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Anadolu Agency: News in English, 99-10-16Anadolu Agency: News in English Directory - Previous Article - Next ArticleFrom: The Anadolu Agency Home Page at <http://www.anadoluajansi.gov.tr/>[01] AA Daily16 October 1999 Saturday[02] TURKEY-PRESS SCAN[03] These are some of the major headlines and their brief stories in Turkey's press on October 16, 1999. The Anadolu Ajansi does not verify these stories and does not vouch for their accuracy.[04] HURRIYET (LIBERAL) - ------------------ SECOND ''FATHER'' AFTER 88 YEARS President Suleyman Demirel is the first Turkish President who paid an official visit to Kosovo after 88 years. Kosovar people welcomed President Demirel by chanting slogans as ''Father, Welcome to Kosovo''. Albanians had welcomed Sultan Reshad on June 5, 1911. Addressing kinsmen, Demirel said, ''You should protect your unity, solidarity, culture, and traditions.''[05] KERKORYAN DONATES 1 MILLON U.S. DOLLARS TO QUAKE VICTIMS Kirk Kerkoryan, owner of Metro Goldwyn Mayer, one of the most prominent film companies in the world, donated 1 million U.S. dollars in a bid to heal wounds of those who were left homeless and destitute by the quake disaster which struck Marmara Region on August 17.[06] 760 KG OF HEROIN CONFISCATED Gendarmerie units confiscated a total of 760 kg of pure heroin having a market price of 40 trillion Turkish Liras, in an operation in Silivri county of Istanbul. Officials said acting on a tip-off claiming that heroin was produced at a farm house, they launched an operation in a farm in Danamandira village in Buyukkilicli Region in Silivri. 14 people were taken into custody in connection with the drug trafficking.[07] MILLIYET (LIBERAL) - ----------------- EU DISCUSSES TURKEY AT TAMPERE SUMMIT Heads of states and governments of member countries to the European Union (EU) discussed Turkey at Tampere Summit in Finland. Germany announced that she will support announcement of Turkey's EU candidacy at the Helsinki Summit which will be held in December.[08] DOG FIGHT IN AEGEAN SEA Greece claimed that Turkish war planes violated ''air traffic rules'' in the Athens Flight Information Route (FIR). Athens News Agency (ANA) claimed that 8 Turkish F-16 and F-4 war planes which violated the air traffic rules, were forced to turn back by Greek war planes.[09] SABAH (LIBERAL) - -------------- KOC: ''EU SHOULD TAKE A DECISION NOW'' Evaluating the Turkey report of the European Union (EU) Commission, Rahmi Koc, one of the leading businessmen of Turkey, said, ''Turkey cannot remain in suspense any longer. The EU should take a decision now.''[10] ALBRIGHT PRASISES ECEVIT Madeleine Albright, U.S. Secretary of State, said that Turkey has taken significant steps in the issue of human rights. Recalling that she had an opportunity to hold talks with Prime Minister Bulent Ecevit in Washington D.C., Albright noted an important progress has been recorded in Turkey since Prime Minister Ecevit came to power.[11] CUMHURIYET (LEFT) - ---------------- IMF GIVES SHAPE TO BUDGET The talks on the 2000 year budget were concluded at the meeting of the Council of Ministers. State Minister Tunca Toskay said that the leaders of the coalition-partner political parties reached a ''complete compromise'' on the budget bill. Noting that the budget will be 46.9 quadrillion Turkish Liras (TL), Toskay said the budget deficit will be 14.4 quadrillion TL. A total of 21.1 quadrillion TL and 88 percent of the tax revenues, which were targeted to be 24 quadrillion TL, will be transferred to the interest payments, which constitutes 44.9 percent of the budget. The government, in the bill, will make strict arrangements to which the people working for a stand-by with the IMF will show reaction. The civil servants will again face a 25 percent wage increase. The government, which expects almost 11 billion U.S. dollars source inflow from the IMF in 2000, foresees to transfer six quadrillion TL of privatization income to the budget.[12] RECTORS: ''ISLAMIC-STYLE HEADSCARF IS REBELLION'' The rectors of 72 universities convened yesterday at the Conference Hall of the Selcuk University in Konya and discussed the Islamic-style headscarf issue. Rectors, who discussed the issue as the demonstrations in Istanbul were tried to be spreaded to other universities, stressed that the interference of politicians in universities should be prevented. The rectors decided not to make concession from the regulations for outward appearance of students.[13] CALL FROM DENKTAS TO CLINTON The Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) President Rauf Denktas said that U.S. President Bill Clinton's announcement of his acceptance of the two-state principle on Cyprus will be sufficient for peace on the island. Denktas said, ''the way to peace will be immediately opened when Mr. Clinton says that he recognizes the two states, telling the truth.''[14] RADIKAL (LEFT) - --------------- WHO GAVE BRIBES FOR WHAT KIND OF PURPOSE? Osman Ak, the leader of the gang, which went to court with charges of tapping telephone talks, received bonus equivalent to his 30 wages in a year, and what's more are the ''bribes rfom the discretionary fund''. It was revealed that the ''telephone tapping-gang'', which is claimed to committed crime, was awarded with a plenty of prizes between January 1997 and June 1999. Osman Ak, one of the accused who went to court for tapping telephone talks in an office they set up at 8th floor of the Security Department, confessed that he was awarded with 30 wage-bonus in one year except the bribes from the discretionary fund.[15] ALL THE WAYS COME TO SAME POINT: BRUSSELS After Germany and Britain, Denmark, Austria and France wanted the acceptance of Turkey's EU candidacy. The summit of the EU leaders yesterday in Tampere, Finland, reinforced Turkey's hope for candidacy status. Denmark, Austria and France announced that they agree with the EU Commission's opinion for granting Turkiy candidacy status. Although it was not clearly expressed, the EU expects some gestures from Ankara concerning especially human rights and Cyprus question. Sweden and Greece are the spokesmen of these gestures which are expected to be got ready in time for the EU Council meeting in December.[16] TÜRKİYE (RIGHT) - ---------------- AKBULUT CALLS ON LEADERS OF POLITICAL PARTIES, ''LET'S CHANGE IT'' Yildirim Akbulut, Speaker of Parliament, said that the duty of the parliament is to serve to people, adding, ''Is is parliament which will overcome difficulties. But changes will not be enough. Administrators must obey the laws. Those who misuse authority, should be punished.''[17] THE U.S. BUSINESSMEN DUE IN TURKEY A delegation formed by U.S. businessmen headed by Mark Parris, the U.S. Ambassador to Turkey, will pay a visit to Sanliurfa on October 21 to hold contacts on the issue of ''Cooperation for Imrovement of Southeastern Anatolia'' which was brought onto agenda of Prime Minister Bulent Ecevit's visit to the U.S.[18] FRANCE SHEDS GREEN LIGHT Heads of states and governments of member countries to the European Union (EU) came together in Tampere, Finland. France requested announcement of Turkey's candidacy to the EU at Helsinki Summit which will be held in December. Catherine Colana, the Spokeswoman of French President Jacques Chirac, said they support announcement of Turkey as a candidate country. Colana said that France hoped to reach a positive result till the Helsinki Summit.[19] ZAMAN (CONSERVATIVE) - -------------------- RELIGION DOES NOT RUN COUNTER TO STATE The Foundation of Journalists and Authors continues its traditional meetings at which important problems in Turkey are discussed. The symposium on ''relations between religion and the state'', which was organized within this framework, started yesterday. The academicians said religion and the state can live together in democracies and the state does not interfere in the lives of people ano their religious preferences. Prof. Dr. Silvio Ferrari of the Italian Milano University said the synthesis of enlightenment with Christianity constitutes the basis of the Western civilization, stressing that the freedom of religion is the result of this syhthesis. Ferrari stated that also the Italian state does not interfere in the lives of people and their religious preferences.