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Anadolu Agency: News in English, 99-11-03

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

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

<!DOCTYPE HTML PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD HTML 4.0 Transitional//EN">


CONTENTS

  • [01] AA Daily
  • [02] TURKEY-PRESS SCAN
  • [03] These are some of the major headlines and their brief stories in Turkey's press on November 3, 1999. The Anadolu Ajansi does not verify these stories and does not vouch for their occuracy.
  • [04] HURRIYET (LIBERAL) - ---------------- AMNESTY DEBATE The attempt to make Haluk Kırcı, the chief actor regarding the killing of seven members of the banned Turkish Labour Party (TIP) in Bahcelievler district of Ankara in 1978, benefit from amnesty law, shook seriously the coalition government. Rahsan Ecevit, the deputy leader of the Democratic Left Party (DSP) said that she would resist an amnesty for Kırcı even if the coalition is spoiled.
  • [05] PKK'S WITHDRAWAL NOT ENOUGH General Huseyin Kıvrıkoglu, the Chief of General Staff said that terrorists started to withdraw from Turkey, but their surrender is more important. ''600-700 terrorists withdrew from Turkey so far, but this is not enough because the one who withdrew has the chance to return back. Their surrender and laying down arms is more important,'' said Kıvrıkoglu.
  • [06] MILLIYET (LIBERAL) - ----------------- EVCIL:I AM VICTIM OF MY GREED Erol Evcil, a businessman who is accused of inciting persons kill Nesim Malki, another businessman, was questioned by security officials in Bursa. Evcil confessed that he incited persons kill Malki and told police that he was the victim of his greed. It is reported that the important notebook of Malki, which was searched for, was found in the villa in which Evcil was captured.
  • [07] AMNESTY SUSPENDED The article of the discussed Amnesty law which foresaw amnesty for Haluk Kırcı, a suspect regarding the killing of seven Turkish Labour Party (TIP) members in 1978, shook the coalition government. The tension between the Democratic Left Party (DSP) and the Nationalist Movement Party (MHP) escalated when the amnesty law was being discussed in the parliamentary constitution commission yesterday. A consensus was reached by the mediation of Mesut Yılmaz, the leader of the Motherland Party (ANAP) in the end and the discussion of the law was suspended.
  • [08] SABAH (LIBERAL) - --------------- NEW STEP IN KISLALI'S ASSASSINATION The similar pictures of the three assailants who were involved in the assassination of Prof. Ahmet Taner Kıslalı, were drawn and later published. Officials said that those who see these people should inform the police. Saadettin Tantan, the Minister of Interior, said that he was surprised by the bomb used in the killing of Kıslalı, as he didn't see such a bomb before.
  • [09] LAST ROUND FOR STAND-BY The International Monetary Fund (IMF) delegation started its meetings in Ankara to discuss the stand-by agreement. They will stay in Turkey for three weeks. Carlo Cottarelli, the IMF Director of Turkey Desk said that ''I am hopeful about signing a stand- by agreement with Turkey.''
  • [10] CUMHURIYET (LEFT) - ---------------- SUSURLUK SCANDAL STILL IN DARKNESS Today is the anniversary of the Susurluk accident which revealed the illegal relations among mafia, security and state. A mercedes car hit a lorry on November 3, 1996 in Susurluk. Huseyin Kocadag, the former deputy director general of security in Istanbul, Abdullah Catlı, a mafia leader died and Sedat Bucak, a deputy of the True Path Party (DYP) was wounded. However these surprising relations couldn't be clarified in three years.
  • [11] ALL EXPENDITURES TO BE LIMITED The colition government headed by Prime Minister Bulent Ecevit, plans to limit all expenditures by the budget of 2000 upon the will of International Monetary Fund (IMF). Turkey's budget for 2000 is 46.9 quadrillion liras. Yet 44.9 percent of the budget is foreseen to be transferred to pay interest rates in the beginning. Turkey has an interest payment of 185 billion dollars this year.
  • [12] RADDİKAL (LEFT) - -------------- GERMANY: ''OZBEY CAN BE EXTRADITED TO TURKEY'' Christian Arns, the Spokesman of the German Interior Ministry, said that Yalcin Ozbey, one of the suspects for the assasination of Abdi Ipekci, a prominent journalist, could be extradited to Turkey. Arns noted that the German Court rejected Ozbey's request to be granted political refugee status. GENERAL KIVRIKOGLU CALLS ON TERRORISTS TO SURRENDER General Huseyin Kivrikoglu, the Chief of General Staff, called on members of the terrorists organization PKK to surrender to the security forces. General Kivrikoglu stressed that terrorists have begun to withdraw from Turkish territories to Northern Iraq and Iran. CEM IN EUROPE Ismail Cem, the Foreign Minister, arrived in Strasbourg to attend the 105th meeting of the Council of Europe Committee of Ministers. Cem is scheduled to meet with his Finnish counterpart Tarja Hallonen. Latest developments regarding announcement of Turkey's candidacy to the European Union (EU) at Helsinki Summit will be discussed at the meeting. Cem will proceed to Moscow on Thursday to accompany Prime Minister Bulent Ecevit during his official visit to Russia. TURKIYE (RIGHT) - --------------- ECEVIT DUE TO RUSSIA Prime Minister Bulent Ecevit's official visit to Russia will start tomorrow. Ecevit's contacts in Russia will mainly focus on the ''Blue Stream Project'', and the commercial relations between the two countries. DEAD BODIES OF THREE TERRORISTS FOUND IN AGRI MOUNTAIN Security forces found dead bodies of three male terrorists in a cave in Agri Mountain. Security forces said that the terrorists were shot dead, and buried with their cloths. Officals noted that the terrorists might have been killed due to a dispute in the terrorist organization PKK. Officials also added that the terrorist organization PKK was using the cave between 1992-1996. EIGHT MEMBERS OF PKK ARRESTED A total of eight members of terrorist organization PKK who have surrendered to security forces on October 29, were arrested by the Istanbul State Security Court (DGM) No:4. Haydar Ergul, Dilek Kurt, Yusuf Kiyak, Ali Sukran Aktas, Aygul Bidav, Haci Celik, Imam Canpolat, and Aysel Dogan were sent to the Gebze and Kartal prisons. ZAMAN (CONSERVATIVE) - ------------------ KOH: ''FUNDAMENTALISM WAS EXAGGERATED'' Harold Koh, the U.S. Assistant Secretary of State for Human Rights, gave a special statament to the Zaman Newspaper. Koh eulogized media's and government's consistent approach againts fundamentalist provocations in Kavakci and Kislali affairs. Koh said that they understood Turkey's sensivity about the Islamic fundamentalims. Koh stressed that nothing could be considered as a social threat because it was exaggerated.
