding to the questions of Turkish journalists in London where he came for a 3-day official visit, Cem said the dialogue, which appeared between Turkey and Greece following the earthquake in Turkey, did not begin newly and that it has political and humanitarian dimensions.

Cem said the approach which was shown in humanitarian dimensions directed the politicians to think more productive, adding that ''the closeness that appeared between the two countries at the moment is for the benefit of the two countries.''

Cem said bilateral Turkish-British relations, regional problems as well as Turkish-European relations will be discussed during his contacts in London.

Responding to a question related with the defense identity of Europe, Cem stressed that Turkey did not have an intention to prevent or support this new formation beforehand.

Cem pointed out that Turkey will take up this identity after it becomes mature, noting that Turkey may contribute as far as its interests are appropriate and by considering its rights and commitments.

Cem later briefed about his scheduled talks between Robin Cook, British Foreign Secretary, and George Robertson, British Defence Secretary. Cem said he will meet with Cook within the framework of a decision taken earlier to meet once a year.

Disclosing his views related with the quake and foreign aid in Turkey, Cem thanked to British government and its people who extended every kind of aid at the first stage of the quake.

Cem said ''we are grateful to all other countries due to their support.''

[03] TURKEY-PRESS SCAN

HURRIYET (LIBERAL)

The members of the committee decided to give a deadline of 24 hours for the countries to whether or not to oppose to the donation and said that the donation would be granted if nobody opposed.

EU INVITES TURKEY TO FULL MEMBERSHIP CONFERENCE
Turkish flank of Turkish-EU Joint Consultation Committee, composed of Turkey's non-governmental organizations, was invited to a conference titled ''Sustainable Full Membership'' which will take place between September 7 and 8. Turkey will be represented during this meeting together with the other 11 countries. Husamettin Kavi, the Committee Chairman, will represent Turkey.

MILLIYET (LIBERAL)

A TOTAL OF 11 RESPONSIBLES CAPTURED
A total of 11 contractors who led to the death of 117 people were captured in Duzce county of Bolu province. Eleven contractors who were detained by the instruction of Bilal Gurbuz, Duzce Republican Chief Prosecutor, were arrested and put into prison. Gurbuz also said that 19 more contractors are still wanted.

SABAH (LIBERAL)

PREMIER ECEVIT MAKES NO COMMENT
President Bulent Ecevit said that the veto of the law is under the authority and the appreciation of the President and that he cannot make any comment before he sees the reason of the veto.

CUMHURIYET (LEFT)

STATE THANKS TO AKUT
President Suleyman Demirel and Prime Minister Bulent Ecevit thanked to Search Rescue Association (AKUT) due to their efforts to rescue the people who were trapped under the debris. Meanwhile, AKUT presented the report which they prepared to Prime Minister Ecevit.

RADIKAL (LEFT)

IMF TO TAKE ACTION FOR THE QUAKE
International Monetary Fund (IMF) who said it would extend 325 million U.S. dollars to Turkey following the massive earthquake, will come to Turkey on September 8 and will increase this amount according to the results of its assessments.

TÜRKİYE (RIGHT)

A TOTAL OF 750 MILLION EURO ON THE WAY
The European Investment Bank granted one million euros to Turkey for the quake victims. The European Investment Bank also launched initiatives in the European Union (EU) Council and the EU Commission for the release of 750 million euros which was allocated for the improvement of Turkey's competition power within the framework of the Customs Union.

ZAMAN (CONSERVATIVE)

AFTERSHOCKS ARE GOOD SIGNS
Prof. Zeki Tutkun pointed out that aftershocks which were recorded following the major quake measuring 7.4 on the Richter scale were pleasing, and evaluated the quake measuring 5.2, whose epicenter was Izmit province, as a delayed ''aftershock''. Tutkun said they expected aftershocks to continue till October.

[04] U.S. SUPPORTS U.N.'S APPROVAL OF IRAQI OIL DONATION FOR SURVIVORS

Phil Reeker, U.S. State Department Deputy Spokesman, said that the U.N. Sanctions Committee approved the Iraqi oil donation for the survivors and that the U.S. supported this decision.

Reeker noted that the U.N. Sanctions Committee decided that the humanitarian oil aid of Iraq for the quake survivors did not contradict with the spirit of the sanctions, adding that the committee told its decision to the U.N. and that this decision was reached by their support.

Reeker added that the total of the U.S. aid to Turkey reached 10.7 million U.S. dollars.

When asked whether or not Madeleine Albright, the Secretary of State, who is paying a visit to Middle East, will stop in Turkey on Sunday within the framework of the U.S. solidarity with Turkey, Reeker said that the U.S. and Turkish officials are working together for this visit and that he cannot give details about the issue.