[20] HUMAN RIGHTS AWAIT ACCOMPLISHMENTS The chairmen of the non- governmental organizations who attended the summit organized by State Minister Mehmet Ali Irtemcelik for Human Rights, evaluated the summit as a positive step. The spokesmen of the associations and foundations requested the continuation of those meetings and the decisions to be implemented.[21] DEMIREL DUE TO AZERBAIJAN NEXT WEEK[22] ANKARA, Oct 16 (A.A) - President Suleyman Demirel will pay one-day visit to Baku on Monday upon Azeri President Haydar Aliyev's invitation. Releasing a statement, the Foreign Ministry underlined the historical and cultural ties between Turkey and Azerbaijan, and said that Demirel and Aliyev would exchange opinion on bilateral and regional issues. ''Turkey has always supported Azerbaijan to solve regional problems,'' the Foreign Ministry said. Demirel's visit will be a reconfirmation of the current friendly relations between Turkey and Azerbaijan, the Foreign Ministry noted. General Huseyin Kivrikoglu, the Chief of General Staff, Cumhur Ersumer, the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Energy and Natural Resources, and other high-level officials will accompany Demirel in Azerbaijan.[23] DEMIREL RESPONDS TO QUESTIONS ON THE PLANE[24] PRISTINA/ANKARA, Oct 16 (A.A) - President Demirel responded to questions of journalists on the plane on his way to Turkey from Kosovo on Friday night. Demirel said he was very satisfied with his visit in Kosovo. ''This visit had some goals. First of all, there was an image that Turkey failed to follow up on some issues because of the quake disaster. We monitored closely the developments in Kosovo. Turkey's foreign policy made very important services in Kosovo issue. The 50th year meeting of NATO in Washington D.C. turned into a Kosovo meeting. Turkey was one of the four or five countries who defended NATO's success over this issue at the meeting. Turkey is very interested in maintaining stability and peace in Balkans. Secondly, there is a Turkish minority living in the Balkans, and they have to feel themselves secure,'' Demirel explained. ''The Turkish minority tries not to get involved with incidents and their efforts are supported by Turkey,'' Demirel stressed. ''We wanted to assure these people that they still have Turkey's support,'' he said. Referring to the Turkish troops in Kosovo, Demirel said Turkish soldiers performed very important duties in the area. ''The Turkish minority has rights and responsiblities in the reconstruction of Kosovo. Kosovo will be a multi-ethnic and multi-cultural place, and the Turkish minority will take its place there. They will take part in political discussions, and in Kosovo's administration. To do this, they have to preserve their unity,'' Demirel stated. ''Both Turks and Albanians will have very important roles in Kosovo. The unity is important. I told both Turks and Albanians. We are concerned with Albanians as much as we are concerned with Turks,'' he continued. Upon a question about Kosovo's future, Demirel reminded the U.N.'s resolution No: 1244. ''There are two conditions in resolition No: 1244; one is about autonomy and the other is about self-government. I told the NATO Commander and the U.N. Representative that Turkey should have an important role in this process,'' President Demirel pointed out. Responding to another question, Demirel said the Turkish minority in Kosovo had problems in preserving their cultural heritage. ''We gave messages. Turkey continues to be interested in Kosovo and the Balkans, and she carries out her responsibilities. We asked the world not to forget the Turks in Kosovo. We also stressed that the most important issue in Kosovo is security,'' Demirel said. He noted that the life in Kosovo was back to normal, and he was pleased about the developments. When reminded about the lack of Turkish radio and television broadcast in Kosovo, Demirel said that he told the U.N. officials to work on the issue. When a reported reminded that some circles in the West resemble this situation to the Kurdish problem, Demirel answers, ''Yugoslavia is composed of ten nations. There are ten languages, and three religions. There is no such situation in Turkey''. ''Turkey is concerned with problems in the world. Turkey does not want the Turkish minority to be hurt by these problems,'' he stressed.[25] DEMIREL RESPONDS TO QUESTIONS ON THE PLANE[26] PRISTINE/ANKARA, Oct 16 (A.A) - President Suleyman Demirel evaluated his one-day visit to Kosovo, and answered the questions of journalists aboard the plane on his return to Turkey late on Friday. President Suleyman Demirel said Turkey has to work hard at the Baku-Ceyhan Oil Pipeline and Turkmen natural gas via the Caspian, stressing that the discussions on the Turkmen natural gas and Blue Stream Project were wrong. Recalling that he would leave for a visit to Azerbaijan on Monday, Demirel said, ''Mr. Aliyev, with his own definition, wants to make pomposity, but I definitely don't want any pomposity. Because we have domestic pains and troubles. I will observe the situation there. What's happening and how is it going? Turkey has to work hard at the Baku-Ceyhan Pipeline, and the Turkmen gas via the Caspian.'' ''Of course, there is a confusion. I want to say something. Today, Turkey consumes ten billion cubic meters gas, she has to use twenty billion cubic meters. Turkey will be obliged to reduce the gas she gives to the industry within five-six months. The situation becomes grave when you can't give gas to energy power plants. Turkey will be need of 53 billion cubic meters gas in the year 2010. I will purchase it wherever I find. I won't consider the priority. I will purchase it from the one which will finish earlier. Turkey has to produce power. The development of Turkey in next decade depends on this. If Turkey will become one of the top ten developed countries, she has to develop her industry, and this depends on electricity and gas,'' the President said. Responding to a question, Demirel said the discussions on the Turkmen natural gas and the Blue Stream Project were wrong. When asked how he evaluated the Turkmen President's statements, Demirel said, ''on my personal view, it was somehow a concern.'' Recalling that he will visit the disaster area together with Prime Minister Bulent Ecevit on Sunday, Demirel said they will deliver the temporary huts at first stage. Responding to a question, Demirel said he was pleased with the performances of the government concerning the aid to quake survivors. ''I receive reports every day from the ministers. The essential problem in Turkey is the quake zone. It has to be solved before the winter,'' he said. ''Turkey is not a country that can not afford her expenses. However, Turkey became a country which has difficulties in bearing herself due to the interest burden. The most serious problem in Turkey is the quake. The second one is the public finance. The third one is the balance of payments. The first one is natural disaster but Turkey has to solve other problems. There can't be a country whose public finance is well-arranged,'' he said.[27] TURKEY'S AMBASSADOR TO EU SAYS EUROPEAN COMMISSION WANTS TO MAKE UP FOR UNJUST TREATMENT TURKEY WAS EXPOSED TO EARLIER[28] BRUSSELS, October 16 (A.A) - Ambassador Nihat Akyol, Turkey's Permanent Representative to the European Union (EU) positively evaluated the report which was released by the European Commission on Wednesday. Akyol said there was an important difference between Wednesday's report and the attitude of the previous Commission. ''The new Commission wants to make up for the unjust treatment that Turkey was exposed to in December 1997 which was seriously felt by Turkish people, and this new attitute will bring Turkey and EU together,'' Akyol said. This approach of the Commission reflects Europe's strategic vision about its enlargement and it also dismisses short term plans of some political powers which tried to influence the European Parliament last week, Akyol explained. ''Today's Europe, instead of a continuous search for hegemony, is targeting solidarity and universal values in our continent. Briefly, it is aiming at bringing European nations regardless of ethnic, cultural and religious differences. This approach will make it easier for the EU to fight against intolerance and conflict of civilizations in the future,'' Akyol said. ''If the decision that will be taken at the Helsinki Summit has the same tone with propositions of today's report, Turkey-EU relations which are formed of customs union and full membership will have a new dimension. The decisions of the Helsinki Summit will determine the tools Turkey needs to reach full membership and make our cooperation more consistent and trustful, '' Akyol concluded.