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Anadolu Agency: News in English, 99-09-28

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

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

AA Daily

28 Sept 1999 Tuesday


CONTENTS

  • [01] TURKEY-PRESS SCAN
  • [02] These are some of the major headlines and their brief stories in Turkey's press on Sept 28, 1999. The Anadolu Ajansi does not verify these stories and does not vouch for their accuracy.
  • [03] HURRIYET (LIBERAL) - ------------------ FIVE MINUTES AGO Terrorists in Ankara Covered Prison took their picture with sticks in their hands five minutes before starting their bloody revolt. It has been understood that the wards were used as terrorist cells and the illegal extreme leftist organizations made cooperation with each other in the prison. A rifle, a shotgun, seven guns, two silencers, two hand-made bombs and many petrol bombs were found in the controls held in Ulucanlar Prison of Ankara yesterday.
  • [04] WE DIDN'T COME TO U.S. TO BEG Foreign Minister Ismail Cem and high ranking officials explained the aim of Premier Bulent Ecevit's visit to the U.S. to journalists and said that Premier Ecevit won't beg U.S. President Bill Clinton to help Turkey. ''We are here to further improve the relations between the two countries in 2000s,'' they said.
  • [05] MILLIYET (LIBERAL) - ----------------- DISASTER EVERY DAY After the quake, we see many traffic accidents, uprisings in prisons in Turkey. Yesterday an unregistered paint factory exploded. The explosion occurred at about 14:45 local time in the workshop of the private factory namely Demet Paint Factory on the Kurtkoy Industry Street in Pendik. As a result of the explosion, the walls of the building collapsed, and fire broke out as the equipment used in producing paint ignited. Six people died, four people are missing and 40 people were wounded.
  • [06] EXPECTATIONS CHANGE The expectations from Prime Minister Bulent Ecevit's visit to the U.S. were high, but now the Turkish officials point out that their expectations will probably not fully come true.
  • [07] SABAH (LIBERAL) - -------------- ''COMMANDER, WE WON'T JOIN'' There were also 23 PKK terrorists staying at the same ward with the illegal DHKP- C and TIKKO members who clashed with the security forces in the Ankara Prison. These PKK terrorists obeyed the call of their head and did not revolt against the security forces. When the guarantee was given, those 23 terrorists including three women left the ward screaming, ''we won't join this, commander.'' In the checks, officials found a roughly drawn plan showing that the tunnel was dug in the bathroom part of the prison. The riot in Ankara Prison was kept secret for 24 days. Actually, prison officials couldn't carry out their duty to count the prisoners since September 2.
  • [08] ECEVIT: ''I DIDN'T COME HERE FOR DOLLAR'' Turkey gave up her request for the U.S.-guaranteed debenture bond. The interests of the military debts will not be settled. The bargaining for textiles quota failed in bringing a result. The situation in the economy part is not clear prior to the meeting between Prime Minister Bulent Ecevit and U.S. President Bill Clinton. The position of the Foreign Ministry is much more clearer: Turkey does not intend to give up her rights on Cyprus and does not have an intention for opposition. Its position concerning the issues from European Union to Caucasus is very clear.
  • [09] CUMHURIYET (LEFT) - ---------------- PROTESTS CONTINUE IN PRISONS Protests and keeping prison guards hostage continue in prisons of Bayrampasa, Umraniye, Gebze, Bartın, Bergama, Canakkale, Aydın, Buca, Bursa and Cankırı. A total of 76 prison guards are still kept hostage by prisoners.
  • [10] ECEVIT: WE ARE DETERMINED ABOUT CYPRUS Prime Minister Bulent Ecevit, who pays an official visit to the U.S. said that their target is to carry the Turkish-American relations to the 21st century, adding Turkey won't give concessions from its attitude regarding the Cyprus question. The aim of the visit is to put the bilateral relations into a long-term plan.
  • [11] RADIKAL (LEFT) - --------------- MARMARA AND THRACE UNDER RISK Scientists who say that there won't be an earthquake in Istanbul, add that the latter will be affected by the fault lines in Marmara sea. It is stressed that the center of Marmara region and Thrace are under the quake risk.
  • [12] JUSTICE AWAKENS AT LAST The Prosecutorship in Yalova filed a suit against the contractors and civil engineers of Ceylankent, Aydınkent and Yuksel summer flats where more than 600 people died in the massive earthquake that hit Marmara region of Turkey on August 17.
  • [13] TÜRKİYE (RIGHT) - ---------------- STRATEGICAL COOPERATION COMES FIRST Prime Minister Bulent Ecevit will start his difficult bargain in the U.S. today. Ecevit will meet with U.S. President Bill Clinton in White House. Diplomatic circles evaluate the visit as a milestone in bilateral relations.
  • [14] ZAMAN (CONSERVATIVE) - -------------------- WHAT A COMFORT! The prisoners are freely doing everything in prisons. The prisons does not have a difference with the terrorist bases. There are every kind of weapons from rifle guns to flame throwers. They are training themselves with scale model rifles. They are planning assasinations. Such a freedom does not exist outside. In the checks carried out following the clash in Ankara Prison, a rifle, a shotgun, seven pistols, two silencers, two hand-made grenades and a plenty of fire bombs were confiscated.
  • [15] FIRST LESSON AT GATA Giving the first lesson of the new education year at the Gulhane Military Medical Faculty (GATA) with a ceremony, Brigadier General Yalcin Isimer said, ''we won't say 'don't worry' to these people, we will let them learn by heart,'' meaning the people who are opposed to worship in Turkish language and Turkish Koran.