  • [13] FP'S APPROACH TOWARDS ISRAEL CHANGES Addressing the U.S. Woodrow Wilson think-tank institution, Recai Kutan, the leader of the Virtue Party (FP), said that their policy regarded with Israel has totaly changed. Kutan stressed that they did not consider having cooperation with Israel as inconvenient. Kutan added, ''Everybody knows that Israel has giant opportunities in technology, especially in defense technology. Turkey can have cooperation with Israel in this field as she has cooperation with the western coutries.''
  • [14] TOURISM MINISTER MUMCU LEAVES FOR TUNISIA
  • [15] ISTANBUL, Nov 3 (A.A) - Erkan Mumcu, the Tourism Minister, left on Wednesday for Tunisia to attend the 5th Joint Tourism Commission meeting between Turkey and Tunisia. Addressing journalists at the Ataturk Airport, Mumcu said that representatives of private sector would also attend the meeting. Mumcu said that the meeting would mainly focus on promotion activities, and cooperation in professional training. He told reporters that a protocol would be signed between the two countries to further improve all kind of tourism activities between Turkey and Tunisia. Mumcu, and accompanying delegation are expected to return to Turkey on November 6.
  • [16] IMF DELEGATION'S CONTACTS IN ANKARA
  • [17] ANKARA, Nov 3 (A.A) - The International Monetary Fund (IMF) delegation headed by Carlo Cottarelli, the Chief of IMF Turkey, continued on Wednesday its contacts in Ankara. The delegation stressed that Turkey should not abandon tax arrangements with regard to reach macro economic targets in the budget for year 2000. The IMF noted that additional tax arrangements should be done to reach tax revenue of 24 quadrillion Turkish Liras, and total budget revenue of 32 quadrillion Turkish Liras in 2000. Meanwhile, IMF experts emphasized that Turkey has carried out the social security reforms with regard to provide public finance balance. The IMF experts pointed out that Turkey's most important economic target should be privatization. They stressed that the constitutional change related with international arbitration would accelerate privatization initiatives in the field of energy. The IMF experts stressed that Turkey should increase her privatization revenues up to 6 billion U.S. dollars in 2000. The IMF delegation is scheduled to hold talks with the officials of the Undersecretariat of Treasury, State Planning Organization, Finance Ministry, Privatization Management Board, Central Bank, and Capital Market Board. The IMF delegation will proceed later to Istanbul to meet with the representatives of private sector.
  • [18] JAPAN GRANTS 10,000 U.S. DOLLARS TO ITO'S CAMPAIGN
  • [19] ISTANBUL, Nov 3 (A.A) - Japanese Foreign Trade Organization (JETRO) granted 10,000 U.S. dollars on Tuesday to the campaign opened by the Istanbul Chamber of Commerce. The JETRO donated 10,000 U.S. dollars to ITO's ''Four City Four School'' campaign which aims at constructing schools to the quake-hit areas. Yoshihiro Terada, the Chief of Istanbul Branch of JETRO, visited ITO and gave ITO the cheque on Wednesday. Terada said that the aid was collected by the personnel of JETRO by the revenues of the publications of JETRO.
  • [20] PRIME MINISTER ECEVIT'S VISIT TO MOSCOW
  • [21] ANKARA, Nov 3 (A.A) - Sermet Atacanli, Foreign Ministry Deputy Spokesman, said on Wednesday that efforts will be underway to improve relations between the two countries during Prime Minister Bulent Ecevit's scheduled visit to Moscow, and noted Chechnya issue will also be discussed. Addressing the weekly news conference, Atacanli evaluated scheduled visit of Prime Minister Ecevit to Russia. He said existing positive relations will be further improved with the visit. Pointing out that Turkey attributed importance to the visit, Atacanli said the sides will exchange views regarding the developments in the fields of politics, economy and trade. When asked if a concrete agreement will be reached about Blue Stream project or struggle against terrorism, Atacanli said preparations were underway related with the visit, yet refrained from giving details. When asked if Russian attacks against Chechnya will be discussed during Ecevit's visit to Moscow, Atacanli said: ''Turkey is closely concerned in Chechnya issue. The situation in the region becomes dangerous as incidents escalate. We are concerned about it. We wish this will be solved within a political framework, Russian Federation's territorial integrity and constitutional order.'' Atacanli said this issue will be discussed during Ecevit's contacts. Responding to a question related with Blue Stream project, Atacanli said they regarded Turkmen natural gas and Russian natural gas not as alternatives to each other, but complementary. Atacanli recalled that it was impossible for Turkey to meet its natural gas need with its own sources. Pointing out that Turkey's natural gas need will increase in the next years, Atacanli said Turkey should diversify its sources to this end. When asked about Caspian basin energy sources and Baku-Ceyhan oil pipeline, Atacanli said they hoped to sign the final agreement during Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) summit.
  • [22] PREMIER ECEVIT: ''CHECHNYA ISSUE IS THE INTERNAL PROBLEM OF RUSSIA''