[29] OIL PRODUCTION IN GAP[30] GAZIANTEP, Oct 16 (A.A) - The Turkish Petroleum Corporation (TPAO) produced a total of 16 million 865 thousand 503 barrels of oil in provinces in the Southeastern Anatolia Project (GAP) region, in 1998. Officials said on Saturday that the TPAO produced 5 million 960 thousand 775 barrels of oil in Batman; 183 thousand 945 barrels of oil in Siirt; 1 million 93 thousand 526 barrels of oil in Diyarbakir; 104 thousand 270 barrels of oil in Mardin; 322 thousand 600 barrels of oil in Sirnak; 8 million 702 thousand 329 barrels of oil in Adiyaman; 438 thousand 471 barrels in Sanliurfa; and 59 thousand 587 barrels in Kilis. Officials at the Regional Diretorate of the TPAO told the A.A correspondent that 75 percent of the oil production in Turkey was being provided from 622 oil wells GAP region. The TPAO produces 41 thousand 170 barrels of oil per day. The TPAO produces 16 thousand 107 barrels of oil in Batman per day; 461 barrels of oil in Siirt; 213 barrels of oil in Mardin; 2 thousand 819 barrels of oil in Diyarbakir; 972 barrels of oil in Sirnak; 19 thousand 575 barrels of oil in Adiyaman; 887 barrels of oil in Sanliurfa; and 136 barrels of oil in Kilis.[31] EU LEADERS DISCUSS TURKEY AT TAMPERE SUMMIT[32] TAMPERE, Oct 16 (A.A) - Turkey's European Union (EU) candidacy was discussed in detail at the dinner of the EU leaders at the Tampere Summit in Finland on Friday. Staging a press briefing following the dinner, Greek Prime Minister Costas Simitis gave the message that Athens won't obstruct Ankara's candidacy at Helsinki Summit. Simitis stated that the process for announcement of Turkey's candidacy continues in a positive atmosphere. The Greek Prime Minister said that some members expressed their drawbacks regarding announcement of Turkey's candidacy at the meeting. Simitis said members stated at the meeting that both the EU and Turkey have bilateral responsibilities for the announcement of her candidacy at Helsinki Summit. Greek Premier Simitis indirectly stated that Athens does not have an intention to put forward a precondition for Turkey's EU candidacy before the Helsinki Summit. While France, Germany and Britain announced that they will support Turkey's candidacy at the Helsinki Summit, Sweden claimed that pressure has to be put on Turkey concerning human rights to grant her EU candidacy status. The EU leaders' summit will end today.[33] HAKTANIR, UNDERSECRETARY OF FOREIGN MINISTRY, DUE TO IRAN[34] ANKARA, Oct 16 (A.A) - Korkmaz Haktanir, Undersecretary of the Foreign Ministry, will leave on Sunday for Iran for a two-day official visit. Diplomatic sources told the A.A correspondent that Haktanir would express Turkey's sensivities against terrorism during his contacts in Tehran. Haktanir who will hold talks with Iranian officials within framework of the continuing political consultations between Turkey and Iran, is expected to express Turkey's concerns over Iran's struggle against terrorism. Incidents in border region between Turkey and Iran, the Middle Eastern peace process, regional and bilateral problems are among the issues which will be brought onto agenda of Haktanir's contacts in Iran. The last consultation meeting between foreign ministry undersecretaries of both countries was held between February 3-4, 1999. Tension had escalated in relations between Turkey and Iran when Iran claimed that Turkey had bombed Iranian territories at the end of July, and when Iran refused to release two Turkish soldiers. A special delegation had paid a visit to Iran to investigate the claims in question. Releasing a statement after the delegation's visit to Iran, the Foreign Ministry had noted, ''the delegation launched investigation in three points which were showed by Iran. As a result of the technical works, it was understood that one of these points was in Northern Iraq.'' Iran had released the Turkish soldiers on August 9. The Foreign Ministry stated 10 days ago that the special delegation had finalized its report about Iran's claims, adding that Turkey deciced to assist Iran in meeting the losses. No detailed information has been given yet about the date and kind of the assistance. Diplomatic sources also added that Turkey's assistance would not be discussed during Haktanir's contacts in Iran, but technical experts would take up the issue in coming days.[35] ECEVIT: ''COALITION PARTNERS AGREE TO EXCLUDE GANGS FROM THE SCOPE OF AMNESTY''[36] ANKARA, Oct 16 (A.A) - Prime Minister Bulent Ecevit said on Friday that the coalition partners agreed to exclude the ''gangs'' from the scope of the amnesty law. Ecevit said he doesn't think there will be a problem in restriction of political immunities of deputies. Prime Minister Ecevit answered the questions in a programme broadcast by the CNN-Turk. When asked whether they had concerns about the Nationalist Movement Party (MHP), Ecevit said, ''we don't have concern against each other.'' When asked whether there could be a comprosime at the Parliament concerning the political immunities of deputies, Ecevit said, ''we met with Mr. Devlet Bahceli and Mr. Mesut Yilmaz. We determined the priorities for the Parliament's performances. I mean we determined the priorities for the amendments to the Constitution. We discussed Article 83 and Article 100, which restricts the immunity of deputies and ministers. We have not discussed the contents yet. I don't know whether there may be a dispute when the contents are discussed but I believe we can provide a concondance. We reached a complete compromise on the issue. I don't think there will be a problem. Besides, the public opinion has an expectation.'' Regarding the amnesty law, Ecevit said they brought the issue on the agenda due to totally humanitarian reasons, adding, ''every party has its own opinion. Even if we don't like it, we have to show respect.'' ''We started to seek compromise among the coalition partners when the amnesty law was vetoed by the President. We can't agree on every issue and this should be shown tolerance,'' he said. When asked how the amnesty for gangs was included in the content, Ecevit said, ''now, the leaders of the coalition partner political parties agree to exclude the gangs from the scope.'' Responding to a question about the Islamic-style headscarf issue, Ecevit said, ''it is an upsetting issue. As you know, the women working in the field naturally wear hearscarf to protect their heads and hair. The problem at universities stems from the effort to make the headscarf, which is a natural piece of clothing, be a political symbol to defy secularism and the state. The problem is solved when the issue reaches a level that can't be exploited politically.''[37] TURKISH-GREEK RELATIONS - 31-MEMBER KOS ISLAND DELEGATION ARRIVES IN BODRUM[38] BODRUM, Oct 16 (A.A) - A 31-member Kos Island delegation arrived on Saturday in Bodrum as the guests of the Promotion of Bodrum Foundation (BOTAV). The delegation headed by Vasilus Xipolitas, the Head Official of Kos Island, arrived at the Bodrum Port early the same day with a ferryboat. The Greek delegation was welcomed by Ugur Boran, the Head Official of Bodrum; Emin Anter, the Mayor of Bodrum; and Sahin Ali Birer, the Chairman of the BOTAV. The guest delegation firstly visited the Bodrum Castle and the underwater archaeology museum inside the castle. The delegation, which also visited the Bodrum bazaar, will spend two days in this county of Mugla province in the Aegean. Speaking to the A.A correspondent, BOTAV Chairman Birer said they had paid a visit to Kos Island in 1997, giving the start for warming relations. Stressing the importance of cooperation between the Turkish and Greek peoples after the quake disasters, Birer said, ''we invited them to Bodrum, and they responded favorably to our kind invitation. We will host them here for two days.'' Birer said the relations between Bodrum and Kos Island will continue in coming years, and they want to cooperate in every field especially tourism.