[05] EUROPEAN INVESTMENT BANK SENDS A LETTER TO PRESIDENT DEMIREL SAYING IT GRANTS ONE MILLION EUROS TO TURKEY FOR EMERGENCY AID

Unwin said in his letter that the EIB granted one million euros to Turkey for emergency aid and that it continues the discussions with the European Union (EU) Commission about the financial aid issue.

The proposal of the EIB about granting credit for aid to Turkey will be discussed in the Economy and Finance Ministers Council meeting which will be held in Finland on September 10, 1999. The EIB which is expected to give an amount of money which can be ten times more than the guarantee fund provided by the EU countries, carries out observations about the damages of the quake and about the determination of the needs.

The experts said that Turkey said that she needs nearly two billion euros rather than the amounts which will be met by the World Bank and the collected taxes and that the dimension of the contribution of the EIB has not become clear yet.

[06] PRESIDENT DENKTAS OF TRNC EXPECTED TO MEET ANNAN, U.N. SECRETARY GENERAL, IN THE U.S.

Sources told A.A correspondent that Denktas and Annan will meet each other when their programmes fit and that they are expected to discuss the latest situation on Cyprus and the conditions of the meeting between Denktas and Glafcos Clerides, the Greek Cypriot leader.

Denktas will address two conferences in New York where he will stay for four days and will respond the questions of the participants after the conferences.

The Turkish-American Associations Federation will host a reception for the honour of Denktas during Denktas' visit to New York.

[07] DIPLOMACY TRAFFIC IN SEPTEMBER - SCHEDULED VISITS OF PRIME MINISTER ECEVIT AND FOREIGN MINISTER CEM TO THE U.S. HAVE GREAT IMPORTANCE

Scheduled visit of Prime Minister Bulent Ecevit to the U.S., that will take place between September 26 and October 2, 1999, is the most important diplomacy activity in September. Ecevit, who will leave for Washington D.C. on September 26, will meet with Bill Clinton, the U.S. President, on September 28 and will proceed to New York on September 30.

Diplomatic sources pointed out that quake disaster which shook Turkey, is expected to be the first item of the agenda of Ecevit-Clinton meeting. Sources also said that details of the aid program, which the U.S. administration plan to extend to Turkey and which will also be discussed in the Congress in the coming days, will be clarified during the meeting.

Cyprus question, cooperation issues between the two countries in the fields of economy, energy and defense, Iraq, developments in the Balkans and Caucasia, and Turkish-Greek relations are among the other issues that will be discussed during the visit.

Meanwhile, it was reported that Foreign Minister Ismail Cem, who will go to New York for the U.N.'s 54th General Assembly studies between September 18 and 26, will proceed to Washington D.C. to accompany Prime Minister Ecevit. Cem will also find the opportunity to hold bilateral contacts as well as the U.N. studies. Cem is also expected to meet with Yorgo Papandreu, Greek Foreign Minister, within this framework and discuss the new dialogue process reached between the two countries.

Second leg of the dialogue process, initiated in Turkish-Greek relations, will take place between September 9 and 10 in Athens and September 15 and 16 in Ankara.

Foreign Ministry officials of the two countries will come together in these separate meetings and will take up ''tourism'', ''environment'', ''trade'', ''culture'', ''regional cooperation'' and ''organized crime, drug trafficiking, illegal immigration, terrorism'' issues.

The first leg of the dialogue had taken place between July 26 and 27 in Ankara and between July 29 and 30 in Athens.

Meanwhile, it was also reported that Kimmo Sasi, Minister of Finland, Responsible for Foreign Trade and European Affairs, will come to Turkey on September 20 and Finnish Trade Minister is expected to come to Turkey on September 29.

Tarja Halonen, Foreign Minister of Finland, had paid a short visit to Turkey a while ago due to the earthquake which shook Marmara region.

Lamberto Dini, Italian Foreign Minister, who gained sympathy with his statements supporting Turkey's EU membership, will visit Turkey on September 16. With this visit of Dini, a new page is expected to be opened in relations of Turkey and Italy which had been interrupted during the stay of Abdullah Ocalan, the head of the terrorist organization, in this country.

[08] TANTAN, INTERIOR MINISTER, ISSUES QUAKE CIRCULAR

Tantan sent the circular to Kocaeli, Sakarya, Yalova, Istanbul, Bursa, Bolu, Eskisehir, Zonguldak governorships, Directorate General of Security and the Gendermarie Commandership and requested them to be sensitive against the plunder, theft and molestation in the disaster zone and prevent the selling of goods in the black market.

Recalling that the rapid deployment forces, the special teams, the security forces and the policemen responsible for traffic were sent to the disaster zone, Tantan noted that these forces and teams will be charged in the rubble areas and the tent-sites.