  • [16] IDEF 99 FAIR - PRESIDENT DEMIREL: ''WAR IS NOT A TARGET, THE TARGET IS PEACE''
  • [17] ANKARA, Sept 28 (A.A) - President Suleyman Demirel said on Tuesday that the target was not war, but peace, adding that ''the weapons which were used for war will be used to provide peace. If this can be understood well, and if the balance can be preserved well, the sufferings of the 20th century will not be repeated in the coming centuries.'' Addressing the opening ceremony of IDEF 99, Demirel recalled that the fair was a defense industry fair, and noted that works of the technology, samples and the weapons were exhibited in the fair. Stressing that ''defense industry'' term was one which was carefully selected, Demirel said ''we don't say war industry. We should altogether understand the meaning of this.'' Recalling that 20th century was a stage to important wars, Demirel said weapons which are products of war indsutry were used in these wars. Demirel said ''it has been revealed that these weapons which were made by human beings were devastating to human beings. Nearly 60-70 million people lost their lives in the first and second World Wars. Many cities and counties were destroyed and civilized countries were damaged. Yet, it was understood after 1945 that war was in vain. The target is not war, the target is peace. The weapons which were used for war should be used to provide peace to consolidate peace. This means, the weapons will be under the service of defense industry. The term ''deterrence'' expresses one of the most important concepts which human beings revealed. The weapons exist to prevent war. If this can be understood well and if this balance can be preserved well, the sufferings will not be repeated again.'' Demirel said the world entered 21st century in an organized way, adding that the U.N. and NATO took very important steps to this end and gained positive results. Demirel said ''defense industry is the highest industry power of the country. This means, the countries who could not succeed in industrialization, will not have defense industry. Turkey has a defense industry. Armed forces and defense industry of Turkey is for deterrence, to provide peace in the region and to serve peace in the world. This was seen in various places like Bosnia-Herzegovina, Kosovo and Somalia. I consider them as very important examples.'' Recalling that Turkey experienced a very important quake disaster, Demirel said more than 15,000 people died and nearly 200, 000 houses were demolished. Demirel pointed out that 87 countries rushed to the help of Turkey, adding that ''I think this is a very important incident while entering to the year 2000's. I wish all the world countries to be in this feeling and I also wish the weapons to be used for peaceful reasons.''
  • [18] PREMIER ECEVIT MEETS CLINTON, U.S. PRESIDENT
  • [19] WASHINGTON D.C., Sept 29 (A.A) - Premier Bulent Ecevit met with Bill Clinton, the U.S. President, at the White House on Tuesday evening. After meeting with Al Gore, U.S. Vice-President, Ecevit came together with Clinton at 8.05 p.m. local time. Following the official welcome ceremony held in front of the White House, Ecevit and Clinton went to the Oval Office where they will have tete-a-tete meeting. The meetings between the delegations of the two countries will start after the meeting between Ecevit and Clinton. The U.S. delegation presided by Clinton includes Madeline Albright, the U.S. Secretary of State, the State Department Undersecretary, Mark Parris, U.S. Ambassador to Ankara, and the high- ranking officials from the Department of State, the Department of Trade and the Department of Defense. The Chairman of the National Security Council or the Assistant Chairman of the Council will participate in the U.S. delegation. The Turkish delegation is composed of Premier Ecevit, Cumhur Ersumer, Deputy Prime Minister and the Energy and Natural Resources Minister, Recep Onal, the State Minister, Ismail Cem, the Foreign Minister, Kenan Tanrikulu, the Industry and Trade Minister, Uluc Ozulker, the Foreign Ministry Deputy Undersecretary, Baki Ilkin, Turkey's Ambassador to Washington D.C., Umit Pamir, Chief Foreign Counsellor of the Prime Ministry, Ertugrul Ciragan and Oguz Demiralp, Foreign Ministry Counsellor. The delegations will discuss the Baku-Ceyhan pipeline project, Turkmen natural gas, free trade zone, the textile quotas imposed on Turkey, Cyprus, Iraq and Turkish-Greek relations, the military credit relations and democratization. Ecevit is expected to issue a statement following the luncheon to which the officials of the two countries attend.
  • [20] ECEVIT-CLINTON MEETING - CLINTON, U.S. PRESIDENT, SAYS THERE ARE MANY ISSUES TO DISCUSS WITH ECEVIT
  • [21] WASHINGTON D.C., Sept 28 (A.A) - Bill Clinton, the U.S. President, said on Tuesday that there are many issues to discuss with Premier Bulent Ecevit; adding that the quake, Turkish-Greek relations, and the improving relations between Turkey and the European Union (EU) are some of the issues which will be discussed. The meeting between Ecevit and Clinton started at 8.05 p.m. local time. Madeleine Albright, the U.S. Secretary of State, Sandy Burger, the National Security Consultant of Clinton, Mark Parris, the U.S. Ambassador to Ankara, participated in the meeting. Ismail Cem, the Foreign Minister, Cumhur Ersumer, the Deputy Prime Minister and the Energy and Natural Resources Minister, Ahmet Kenan Tanrikulu, the Industry and Trade Minister, and Recep Onal, the State Minister, also attended the meeting between Ecevit and Clinton. Prior to the meeting, Clinton said that he is very pleased to host Ecevit in the White