  • [23] ANKARA, Nov 3 (A.A) - Premier Bulent Ecevit said on Wednesday that Chechnya issue is the internal problem of Russia. Prior to his visit to Russia, Ecevit evaluated the relations between Turkey and Russia in the group meeting of the Democratic Left Party (DSP). Turkey is saddened and concerned about the ongoing Russian military offensive in Chechnya and that the military operation will harm the civilians, Ecevit noted. They decided to start warning the other countries and the international organizations to be ready for a possible refugee problem, Ecevit stated. Ecevit stressed that they do not interfere with this problem and they attribute importance to the territorial integrity of Russia as they attribute importance to the territorial integrity of Turkey. Ecevit continued, '' we are saddened and concerned that the military operation is causing considerable harm to Chechen civilians. We are saddened in human terms and concerned about possible migration. A group of refugees from Chechnya, mostly women and children, had already arrived in Turkey.'' ''It will not be easy for us to cope with a big wave of refugees while addressing the problems of our people hit by the earthquake disaster,'' Ecevit said. ''To this end, we have decided to warn other countries and international organizations to be ready for a possible immigration,'' Ecevit added. Turkey's application to send humanitarian aid to Chenchens by the Red Crescent was welcomed and they consider this as a hopeful development, Ecevit emphasized. The joint energy investments, especially the purchase of natural gas from Russia, carry importance; Ecevit pointed out. Ecevit said that the Western Pipeline will increase the flow of natural gas. He added that the Blue Stream Project is on the agenda. Russia will lay down pipelines beneath the Black Sea and Turkey will be responsible for the investments in her territory, Ecevit noted. Ecevit stressed that Turkey needs both the natural gas of Turkmenistan and Azerbaijan in the Blue Stream Project. Ecevit added that the economic relations will carry importance during his contacts in Russia.
  • [24] 15TH ISEDAK MEETING TO START TOMORROW
  • [25] ISTANBUL, Nov 3 (A.A) - The high-ranking experts meeting of the 15th Islamic Conference Organization Economic and Commercial Cooperation Permanent Committee Meeting (ISEDAK) will start in Istanbul on Thursday. A total of 56 countries have been invited to the meeting which will be hosted and chaired by Turkey. Turkey will participate in the meetings with a delegation headed by Devlet Bahceli, State Minister and Deputy Prime Minister. The high-ranking experts of ISEDAK will convene under the chairmanship of Akin Izmirlioglu, State Planning Institute (DPT) Undersecretary, and will take up the necessary preparations regarding the items on the agenda. The 15th ISEDAK meeting will start by the opening session chaired by President Suleyman Demirel on November 6, 1999. The agenda of the meeting will include the evaluation of the effects of the global economic developments on the member countries, the developments ragarding the implementation of Economic Cooperation Action Plan and the developments regarding the World Trade Organizatino (WTO). The meetings will end on November 7, 1999.
  • [26] GREEK AMBASSADOR CORANTIS SPEAKS AT 'TURKISH-GREEK RELATIONS MEETING'
  • [27] ESKISEHIR, Nov 3 (A.A) - Ioannis Corantis, the Greek Ambassador in Ankara, said on Wednesday that the quake disaster created a solidarity atmosphere between Turkey and Greece which will further grow in the future. Corantis who spoke at ''Turkish-Greek Relations'' meeting organized by Eskisehir Rotary Club noted that Turkish-Greek relations were at a different level now then they were 7 months ago when he first came to Turkey. ''There is a rule in economy. Evertything that goes down has to go up. It was the same for Greek-Turkish relations. The foreign ministers of both countries came together quietly and took decisions to solve the problems. Drafts were prepared in Athens and Ankara to develop relations. Agreements were initiated in tourism, anti-terrorism and maritime fields. Greek people will not forget Turkey's sensitivity when the quake hit Athens. Turks also were helped by Greeks during the Marmara quake. Great solidarity and sacrifice were observed during these disasters. The people of both countries are giving a message of peace,'' Corantis said. The Greek Ambassador also noted that he wanted Turkey to enter the EU. Regarding the Cyprus issue, Corantis said they want this problem to be solved. Turkey's positive attitute will help to develop relations with Europe, he also stressed.
  • [28] A TOTAL OF TWO MILLION TOURISTS VISIT ANTALYA IN TEN MONTHS
  • [29] ANTALYA, Nov 3 (A.A) - A total of two million tourists visited southern Antalya province in the first ten months of 1999. The Antalya Airport Directorate officials told A.A correspondent on Wednesday that a total of 1.9 million foreign tourists arrived in Antalya between January 1 and October 31, 1999. The number of tourists coming to Antalya by plane decreased 30 percent in the mentioned period when compared with the figures of 1998, the officials said. A total of 200,000 tourists are expected to visit Antalya in November and December, the officials noted. The number and the nationality of the tourists arriving in Antalya via airway in October are listed below:
  • [30] Germany: 165,742 Austria: 10,960 Russia: 14,599 Israel: 11,954 The Netherlands: 10,859 Britain: 10,443 Belgium: 6,305 Sweden: 3,147 Other countries: 23,127
  • [31] DEPUTY PRIME MINISTER BAHCELI SAYS STABILITY IN TURKEY IS ABOVE EVERYTHING
  • [32] KIZILCAHAMAM, Nov 3 (A.A) - Commenting on the disagreements over the amnesty law draft beween the coalition partners, Deputy Prime Minister Devlet Bahceli said on Wednesday that ''the differences of opinion on any law draft are not big enough to cause instability in Turkey.'' When asked if the amnesty law has been suspended, Bahceli said it was too early to make that comment and stressed that the law could still be passed. He said the draft will be discussed at the Justice Commission and then at the General Council according to the procedure. ''We must wait patiently,'' he added. Bahceli responded to claims of ''cracks'' in the government caused by the amnesty law draft, Bahceli said disagreements on any law were not big enough to cause instability in Turkey. ''Stability in Turkey is above everything,'' he stressed. ''Neither Democratic Left Party (DSP) nor Nationalist Movement Party (MHP) is stepping back. What is going to happen?, '' a reporter asked Bahceli. ''If nobody is stepping back, then you will remove the problem. That's it,'' he responded.