The circular also noted the below listed points:

-Those who are determined to come to the disaster zone for bad intensions, especially those who are previously convicted or accused, during the controls will be prevented to enter into the disaster zone.

-Those who attempted to commit a crime by using the title of the motorized or infantrymen will be captured and judicial procedures for these persons will be launched.

-Those who are released by the judicial organs, those who are previously convicted or accused whether or not they committed crimes, will be sent away from the disaster zone.

-The vehicles and the persons who are leaving the disaster zone will be subject to control. The security forces will observe whether or not there are stolen goods in the vehicles or on the persons leaving the area.

-The stealing of the aid materials which are being sent to the disaster zone by changing the route of the vehicles carrying the aid will be prevented and the security forces will ensure whether or not the aid materials reach the disaster zone.

-The selling of the goods at very high prices that is in black market will be pervented and those who attempt to sell the goods at black market will be captured and new and additional measures will be taken for carrying out legal procedures for these persons.

[09] PRIME MINISTRY CRISIS ADMINISTRATION CENTER STATEMENT: - ''THERE IS NO OUTBREAK OF EPIDEMICS IN THE DISASTER ZONE''

The Prime Ministry Crisis Administration Center statement said that the efforts to spread disinfectants on the rubble, the distribution of chlorine tablets, and disinfecting the water by purifying tablets, food and water analysis continue; adding that to this end no outbreak of epidemics recorded until today.

Emphasizing that the Red Crescent sent a total of 36,230 tents, 98,650 blankets, 2,000 sleeping bags, 220,850 kilograms of food, 31 portable kitchens and two mobile kitchens and one immobile kitchen and four mobile hospitals to the disaster zone, the statement noted that electricity has been given to all the tent-sites and that the preparations for giving electricity to all the tent-sites which will be set up from now on have been fulfilled.

Stressing that the Public Works and Settlement Ministry prepared a project for the construction of 30 cubic metre prefabricated huts, the statement emphasized that a hut will cost more than 1.5 billion Turkish liras including the cost of water works of the huts and that cost of 50,000 huts will reach 85 trillion Turkish liras.

The statement emphasized that 35,908 houses are determined not to be suitable for settlement and 400 workplaces cannot be used from now on, adding that 37,698 houses are suitable for settlement and 415 workplaces can be used.

The statement added that Germany, Bulgaria, Albania and United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) continue to send aid to Turkey.

Emphasizing that the field hospital sent by Norway started to cure injured people in Kocaeli, the statement recalled that an Iranian delegation headed by Mohammed Ferhadi, Iranian Health Minister, came to Turkey to carry out observations in the disaster zone.

Meanwhile, ''Alo 119'' (Hello 119) line which is free of charge was set up for the citizens who lost their relatives in the quake and who cannot get in contact with them.

[10] MEASURES TO BE TAKEN DURING DISASTERS - DECREE IN THE POWER OF LAW, THAT MAKES CHANGES IN THE LAW RELATED WITH THE AID AND MEASURES THAT WILL BE TAKEN DURING THE DISASTERS, PUBLISHED IN THE OFFICIAL GAZETTE

According to the Decree in the Power of Law, no aid will be extended to the buildings, which were demolished, or damaged slightly or seriously, and which belong to legal bodies.

Public Works and Settlement Ministry will be authorized to assess the damage in provinces hit by the quake, to determine new settlement areas aiming to provide temporary or permanent dwellings, construction, maintenance and betterment of the prefabricated and permanent houses.

According to the KHK of Council of Ministers, which covers the measures that will be taken up during disasters, a detailed report will be given chief of civil services of the provinces or counties in question, about the buildings that should be destroyed or evacuated.

These authorities will have the power to evacuate such buildings soon and maximum three days will be given for the buildings that should be destroyed and the owners of the buildings will be informed. 15 days were earlier given for the process.

According to the KHK, new houses will be given or credit will be extended to the families who are the owners of the buildings that had to be demolished. The ones who constructed a building on a land that does not belong to themselves, will not be accepted as the owner of the house.

[11] ULUCEVIK, TURKEY'S AMBASSADOR TO BERLIN, THANKS TO GERMAN GOVERNMENT AND ITS PEOPLE FOR THE AID THEY EXTENDED

Speaking during a meeting with Cem Ozdemir, Greens Party Deputy and Marie Louise Beck, Federal Government's Foreigners Consultant, Ulucevik thanked to the aid Germany sent.

Ulucevik said rescue efforts in quake regions in Turkey were concluded, adding that support to the survivors was important at the moment. Ulucevik stressed the importance of housing studies to this end.

Recalling that Prime Minister Bulent Ecevit sent a letter to German Chancellor Gerhard Schroder and thanked due to the aid and support, Ulucevik said new credits were required for the reconstruction activities.