House and defined Ecevit as ''a distinguished leader.'' Praising Turkey's cooperation in Kosovo dispute as a NATO ally, Clinton noted that there are many issues to discuss with Ecevit, including the quake, Turkish-Greek relations, Cyprus, human rights, economic reforms and the improving relations between Turkey and the EU. When asked whether or not the U.S. will continue to support the Baku-Ceyhan pipeline project, Clinton said that U.S. stance was in favour of Turkey in this issue and that the stance will not change. Responding a question about Cyprus, Clinton said that he believes that the two sides can reach an agreement upon having meetings without any preconditions under the mediation of the United Nations (U.N.) Responding a question about Turkey- EU relations, Clinton noted that the improvement in the relations with Greece and the human rights will help Turkey improve her relations with the EU. Clinton said that the U.S. supports Turkey's integration with the EU since he was chosen as the U.S. President and that this is very important for the future of the world.
  • [22] MEETING BETWEEN PREMIER ECEVIT AND CLINTON, U.S. PRESIDENT, ENDS
  • [23] WASHINGTON D.C., Sept 28 (A.A) - The meeting between Premier Bulent Ecevit and Bill Clinton, U.S. President, ended on Tuesday night. Following his meeting with Clinton which lasted for two hours, Ecevit said that it was a very sincere meeting and that they discussed all the global issues. Ecevit added that Clinton realized that Turkey is a very important country. Emphasizing that he expects Clinton to issue a statement about the quake assistance to Turkey in the following few days, Ecevit noted that he hopes this will be satisfactory for Turkey. Stressing that he saw that Clinton is willing to make contributions to Turkey's economy, Ecevit stated that they will see the results of this in a few days. Ecevit continued, ''it was a very sincere meeting. We discussed many important issues. We especially discussed the bilateral relations between Turkey and the U.S. Our relations started to carry importance for the world. Because Turkey plays a leading role in the changing world. The U.S. saw Turkey's developing position in the world. Clinton is willing to contribute to Turkey's economy. We will see the results of this in a few days.'' Later, Ecevit went to the Blair House.
  • [24] PRIME MINISTER ECEVIT: ''WE HAVE THE RIGHT TO STATE THE NEED OF IMPROVING ECONOMIC INFRASTRUCTURE OF POLITICAL SECURITY AND MILITARY RELATIONS WITH U.S.''
  • [25] WASHINGTON D.C., Sept 28 (A.A) - Prime Minister Bulent Ecevit said on Monday that ''as the relations between Turkey and the U.S. are improving in the fields of political security and military, we have the right to state the need of improving economic infrastructure of them.'' Receiving Turkish businessmen in Mayflower Hotel, Prime Minister Ecevit said that while the relations with the U.S. are improving in many fields particularly in politics and military, trade remained behind. Noting that the trade volume with the U.S. was 6.3 billion dollars in 1997, Premier Ecevit pointed out that this number didn't change in 1998, but it decreased by 29 percent in the first half of 1999. Turkish enterpreneurs complain about the textile quotas applied by the U.S. and they are right, said Ecevit, adding ''the U.S. insists on Turkey's being a member of the European Union (EU) by good intention, but she does not recognize the rights she recognized to the EU to Turkey regarding quotas. We have to remind this to our American friends.'' Noting that Turkey's exports shouldn't be dependent on textile, Premier Ecevit stated that structural changes are also necessary in textile industry. More product and market variation is required in textile, said Ecevit, adding ''we couldn't sufficiently explain the U.S. the difficulty of Turkey due to the embargo imposed on Iraq. Turkey lost 35 billion dollars due to its limited economic relations with Iraq in the last 8-9 years. Turkey's commercial relations with other Arab countries weakened and the authority gap in Iraq increased our security costs. Americans have fairness. Not only our state, but enterpreneurs should also focus on this issue.'' Referring to privatized industry zone, Prime Minister Bulent Ecevit said that this implementation which helped in the development of Israel and Jordan can also be carried out in southeastern and eastern regions of Turkey. Ecevit sent the message to the U.S. that ''as you give importance to development in Southeast Turkey, then you can help us in doing that.'' Pointing out that when the bi-polar world ended by the dissolution of the Soviet Union, the function areas of NATO broadened, Premier Ecevit said that the functions of Turkey in the military field also increased. The region of Turkey went too far from her border neighbours, said Ecevit, adding that Turkey is a key country in the process of being Euroasian and her political, military and economic importance have also increased recently. ''Our coalition government showed an extraordinary performance in three months, the parliament abided by that and as a result the parliament passed 67 laws,'' said Ecevit. Fuat Miras, the Chairman of the Turkish Union of Chambers and Stock Exchanges (TOBB) said that they expect the contributions of the U.S. to heal the wounds of Turkey following the quake disaster. Miras stressed that the full support of IMF, EU and World Bank is the expectation of the Turkish nation. Erkut Yucaoglu, the Chairman of the Association of Turkish Industrialists and Businessmen (TUSIAD) said in his part that ''a stand-by with IMF should start to be implemented and the ways to realize the targets of a reform budget for 2000 and a low inflation have to be opened.'' Noting that they want to get the signal of privatization from Ecevit's government, Yucaoglu said that they desire continuation of reform laws.
