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Anadolu Agency: News in English, 99-11-05
[01] AA Daily
05 November 1999 Friday
[02] TURKEY-PRESS SCAN
[03] These are some of the major headlines and their brief stories in
Turkey's press on November 5, 1999. The Anadolu Ajansi does not verify
these stories and does not vouch for their occuracy.
[04] HURRIYET (LIBERAL) - ---------------- DEMIREL: ''TURKEY IS DETERMINED
TO DEFEND HER FULL MEMBERSHIP RIGHT'' Addressing the 5th EU-Mediterranean
Economic and Social Councils and Similar Institutions Summit in Antalya,
President Suleyman Demirel said that Turkey was determined to defend her
full membership right which stemmed from the Partnership Agreement which
was signed between Turkey and the European Union (EU) in 1963. He added,
''discrimination against Turkey at the EU's Luxembourg Summit created a
profound disappointment among Turkish people. This discrimination was
considered as an effort to define the EU on religious ground. It was an
unfairness towards common ideals which we have defended altogether for 50
years. Such a discriminative attitude also received harsh reaction from
several circles in the EU. And it proved that Turkey was not alone in her
belief in a pluralist and united Europe. Defenders of the pluralist and
united Europe have extended efforts to correct this historical mistake.''
[05] BLUE STREAM PROJECT TO BE SIGNED AFTER OSCE SUMMIT Prime Minister
Bulent Ecevit's official visit to Russia has begun yesterday. Ecevit
postponed signing of additional protocol regarded with the Blue Stream
Project which will transport Russian natural gas to Turkey via the Black
Sea, after the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE)
Summit due to Russia's negative approach.
[06] GENERAL MUSHARRAF DUE IN TURKEY General Pervez Musharraf, the leader
of military rule in Pakistan, will pay a one-day official visit to Turkey
on November 8. Pakistani Embassy in Ankara issued a statement saying that
General Musharraf would meet with President Suleyman Demirel, and Prime
Minister Bulent Ecevit during his visit to Ankara.
[07] MILLIYET (LIBERAL) - ----------------- FISCHER: ''REFORMS ARE
PROMISING'' Stanley Fischer, the Deputy Chairman of the International
Monetary Fund (IMF) said that the recent economic reforms in Turkey were
promising, and encouraging. Addressing a seminar in British capital London,
Fischer stressed that Turkey had recorded significant progress in economic
reforms including the social security reform.
[08] OZBEY IN BELGIUM It was determined that Yalcin Ozbey, one of the
suspects of assasination of Abdi Ipekci, a prominent journalist, was in
Belgium. Turkey requested extradition of Ozbey in 1984, but her request was
rejected by Belgium.
[09] SABAH (LIBERAL) - --------------- ECEVIT IN RUSSIA Prime Minister
Bulent Ecevit arrived in Russian capital Moscow for a two-day official
visit. He was welcomed by Vladimir Sherbak, the Russian Deputy Prime
Minister at the Sheremetyevo Airport. Prime Minister Ecevit visited the
Unknown Soldier Monument near the Kremlin Palace, and laid a wreath on the
monument. Later, he attended the meeting of the Russian-Turkish
Businessmen's Union. Ecevit's contacts on Friday are expected to focus
mainly on the issue of joint struggle against terrorism.
[10] CUMHURIYET (LEFT) - ---------------- ASSASINATION ORDER Ankara General
Directorate of Security investigates allegations related with Akit
newspaper. It was claimed that Akit newspaper showed Yekta Gungor Ozden,
former Constitutional Court Chairman, as target in its publishings. It was
also claimed that Akit newspaper ordered assasination of Ozden to Kasim
Gencyilmaz, extreme rightest mafia leader, together with several Iranian
people.
[11] RUSSIA IS OUR STRONG PARTNER Prime Minister Bulent Ecevit went to
Russia as the official guest of Russian Premier Vladimir Putin. Ecevit is
scheduled to discuss Blue Stream natural gas pipeline project, Chechnya
problem, support given to PKK by several forces in Russia, and bilateral
economic and trade relations. Ecevit pointed out that Turkey did not give
up its membership right to European Union (EU). ''Yet, as EU closed doors
to us, we were aware of a fact that all the world is not Western Europe.
Moreover, Europe is not only Western Europe.''
[12] RADIKAL (LEFT) - ------------- EVCIL CHANGED OPINION IN DGM Erol Evcil
who was earlier arrested on charges of being one of the murder suspects of
Nesim Malki, changed his testimony while Aykut Cengiz Engin, State Security
Court (DGM) prosecutor, interrogates him. Evcil claimed that his testimony
in Bursa Security Department was taken under torture.