  • [33] PREMIER ECEVIT DUE TO RUSSIA ON THURSDAY
  • [34] ANKARA, Nov 3 (A.A) - Premier Bulent Ecevit will go to Russia for an official visit on Thursday. A statement of Prime Ministry Press Center said on Wednesday that Ecevit and an accompanying delegation including some ministers, bureaucrats, businessmen and journalists will leave for Moscow on Thursday. Ecevit will meet with the Turkish businessmen on Thursday evening, the statement noted. The statement stressed that Ecevit will meet with Vladimir Putin, the Russian Prime Minister, on the second day of his visit. Some agreements will be signed between Russia and Turkey following the interdelegationary meetings, the statement emphasized. Ecevit will meet with the speaker of Duma, which is the lower chamber of the Russian parliament, after attending the luncheon given in the honour of himself by Putin, the statement pointed out. The statement said that Ecevit will visit the Moscow Mayor in the third day of his visit. Ecevit will participate in the laying foundation ceremony of the Turkish Union of Chambers and Commodity Exchanges (TOBB)-Turkish Exporters' Center (TIM) Trade Center, the statement noted. The statement emphasized that Ecevit will return to Turkey after being interviewed by the Russian television channel ITAR-TASS. Ecevit and the accompanying delegation are expected to arrive in Ankara on November 6, 1999, the statement stressed. The statement added that Ecevit will stage a press conference on Thursday prior to his departure.
  • [35] FINANCE MINISTER ORAL SPEAKS AT PARLIAMENT'S BUDGET COMMISSION
  • [36] ANKARA, Nov 3 (A.A) - The Finance Minister Sumer Oral said the foreign exchange reserve of the Central Bank was 24,8 billion U.S. dollars as of October 22, 1999. Oral who spoke at the Parliament's Planning and Budget Commission reminded that the financial crisis which started in 1998 caused investers to lose confidence in the economies of developing countries. The world did not have a positive economic conjucture in 1998 but the recovery started in 1999, he explained. The avarage growth rate of the world in 2000 is expected to be 3.5 percent while developing countries will have a growth rate of 4.8 percent next year. The economic crisis caused the world economy to focus on the reconstruction of international and global finance systems, Oral said. He also added that Turkey took place in G-20 group which brings Turkey new opportunities as well as new responsıbılıtıes. Turkey targeted to permanently drop inflation in 1998 and create stability in macro economic balances, however the financial crisis which started in Russia also affected Turkey. However the economic measures helped Turkey to keep these negative effects at a minimum level, he explained. The earthquake disaster hit the Marmara region which had a very high level of Gross National Product, therefore the quake affected the economy in general. A 2 percent drop is estimated in Gross National Product (GNP) in 1999. Turkey's export rate increased by 2.7 percent in 1998 compared to 1997 while the import rate dropped by 5.4 percent. The foreign trade deficit also decreased by 15 percent and became 18.9 bıllıon U.S. dollars. Turkey's international reserve in 1998 which is consisted of gold and foreign currency exchange increased 2.3 billion U.S. dollars and reached 29.5 U.S. dollars and the foreign currency exhange of the Central Bank was 24.8 billion U.S. dollars as of 22 October, 1999, Oral said. The 91 percent increase in wholesale prices in 1997 dropped to 54.3 percent in 1998 and this trend continued until April of 1999. After April, 1999 the inflation in Turkey also rose because of the increasing crude oil prices in the world. In 1999, the avarage annual increase in wholesale prices is expected to be 57 percent and consumer prices are estimated as 64 percent. Turkey's domestic borrowing stock reached 20 quadrillion Turkish Liras in 1999 September, he explained. Since 1991, Turkey has always paid foreign debts except 1993 and 1997. The consolidated budget expenses in 1998 increased by 94 percent and reached 15.6 quadrillion TL while the income increased by 103.1 percent and became 11.8 quadrillion TL compared to 1997. The 1999 budget, compared to 1998 figures, increased by 73.8 percent and became 27.1 quadrillion and the budget's income increased by 52.7 percent and reached 18 quadrillion TL. The budget defict at the end of 1999 is estimated to be 9.8 quadrillion, Minister Oral explained.
  • [37] PREMIER ECEVIT RECEIVES U.S. AMBASSADOR PARRIS AND WOLF, CLINTON'S SPECIAL ENVOY TO CASPIAN BASIN
  • [38] ANKARA, Nov 3 (A.A) - Premier Bulent Ecevit on Wednesday received Mark Parris, U.S. Ambassador to Ankara, and John Wolf, U.S. President Bill Clinton's Special Envoy to Caspian Basin. Some energy projects were discussed during the meeting prior to Ecevit's visit to Russia. Cumhur Ersumer, the Energy and Natural Resources Minister, also participated in the meeting.
  • [39] THE PUBLIC WORKS AND SETTLEMENT PROVINCIAL DIRECTORATE DECIDES EVACUATION OF 216 HOUSES OF SEBINKARAHISAR
  • [40] GIRESUN, Nov 3 (A.A) - The Public Works and Settlement Provincial Directorate decided on Wednesday to evacuate 216 houses in Sebinkarahisar county of northwestern Giresun province. The Giresun Governorship statement said that the teams from the Public Works and Settlement Provincial Directorate decided to evacuate 216 houses in Sebinkarahisar which is under landslide threat. Efforts to evacuate three districts in the centrum of Giresun and 58 houses in two villages continue, the statement noted. A total of 900 people are living in the houses which are under the landslide threat, the statement stressed. The statement continued, ''the houses are big threats for the life and property security. Also, the other settlements of the country are under the landslide threat. A report concerning the solution of the problem was prepared under the auspices of the Black Sea Technical University Landslide Research Center Directorate.'' ''The efforts carried out by the officials from the Rural Works Provincial Directorate and Sebinkarahisar Municipality continue in Muftu, Kutkut and Fatih districts,'' the statement added.
  • [41] A.A