[39] THE ATAA CALLS ON ARMENIAN-AMERICAN ASSOCIATIONS TO CONDEMN TERRORISM[40] CHICAGO, Oct 16 (A.A) - The Assembly of the American-Turkish Associations (ATAA) called on Armenian-American Associations and Armenian organizations in the U.S. to condemn terrorism on Saturday. In its web-site, the ATAA transmitted the chronology of terrorist attacks staged by Armenians between January 27, 1973, and November 23, 1996. The chronological rundown of Armenian atrocities and terrorism are as follows:[41] January 27, 1973 - Santa Barbara, California, the U.S. The Armenian Gourgen Yanikian, a U.S. citizen, invites Mehmet Baydar, the Turkish Consul General, and Bahadir Demir, the Consul, to a luncheon. The unsuspecting diplomats accept the friendly invitation. Gourgen Yanikian murders his two guests. He is sentenced to life imprisonment.[42] April 4, 1973 - Paris, France Bombings at the Turkish Consulate General and the offices of Turkish Airlines (THY). Extensive damage.[43] October 26, 1973 - New York, the U.S. Attempted bombing of the Turkish Information Office. The bomb is discovered in time and defused. A group calling itself the ''Yanikian Commandos'' claims responsibility. They want the release of the double murderer of Santa Barbara, Gourgen Yanikian, who insidiously murdered two Turkish diplomats.[44] February 7, 1975 - Beirut, Lebanon Attempted bombing of the Turkish Information and Tourism Bureau. The bomb explodes while being defused. A Lebanese policeman is injured. The ''Prisoner Gourgen Yanikian Group'' claims responsibility.[45] February 20, 1975 - Beirut, Lebanon The ''Yanikian'' group demanding the release of the double murderer of Santa Barbara strikes again. Extensive damage is caused by a bomb explosion at the THY offices. ASALA (Armenian Secret Army for the Liberation of Armenia) also claims responsibility for the bombing.[46] October 22, 1975 - Vienna, Austria Danis Tunaligil, the Turkish Ambassador, is assassinated in his study by three Armenian terrorists. ASALA claims responsibility.[47] October 24, 1975 - Paris, France. Ismail Erez, the Turkish Ambassador, and his driver Talip Yener are murdered. The ASALA and the JCAG (Justice Commandos for the Armenian Genocide) dispute responsibility.[48] October 28, 1975 - Beirut, Lebanon Grenade attack on the Turkish Embassy. The ASALA claims responsibility.[49] February 16, 1976 - Beirut, Lebanon Oktar Cirit, the First Secretary of the Turkish Embassy, is assassinated in a restaurant on Hamra Street. The ASALA claims responsibility.[50] May 17, 1976 - Frankfurt, Essen, Cologne, Germany Consulates General in Frankfurt, Essen and Cologne are the targets of simultaneous bomb attacks.[51] May 28, 1976 - Zurich, Switzerland Bomb attacks at the offices of the Turkish Labor Attache and the Garanti Bank. Extensive damage. A bomb in the Turkish Tourism Bureau is defused in time. Responsibility is claimed by the JCAG.[52] May 2, 1977 - Beirut, Lebanon The cars of Nahit Karakay, the Military Attache, and of Ilhan Ozbabacan, the Administrative Attache, are destroyed. The two diplomats are uninjured. Credit is claimed by the ASALA.[53] May 14, 1977 - Paris, France Bomb attack at the Turkish Tourism Bureau. Extensive damage. The ''New Armenian Resistance Group'' claims responsibility.[54] June 6, 1977 - Zurich, Switzerland Bomb attack at the store of Huseyin Bulbul, a Turkish citizen.[55] June 9, 1977 - Rome, Italy Assassination of Taha Carim, the Turkish Ambassador to the Holy See. He dies soon after the attack. The JCAG claims responsibility.[56] October 4, 1977 - Los Angeles, the U.S. Bomb attack at the house of Prof. Stanford Shaw, who teaches Ottoman history at the University of California in Los Angeles (UCLA). Responsibility is claimed by an ''Armenian Group of 28.''[57] January 2, 1978 - Brussels, Belgium Bomb attack at a building containing Turkish banking services. The ''New Armenian Resistance'' claims credit.[58] June 2, 1978 - Madrid, Spain Terrorist attack on the automobile of Zeki Kuneralp, the Turkish Ambassador. His wife, Necla Kuneralp, the retired Turkish Ambassador Besir Balcioglu die immediately in the rain of gunfire. Antonio Torres, the Spanish chauffeur, dies of his injuries in the hospital. ASALA and JCAG claim responsibility.[59] December 6, 1978 - Geneva, Switzerland A bomb explodes in front of the Turkish Consulate General. Extensive damage. The ''New Armenian Resistance Group'' claims responsibility.[60] December 17, 1978 - Geneva, Switzerland A bomb explodes at the THY Bureau. ASALA claims responsibility.[61] July 8, 1979 - Paris, France The French capital experiences four bomb attacks in a single day. The first is at the THY offices; the next at the offices of the Turkish Labor Attache; the third in the Turkish Information and Tourism Bureau. A fourth explosive, intended for the Turkish Permanent Representative to the O.E.C.D., is defused before it explodes. The JCAG claims responsibility.[62] August 22, 1979 - Geneva, Switzerland A bomb is thrown at the car of Niyazi Adali, the Turkish Consul General. The diplomat escapes unhurt. Two Swiss passers-by are injured. Two cars are destroyed.[63] August 27, 1979 - Frankfurt, Germany The offices of THY are totally destroyed by an explosion. A pedestrian is injured. The ASALA claims responsibility.[64] October 4, 1979 - Copenhagen, Denmark Two Danes are injured when a bomb explodes near the offices of THY. ASALA claims credit.[65] October 12, 1979 - The Hague, the Netherlands Ahmet Benler, the son of Turkish Ambassador Özdemir Benler, is assassinated by Armenian terrorists. The murderers escape. JCAG and ASALA claim responsibility.[66] October 30, 1979 - Milan, Italy The offices of THY are destroyed by a bomb explosion. ASALA claims responsibility.[67] November 8, 1979 - Rome, Italy The Turkish Tourism Office is destroyed by a bomb. ASALA claims responsibility.[68] November 18, 1979 - Paris, France Bomb explosions destroy the offices of THY, KLM, and Lufthansa. Two French policemen are injured. Responsibility is claimed by ASALA.[69] November 25, 1979 - Madrid, Spain Bomb explosions in front of the offices of TWA and British Airways. ASALA, in claiming responsibility, states that the attacks are meant as a warning to the Pope to cancel his planned visit to Turkey.[70] December 9, 1979 - Rome, Italy Two bombs explode in downtown Rome, damaging the offices of PAN AM, British Airways and the Philippine Airways. Nine people are injured in the terrorist attack. A ''New Armenian Resistance Movement'' claims responsibility.[71] December 17, 1979 - London, Britain Extensive damage is caused when a bomb explodes in front of the THY offices. A ''Front for the Liberation of Armenia'' claims responsibility.[72] December 22, 1979 - Paris, France Yilmaz Colpan, the Tourism Attache at the Turkish Embassy is assassinated while walking on the Champs Elysées. Several groups, including ASALA, JCAG and the ''Commandos of Armenian Militants Against Genocide'' claim responsibility.[73] December 22, 1979 - Amsterdam, the Netherlands Heavy damage results from a bomb explosion in front of the THY offices. ASALA claims credit.[74] December 23, 1979 - Rome, Italy A bomb explodes in front of a World Council of Churches Refugee Center, being used as a transit point for Armenian refugees from Lebanon. ASALA claims credit for the attack and warns the Italian authorities to halt ''the Armenian diaspora.''[75] December 23, 1979 - Rome, Italy Three bomb explosions occur in front of the offices of Air France and TWA, injuring a dozen passers-by. ASALA claims responsibility, stating that the bomb was placed ''in reprisal against the repressive measures of French authorities against Armenians in France''.