[13] BLUE STREAM DIFFICULTY There is the ''Blue Stream'' problem in Prime
Minister Bulent Ecevit's visit to Russia. Delegations of state-run pipeline
company BOTAS and Gasprom prepared tax protocol text. Yet, BOTAS did not
give assurances to its interlocutor that the text will be signed by Premier
Ecevit. It was reported that Prime Minister Ecevit told Energy Ministry
earlier that he would sign the protocol but changed his idea when he talked
to John Wolf, Special envoy of the U.S. President Bill Clinton to Caspian
Basin.
[14] TURKIYE (RIGHT) - --------------- WARNING TO RUSSIA FOR PKK Prime
Minister Bulent Ecevit's three-day official visit to Russia started. Ecevit,
who spoke before his departure, said ''we will have the opportunity to
remind that the support given to terrorist PKK organization by some circles
in Russia contradict with the friendly relations.''
[15] AMNESTY ON THE AGENDA AGAIN Moderate statement of H. Sami Turk,
Justice Minister, about draft amnesty law, increased hopes. Nationalist
Movement Party (MHP) and Democratic Left Party (DSP) were confronted
because of the draft amensty law. Turk pointed out that ''this law should
be issued.''
[16] ZAMAN (CONSERVATIVE) - ------------------ PROBE ON KEMAL DEMIR Ankara
Republican Chief Prosecutorship opened a probe against Kemal Demir, former
Chairman of the Red Crescent. The investigation started upon the
denouncement of Emin Kocaaslan, a quake survivor from Kocaeli province.
Demir is accused of having a share in the problems which quake survivors
suffered and inciting people to uprising.
[17] SIGNALS OF COMPROMISE Deputies of the Motherland Party (ANAP) think
that a compromise was reached between Democratic Left Party (DSP) and the
Nationalist Movement Party (MHP). According to this, the amnesty will be
issued with the shape as the leaders agreed on. Article 11, which will
include Haluk Kirci, will be within the scope of the amnesty. Haluk Kirci
issue caused crisis between the coalition partners.
[18] JOINT PROJECTS IN GAP - GAP ADMINISTRATION CARRIES OUT SIX PROJECTS
WITH INTERNATIONAL INSTITUTIONS
[19] GAZIANTEP, Nov 5 (A.A) - Southeastern Anatolia Project (GAP) Regional
Development Administration Chairmanship carries out six joint projects
together with international institutions. GAP Regional Development
Administration Chairmanship said international interest and contribution to
GAP turned to concrete applications after sustainable development quality
of the project is revealed. ''Sustainable Development Program Project
Package'' carried out jointly with the United Nations Development Program
(UNDP) within this scope, started in 1997. The 5.2 million U.S. dollar
program, composed of 29 sub-projects, targets decreasing socio-economic
inequalities in GAP region. World Bank contributes to projects related with
the development of rural and urban infrastructure in GAP region. GAP
Administration also prepared a technical aid program proposal to strengthen
rural planning. The program will be carried out with the World Bank. ''GAP
Sustainable Urban Development Project'' was presented to Treasury
Undersecretariat. GAP Administration and the U.N. Food and Agriculture
Organization (FAO) carry out a joint work regarding the implementation of a
series of projects under the name ''GAP-FAO Rural Development Program.''
GAP Administration conveys project proposal packages to European Union (EU)
through Treasury Undersecretariat since 1996. The projects are prepared to
benefit from the funds of European Union (EU).
[20] PRIME MINISTER ECEVIT IN RUSSIA - ECEVIT MEETS WITH PUTIN, RUSSIAN
PREMIER
[21] MOSCOW, Nov 5 (A.A) - Prime Minister Bulent Ecevit met with Vladimir
Putin, Russian Prime Minister, on Friday. Nebi Sensoy, Turkey's Ambassador
to Moscow, and Umit Pamir, Foreign Ministry Chief Counsellor, participated
in the meeting. At the beginning of the meeting Ecevit recalled that he had
visited Moscow in 1978, and expressed pleasure over being in Russian
capital again. Putin in his part said he wanted to mention bilateral and
international issues during the meeting. Expressing pleasure over the joint
view of Turkey and Russia to international problems, Putin said ''we are
pleased over the existing level of bilateral relations.'' Prime Minister
Ecevit expressed gratitude over the interest of Russian people shown to
Turkey following major earthquake which hit Marmara region on August 17.
The meeting was later closed to the press.