  • [01] AA Daily

    03 November 1999 Wednesday

    [02] TURKEY-PRESS SCAN

    [03] These are some of the major headlines and their brief stories in Turkey's press on November 3, 1999. The Anadolu Ajansi does not verify these stories and does not vouch for their occuracy.

    [04] HURRIYET (LIBERAL) - ---------------- AMNESTY DEBATE The attempt to make Haluk Kırcı, the chief actor regarding the killing of seven members of the banned Turkish Labour Party (TIP) in Bahcelievler district of Ankara in 1978, benefit from amnesty law, shook seriously the coalition government. Rahsan Ecevit, the deputy leader of the Democratic Left Party (DSP) said that she would resist an amnesty for Kırcı even if the coalition is spoiled.

    [05] PKK'S WITHDRAWAL NOT ENOUGH General Huseyin Kıvrıkoglu, the Chief of General Staff said that terrorists started to withdraw from Turkey, but their surrender is more important. ''600-700 terrorists withdrew from Turkey so far, but this is not enough because the one who withdrew has the chance to return back. Their surrender and laying down arms is more important,'' said Kıvrıkoglu.

    [06] MILLIYET (LIBERAL) - ----------------- EVCIL:I AM VICTIM OF MY GREED Erol Evcil, a businessman who is accused of inciting persons kill Nesim Malki, another businessman, was questioned by security officials in Bursa. Evcil confessed that he incited persons kill Malki and told police that he was the victim of his greed. It is reported that the important notebook of Malki, which was searched for, was found in the villa in which Evcil was captured.

    [07] AMNESTY SUSPENDED The article of the discussed Amnesty law which foresaw amnesty for Haluk Kırcı, a suspect regarding the killing of seven Turkish Labour Party (TIP) members in 1978, shook the coalition government. The tension between the Democratic Left Party (DSP) and the Nationalist Movement Party (MHP) escalated when the amnesty law was being discussed in the parliamentary constitution commission yesterday. A consensus was reached by the mediation of Mesut Yılmaz, the leader of the Motherland Party (ANAP) in the end and the discussion of the law was suspended.

    [08] SABAH (LIBERAL) - --------------- NEW STEP IN KISLALI'S ASSASSINATION The similar pictures of the three assailants who were involved in the assassination of Prof. Ahmet Taner Kıslalı, were drawn and later published. Officials said that those who see these people should inform the police. Saadettin Tantan, the Minister of Interior, said that he was surprised by the bomb used in the killing of Kıslalı, as he didn't see such a bomb before.

    [09] LAST ROUND FOR STAND-BY The International Monetary Fund (IMF) delegation started its meetings in Ankara to discuss the stand-by agreement. They will stay in Turkey for three weeks. Carlo Cottarelli, the IMF Director of Turkey Desk said that ''I am hopeful about signing a stand- by agreement with Turkey.''

    [10] CUMHURIYET (LEFT) - ---------------- SUSURLUK SCANDAL STILL IN DARKNESS Today is the anniversary of the Susurluk accident which revealed the illegal relations among mafia, security and state. A mercedes car hit a lorry on November 3, 1996 in Susurluk. Huseyin Kocadag, the former deputy director general of security in Istanbul, Abdullah Catlı, a mafia leader died and Sedat Bucak, a deputy of the True Path Party (DYP) was wounded. However these surprising relations couldn't be clarified in three years.

    [11] ALL EXPENDITURES TO BE LIMITED The colition government headed by Prime Minister Bulent Ecevit, plans to limit all expenditures by the budget of 2000 upon the will of International Monetary Fund (IMF). Turkey's budget for 2000 is 46.9 quadrillion liras. Yet 44.9 percent of the budget is foreseen to be transferred to pay interest rates in the beginning. Turkey has an interest payment of 185 billion dollars this year.

    [12] RADDİKAL (LEFT) - -------------- GERMANY: ''OZBEY CAN BE EXTRADITED TO TURKEY'' Christian Arns, the Spokesman of the German Interior Ministry, said that Yalcin Ozbey, one of the suspects for the assasination of Abdi Ipekci, a prominent journalist, could be extradited to Turkey. Arns noted that the German Court rejected Ozbey's request to be granted political refugee status. GENERAL KIVRIKOGLU CALLS ON TERRORISTS TO SURRENDER General Huseyin Kivrikoglu, the Chief of General Staff, called on members of the terrorists organization PKK to surrender to the security forces. General Kivrikoglu stressed that terrorists have begun to withdraw from Turkish territories to Northern Iraq and Iran. CEM IN EUROPE Ismail Cem, the Foreign Minister, arrived in Strasbourg to attend the 105th meeting of the Council of Europe Committee of Ministers. Cem is scheduled to meet with his Finnish counterpart Tarja Hallonen. Latest developments regarding announcement of Turkey's candidacy to the European Union (EU) at Helsinki Summit will be discussed at the meeting. Cem will proceed to Moscow on Thursday to accompany Prime Minister Bulent Ecevit during his official visit to Russia. TURKIYE (RIGHT) - --------------- ECEVIT DUE TO RUSSIA Prime Minister Bulent Ecevit's official visit to Russia will start tomorrow. Ecevit's contacts in Russia will mainly focus on the ''Blue Stream Project'', and the commercial relations between the two countries. DEAD BODIES OF THREE TERRORISTS FOUND IN AGRI MOUNTAIN Security forces found dead bodies of three male terrorists in a cave in Agri Mountain. Security forces said that the terrorists were shot dead, and buried with their cloths. Officals noted that the terrorists might have been killed due to a dispute in the terrorist organization PKK. Officials also added that the terrorist organization PKK was using the cave between 1992-1996. EIGHT MEMBERS OF PKK ARRESTED A total of eight members of terrorist organization PKK who have surrendered to security forces on October 29, were arrested by the Istanbul State Security Court (DGM) No:4. Haydar Ergul, Dilek Kurt, Yusuf Kiyak, Ali Sukran Aktas, Aygul Bidav, Haci Celik, Imam Canpolat, and Aysel Dogan were sent to the Gebze and Kartal prisons. ZAMAN (CONSERVATIVE) - ------------------ KOH: ''FUNDAMENTALISM WAS EXAGGERATED'' Harold Koh, the U.S. Assistant Secretary of State for Human Rights, gave a special statament to the Zaman Newspaper. Koh eulogized media's and government's consistent approach againts fundamentalist provocations in Kavakci and Kislali affairs. Koh said that they understood Turkey's sensivity about the Islamic fundamentalims. Koh stressed that nothing could be considered as a social threat because it was exaggerated.