[76] January 10, 1980 - Tehran, Iran A bomb which explodes in front of the THY offices causes extensive damage. ASALA claims responsibility.[77] January 20, 1980 - Madrid, Spain A series of bomb attacks, resulting in numerous injuries, occurs in front of the offices of TWA, British Airways, Swissair, and Sabena. The JCAG claims credit for the attacks.[78] February 2, 1980 - Brussels, Belgium Two bombs explode within minutes of each other in front of the downtown offices of THY and Aeroflot. The ''New Armenian Resistance Group'' issues a communique in which they claim responsibility for both attacks.[79] February 6, 1980 - Bern, Germany A terrorist opens fire on Dogan Turkmen, the Turkish Ambassador, who escapes with minor wounds. The would- be-assassin, an Armenian named Max Klindjian, is subsequently arrested in Marseilles and returned to Switzerland for trial. The JCAG claims credit for the attack.[80] February 18, 1980 - Rome, Italy The offices of Lufthansa, El Al and Swissair are damaged by two bomb attacks. Telephone messages give three reasons for the attacks: 1. The Germans support ''Turkish fascism''; 2. The Jews are Zionists (ASALA); 3. The Swiss behave ''repressively'' towards the Armenians.[81] March 10, 1980 - Rome, Italy Bomb attacks on the THY and Turkish Tourism Bureau offices on the Piazza Della Repubblica. The blasts kill two Italians and injure fourteen. Credit for the attack is claimed by the ''New Armenian Resistance of the Armenian Secret Army.''[82] April 17, 1980 - Rome, Italy Vecdi Turel, the Turkish Ambassador to the Holy See, is shot and seriously wounded. Tahsin Guvenc, his chauffeur, is also slightly wounded in the assassination attempt. JCAG claims responsibility for the attack.[83] May 19, 1980 - Marseilles, France A rocket aimed at the Turkish Consulate General in Marseilles is discovered and defused prior to exploding. ASALA and a group calling itself ''Black April'' claim credit for the attack.[84] July 31, 1980 - Athens, Greece Galip Ozmen, the Administrative Attache at the Turkish Embassy, and his family are attacked by Armenian terrorists while sitting in their car. Galip Ozmen and his fourteen-year-old daughter, Neslihan, are killed in the attack. His wife, Sevil, and his sixteen-year- old son, Kaan, are wounded. Credit for the double killing is claimed by ASALA.[85] August 5, 1980 - Lyon, France Two terrorists storm into the Turkish Consulate General in Lyon and open fire, killing two and injuring several other bystanders. ASALA claims credit for the attack.[86] August 11, 1980 - New York, the U.S. An ''Armenian group'' hurls paint bombs at the Turkish House across from the United Nations, home of the Turkish Representations in New York.[87] September 26, 1980 - Paris, France Selcuk Bakkalbasi, the Press Counselor at the Turkish Embassy, is shot as he enters his home. Bakkalbasi survives but is permanently paralyzed as a result of his injuries. ASALA claims responsibility for the attack.[88] October 3, 1980 - Geneva, Switzerland Two Armenian terrorists are injured when a bomb they are preparing explodes in their Geneva hotel room. The two, Suzy Mahseredjian from Canoga Park, California, and Alexander Yenikomechian, are arrested. Their arrest leads to the formation of a new group called ''October 3,'' which subsequently strikes at Swiss targets.[89] October 3, 1980 - Milan, Italy Two Italians are injured when a bomb explodes in front of the THY offices. ASALA claims credit for the attack.[90] October 5, 1980 - Madrid, Spain The offices of Alitalia are rocked by a bomb explosion which injures twelve individuals. The ASALA claims responsibility for the attack.[91] October 6, 1980 - Los Angeles, the U.S. Two molotov cocktails are thrown into the home of Kemal Arikan, the Turkish Consul General. He survives with injuries.[92] October 10, 1980 - Beirut, Lebanon Two bombs explode near Swiss offices in West Beirut. A group calling itself ''October 3'' claims responsibility for these bombings as well as others on the same day against Swiss offices in England.[93] October 12, 1980 - New York, the U.S. A bomb placed in front of the Turkish House explodes. Four passers-by are injured. JCAG assumes responsibility.[94] October 12, 1980 - Los Angeles, the U.S. A travel agency in Hollywood, owned by a Turkish-American, is destroyed. JCAG claims responsibility.[95] October 12, 1980 - London, Britain The Turkish Tourism and Information Bureau's offices are damaged by a bomb explosion. ASALA claims credit.[96] October 12, 1980 - London, Britain A Swiss shopping complex in central London is damaged by a bomb blast. Callers claim the explosion was the work of ''October 3.''[97] October 13, 1980 - Paris, France A Swiss tourist office is damaged by a bomb explosion. ''October 3'' again claims credit.[98] October 21, 1980 - Interlaken, Switzerland A bomb is found in a Swiss express train coming from Paris. Luckily, it does not explode. ''October 3'' is believed to be behind the action, which could have caused a catastrophe.[99] November 4, 1980 - Geneva, Switzerland The Swiss Palace of Justice in Geneva is heavily damaged by a bomb explosion. Credit is claimed by ''October 3.''[100] November 9, 1980 - Strasbourg, Austria Heavy damage results from a bomb blast at the Turkish Consulate General. The attack is claimed by ASALA.[101] November 10, 1980 - Rome, Italy Five people are injured in attacks on the Swissair and Swiss Tourist offices. ASALA and ''October 3'' claim credit. [102] November 19, 1980 - Rome, Italy The offices of the Turkish Tourism Bureau and those of THY are damaged by a bomb explosion. ASALA claims responsibility. [103] November 25, 1980 - Geneva, Switzerland The offices of the Union of Swiss Banks are hit by a bomb explosion. Responsibility is claimed by ''October 3.'' [104] December 5, 1980 - Marseilles, France A police expert defuses a time bomb left at the Swiss Consulate in Marseilles. ''October 3'' claims responsibility. [105] December 15, 1980 - London, Britain Two bombs placed in front of the French Tourism Office in London are defused by a Scotland Yard bomb squad. ''October 3'' claims the bombs are a warning to the French for assistance they have rendered the Swiss in fighting Armenian terrorism. [106] December 17, 1980 - Sydney, Australia Two terrorists assassinate Sarik Ariyak, the Turkish Consul General, and his bodyguard, Engin Sever. JCAG claims responsibility. [107] THE ATAA CALLS ON ARMENIAN-AMERICAN ASSOCIATIONS TO CONDEMN TERRORISM [109] December 25, 1980 - Zurich, Switzerland A bomb explosion destroys a radar monitor at Kloten Airport, and a second explosive planted on the main runway of the airport is defused. ''October 3'' claims credit for these attempted mass-murders. [110] December 29, 1980 - Madrid, Spain A Spanish reporter is seriously injured in a telephone booth while calling in a story to his paper about the bomb attack on the Swissair offices. ''October 3'' claims responsibility. [111] December 30, 1980 - Beirut, Lebanon Bomb attack on the Credit-Suisse offices. ASALA and ''October 3'' fight over who gets the credit. [112] January 2, 1981 - Beirut, Lebanon In a press communique, ASALA threatens to ''attack all Swiss diplomats throughout the world'' in response to the alleged mistreatment of ''Suzy and Alex'' in Switzerland. On January 4, ASALA issues a statement giving the Swiss a few days to think things over. [113] January 14, 1981 - Paris, France A bomb explodes in the car of Ahmet Erbeyli, the Economic Counselor of the Turkish Embassy. Erbeyli is not injured, but the explosion totally destroys his car. A group calling itself the ''Alex Yenikomechian Commandos'' of ASALA claims credit for the explosion. [114] January 27, 1981 - Milan, Italy The Swissair and Swiss Tourist offices in Milan are damaged by bomb explosions. Two passers-by are injured. ''October 3'' claims credit for the bombing in a call to local media representatives. [115] February 3, 1981 - Los Angeles, the U.S. Bomb-squad officials disarm a bomb left at the Swiss Consulate. The terrorists threaten in anonymous phone calls that such attacks will continue until Suzy Mahseredjian is released. [116] February 