Meanwhile, Cem Ozdemir, Greens Party Parliamentary Group Internal Politics Spokesman, said they paid this visit to assess the aid that will be extended to Turkey afterwards.

[12] U.S. DEPARTMENT OF STATE: - ''EU FUNDS SHOULD BE GIVEN TO TURKEY''

Staging a press release, Phil Reeker, U.S. Department of State Deputy Spokesman, recalled that the EU made a committment to transfer a great deal of fund to Turkey under the Customs Union agreement signed in the end of 1995.

Emphasizing that the release of these funds are a decision which can be given within the EU, Reeker noted that the U.S. continues to support the release of the funds and the application of all the provisions of the Customs Union.

When a Greek journalist recalled that the Athens government earlier declared that it can lift the veto imposed on granting these funds to Turkey only if these funds are used for the sake of the survivors, Reeker stated that any kind of aid to the survivors will be useful and that they think that anything Greece or any other countries do for the survivors will be useful.

Reeker added that they earlier said that everybody should his or her best to help Turkey in this hardest time.

[13] FOREIGN MINISTER CEM WARNS EU - CEM: ''TURKEY MIGHT TRY ONLY ONCE MORE TO GET ACCEPTED AS A FORMAL CANDIDATE FOR EU MEMBERSHIP''

The interview made with Ismail Cem, the Foreign Minister in Financial Times was published with the title of ''Turkey warns about EU membership,'' and reported Cem as saying that the issue of Turkey's candidacy had to be settled at this December's EU summit in Helsinki.

''This whole business has tired us. It has damaged Turkey's image and become humiliating,'' Cem said. ''If it turns wrong at Helsinki, we may not ask for our candidacy again,'' he added.

Ismail Cem pointed out that he hopes to have a positive result from Helsinki summit about Turkey, adding ''however one has to be careful about the discrimination between humanitarian and political dimensions of the situation that came out in Turkey after the earthquake disaster and we believe that one should not exaggrate the political consequences following the disaster.''

''Certainly I appreciate the abolishment of the embargo on EU aid to Turkey by Greece,'' he added.

Cem later met with Sir David Hannay, the British Special Representative to Cyprus.

Cem will meet with Robin Cook, the British Foreign Secretary in the afternoon.

[14] JAPANESE EARTHQUAKE EXPERTS TO VISIT DISASTER AREAS AND GIVE A SEMINAR IN ANKARA ABOUT THEIR FINDINGS

The experts later will announce their observations and findings at a seminar in Ankara.

The experts will study the problems in disaster areas and announce them at a seminar on September 6 at Turkish-Japanese Foundation Cultural center.

Japanese experts will first tell about the experiences of Hyogo and Kobe cities. Reconstruction of disaster areas, planning of residential areas, hygenic policies, education policies, policies regarding volunteers, protection from earthquakes, policies followed in Kobe following Kobe-Awaji quake disaster, problems faced during hauling away the rubble and its solutions, methods of disposing the rubble, measures taken in Kobe to build a new life for quake survivors will be the main subjects of the seminar.

[15] MINISTRY OF HOUSING AND PUBLIC WORKS AND TUBITAK TO HOLD MEETING ABOUT PROBLEMS OF EARTHQUAKE IN ANKARA

The speakers will give information which will help to accelerate activities in quake hit regions and speak about past quake experiences.

Koray Aydin, Minister of Housing and Public Works, university lecturers and executives of some public institutions will attend the meeting as speakers.

Damage assessment works, temporary and permanent housing efforts, repair of damaged buildings, fortification of present constructions and disposal of the rubble will be discussed during Friday's meeting.

[16] PRIME MINISTER ECEVIT RECEIVES TOBB DELEGATION

Premier Bulent Ecevit received the TOBB delegation the same day.

Responding to questions of journalists after the meeting, Miras said that ''there was a reduction in production and export. Radical decisions were taken to put this on the right track again. Quake impedes in an extent the implementation of radical decisions. We launch efforts now to increase production again, to create employment, revive export and to increase production in factories from 40 percent to 80 percent.''

Responding to a question asking about the damage in the disaster area, Miras stated that ''the inventory of damage is being prepared. After that the dimensions of damage will be determined. Money collected from people and non-governmental organizations will be brought together with donations of other countries and credit aid. If these are not enough to meet the damage, I suppose the private sector will play a role.''

Noting that TOBB allocated a source of 10 trillion Turkish liras for construction, Fuat Miras said that they will build 1000 permanent houses with this source within six months if a land is given to them. Miras stressed that this number can increase to 5000 by contributions of citizens and members of TOBB.

[17] TURKISH-GREEK FRIENDSHIP IN BIGA

Stilyanidis said Biga and Xanthi were brother cities and visited Biga Mayor Sukru Semerli.