    [13] FP'S APPROACH TOWARDS ISRAEL CHANGES Addressing the U.S. Woodrow Wilson think-tank institution, Recai Kutan, the leader of the Virtue Party (FP), said that their policy regarded with Israel has totaly changed. Kutan stressed that they did not consider having cooperation with Israel as inconvenient. Kutan added, ''Everybody knows that Israel has giant opportunities in technology, especially in defense technology. Turkey can have cooperation with Israel in this field as she has cooperation with the western coutries.''

    [14] TOURISM MINISTER MUMCU LEAVES FOR TUNISIA

    [15] ISTANBUL, Nov 3 (A.A) - Erkan Mumcu, the Tourism Minister, left on Wednesday for Tunisia to attend the 5th Joint Tourism Commission meeting between Turkey and Tunisia. Addressing journalists at the Ataturk Airport, Mumcu said that representatives of private sector would also attend the meeting. Mumcu said that the meeting would mainly focus on promotion activities, and cooperation in professional training. He told reporters that a protocol would be signed between the two countries to further improve all kind of tourism activities between Turkey and Tunisia. Mumcu, and accompanying delegation are expected to return to Turkey on November 6.

    [16] IMF DELEGATION'S CONTACTS IN ANKARA

    [17] ANKARA, Nov 3 (A.A) - The International Monetary Fund (IMF) delegation headed by Carlo Cottarelli, the Chief of IMF Turkey, continued on Wednesday its contacts in Ankara. The delegation stressed that Turkey should not abandon tax arrangements with regard to reach macro economic targets in the budget for year 2000. The IMF noted that additional tax arrangements should be done to reach tax revenue of 24 quadrillion Turkish Liras, and total budget revenue of 32 quadrillion Turkish Liras in 2000. Meanwhile, IMF experts emphasized that Turkey has carried out the social security reforms with regard to provide public finance balance. The IMF experts pointed out that Turkey's most important economic target should be privatization. They stressed that the constitutional change related with international arbitration would accelerate privatization initiatives in the field of energy. The IMF experts stressed that Turkey should increase her privatization revenues up to 6 billion U.S. dollars in 2000. The IMF delegation is scheduled to hold talks with the officials of the Undersecretariat of Treasury, State Planning Organization, Finance Ministry, Privatization Management Board, Central Bank, and Capital Market Board. The IMF delegation will proceed later to Istanbul to meet with the representatives of private sector.

    [18] JAPAN GRANTS 10,000 U.S. DOLLARS TO ITO'S CAMPAIGN

    [19] ISTANBUL, Nov 3 (A.A) - Japanese Foreign Trade Organization (JETRO) granted 10,000 U.S. dollars on Tuesday to the campaign opened by the Istanbul Chamber of Commerce. The JETRO donated 10,000 U.S. dollars to ITO's ''Four City Four School'' campaign which aims at constructing schools to the quake-hit areas. Yoshihiro Terada, the Chief of Istanbul Branch of JETRO, visited ITO and gave ITO the cheque on Wednesday. Terada said that the aid was collected by the personnel of JETRO by the revenues of the publications of JETRO.

    [20] PRIME MINISTER ECEVIT'S VISIT TO MOSCOW

    [21] ANKARA, Nov 3 (A.A) - Sermet Atacanli, Foreign Ministry Deputy Spokesman, said on Wednesday that efforts will be underway to improve relations between the two countries during Prime Minister Bulent Ecevit's scheduled visit to Moscow, and noted Chechnya issue will also be discussed. Addressing the weekly news conference, Atacanli evaluated scheduled visit of Prime Minister Ecevit to Russia. He said existing positive relations will be further improved with the visit. Pointing out that Turkey attributed importance to the visit, Atacanli said the sides will exchange views regarding the developments in the fields of politics, economy and trade. When asked if a concrete agreement will be reached about Blue Stream project or struggle against terrorism, Atacanli said preparations were underway related with the visit, yet refrained from giving details. When asked if Russian attacks against Chechnya will be discussed during Ecevit's visit to Moscow, Atacanli said: ''Turkey is closely concerned in Chechnya issue. The situation in the region becomes dangerous as incidents escalate. We are concerned about it. We wish this will be solved within a political framework, Russian Federation's territorial integrity and constitutional order.'' Atacanli said this issue will be discussed during Ecevit's contacts. Responding to a question related with Blue Stream project, Atacanli said they regarded Turkmen natural gas and Russian natural gas not as alternatives to each other, but complementary. Atacanli recalled that it was impossible for Turkey to meet its natural gas need with its own sources. Pointing out that Turkey's natural gas need will increase in the next years, Atacanli said Turkey should diversify its sources to this end. When asked about Caspian basin energy sources and Baku-Ceyhan oil pipeline, Atacanli said they hoped to sign the final agreement during Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) summit.