5, 1981 - Paris, France Bombs explode in the TWA and Air France offices. One injured, heavy material damage. ''October 3'' claims credit. [117] March 4, 1981 - Paris, France Two terrorists open fire on Resat Morali, Labor Attache at the Turkish Embassy, Tecelli Ari, Religious Affairs Attache, and Ilkay Karakoc, the Paris representative of the Anadolu Bank. Morali and Ari are assassinated. Karakoc manages to escape. ASALA claims responsibility. [118] March 12, 1981 - Tehran, Iran A group of ASALA terrorists try to occupy the Turkish Embassy, killing two guards in the process. Two of the perpetrators are captured and later executed by the Iranians. ASALA claims credit. [119] April 3, 1981 - Copenhagen, Denmank Cavit Demir, the Labor Attache at the Turkish Embassy, is shot as he enters his apartment building late in the evening and is seriously wounded. Both ASALA and JCAG claim the attack. [120] June 3, 1981 - Los Angeles, the U.S. Bombs force the cancellation of performances by a Turkish folk-dance group. Threats of similar bombings force the group's performances in San Francisco to be canceled as well. [121] June 9, 1981 - Geneva, Switzerland Mehmet Savas Yerguz, Secretary in the Turkish Consulate, is assassinated by the Armenian terrorist Mardiros Jamgotchian. The arrest of the ASALA terrorist leads to the formation of a new ASALA branch called the ''Ninth of June Organization,'' which will be responsible for a new series of attacks. [122] June 11, 1981 - Paris, France A group of Armenian terrorists, led by one Ara Toranian, occupies the THY offices. Initially ignored by the French authorities, the terrorists are only evicted from the premises after vehement protests from the Turkish Embassy. [123] June 19, 1981 - Tehran, Iran A bomb explodes at the offices of Swissair. The ''Ninth of June Organization'' claims responsibility. [124] June 26, 1981 - Los Angeles, the U.S. A bomb explodes in front of the Swiss Banking Corporation offices. Again the work of the ''Ninth of June Organization.'' [125] July 19, 1981 - Bern, Germany A bomb explodes at the Swiss Parliament Building. ''Ninth of June'' claims responsibility. [126] July 20, 1981 - Zurich, Switzerland ''Ninth of June'' strikes again. A bomb explodes in an automatic photo-booth at Zurich's international airport. [127] July 21, 1981 - Lausanne, Switzerland Twenty women are injured as a bomb laid by Armenian terrorists explodes in a department store. ''Ninth of June'' claims responsibility. [128] July 22, 1981 - Geneva, Switzerland A bomb explodes in a locker at the train station. Authorities suspect ''Ninth of June.'' [129] July 22, 1981 - Geneva, Switzerland An hour later, a second bomb explodes in a locker at the station. Police cordoned off the area following the first explosion, thereby preventing injuries from the second. [130] August 11, 1981 - Copenhagen, Denmark Two bombs destroy the offices of Swissair. An American tourist is injured in the explosion. ''Ninth of June'' claims responsibility. [131] August 20, 1981 - Los Angeles, the U.S. A bomb explodes outside the offices of Swiss Precision Instruments. The attack is claimed by ''Ninth of June.'' [132] August 20, 1981 - Paris, France Explosion at Alitalia Airlines. ''October 3'' is back in action. September 15, 1981 - Copenhagen, Denmark Two people are injured as a bomb explodes in front of the THY offices. Police experts manage to defuse a second bomb. Credit is claimed by a ''Sixth Armenian Liberation Army.'' [133] September 17, 1981 - Tehran, Iran A bomb explosion damages a Swiss Embassy building. ASALA's ''Ninth of June'' claims responsibility. [134] September 24, 1981 - Paris, France Four Armenian terrorists occupy the Turkish Consulate General. During their entry into the building, the Consul, Kaya Inal, and a security guard, Cemal Ozen, are seriously wounded. Terrorists take 56 hostages. Ozen dies of his injuries in the hospital. The terrorists are ASALA members. [135] October 3, 1981 - Geneva, Switzerland The main post office and the city courthouse are hit by bomb explosions. An ASALA member is scheduled to go on trial for murder in the courthouse. ''Ninth of June'' claims credit for the attacks, which leave one person injured. [136] October 25, 1981 - Rome, Italy An Armenian terrorist fires at Gokberk Ergenekon, Second Secretary at the Turkish Embassy. Ergenekon is wounded in the arm. ASALA claims credit in the name of the ''September 24 Suicide Commandos.'' [137] October 25, 1981 - Paris, France Fouquet's, the fashionable French restaurant, is the target of a bomb attack. A group calling itself ''September-France'' claims the attack. [138] October 26, 1981 - Paris, France The same group is behind the explosion of a booby-trapped automobile in front of ''Le Drugstore.'' [139] October 27, 1981 - Paris, France ''September-France'' carries out a bomb attack at Roissy Airport. October 27, 1981 - Paris, France A second bomb explodes near a busy escalator at Roissy Airport. No one is injured. ''September-France'' claims responsibility. [140] October 28, 1981 - Paris, France The same group is responsible for a bomb attack in a movie theater. Three people are injured. [141] November 3, 1981 - Madrid, Spain A bomb explodes in front of the Swissair offices, injuring three persons. Considerable damage to nearby buildings. ASALA claims responsibility. [142] November 5, 1981 - Paris, France A bomb explodes in the Gare de Lyon, injuring one person. The attack is claimed by the Armenian ''Orly Organization.'' [143] November 12, 1981 - Beirut, Lebanon Simultaneous bomb explosions occur in front of three French offices: the French Cultural Center, the Air France offices and the home of the French Consul General. The ''Orly Organization'' claims responsibility. This organization owes its name to the fact that the French police arrested an Armenian at Orly Airport in Paris because of forged papers. The idea now is to ''bomb him free.'' [144] November 14, 1981 - Paris, France A bomb explosion damages an automobile near the Eiffel Tower. ''Orly'' claims responsibility. [145] November 14, 1981 - Paris, France ''Orly'' launches a grenade attack on a group of tourists disembarking from a sightseeing boat on the River Seine. [146] November 15, 1981 - Paris, France ''Orly'' threatens to blow up an Air France airplane in flight. November 15, 1981 - Beirut, Lebanon Simultaneous bomb attacks are carried out against three French targets: the ''Union des Assurances de Paris'', the Air France offices and the ''Banque Libano-Française''. ''Orly'' is responsible. November 15, 1981 - Paris, France A McDonald's restaurant is destroyed by ''September-France.'' [147] November 16, 1981 - Paris, France A bomb injures two innocent bystanders at the Gare de l'Est. ''Orly'' claims responsibility. [148] November 18, 1981 - Paris, France ''Orly'' announces that it has planted a bomb at the Gare du Nord. [149] November 20, 1981 - Los Angeles, the U.S. The Turkish Consulate General in Beverly Hills suffers extensive damage. The JCAG claims credit. [150] January 13, 1982 - Toronto, Canada An ASALA bomb causes extensive damage to the Turkish Consulate General. [151] January 17, 1982 - Geneva, Switzerland Two bombs destroy parked cars. The ASALA ''Ninth of June Organization'' claims credit. [152] January 17, 1982 - Paris, France A bomb explodes at the Union of Banks and a second is disarmed at the Credit Lyonnais. ''Orly'' claims responsibility. [153] January 19, 1982 - Paris, France A bomb explodes in the Air France offices in the Palais des Congres. ''Orly'' claims responsibility. [154] January 28, 1982 - Los Angeles, the U.S. Kemal Arikan, the Turkish Consul General in Los Angeles, is assassinated by two terrorists while driving to work. Nineteen year old Hampig Hassounian is arrested and sentenced to life. [155] March 22, 1982 Cambridge, Massachusetts, the U.S. A gift shop belonging to Orhan Gunduz, the Turkish Honorary Consul General in Boston, is blown up. Gunduz receives an ultimatum: Either he gives up his honorary position or he will be ''executed.'' Responsibility is claimed by the JCAG. [156] March 26, 1982 - Beirut, Lebanon Two dead, sixteen injured in an explosion at