Stilyanidis stressed that Turkish and Greek people wanted peace. ''Xanthi and Biga are brother cities. Greek businessmen in Xanthi want to do business with Turkish businessmen in Biga. Executives of Xanthi Trade Chamber will visit Biga in the coming days,'' he said.

Biga Mayor Kemerli also said they wanted to cooperate in every field with Xanthi. ''Our Greek friends displayed a very good example after the quake in Marmara region. We believe in the friendship of Turkish and Greek people, '' he stated.

[18] RETURN OF AMNESTY LAW TO PARLIAMENT - PREMIER ECEVIT: ''DSP FORESAW AN AMNESTY WITH SOCIAL CONTENT, NOT POLITICAL''

Responding to questions of journalists about the return of the amnesty law by President Suleyman Demirel to the parliament, Premier Ecevit stated that the three parties of the government couldn't have the opportunity to discuss what they would do after President Demirel returned the amnesty law to the parliament, adding ''unless discussions and examinations are not finished, it is impossible for me to say something.''

When reminded his words saying ''he couldn't digest several provisions of the amnesty Law,'' Premier Ecevit said that ''this is a coalition government, compromise is reached in coalition governments. Certainly one of the coalition parties can have different ideas, but the thing that is important is to bring these ideas together in a balanced way. In that respect I find this process natural.''

When asked whether or not the Democratic Left Party (DSP) will bring a new proposal to reduce the worries of public opinion about certain provisions of the amnesty law, Prime Minister Ecevit said that the amnesty came to the agenda upon the proposal of Rahsan Ecevit, the deputy leader of the Democratic Left Party (DSP) and acception of it by the DSP Party Assembly. Premier Ecevit added that ''our party assembly foresaw a humanitarian amnesty law which didn't have political content. We focused on an amnesty which would cover crimes committed due to the conflict in culture and distorted urbanization. However it was taken up at the level of government and gained new dimensions. At this stage I can't say anything about it on behalf of myself and my party.''

''When will the coalition parties discuss the issue?'' asked journalists to Ecevit who said ''probably it won't be late.''

Responding to a question asking whether or not he has a message to the Greek nation, Premier Ecevit said that he attributes great importance to friendly relations between Turkey and Greece and multidimensional cooperation. Recalling that he launched great efforts to this end during his prior posts as prime minister, Ecevit said ''it seems as if a dialogue process started with Greece. Certainly at this stage no one can expect the solution of the basic problems between the two countries. However even opening of dialogue door is important. Because till today, Greece has not accepted resorting to dialogue for solution of problems among us particularly after she joined the EU. I hope to have concrete results from that in the future.''

[19] TRNC PRESIDENT DENKTAS MEETS WITH ANN DAME HERCUS, U.N. SECRETARY GENERAL'S SPECIAL ENVOY FOR CYPRUS

The issues of arson attack on Hala Sultan Tomb in Larnaka, non-permission of entrance for Turkish journalists who wanted to pass the Greek side to see the Tomb and a Greek Cypriot who was found dead in Karpaz were taken up at the meeting.

Speaking after the meeting, TRNC President Denktas said that the event that took place in Karpaz was a murder and police will do what is necessary to find the criminals.

Noting that this issue should not be taken as if it was a political event, Denktas pointed out that Ann Hercus informed him about the arson attack in Hala Sultan Tomb, they focused on the seriousness of the event and took the necessary measures in the tomb.

An autopsy was performed on the Greek Cypriot, who was found dead in his car in Karpaz, Denktas said, adding ''we performed the autopsy, the U.N. was there as an observor. Now the Greek Cypriot side wants us to send the dead body to the south and perform another autopsy.''

Denktas said that Hercus requested him to accept this desire of the Greek Cypriot side not to lead to a propaganda, adding U.N. will stand as an observor at the autopsy to be performed in the Greek Cypriot side. Denktas said he will convey the issue to the TRNC government.

Pointing out that children of the dead Greek Cypriot are waited in border gate of Ledra Palace to enter the TRNC, Denktas said that the U.N. official perceives the incident as an retaliation to the non-permission to Turkish journalists.

''Our foreign ministry did what was necessary. Our police searches for the criminals and we hope the criminals will be captured and brought to the court. There is no need to try to find a political reason behind that,'' Denktas said.

Stelios Lambi Harpas, the Greek Cypriot who was found dead in the burned car in Karpaz, was shot to dead, the police reported.

Investigation of police about the incident continues.

[20] 6.9 BILLION U.S. DOLLARS PAID IN FOREIGN DEBT SINCE JANUARY 1, 1999

The Central Bank data shows that the Treasury paid 5 billion 859.54 million U.S. dollars; the Central Bank repaid 290.81 million U.S. dollars; the Ministry of National Defense and the Defense Industry paid 487.59 million U.S. dollars; the Defense Fund paid 17.33 million U.S. dollars and the International Monetary Fund (IMF) was repaid 331.87 million U.S. dollars in foreign debt between January 1 and September 1, 1999.