  • [26] DEPUTY PRIME MINISTER DEVLET BAHCELI:''ALTHOUGH TURKISH DEFENSE INDUSTRY HAS DEVELOPED AN EXPORT CAPACITY IN RECENT YEARS,
  • [27] ANKARA, Sept 28 (A.A) - Devlet Bahceli, the Acting Prime Minister, said on Tuesday that ''Turkey was not in an armament competition, however it has to be strong because of the jeostrategic and jeopolitic position to contribute global and regional peace and stability''. Bahceli who spoke at the IDEF-99's opening said new foreign enterpreneurs were interested in investing in Turkish defense industry which is important to bring modern technologies to Turkey. He said they were ready to give all kinds of support to technology and capital transfer to countries and institutions who openly want cooperation with Turkey. ''I believe that our businessmen and investors will evaluate the opportunities in the best way. Turkey is working to modernize its army with its limited resourses and it will provide its defense equipment within the country as possible as it could. This way it will be possible to allocate more resources for the modernization of the Turkish Armed Forces,'' Bahceli explained. Bahceli also stated that after the cold war some threats against Turkey continued to exist in various forms. Turkey will be open to foreign countries in its defense industry, but it will not allow this to turn into a dependency, he stressed. Bahceli said with the foundation of the Republic, creating a national defense industry gained importance. Ataturk always showed social, cultural and economic development as a target to Turkish people, he stated. ''The last 75 years has been very important in our nation's life. Turkey has become powerful in industry fields which are very important in the world. In the recent years, especially the defense industry has become strong with the contribution of local and foreign private sector, information and technology. Turkey came to a point where it can produce the most modern arms and defense equipment. However, although it is self- sufficient in certain fields and has a certain export capacity, it could not reach the desired level in foreign markets. Lack of promotion is the biggest factor of this. I hope that the fair will contribute to the promotion of Turkish firms,'' he said.
  • [28] FINANCE MINISTER SUMER ORAL:''2000 BUDGET WILL BE A SERIOUS STEP TO DETERMINE TURKEY'S LONG TERM FINANCIAL BALANCES''
  • [29] IZMIR, Sept 28 (A.A) - Sumer Oral, the Minister of Finance said on Tuesday that ''the 2000 budget would be a serious step to determine Turkey's long-term financial balances. Oral told A.A that the budget works continued at technical level and added that he would personally start working on it on the first week of October. Oral will discuss the 2000 budget with all the ministers and then review it at the Ministers Council before it is submitted to the Parliament on October 17. The 2000 budget's plan was completed, however the experts who participated in these works are in Washington, D.C. to attend the IMF's meetings, Oral reminded. ''The 2000 budget is very important for Turkey. It will be a bit difficult, but it is a serious step to determine Turkey's long-term financial balances,'' Sumer said. The Minister refrained from giving a figure for the size of the budget but stated that ''all resources would be used in the most rationalist way''. Responding to the criticisms, Oral said he didn't agree that Izmit did not get a share from the budget and stressed that he knew Izmir's problems well and the investments it needs. ''As a regional deputy, I am sensitive towards Izmir's issues. Izmir will be represented better in the new budget,'' Oral said. Turkey is going through a hard time following the devastating earthquake which hit Turkey's Marmara region on August 17 and the government is working on a additional budget draft law to meet the damage caused by the quake. ''Of course, there will be a tax. In order to pay your expenses, you have to have an income. Otherwise, there will be deficit financing or borrowing. This matter will be discussed by the government after the recess period ends. ''The government will discuss the additional budget draft law after the recess period ends. The disaster's financial cost should be revealed in order to meet the damage. Turkey received foreign resources after the disaster. Most of these resources are credits. We will evaluate all alternatives,'' Oral explained.
  • [30] PRIME MINISTRY CRISIS MANAGEMENT CENTER ANNOUNCES DEATH TOLL AS 15,802
  • [31] ANKARA, Sept 28 (A.A) - The Prime Ministry Crisis Management Center announced death toll as 15,802 as of 11:30 local time on Tuesday in the wake of the 7.4-magnitude earthquake which devastated Marmara Region on August 17. A total of 43,872 people were injured in the quake. Officials at the Prime Ministry Crisis Management Center told the A.A correspondent that a total of 112,445 tents have been distributed in the disaster area so far. Works to haul away rubble of 2,717 collapsed buildings were finalized. There are 8,777 collapsed buildings to be removed while 8,730 others which were seriously damaged in the quake, will be demolished in coming days. A total of 66,441 dwellings and 10,901 business places were seriously damaged, and a total of 80,160 dwellings and 9,712 business places were slightly damaged while moderate damage were determined in a total of 67,242 dwellings and 9,927 business places. Construction of prefabricated houses is continuing in the disaster zone. Meanwhile, a total of 58 trillion 829 billion 709 million Turkish Liras have been collected in the bank account opened at the Ziraat Bank as of September 27, 1999.