a movie theater. ASALA claims credit for the attack. [157] April 8, 1982 - Ottawa, Canada Kani Gungor, the Commercial Attache at the Turkish Embassy in Ottawa, is seriously wounded in an attack by Armenian terrorists in the garage of his apartment house. ASALA claims responsibility. [158] April 24, 1982 - Dortmund, West Germany Several Turkish-owned businesses suffer extensive damage in bomb attacks. The ''New Armenian Resistance Organization'' claims responsibility. [159] May 4, 1982 - Cambridge, Massachusetts, the U.S. Orhan Gunduz, the Turkish Honorary Consul General in Boston is assassinated. The murderer is still at large. [160] May 10, 1982 - Geneva, Switzerland Bombs explode at two banks. The attacks are claimed by an Armenian ''World Punishment Organization.'' [161] May 18, 1982 - Toronto, Canada Four Armenians are arrested for trying to smuggle money out of the country. The money was extorted from Armenians, a common practice throughout the world. In the course of the investigation, it is discovered that the terrorists fire-bombed the house of an Armenian who refused to make his contribution to Armenian terrorism. [162] May 18, 1982 - Tampa, Florida, the U.S. Attack at the office of Nash Karahan, the Turkish Honorary Consul General. [163] May 26, 1982 - Los Angeles, the U.S. A bomb damages the office of Swiss Banking Corporation. The suspects: four Armenians accused of involvement in ASALA. [164] May 30, 1982 - Los Angeles, the U.S. Three members of ASALA are arrested when planting a bomb in the Air Canada cargo-office. [165] June 7, 1982 - Lisbon, Portugal Erkut Akbay, the Administrative Attache at the Turkish Embassy, and his wife, Nadide Akbay, are assassinated in front of their home. JCAG claims responsibility. [166] July 1, 1982 - Rotterdam, the Netherlands Kemalettin Demirer, the Turkish Consul General in Rotterdam, is shot down by four Armenian terrorists. An ''Armenian Red Army'' claims responsibility. [167] July 21, 1982 - Paris, France Sixteen injured in a bomb explosion near a cafe in the Place Saint-Severin. Credit is claimed by the Orly Organization. ''Orly'' complains that the French do not treat the arrested Armenian terrorists as ''political prisoners,'' but rather as ordinary criminals. [168] July 26, 1982 - Paris, France ''Orly'' is responsible for injuring two women in an explosion in Paris ''Pub Saint-Germain.'' [169] August 2, 1982 - Paris, France Pierre Gulumian, an Armenian terrorist, is killed when a bomb he is making explodes in his face. [170] August 7, 1982 - Ankara, Esenboga Airport, Turkey Two Armenian terrorists open fire in a crowded passenger waiting room. One of the terrorists takes more than twenty hostages while the second is apprehended by the police. Nine people are dead and eighty-two injured and emdash;some seriously. The surviving terrorist, Levon Ekmekjian is arrested and sentenced. [171] August 8, 1982 - Paris, France A bomb is defused in time. ''Orly'' regrets the discovery. [172] August 12, 1982 - Paris, France Terrorists open fire on a policeman assigned to protect the offices of the Turkish Tourism Attache. Luckily, he escapes without injury. [173] August 27, 1982 - Ottawa, Canada Colonel Atilla Altikat, the Military Attache at the Turkish Embassy, is assassinated in his car. JCAG claims responsibility. [174] September 9, 1982 - Burgas, Bulgaria Bora Suelkan, the Administrative Attache at the Turkish Consulate General in Burgas, is assassinated in front of his home. The assassin leaves a message ''"We shot dead the Turkish diplomat: Combat Units of Justice Against the Armenian Genocide.'' An anonymous caller claims that the assassination is the work of a branch of the ASALA. [175] THE ATAA CALLS ON ARMENIAN-AMERICAN ASSOCIATIONS TO CONDEMN TERRORISM [177] October 26, 1982 - Los Angeles, the U.S. Five Armenian terrorists are charged with conspiring to blow up the offices of the Honorary Turkish Consul General in Philadelphia. All belong to the JCAG. [178] December 8, 1982 - Athens, Greece Two Armenians on a motorbike throw a bomb at the offices of the Saudi Arabian Airlines. The bomb hits a power pylon, explodes and kills one of the terrorists. His accomplice, an Armenian from Iran named Vahe Kontaverdian is arrested. It is later revealed that ASALA ordered the attack because Saudi Arabia maintains friendly relations with Turkey. [179] January 21, 1983 - Anaheim, California, the U.S. Nine ''sophisticated'' pipe bombs are confiscated from an Armenian bakery after one of the detonators goes off and causes fire. [180] January 22, 1983 - Paris, France Two terrorists attack the offices of THY with hand grenades. No one is injured. ASALA claims credit. [181] January 22, 1983 - Paris, France French police defuse a powerful explosive device near the THY counter at Orly airport. [182] February 2, 1983 - Brussels, Belgium The offices of THY are bombed. The ''New Armenian Resistance Organization'' claims responsibility. [183] February 28, 1983 - Luxembourg A bomb placed in front of Turkey's diplomatic mission is defused. The Armenian Reporter in New York reports that the ''New Armenian Resistance Organization'' is responsible. [184] February 28, 1983 - Paris, France A bomb explodes at the Marmara Travel Agency. Killed in the explosion is Renée Morin, a French secretary. Four other Frenchmen are wounded. A few minutes after the attack, ASALA claims responsibility. [185] March 9, 1983 - Belgrade, Yugoslavia Galip Balkar, the Turkish Ambassador to Yugoslavia is assassinated in central Belgrade. Necati Kayar, his chauffeur, is shot in the stomach. As the two assailants flee from the scene, they are bravely pursued by Yugoslav citizens. One of the terrorists shoots and wounds a Yugoslav Colonel, and is in turn apprehended by a policeman. The second terrorist opens fire on civilians who are chasing him, killing a young student and injuring a young girl. The two terrorists, Kirkor Levonian and Raffi Elbekian, are tried and sentenced. [186] March 31, 1983 - Frankfurt, Germany An anonymous caller threatened to bomb the offices and kill the staff of Tercuman newspaper, a Turkish daily. [187] May 24, 1983 - Brussels, Belgium Bombs explode in front of the Turkish Embassy's Culture and Information offices and in front of a Turkish- owned travel agency. The Italian director of the travel agency is wounded. ASALA claims credit. [188] June 16, 1983 - Istanbul, Turkey Armenian terrorists carry out an attack with hand grenades and automatic weapons inside the covered bazaar in Istanbul. Two dead, twenty-one wounded. ASALA claims responsibility. [189] July 8, 1983 - Paris, France Armenian terrorists attack the offices of the British Council, protesting against the trials of Armenians in London. [190] July 14, 1983 - Brussels, Belgium Armenian terrorists murder Dursun Aksoy, the Administrative Attache at the Turkish Embassy. ASALA, ARA and JCAG claim responsibility. [191] July 15, 1983 - Paris, France A bomb explodes in front of the THY counter at Orly airport. Eight dead, more than sixty injured. A 29 years old Syrian-Armenian named Varadjian Garbidjian confesses to having planted the bomb. He admits that the bomb was intended to have exploded once the plane was airborne. [192] July 15, 1983 - London, Britain A bomb, similar to the one that exploded at Orly, is defused in time. ASALA claims responsibility for both attacks. [193] July 18, 1983 - Lyon, France A bomb threat is made by ASALA against the Lyon railroad station. July 20, 1983 - Lyon, France Panicky evacuation of Lyon's Gare de Perrache following a bomb threat from ASALA. [194] July 22, 1983 - Tehran, Iran ''Orly'' carries out bomb attacks on the French Embassy and Air France. [195] July 27, 1983 - Lisbon, Portugal Five Armenian terrorists attempt to storm the Turkish Embassy in Lisbon. Failing to gain access to the chancery, they occupy the residence, taking the Deputy Chief of Mission(DCM) and his family hostage. When explosives being planted by the terrorists go off, Cahide Mihcioglu, wife of the DCM and four of the terrorists are blown to pieces. Yurtsev Mincioglu, the DCM, and his son Atasay are injured. The fifth terrorist is killed in the initial assault by Turkish