[22] ENERGY DELEGATION TRAFFIC IN ANKARA - INTENSE MEETING TRAFFIC ON BAKU-
CEYHAN PIPELINE AND TURKMEN NATURAL GAS PROJECTS
[23] ANKARA, Nov 5 (A.A) - Works carried out on Baku-Ceyhan oil pipeline
and Turkmen natural gas projects were speeded up before Organization for
Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) summit that will start in
Istanbul on November 18. Delegations from Turkmenistan, Azerbaijan and
Georgia, as well as John Wolf, Special Envoy of the U.S. President Bill
Clinton to Caspian basin; AIOC, operation company of the consortium formed
to transport Azeri oil to western markets; PSG Consortium which will
implement Turkmen natural gas project; and high level officials of Shell,
met with officials of Ministry of Energy and Natural Resources. Yurdakul
Yigitguden, Undersecretary of Energy and Natural Resources Ministry,
briefed A.A correspondent about the latest stages reached in Turkmen
natural gas and Baku-Ceyhan pipeline project. Yigitguden said most of the
issues on Baku-Ceyhan pipeline project, which interest Turkey, are
concluded between working groups of Turkey and Azerbaijan. He said ''they
are examining the texts to control the lacking parts.'' Yigitguden said
''agreements are reached. Now, we should focus on details. Everyday changes
are made and negotiated. All the agreements should be reviewed and their
harmonization should be controlled.'' Yigitguden pointed out that Georgia
and Azerbaijan began consultations between themselves. Pointing out that
the agreements should be approved by the Parliament after they are signed
in OSCE summit, Yigitguden said basic engineering services of the pipeline
will start afterwards. Yigitguden said third-country guarantees were not
given to implement Baku-Ceyhan pipeline project. Responding to a question
if any development was recorded related with transportation of Kazakh oil
through Baku-Ceyhan pipeline, Yigitguden said Nursultan Nazarbayev, Kazakh
President, mentioned this issue in his statement dated October 29, 1998.
Yigitguden said ''we have the same expectations. We want production of
several companies in Kazakstan to be transported via Baku-Ceyhan canal.''
Recalling that the agreements which Turkey would sign, were signed earlier
about Turkmen natural gas issue, Yigitguden said ''agreements had to be
done about transit countries. Nothing is overdue.'' Yigitguden pointed out
that Shell oil company continued works on natural gas fields in
Turkmenistan, and added that PSG Consortium carried out the feasibility
works of the pipeline. Yigitguden stressed that concerned countries and
representatives of the companies come together for the first time within
the framework of transporting Turkmen natural gas to Turkey.
[24] PRIME MINISTER ECEVIT IN RUSSIA - MEETINGS BETWEEN RUSSIAN AND TURKISH
DELEGATIONS START
[25] MOSCOW, Nov 5 (A.A) - Prime Minister Bulent Ecevit said on Friday that
Turkey and Russia had no different regimes like in the past therefore they
could cooperate in every field. Ecevit, during his official visit in Russia,
had a meeting with Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin. Ismail Cem,
Foreign Minister; Nabi Sensoy, Turkey's Ambassador in Moscow; were also
present during the talks. Before the meetings of Turkish and Russian
delegations, Ecevit told reporters that he was happy to be back in Russia
after 21 years. ''Even when our nations were in two opposing positions, I
esteemed our relations with the Soviet Union. At that time we had a
difference of regimes which seperated us. Now, that wall no longer exists.
We are in a position in which we can cooperate in every field,'' Ecevit
said. Turkish-Russian cooperation is important for Europe, Asia and even
for the rest of the world, he also added. Economic relations between Turkey
and Russia make it necessary to develop political relations. The economic
crisis which started in Southeast Asia and struck Russia was also noticed
in Turkey, Prime Minister Ecevit explained. ''Altogether we will bring
prosperity to our countries. The potential necessary to do this exists in
both countries,'' Ecevit noted. Ecevit also drew attention to the fact that
Turkish businessmen did not leave Russia and continued to invest there
although many countries withrew its investments from Russia after the
economic crisis. Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin said Turkey was
Russia's leading trade partner. ''Although our trade volume dropped in the
recent years, it still is about 7.5 billion U.S. dollars,'' Putin said.
Meetings between Turkish and Russian delegation will mostly focus on
commercial issues, Putin noted but also stressed that Ecevit's visit would
contribute to the cultural field. ''We appreciate the attitude of Turkey
about certain international issues,'' said Putin and added that they
closely monitor the relations between Turkey and the EU as they also effect
Russia. ''The developing relations of Turkey with the EU are also very
important for us as our commercial and economic relations with Turkey is
great. We also want to discuss this issue in our meeting,'' said Putin.
Although Turkey is a member of NATO, the military and technical cooperation
between Turkey and Russia is also developing, stressed Putin and added that
he is pleased with it. Putin noted that Russia attributes great importance
to the Organization on Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) Summit
that will take place in Istanbul and added that ''we also want to exchange
views about the summit, which is the most important summit of our
century.''
[26] WORLD'S LEADING PRODUCER OF CIVILIAN AND MILITARY MOTOR VEHICLES PLANS
TO SET UP FACTORY IN GAP REGION
[27] SANLIURFA, Nov 5 (A.A) - The world's biggest producer of civilian and
military motor vehicles, OSHKOSH is planning to set up a 200 billion U.S.
dollar factory in Southeast Turkey which is covered by the Southeast
Anatolia Development Project (GAP). Ted L. Henson, the Assistant General
Manager of OSHKOSH who came to Sanliurfa to study the area; Joseph J.