  • [01] TURKEY-PRESS SCAN

    [02] These are some of the major headlines and their brief stories in Turkey's press on Sept 28, 1999. The Anadolu Ajansi does not verify these stories and does not vouch for their accuracy.

    [03] HURRIYET (LIBERAL) - ------------------ FIVE MINUTES AGO Terrorists in Ankara Covered Prison took their picture with sticks in their hands five minutes before starting their bloody revolt. It has been understood that the wards were used as terrorist cells and the illegal extreme leftist organizations made cooperation with each other in the prison. A rifle, a shotgun, seven guns, two silencers, two hand-made bombs and many petrol bombs were found in the controls held in Ulucanlar Prison of Ankara yesterday.

    [04] WE DIDN'T COME TO U.S. TO BEG Foreign Minister Ismail Cem and high ranking officials explained the aim of Premier Bulent Ecevit's visit to the U.S. to journalists and said that Premier Ecevit won't beg U.S. President Bill Clinton to help Turkey. ''We are here to further improve the relations between the two countries in 2000s,'' they said.

    [05] MILLIYET (LIBERAL) - ----------------- DISASTER EVERY DAY After the quake, we see many traffic accidents, uprisings in prisons in Turkey. Yesterday an unregistered paint factory exploded. The explosion occurred at about 14:45 local time in the workshop of the private factory namely Demet Paint Factory on the Kurtkoy Industry Street in Pendik. As a result of the explosion, the walls of the building collapsed, and fire broke out as the equipment used in producing paint ignited. Six people died, four people are missing and 40 people were wounded.

    [06] EXPECTATIONS CHANGE The expectations from Prime Minister Bulent Ecevit's visit to the U.S. were high, but now the Turkish officials point out that their expectations will probably not fully come true.

    [07] SABAH (LIBERAL) - -------------- ''COMMANDER, WE WON'T JOIN'' There were also 23 PKK terrorists staying at the same ward with the illegal DHKP- C and TIKKO members who clashed with the security forces in the Ankara Prison. These PKK terrorists obeyed the call of their head and did not revolt against the security forces. When the guarantee was given, those 23 terrorists including three women left the ward screaming, ''we won't join this, commander.'' In the checks, officials found a roughly drawn plan showing that the tunnel was dug in the bathroom part of the prison. The riot in Ankara Prison was kept secret for 24 days. Actually, prison officials couldn't carry out their duty to count the prisoners since September 2.

    [08] ECEVIT: ''I DIDN'T COME HERE FOR DOLLAR'' Turkey gave up her request for the U.S.-guaranteed debenture bond. The interests of the military debts will not be settled. The bargaining for textiles quota failed in bringing a result. The situation in the economy part is not clear prior to the meeting between Prime Minister Bulent Ecevit and U.S. President Bill Clinton. The position of the Foreign Ministry is much more clearer: Turkey does not intend to give up her rights on Cyprus and does not have an intention for opposition. Its position concerning the issues from European Union to Caucasus is very clear.

    [09] CUMHURIYET (LEFT) - ---------------- PROTESTS CONTINUE IN PRISONS Protests and keeping prison guards hostage continue in prisons of Bayrampasa, Umraniye, Gebze, Bartın, Bergama, Canakkale, Aydın, Buca, Bursa and Cankırı. A total of 76 prison guards are still kept hostage by prisoners.

    [10] ECEVIT: WE ARE DETERMINED ABOUT CYPRUS Prime Minister Bulent Ecevit, who pays an official visit to the U.S. said that their target is to carry the Turkish-American relations to the 21st century, adding Turkey won't give concessions from its attitude regarding the Cyprus question. The aim of the visit is to put the bilateral relations into a long-term plan.

    [11] RADIKAL (LEFT) - --------------- MARMARA AND THRACE UNDER RISK Scientists who say that there won't be an earthquake in Istanbul, add that the latter will be affected by the fault lines in Marmara sea. It is stressed that the center of Marmara region and Thrace are under the quake risk.

    [12] JUSTICE AWAKENS AT LAST The Prosecutorship in Yalova filed a suit against the contractors and civil engineers of Ceylankent, Aydınkent and Yuksel summer flats where more than 600 people died in the massive earthquake that hit Marmara region of Turkey on August 17.

    [13] TÜRKİYE (RIGHT) - ---------------- STRATEGICAL COOPERATION COMES FIRST Prime Minister Bulent Ecevit will start his difficult bargain in the U.S. today. Ecevit will meet with U.S. President Bill Clinton in White House. Diplomatic circles evaluate the visit as a milestone in bilateral relations.

    [14] ZAMAN (CONSERVATIVE) - -------------------- WHAT A COMFORT! The prisoners are freely doing everything in prisons. The prisons does not have a difference with the terrorist bases. There are every kind of weapons from rifle guns to flame throwers. They are training themselves with scale model rifles. They are planning assasinations. Such a freedom does not exist outside. In the checks carried out following the clash in Ankara Prison, a rifle, a shotgun, seven pistols, two silencers, two hand-made grenades and a plenty of fire bombs were confiscated.