    [22] PREMIER ECEVIT: ''CHECHNYA ISSUE IS THE INTERNAL PROBLEM OF RUSSIA''

    [23] ANKARA, Nov 3 (A.A) - Premier Bulent Ecevit said on Wednesday that Chechnya issue is the internal problem of Russia. Prior to his visit to Russia, Ecevit evaluated the relations between Turkey and Russia in the group meeting of the Democratic Left Party (DSP). Turkey is saddened and concerned about the ongoing Russian military offensive in Chechnya and that the military operation will harm the civilians, Ecevit noted. They decided to start warning the other countries and the international organizations to be ready for a possible refugee problem, Ecevit stated. Ecevit stressed that they do not interfere with this problem and they attribute importance to the territorial integrity of Russia as they attribute importance to the territorial integrity of Turkey. Ecevit continued, '' we are saddened and concerned that the military operation is causing considerable harm to Chechen civilians. We are saddened in human terms and concerned about possible migration. A group of refugees from Chechnya, mostly women and children, had already arrived in Turkey.'' ''It will not be easy for us to cope with a big wave of refugees while addressing the problems of our people hit by the earthquake disaster,'' Ecevit said. ''To this end, we have decided to warn other countries and international organizations to be ready for a possible immigration,'' Ecevit added. Turkey's application to send humanitarian aid to Chenchens by the Red Crescent was welcomed and they consider this as a hopeful development, Ecevit emphasized. The joint energy investments, especially the purchase of natural gas from Russia, carry importance; Ecevit pointed out. Ecevit said that the Western Pipeline will increase the flow of natural gas. He added that the Blue Stream Project is on the agenda. Russia will lay down pipelines beneath the Black Sea and Turkey will be responsible for the investments in her territory, Ecevit noted. Ecevit stressed that Turkey needs both the natural gas of Turkmenistan and Azerbaijan in the Blue Stream Project. Ecevit added that the economic relations will carry importance during his contacts in Russia.

    [24] 15TH ISEDAK MEETING TO START TOMORROW

    [25] ISTANBUL, Nov 3 (A.A) - The high-ranking experts meeting of the 15th Islamic Conference Organization Economic and Commercial Cooperation Permanent Committee Meeting (ISEDAK) will start in Istanbul on Thursday. A total of 56 countries have been invited to the meeting which will be hosted and chaired by Turkey. Turkey will participate in the meetings with a delegation headed by Devlet Bahceli, State Minister and Deputy Prime Minister. The high-ranking experts of ISEDAK will convene under the chairmanship of Akin Izmirlioglu, State Planning Institute (DPT) Undersecretary, and will take up the necessary preparations regarding the items on the agenda. The 15th ISEDAK meeting will start by the opening session chaired by President Suleyman Demirel on November 6, 1999. The agenda of the meeting will include the evaluation of the effects of the global economic developments on the member countries, the developments ragarding the implementation of Economic Cooperation Action Plan and the developments regarding the World Trade Organizatino (WTO). The meetings will end on November 7, 1999.

    [26] GREEK AMBASSADOR CORANTIS SPEAKS AT 'TURKISH-GREEK RELATIONS MEETING'

    [27] ESKISEHIR, Nov 3 (A.A) - Ioannis Corantis, the Greek Ambassador in Ankara, said on Wednesday that the quake disaster created a solidarity atmosphere between Turkey and Greece which will further grow in the future. Corantis who spoke at ''Turkish-Greek Relations'' meeting organized by Eskisehir Rotary Club noted that Turkish-Greek relations were at a different level now then they were 7 months ago when he first came to Turkey. ''There is a rule in economy. Evertything that goes down has to go up. It was the same for Greek-Turkish relations. The foreign ministers of both countries came together quietly and took decisions to solve the problems. Drafts were prepared in Athens and Ankara to develop relations. Agreements were initiated in tourism, anti-terrorism and maritime fields. Greek people will not forget Turkey's sensitivity when the quake hit Athens. Turks also were helped by Greeks during the Marmara quake. Great solidarity and sacrifice were observed during these disasters. The people of both countries are giving a message of peace,'' Corantis said. The Greek Ambassador also noted that he wanted Turkey to enter the EU. Regarding the Cyprus issue, Corantis said they want this problem to be solved. Turkey's positive attitute will help to develop relations with Europe, he also stressed.

    [28] A TOTAL OF TWO MILLION TOURISTS VISIT ANTALYA IN TEN MONTHS

    [29] ANTALYA, Nov 3 (A.A) - A total of two million tourists visited southern Antalya province in the first ten months of 1999. The Antalya Airport Directorate officials told A.A correspondent on Wednesday that a total of 1.9 million foreign tourists arrived in Antalya between January 1 and October 31, 1999. The number of tourists coming to Antalya by plane decreased 30 percent in the mentioned period when compared with the figures of 1998, the officials said. A total of 200,000 tourists are expected to visit Antalya in November and December, the officials noted. The number and the nationality of the tourists arriving in Antalya via airway in October are listed below:

    [30] Germany: 165,742 Austria: 10,960 Russia: 14,599 Israel: 11,954 The Netherlands: 10,859 Britain: 10,443 Belgium: 6,305 Sweden: 3,147 Other countries: 23,127

    [31] DEPUTY PRIME MINISTER BAHCELI SAYS STABILITY IN TURKEY IS ABOVE EVERYTHING

    [32] KIZILCAHAMAM, Nov 3 (A.A) - Commenting on the disagreements over the amnesty law draft beween the coalition partners, Deputy Prime Minister Devlet Bahceli said on Wednesday that ''the differences of opinion on any law draft are not big enough to cause instability in Turkey.'' When asked if the amnesty law has been suspended, Bahceli said it was too early to make that comment and stressed that the law could still be passed. He said the draft will be discussed at the Justice Commission and then at the General Council according to the procedure. ''We must wait patiently,'' he added. Bahceli responded to claims of ''cracks'' in the government caused by the amnesty law draft, Bahceli said disagreements on any law were not big enough to cause instability in Turkey. ''Stability in Turkey is above everything,'' he stressed. ''Neither Democratic Left Party (DSP) nor Nationalist Movement Party (MHP) is stepping back. What is going to happen?, '' a reporter asked Bahceli. ''If nobody is stepping back, then you will remove the problem. That's it,'' he responded.