Meanwhile, a total of 1 billion 22.99 million U.S. dollars of foreign debt was repaid between August 1 and 31.

The foreign debt payment was 432.01 million U.S. dollars in January; 765.75 million U.S. dollars in February; 770.55 million U.S. dollars in March; 836.41 million U.S. dollars in April, 680.99 million US dollars in May; 718.55 million U.S. dollars in June, and 714.64 million U.S. dollars in July 1999.

[21] FOREIGN EXCHANGE RESERVES OF CENTRAL BANK INCREASE TO 23 BILLION U.S. DOLLARS

The Central Bank data shows that the foreign exchange reserves, which dropped by 240 million U.S. dollars between August 20 and 27, decreased to 23 billion 95 million U.S. dollars as of August 27.

The Central Bank's foreign exchange reserves were 23 billion 335 million U.S. dollars on August 20.

Meanwhile, according to the August 13-based statistics, Turkey's total international gross reserves increased 331 million U.S. dollars to 35 billion 780 million U.S. dollars between August 6 and 13.

The international gross reserves of Turkey were 35 billion 449 million U.S. dollars on August 6.

As of August 13, Turkey's international reserves were composed of 1 billion 12 million U.S. dollars in gold reserves; 24 billion 65 million U.S. dollars in the Central Bank's foreign exchange reserves; and 10 billion 703 million U.S. dollars in the commercial banks' foreign exchange reserves.

[22] FM CEM MEETS BRITISH FOREIGN SECRETARY COOK - COOK: ''WE COMPREHEND THE IMPORTANCE OF GIVING A NEW START IN RELATIONS BETWEEN TURKEY AND EU, AND FOLLOWING A NEW APPROACH'' - CEM: ''THERE IS A POSITIVE ATMOSPHERE BETWEEN TURKEY AND GREECE. IF THE PROBLEMS ARE TAKEN UP WITH GOOD WILL, I AM NOT PESSIMISTIC THAT AT LEAST THE PROBLEMS BETWEEN TURKEY AND GREECE CAN BE SOLVED''

Ismail Cem, the Foreign Minister said he was hopeful from the long-term funds that will be provided by the cooperation of the World Bank and the European Investment Bank, thanking to Britain for her material and moral support after the devastating earthquake.

Ismail Cem, who is currently paying a three-day official visit to Britain, met with British Foreign Secretary Robin Cook.

Following their meeting, Cem and Cook made a joint statement.

Giving information about the meeting, Robin Cook said they discussed the earthquake tragedy and its results in addition to many issues, adding, ''both the British people and whole Europe tried to come to Turkey's rescue with not only monetary but also urgent expert aid by showing great sensitivity, and this will continue.''

Noting that the support to efforts for Turkey's long-term reconstruction will be accelerated, Cook said, ''as EU Foreign Ministers, we will call on the European Union to respond generously and appropriately with economic reconstruction for Turkey at our weekend meeting in Helsinki, Finland.''

Pointing out that they comprehended the importance of giving a new start in the relations between Turkey and EU and following a new approach towards Turkey, Cook said, ''because, strategically, Turkey is a very important country for us, and we will evaluate well Turkey's expectations at our weekend meeting.''

Foreign Minister Ismail Cem said the British Foreign Secretary and he held a very productive meeting, stressing that material and moral support they received from Britain after the earthquake were very valuable for them. Noting that nearly 70 countries sent aid to Turkey according to their capacities, Cem said, ''I am grateful to especially Britain who lended her helping hand in Turkey's difficult days.''

Cem stated that he hopes the efforts that were put forward by the EU together with the World Bant and the European Investment Bank will be realized.

''Although there are some differences of opinion in some issues between Turkey and Britain, the inheritors of two great Empires, we determined that Turkey and Britain, in principle, have a common approach towards global problems and bilateral issues, and within this framework, we discussed different issues.''

When a Greek reporter recalled that the dialogue, which has recently started between Ankara and Athens, has much more intensified due to the earthquake, Foreign Minister Ismail Cem said, ''there is a positive atmosphere between Turkey and Greece. The dialogue that Mr. Foreign Minister Yorgo Papandreu and I started together has been continuing for nearly three months. We will continue the second round talks on six issues on September 9, and I am sure we will bring further the current level we reached. Although we have some differences of opinion in the issues like the Aegean, I am not pessimistic that at least the problems between Turkey and Greece can be solved if the issues are taken up with good will and if we understand our mutual concerns.''