    [15] FIRST LESSON AT GATA Giving the first lesson of the new education year at the Gulhane Military Medical Faculty (GATA) with a ceremony, Brigadier General Yalcin Isimer said, ''we won't say 'don't worry' to these people, we will let them learn by heart,'' meaning the people who are opposed to worship in Turkish language and Turkish Koran.

    [16] IDEF 99 FAIR - PRESIDENT DEMIREL: ''WAR IS NOT A TARGET, THE TARGET IS PEACE''

    [17] ANKARA, Sept 28 (A.A) - President Suleyman Demirel said on Tuesday that the target was not war, but peace, adding that ''the weapons which were used for war will be used to provide peace. If this can be understood well, and if the balance can be preserved well, the sufferings of the 20th century will not be repeated in the coming centuries.'' Addressing the opening ceremony of IDEF 99, Demirel recalled that the fair was a defense industry fair, and noted that works of the technology, samples and the weapons were exhibited in the fair. Stressing that ''defense industry'' term was one which was carefully selected, Demirel said ''we don't say war industry. We should altogether understand the meaning of this.'' Recalling that 20th century was a stage to important wars, Demirel said weapons which are products of war indsutry were used in these wars. Demirel said ''it has been revealed that these weapons which were made by human beings were devastating to human beings. Nearly 60-70 million people lost their lives in the first and second World Wars. Many cities and counties were destroyed and civilized countries were damaged. Yet, it was understood after 1945 that war was in vain. The target is not war, the target is peace. The weapons which were used for war should be used to provide peace to consolidate peace. This means, the weapons will be under the service of defense industry. The term ''deterrence'' expresses one of the most important concepts which human beings revealed. The weapons exist to prevent war. If this can be understood well and if this balance can be preserved well, the sufferings will not be repeated again.'' Demirel said the world entered 21st century in an organized way, adding that the U.N. and NATO took very important steps to this end and gained positive results. Demirel said ''defense industry is the highest industry power of the country. This means, the countries who could not succeed in industrialization, will not have defense industry. Turkey has a defense industry. Armed forces and defense industry of Turkey is for deterrence, to provide peace in the region and to serve peace in the world. This was seen in various places like Bosnia-Herzegovina, Kosovo and Somalia. I consider them as very important examples.'' Recalling that Turkey experienced a very important quake disaster, Demirel said more than 15,000 people died and nearly 200, 000 houses were demolished. Demirel pointed out that 87 countries rushed to the help of Turkey, adding that ''I think this is a very important incident while entering to the year 2000's. I wish all the world countries to be in this feeling and I also wish the weapons to be used for peaceful reasons.''

    [18] PREMIER ECEVIT MEETS CLINTON, U.S. PRESIDENT

    [19] WASHINGTON D.C., Sept 29 (A.A) - Premier Bulent Ecevit met with Bill Clinton, the U.S. President, at the White House on Tuesday evening. After meeting with Al Gore, U.S. Vice-President, Ecevit came together with Clinton at 8.05 p.m. local time. Following the official welcome ceremony held in front of the White House, Ecevit and Clinton went to the Oval Office where they will have tete-a-tete meeting. The meetings between the delegations of the two countries will start after the meeting between Ecevit and Clinton. The U.S. delegation presided by Clinton includes Madeline Albright, the U.S. Secretary of State, the State Department Undersecretary, Mark Parris, U.S. Ambassador to Ankara, and the high- ranking officials from the Department of State, the Department of Trade and the Department of Defense. The Chairman of the National Security Council or the Assistant Chairman of the Council will participate in the U.S. delegation. The Turkish delegation is composed of Premier Ecevit, Cumhur Ersumer, Deputy Prime Minister and the Energy and Natural Resources Minister, Recep Onal, the State Minister, Ismail Cem, the Foreign Minister, Kenan Tanrikulu, the Industry and Trade Minister, Uluc Ozulker, the Foreign Ministry Deputy Undersecretary, Baki Ilkin, Turkey's Ambassador to Washington D.C., Umit Pamir, Chief Foreign Counsellor of the Prime Ministry, Ertugrul Ciragan and Oguz Demiralp, Foreign Ministry Counsellor. The delegations will discuss the Baku-Ceyhan pipeline project, Turkmen natural gas, free trade zone, the textile quotas imposed on Turkey, Cyprus, Iraq and Turkish-Greek relations, the military credit relations and democratization. Ecevit is expected to issue a statement following the luncheon to which the officials of the two countries attend.