    [33] PREMIER ECEVIT DUE TO RUSSIA ON THURSDAY

    [34] ANKARA, Nov 3 (A.A) - Premier Bulent Ecevit will go to Russia for an official visit on Thursday. A statement of Prime Ministry Press Center said on Wednesday that Ecevit and an accompanying delegation including some ministers, bureaucrats, businessmen and journalists will leave for Moscow on Thursday. Ecevit will meet with the Turkish businessmen on Thursday evening, the statement noted. The statement stressed that Ecevit will meet with Vladimir Putin, the Russian Prime Minister, on the second day of his visit. Some agreements will be signed between Russia and Turkey following the interdelegationary meetings, the statement emphasized. Ecevit will meet with the speaker of Duma, which is the lower chamber of the Russian parliament, after attending the luncheon given in the honour of himself by Putin, the statement pointed out. The statement said that Ecevit will visit the Moscow Mayor in the third day of his visit. Ecevit will participate in the laying foundation ceremony of the Turkish Union of Chambers and Commodity Exchanges (TOBB)-Turkish Exporters' Center (TIM) Trade Center, the statement noted. The statement emphasized that Ecevit will return to Turkey after being interviewed by the Russian television channel ITAR-TASS. Ecevit and the accompanying delegation are expected to arrive in Ankara on November 6, 1999, the statement stressed. The statement added that Ecevit will stage a press conference on Thursday prior to his departure.

    [35] FINANCE MINISTER ORAL SPEAKS AT PARLIAMENT'S BUDGET COMMISSION

    [36] ANKARA, Nov 3 (A.A) - The Finance Minister Sumer Oral said the foreign exchange reserve of the Central Bank was 24,8 billion U.S. dollars as of October 22, 1999. Oral who spoke at the Parliament's Planning and Budget Commission reminded that the financial crisis which started in 1998 caused investers to lose confidence in the economies of developing countries. The world did not have a positive economic conjucture in 1998 but the recovery started in 1999, he explained. The avarage growth rate of the world in 2000 is expected to be 3.5 percent while developing countries will have a growth rate of 4.8 percent next year. The economic crisis caused the world economy to focus on the reconstruction of international and global finance systems, Oral said. He also added that Turkey took place in G-20 group which brings Turkey new opportunities as well as new responsıbılıtıes. Turkey targeted to permanently drop inflation in 1998 and create stability in macro economic balances, however the financial crisis which started in Russia also affected Turkey. However the economic measures helped Turkey to keep these negative effects at a minimum level, he explained. The earthquake disaster hit the Marmara region which had a very high level of Gross National Product, therefore the quake affected the economy in general. A 2 percent drop is estimated in Gross National Product (GNP) in 1999. Turkey's export rate increased by 2.7 percent in 1998 compared to 1997 while the import rate dropped by 5.4 percent. The foreign trade deficit also decreased by 15 percent and became 18.9 bıllıon U.S. dollars. Turkey's international reserve in 1998 which is consisted of gold and foreign currency exchange increased 2.3 billion U.S. dollars and reached 29.5 U.S. dollars and the foreign currency exhange of the Central Bank was 24.8 billion U.S. dollars as of 22 October, 1999, Oral said. The 91 percent increase in wholesale prices in 1997 dropped to 54.3 percent in 1998 and this trend continued until April of 1999. After April, 1999 the inflation in Turkey also rose because of the increasing crude oil prices in the world. In 1999, the avarage annual increase in wholesale prices is expected to be 57 percent and consumer prices are estimated as 64 percent. Turkey's domestic borrowing stock reached 20 quadrillion Turkish Liras in 1999 September, he explained. Since 1991, Turkey has always paid foreign debts except 1993 and 1997. The consolidated budget expenses in 1998 increased by 94 percent and reached 15.6 quadrillion TL while the income increased by 103.1 percent and became 11.8 quadrillion TL compared to 1997. The 1999 budget, compared to 1998 figures, increased by 73.8 percent and became 27.1 quadrillion and the budget's income increased by 52.7 percent and reached 18 quadrillion TL. The budget defict at the end of 1999 is estimated to be 9.8 quadrillion, Minister Oral explained.

    [37] PREMIER ECEVIT RECEIVES U.S. AMBASSADOR PARRIS AND WOLF, CLINTON'S SPECIAL ENVOY TO CASPIAN BASIN

    [38] ANKARA, Nov 3 (A.A) - Premier Bulent Ecevit on Wednesday received Mark Parris, U.S. Ambassador to Ankara, and John Wolf, U.S. President Bill Clinton's Special Envoy to Caspian Basin. Some energy projects were discussed during the meeting prior to Ecevit's visit to Russia. Cumhur Ersumer, the Energy and Natural Resources Minister, also participated in the meeting.

    [39] THE PUBLIC WORKS AND SETTLEMENT PROVINCIAL DIRECTORATE DECIDES EVACUATION OF 216 HOUSES OF SEBINKARAHISAR

    [40] GIRESUN, Nov 3 (A.A) - The Public Works and Settlement Provincial Directorate decided on Wednesday to evacuate 216 houses in Sebinkarahisar county of northwestern Giresun province. The Giresun Governorship statement said that the teams from the Public Works and Settlement Provincial Directorate decided to evacuate 216 houses in Sebinkarahisar which is under landslide threat. Efforts to evacuate three districts in the centrum of Giresun and 58 houses in two villages continue, the statement noted. A total of 900 people are living in the houses which are under the landslide threat, the statement stressed. The statement continued, ''the houses are big threats for the life and property security. Also, the other settlements of the country are under the landslide threat. A report concerning the solution of the problem was prepared under the auspices of the Black Sea Technical University Landslide Research Center Directorate.'' ''The efforts carried out by the officials from the Rural Works Provincial Directorate and Sebinkarahisar Municipality continue in Muftu, Kutkut and Fatih districts,'' the statement added.

    [41] A.A


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