When responding to the question ''Turkey got tired of waiting in front of the EU door. What will Europe do to refreshthis tiredness? Did you wait for a calamity for a new approach?'', Robin Cook said Britain understood very well Turkey's distress and concerns over her candidacy, and this had been expressed at the Cardiff summit.

The British Foreign Secretary said EU's new approach does not have any connection with the disaster in Turkey, and Turkey's application is dependent upon same criteria as any other candidate for EU membership.

[23] PRESIDENT DEMIREL: ''SUCH A CATASTROPHE SADDENED ALL OF US. WE WILL OVERCOME THIS WITH PATIENCE AND FORTITUDE''

President Suleyman Demirel received Sinan Aygun, the Chairman of the Ankara Chamber of Commerce (ATO), and members of ATO Executive Board. Addressing the meeting, the President said Turkey will overcome that shock, adding that he accepted that people can be impatient and they can have no more strength left from time to time.

''However, agitation is not beneficial to anybody. We will overcome this with patience and fortitude. I don't think there is somebody to say we can't overcome this. This is an expression of the greatness and resistance of the Turkish nation. Of course, a society that express their thoughts to remedy their problems is powerful than a society that remain silent.'' the President stated.

[24] TRNC PRESIDENT DENKTAS TO MEET U.N. SECRETARY GENERAL ANNAN ON SEPTEMBER 9

The developments in the Cprus question and the attitude of the Turkish side will be discussed at the meeting which will be held upon the request of Denktas.

Speaking to reporters, the TRNC President said he will brief Kofi Annan on the reasons of the Turkish side's confederation proposal, and he will give information about the developments during the conferences he will stage in the U.S. and at his other contacts.

Noting that the confederation proposal based on the principle of two states is appropriate to the 1960 partnership agreement, Denktas said, ''our confederation proposal, which is based on sovereignty and the principle of two states, continues to recieve support from famous jurists and diplomats. This support will spread more but we have to act bravely and stand our ground.''

Calling on the world and the U.N. to act realistic in the Cyprus issue, Denktas said, ''I don't have any concern. I do defend our National case at the most superior court and I win but the judges should be unbiased.''

Stressing that the problem was solved when the Turkish Cypriots founded their state by refusing to be administered by the Greek Cypriots, Denktas said, ''solving the problem is different from reaching a compromise with the Greek Cypriots. We resisted and we did not accepted to be administered by the Greek Cypriots. We founded our state and we solved the problem. In other words, we won the case. However, reaching a compromise with the Greek Cypriots is different. For a compromise, the Greek Cypriots have to sit at the negotiation table by accepting our equality.''

The visit of the TRNC President to the U.S. will start on September 5. Denktas, who will go to the U.S. via Istanbul, will hold a meeting with U.N. Secretary General Kofi Annan on September 9.

Denktas, who will meet with Thomas Weston, the U.S. State Department Special Coordinator for Cyprus, on September 12, will attend several meetings on Cyprus in New York and Washington D.C.

Rauf Denktas will return to Turkey on September 13.

Denktas is expected to hold contacts with Prime Minister Bulent Ecevit and state and government officials.

TRNC President Rauf Denktas will leave for Istanbul on September 3 and visit the disaster area.

[25] PRESIDENT DEMIREL RECEIVES PRIME MINISTER ECEVIT

President Suleyman Demirel received Prime Minister Bulent Ecevit. Speaking to reporters following the meeting, the Prime Minister said, ''some circles, who showed the state as if it was incapable and powerless, harmed the image of Turkey in the world.''

Noting that the President and he held a regular meeting, Ecevit said they evaluated especially the situation in the disaster area.

Recalling that the Prime Ministry Crisis Center officials carried out observations in the area, Ecevit said he briefed the President on those observations.

''Meanwhile, there is a situation that caused Mr President and I feel uneasy and unwell. Some circles very unjustly showed the state as if it was incapable and powerless, harming the image of Turkey in the world, and the circles, which want to help Turkey and try to be in solidarity with Turkey, became hesitant. Of course, everything couldn't be well-arranged and go orderly in such a serious disaster.''

Stressing that a total of nine provinces were affected by the earthquake which could be the most serious calamity in the history, Ecevit said, ''despite this, all of the state organizations, public institutions, the Armed Forces and voluntary organizations are trying to overcome this catastrophe. They are doing their utmost. Despite these, the allegations and news showing the state as it was non-existent not only harm the government but also Turkey. I think this should be taken into cosideration.''

Responding to the questions on the Amnesty Law, the Prime Minister said President Suleyman Demirel vetoed the law with his own authority and discretion.

''As the leaders of the coalition-partner political parties, we will convene tomorrow, and discuss the attitude we will follow,'' he said.