    [20] ECEVIT-CLINTON MEETING - CLINTON, U.S. PRESIDENT, SAYS THERE ARE MANY ISSUES TO DISCUSS WITH ECEVIT

    [21] WASHINGTON D.C., Sept 28 (A.A) - Bill Clinton, the U.S. President, said on Tuesday that there are many issues to discuss with Premier Bulent Ecevit; adding that the quake, Turkish-Greek relations, and the improving relations between Turkey and the European Union (EU) are some of the issues which will be discussed. The meeting between Ecevit and Clinton started at 8.05 p.m. local time. Madeleine Albright, the U.S. Secretary of State, Sandy Burger, the National Security Consultant of Clinton, Mark Parris, the U.S. Ambassador to Ankara, participated in the meeting. Ismail Cem, the Foreign Minister, Cumhur Ersumer, the Deputy Prime Minister and the Energy and Natural Resources Minister, Ahmet Kenan Tanrikulu, the Industry and Trade Minister, and Recep Onal, the State Minister, also attended the meeting between Ecevit and Clinton. Prior to the meeting, Clinton said that he is very pleased to host Ecevit in the White House and defined Ecevit as ''a distinguished leader.'' Praising Turkey's cooperation in Kosovo dispute as a NATO ally, Clinton noted that there are many issues to discuss with Ecevit, including the quake, Turkish-Greek relations, Cyprus, human rights, economic reforms and the improving relations between Turkey and the EU. When asked whether or not the U.S. will continue to support the Baku-Ceyhan pipeline project, Clinton said that U.S. stance was in favour of Turkey in this issue and that the stance will not change. Responding a question about Cyprus, Clinton said that he believes that the two sides can reach an agreement upon having meetings without any preconditions under the mediation of the United Nations (U.N.) Responding a question about Turkey- EU relations, Clinton noted that the improvement in the relations with Greece and the human rights will help Turkey improve her relations with the EU. Clinton said that the U.S. supports Turkey's integration with the EU since he was chosen as the U.S. President and that this is very important for the future of the world.

    [22] MEETING BETWEEN PREMIER ECEVIT AND CLINTON, U.S. PRESIDENT, ENDS

    [23] WASHINGTON D.C., Sept 28 (A.A) - The meeting between Premier Bulent Ecevit and Bill Clinton, U.S. President, ended on Tuesday night. Following his meeting with Clinton which lasted for two hours, Ecevit said that it was a very sincere meeting and that they discussed all the global issues. Ecevit added that Clinton realized that Turkey is a very important country. Emphasizing that he expects Clinton to issue a statement about the quake assistance to Turkey in the following few days, Ecevit noted that he hopes this will be satisfactory for Turkey. Stressing that he saw that Clinton is willing to make contributions to Turkey's economy, Ecevit stated that they will see the results of this in a few days. Ecevit continued, ''it was a very sincere meeting. We discussed many important issues. We especially discussed the bilateral relations between Turkey and the U.S. Our relations started to carry importance for the world. Because Turkey plays a leading role in the changing world. The U.S. saw Turkey's developing position in the world. Clinton is willing to contribute to Turkey's economy. We will see the results of this in a few days.'' Later, Ecevit went to the Blair House.

    [24] PRIME MINISTER ECEVIT: ''WE HAVE THE RIGHT TO STATE THE NEED OF IMPROVING ECONOMIC INFRASTRUCTURE OF POLITICAL SECURITY AND MILITARY RELATIONS WITH U.S.''

    [25] WASHINGTON D.C., Sept 28 (A.A) - Prime Minister Bulent Ecevit said on Monday that ''as the relations between Turkey and the U.S. are improving in the fields of political security and military, we have the right to state the need of improving economic infrastructure of them.'' Receiving Turkish businessmen in Mayflower Hotel, Prime Minister Ecevit said that while the relations with the U.S. are improving in many fields particularly in politics and military, trade remained behind. Noting that the trade volume with the U.S. was 6.3 billion dollars in 1997, Premier Ecevit pointed out that this number didn't change in 1998, but it decreased by 29 percent in the first half of 1999. Turkish enterpreneurs complain about the textile quotas applied by the U.S. and they are right, said Ecevit, adding ''the U.S. insists on Turkey's being a member of the European Union (EU) by good intention, but she does not recognize the rights she recognized to the EU to Turkey regarding quotas. We have to remind this to our American friends.'' Noting that Turkey's exports shouldn't be dependent on textile, Premier Ecevit stated that structural changes are also necessary in textile industry. More product and market variation is required in textile, said Ecevit, adding ''we couldn't sufficiently explain the U.S. the difficulty of Turkey due to the embargo imposed on Iraq. Turkey lost 35 billion dollars due to its limited economic relations with Iraq in the last 8-9 years. Turkey's commercial relations with other Arab countries weakened and the authority gap in Iraq increased our security costs. Americans have fairness. Not only our state, but enterpreneurs should also focus on this issue.'' Referring to privatized industry zone, Prime Minister Bulent Ecevit said that this implementation which helped in the development of Israel and Jordan can also be carried out in southeastern and eastern regions of Turkey. Ecevit sent the message to the U.S. that ''as you give importance to development in Southeast Turkey, then you can help us in doing that.'' Pointing out that when the bi-polar world ended by the dissolution of the Soviet Union, the function areas of NATO broadened, Premier Ecevit said that the functions of Turkey in the military field also increased. The region of Turkey went too far from her border neighbours, said Ecevit, adding that Turkey is a key country in the process of being Euroasian and her political, military and economic importance have also increased recently. ''Our coalition government showed an extraordinary performance in three months, the parliament abided by that and as a result the parliament passed 67 laws,'' said Ecevit. Fuat Miras, the Chairman of the Turkish Union of Chambers and Stock Exchanges (TOBB) said that they expect the contributions of the U.S. to heal the wounds of Turkey following the quake disaster. Miras stressed that the full support of IMF, EU and World Bank is the expectation of the Turkish nation. Erkut Yucaoglu, the Chairman of the Association of Turkish Industrialists and Businessmen (TUSIAD) said in his part that ''a stand-by with IMF should start to be implemented and the ways to realize the targets of a reform budget for 2000 and a low inflation have to be opened.'' Noting that they want to get the signal of privatization from Ecevit's government, Yucaoglu said that they desire continuation of reform laws.