security forces. One Portuguese policeman is also killed and another wounded. The ARA claims responsibility. [196] July 28, 1983 - Lyon, France Another bomb threat on Lyon-Perrache railroad station. ASALA claims responsibility. [197] July 29, 1983 - Tehran, Iran A threat to blow up the French Embassy in Teheran with a rocket attack causes Iranian officials to increase security at the facility. [198] July 31, 1983 - Lyon and Rennes, France Bomb threats from Armenian terrorists force the emergency landing of two domestic French flights carrying 424 passengers. [199] August 10, 1983 - Tehran, Iran A bomb explodes in an automobile at the French Embassy. ASALA claims credit for the attack. [200] August 25, 1983 - Bonn, Germany A whole series of bomb attacks against offices of the French Consulate General claim two lives and leave twenty-three injured. ASALA claims responsibility. [201] September 9, 1983 - Tehran, Iran Two French Embassy cars are bombed. One of the bombs injures two embassy staff members. ASALA claims credit. [202] October 1, 1983 - Marseilles, France A bomb blast destroys the U.S., Soviet and Algerian pavilions at an international trade fair in Marseilles. One person is killed and twenty-six injured. ASALA and ''Orly'' claim credit. [203] October 6, 1983 - Tehran, Iran A French Embassy vehicle is bombed, injuring two passengers. ''Orly'' claims responsibility. [204] October 29, 1983 - Beirut, Lebanon Hand-grenade attack on the French Embassy. One of the ASALA terrorists is arrested. [205] October 29, 1983 - Beirut, Lebanon The Turkish Embassy is attacked by three Armenian terrorists. One of the assailants, Sarkis Denielian, a 19 years old Lebanese-Armenian is apprehended. ASALA claims responsibility. [206] February 8, 1984 - Paris, France Bomb threat on an Air France flight to New York. [207] March 28, 1984 - Tehran, Iran A timed series of attacks is carried out against Turkish diplomats: Two Armenian terrorists shoot and seriously wound Sergeant Ismail Pamukcu, employed at the office of the Turkish Military Attache; Hasan Servet Oktem, First Secretary of the Turkish Embassy, is slightly wounded as he leaves his home; Ibrahim Ozdemir, the Administrative Attache at the Turkish Embassy, alerts police to two suspicious looking men. They turn out to be Armenian terrorists and are arrested; In the afternoon of the same day, Iranian police arrest three more Armenian terrorists outside the Turkish Embassy; An Armenian terrorist is killed when a bomb he is attempting to plant in the car of the Turkish Assistant Commercial Counselor explodes prematurely. The dead terrorist is later identified as Sultan Gregorian Semaperdan (ASALA). [208] March 29, 1984 - Los Angeles, the U.S. ASALA sends a written threat, saying they will assassinate Turkish athletes who take part in the Olympics. [209] April 8, 1984 - Beirut, Lebanon ASALA issues a communique warning that all flights to Turkey will be considered military targets. [210] April 26, 1984 - Ankara, Turkey Turgut Ozal, the Turkish Prime Minister, receives a threat warning him that if he goes ahead with a planned visit to Tehran, ASALA will schedule a major terrorist operation against his country. April 28, 1984 - Tehran, Iran Two Armenian terrorists riding a motorcycle open fire on Isik Yonder as he drives his wife, Sadiye Yonder, to the Turkish Embassy where she works. Isik Yönder is killed, and ASALA claims credit for yet another senseless murder. [211] June 20, 1984 - Vienna, Austria A bomb explodes in a car belonging to Erdogan Ozen, Assistant Labor and Social Affairs Counselor at the Turkish Embassy in Vienna. Ozen is killed and five others seriously wounded, including a policeman. ARA terrorists claim credit for the crime. [212] June 25, 1984 - Los Angeles, the U.S. A news agency office in France receives a letter threatening to attack all governments, organizations and companies which assist, in any way whatsoever, Turkey's team at the Los Angeles Olympics. [213] August 13, 1984 - Lyon, France A bomb explodes in a Lyon train station causing minor damage. ASALA claims credit. [214] September 1984 - Tehran, Iran Several Turkish owned firms in Iran come under attack after receiving warning letters informing them that they are to be targeted. The first victim is the Sezai Turkes Company. A Turkish employee is injured while fighting the fire caused by the explosion. A chain of smaller scale acts of intimidation follows. [215] September 1, 1984 - Tehran, Iran Iranian authorities expose a plot to assassinate Ismet Birsel, the Turkish Ambassador to Iran. [216] September 3, 1984 - Istanbul, Turkey Two Armenian terrorists die as one of their bombs goes off too soon. The ARA claims credit. [217] November 19, 1984 - Vienna, Austria Evner Ergun, Deputy Director of the Centre for Social Development and Humanitarian Affairs of the United Nations, Vienna is assassinated while driving to work. The assassins leave a flag with the initials ''ARA'' on his body. [218] December 1984 - Brussels, Belgium Authorities are able to thwart a bombing attempt at the residence of Selcuk Incesu, Turkish Consul General. [219] December 29, 1984 - Beirut, Lebanon Two French buildings in East Beirut are bombed. ASALA claims credit. [220] December 29, 1984 - Paris, France Following an ASALA threat to blow up an Air France plane, police increase security at the Charles de Gaulle Airport. [221] January 3, 1985 - Beirut, Lebanon The offices of Agence France Presse are extensively damaged when a bomb explodes. [222] March 3, 1985 - Paris, France An anonymous caller to Agence France Presse threatens to attack French interests throughout the world upon the indictment of the three terrorists who participated in the Orly attack. [223] March 12, 1985 - Ottawa, Canada Three heavily armed terrorists storm the Turkish Embassy, killing a Canadian security guard in the process. After blowing up the front door, the gunmen enter the building. Ambassador Coskun Kirca manages to escape but suffers extensive injuries. The wife and daughter of the Ambassador, who were taken hostage, are later released, and the terrorists surrender. ARA claims responsibility. March 26, 1985 - Toronto, Canada A threat to blow up the city of Toronto's transit system leads to chaos during the rush hour. An ''Armenian Secret Army for the Liberation of Our Homeland'' claims responsibility for the threat. November 1985 - Brussels, Belgium A special anti-terrorist security squad of the Belgian police exposes and arrests three Armenian terrorists with Portuguese passports. They were planning an attack on Turkish officers at NATO headquarters. [224] November 28, 1985 - Paris, France French police arrest the leader of the terrorist organization and emdash; the ''Armenian Secret Army for the Liberation of Armenia-Revolutionary Movement'' (ASALA-RM) and emdash; Mr. Monte Melkonian, a U.S. citizen. In Melkonian's apartment, police confiscate weapons, explosive devices, arrival and departure information on Turkish ships scheduled to visit France and a picture of Turkey's Ambassador to France, Adnan Bulak. [225] December, 1985 - Paris, France Forty-one shoppers in two of Paris' leading department stores (Gallerie Lafayette and Printemps) are injured (twelve seriously) when nearly simultaneous bomb explosions rip through the stores. In the ensuing panic, some 10,000 Christmas shoppers flee into the street. The Armenian Reporter, published in New York, reports in its December 12th issue that French law enforcement authorities are concentrating on ASALA as the most likely perpetrator. ASALA later takes credit for the two bombings. [226] November 23, 1986 - Melbourne, Australia At 2:15 a.m. a bomb explodes in front of the Turkish Consulate General. One dead -presumedly the perpetrator- and one Australian injured. [227] FOREIGN AID TO DISASTER ZONE [229] EU COMMISSION REPORT [231] EU TAMPERE SUMMIT [233] EU TAMPERE SUMMIT [235] TURKEY-GREECE TOURISM FORUM [237] DEATH TOLL INCREASES TO SEVEN IN TRAFFIC ACCIDENT IN MILAS [239] TURKISH CULTURE WEEK IN THE NETHERLANDS A.A Anadolu Agency: News in English Directory - Previous Article - Next Article |
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