[26] FM CEM IN LONDON - CEM: ''THE EU POLICY, THAT TURKEY DETERMINED FOLLOWING LUXEMBOURG SUMMIT, IS TRUE''

Cem, on the second day of his three-day official visit to London, staged a press conference at the Turkish Embassy in London after his meeting with Robin Cook, the British Foreign Secretary.

Noting that his meeting with Robin Cook was beneficial for the review of the relations between Turkey and Britain and the regional problems, Cem said that his British counterpart briefed him on the weekend meeting of the EU Foreign Ministers.

Stating that Britain generally shows an attitude supporting Turkey's EU candidacy, Cem said the British Foreign Secretary told him that Britain will continue that attitude.

When reminded his statement to the Financial Times saying ''Turkey won't repeat her request for candidacy following the Helsinki Summit'', and asked whether he conveyedt he same statement to Robin Cook, Ismail Cem said, ''these were not discussed word by word. However, my attitude is already known. Actually, I earlier stated this, and I guess all of the diplomats conveyed this to their centers. While saying this, I express a sincere concern. I don't add a meaning beyond this. This a development that can be expected. I mean the EU may not give a satisfactory response to Turkey at Helsinki Summit and this won't be good.''

When asked what his expectations were, Ismail Cem said, ''such issues can never be approached with xepectations. There is a need for an attitude in accordance with objective reality. We want this problem solved but we stress that this is a target of Turkey not idee fixe.''

Pointing out that the best way is to wait and see, Cem said, ''I hope this problem will be removed this time.''

''It sould be realistic not pessimistic or optimistic. We determined a true policy after the Luxembourg Summit. At the current level, it is seen that the policy was true. If some developments occur today, it is the result of this true policy,'' he said.

''We didn't say that we completely cut our relations with the EU after the Luxembourg Summit. We only said that we won't share our sensitive issues with the EU any more. This did not mean that we cut political dialogue. We continue talks on every issue and cooperation with the EU. This enables us to record progress,'' he stated.

Cem stressed that positive developments will positively affect Turkey's all relations with the EU.

Responding to the question ''it is mentioned that Greece will lay the usage of EU fund for meeting the damages of the earthquake down as a condition in return for stopping her blockage. What do you think?'', Cem said, ''I don't know whether or not Greece put forward a condition or the kind of condition but our approach is clear. It is obvious. The EU has liability against Turkey. We expect the EU to fulfil it. And this is problem between Turkey and the EU, it is not a problem between Turkey and Greece. The fund in question is an amount of which aim is clear. It is not any connection with the earthquake. It is not an aid. It is a delayed payment of someone to another one. I don't want to act unjustly. We see the positive step, stress its importance and express our pleasure.''

Cem noted it was seen that Turkey has recently explained better her opinions about the Cyprus issue.

When asked whether the relations between Turkey and the EU would sever if turkey can't find what she expected after the Helsinki Summit, Cem said, ''Turkey won't have a yearning for candidacy at political platform.''

''We have been saying for a long time that Turkey should be judged with the same criteria as other candidates. If this is not implemented, we are the ones who complain that there is a discremination. Today, everybody in the EU can see this and accepts that Turkey is treated unjustly,'' he said.

[27] TURKEY-ISRAEL - PRIME MINISTER ECEVIT AND HIS ISRAELI COUNTERPART BARAK ATTEND SPECIAL BROADCAST OF ISRAELI TELEVISION CHANNEL THROUGH SATELLITE

Prime Minister Bulent Ecevit and Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Barak attended the programme from Ankara and Jerusalem through satellite. Israeli people donated money by phoning to the programme.

Ecevit thanked to Israel for her great interest she showed for earthquake victims.

Noting that Israel sent hospitals, doctors, aid equiment and foodstuffs to Turkey, Ecevit said, ''the Israeli people helped generously to us. This is an important reflection of the developing friendship between our two countries.''

Ecevit thanked to Barak for his personal interest.

Ehud Barak offered condolences for Bulent Ecevit and the relatives of people who have died in the earthquake. Barak said they fell the pleasure of helping the Turkish nation with rescue teams and doctors in such a catastrophe.

The Israeli Prime Minister stated that the sincere aid of the Israeli people pleased him.

''I want to thank you for your warm feelings. The Turkish people are grateful for the great generosity and aid of the Israeli people. Your rescue teams worked as they are of the same nation,'' Prime Minister Bulent Ecevit said.

Meanwhile, also Ahmet Uzumcu, the Turkish Ambassador to Tel Aviv, and Anastadias Nitsiadis, the Greek Ambassador to Tel Aviv, attended the programme. Pointing out that the Turkish people were not surprised with the Greek aid, stressing, ''also the Turkish nation would do the same thing.''

Nitsiadis said the aid sent by the Greek people was a natural reaction, adding that the sympathy after the earthquake was a signal of better relations.

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