    [26] DEPUTY PRIME MINISTER DEVLET BAHCELI:''ALTHOUGH TURKISH DEFENSE INDUSTRY HAS DEVELOPED AN EXPORT CAPACITY IN RECENT YEARS, IT STILL COULDN'T REACH THE DESIRED LEVEL''</B>

    [27] ANKARA, Sept 28 (A.A) - Devlet Bahceli, the Acting Prime Minister, said on Tuesday that ''Turkey was not in an armament competition, however it has to be strong because of the jeostrategic and jeopolitic position to contribute global and regional peace and stability''. Bahceli who spoke at the IDEF-99's opening said new foreign enterpreneurs were interested in investing in Turkish defense industry which is important to bring modern technologies to Turkey. He said they were ready to give all kinds of support to technology and capital transfer to countries and institutions who openly want cooperation with Turkey. ''I believe that our businessmen and investors will evaluate the opportunities in the best way. Turkey is working to modernize its army with its limited resourses and it will provide its defense equipment within the country as possible as it could. This way it will be possible to allocate more resources for the modernization of the Turkish Armed Forces,'' Bahceli explained. Bahceli also stated that after the cold war some threats against Turkey continued to exist in various forms. Turkey will be open to foreign countries in its defense industry, but it will not allow this to turn into a dependency, he stressed. Bahceli said with the foundation of the Republic, creating a national defense industry gained importance. Ataturk always showed social, cultural and economic development as a target to Turkish people, he stated. ''The last 75 years has been very important in our nation's life. Turkey has become powerful in industry fields which are very important in the world. In the recent years, especially the defense industry has become strong with the contribution of local and foreign private sector, information and technology. Turkey came to a point where it can produce the most modern arms and defense equipment. However, although it is self- sufficient in certain fields and has a certain export capacity, it could not reach the desired level in foreign markets. Lack of promotion is the biggest factor of this. I hope that the fair will contribute to the promotion of Turkish firms,'' he said.

    [28] FINANCE MINISTER SUMER ORAL:''2000 BUDGET WILL BE A SERIOUS STEP TO DETERMINE TURKEY'S LONG TERM FINANCIAL BALANCES''

    [29] IZMIR, Sept 28 (A.A) - Sumer Oral, the Minister of Finance said on Tuesday that ''the 2000 budget would be a serious step to determine Turkey's long-term financial balances. Oral told A.A that the budget works continued at technical level and added that he would personally start working on it on the first week of October. Oral will discuss the 2000 budget with all the ministers and then review it at the Ministers Council before it is submitted to the Parliament on October 17. The 2000 budget's plan was completed, however the experts who participated in these works are in Washington, D.C. to attend the IMF's meetings, Oral reminded. ''The 2000 budget is very important for Turkey. It will be a bit difficult, but it is a serious step to determine Turkey's long-term financial balances,'' Sumer said. The Minister refrained from giving a figure for the size of the budget but stated that ''all resources would be used in the most rationalist way''. Responding to the criticisms, Oral said he didn't agree that Izmit did not get a share from the budget and stressed that he knew Izmir's problems well and the investments it needs. ''As a regional deputy, I am sensitive towards Izmir's issues. Izmir will be represented better in the new budget,'' Oral said. Turkey is going through a hard time following the devastating earthquake which hit Turkey's Marmara region on August 17 and the government is working on a additional budget draft law to meet the damage caused by the quake. ''Of course, there will be a tax. In order to pay your expenses, you have to have an income. Otherwise, there will be deficit financing or borrowing. This matter will be discussed by the government after the recess period ends. ''The government will discuss the additional budget draft law after the recess period ends. The disaster's financial cost should be revealed in order to meet the damage. Turkey received foreign resources after the disaster. Most of these resources are credits. We will evaluate all alternatives,'' Oral explained.

    [30] PRIME MINISTRY CRISIS MANAGEMENT CENTER ANNOUNCES DEATH TOLL AS 15,802

    [31] ANKARA, Sept 28 (A.A) - The Prime Ministry Crisis Management Center announced death toll as 15,802 as of 11:30 local time on Tuesday in the wake of the 7.4-magnitude earthquake which devastated Marmara Region on August 17. A total of 43,872 people were injured in the quake. Officials at the Prime Ministry Crisis Management Center told the A.A correspondent that a total of 112,445 tents have been distributed in the disaster area so far. Works to haul away rubble of 2,717 collapsed buildings were finalized. There are 8,777 collapsed buildings to be removed while 8,730 others which were seriously damaged in the quake, will be demolished in coming days. A total of 66,441 dwellings and 10,901 business places were seriously damaged, and a total of 80,160 dwellings and 9,712 business places were slightly damaged while moderate damage were determined in a total of 67,242 dwellings and 9,927 business places. Construction of prefabricated houses is continuing in the disaster zone. Meanwhile, a total of 58 trillion 829 billion 709 million Turkish Liras have been collected in the bank account opened at the Ziraat Bank as of September 27, 1999.

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