Bartush, the Middle East and Africa representative of Hammer jeeps, and
Refik Tuncer, the Turkey Distributor of OSHKOSH organized a press meeting
in Sanliurfa on Friday. Sehabettin Harput, the Sanliurfa Governor said the
coming of OSHKOSH to GAP region will open way to other giant companies of
the world. Once the giant GAP project is completed, Harput said he believed
all leading companies of the world would start flocking to GAP region
considering the area's high potential. ''The world started paying attention
to Turkey because of GAP. Because this region possesses all kinds of
opportunities from raw material to inexpensive labour. We will work to make
things smoother for companies. I would like to stress again that all
leading companies of the world and Turkey will compete with each other to
invest in GAP region,'' he stated. Refik Tuncer said the factory which is
planned to be built on an area of 70,000 squaremeters will produce civilian
and military vehicles, mostly Hummer jeeps. The pre-studies of the factory
are over and the final decision will be announced following the meeting in
the U.S., he said. ''The annual turnover of OSHKOSH is 2 quadrillion
Turkish Liras (TL) and they are planning to invest 200 million U.S. dollars
here. The factory will have an employment capacity of 4,000 people. They
definitely want to make an investment in this area unless it is hindered by
a negative political development,'' Tunce explained. Ted L. Henson noted
that they a had very positive impression of GAP region which they would
tell about at the meeting in the U.S. The biggest markets of OSHKOSH is in
Middle East, Africa and Asia. OSHKOSH is a leader in production of all
military and civilian vehicles in the U.S as well as in the world, Henson
said and stressed that they also wanted to enter the Turkish market.
Authorities from OSHKOSH visited Ataturk Dam, irrigation tunnels, and
historical Harran county before they left Sanliurfa.
[28] PRIME MINISTER ECEVIT IN RUSSIA - TURKEY AND RUSSIA SIGN DECLARATION
OF COOPERATION IN STRUGGLE WITH TERRORISM
[29] MOSCOW, Nov 5 (A.A) - Turkey and Russia signed on Friday five
documents including the joint declaration of cooperation in struggle with
terrorism. Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin said that Russia never
supported terrorism which targetted Turkey. After the interdelegationary
meetings between the two countries, Turkey and Russia signed certain
documents. Prime Minister Bulent Ecevit and Putin signed the joint
declaration of cooperation in struggle with terrorism. The two countries
also signed a cooperation protocol on exemption of those having diplomatic
passports from getting visas, JEC Protocol, veterinary protocol and another
cooperation protocol between Directorate General of Press and Information
and Russian Itar Tass news agency. Responding to questions of journalists,
Putin said that the declaration of cooperation against terrorism determines
the common approach of both sides regarding international terrorism. The
declaration condemns international terrorism and states the common will to
struggle with terrorism, explained Putin and added that ''whatever its
source is, we has never supported terrorism which targets Turkey.'' The
operations the Russian federation stages in Caucasus can't be considered as
attacks, stressed Putin and added that the operation should be staged from
state to another state to be considered as an attack. ''As you know
Chechnya has an autonomus structure in Russian Federation, our activities
against terrorism in republics of Russian federation are not directed at
solving any political problem. These aim to struggle with terrorism. When
the resistance of the terrorists ends, our operations will also end.
Nowadays, in some regions of Chechnya, there are clashes between the local
people and bandits. We'll give support to those who show common sense
against terrorists. Commanders of certain bandit groups are wanted in their
own countries and in some islamic countries. Many of the bandits try to
camouflage the things they did by Islamic slogans,'' Putin stressed. Putin
stressed that they hope for the support of the whole world public opinion
regarding the struggle with terrorism and added that the international
terrorism does not only give damage to Chechnya, but also to Dagestan
people. Putin defended the view that Russian operation in Chechnya didn't
start arbitrarily. ''This operation started when the bandit groups in
Chechnya attacked Dagestan Republic,'' he added. Responding to a question
asking why the additional protocol to the Blue Stream agreement was not
signed, Putin said that Turkey is a close friend and neighbour of Russia
and there are not any problems between the two countries. The trade between
them is satisfactory, said Putin, noting that there are also common
projects in the energy sector between the two countries. ''I don't want to
cause a tragedy saying that something was signed or not. There are certain
procedures to be followed for signing the documents. We reached agreement
about the method of approval of them by our concerned officials,'' said
Putin. Prime Minister Bulent Ecevit said in his part that the
implementation of the Blue Stream Project is to the interest of both
countries. ''As Mr. Putin also noted there are certain proceedings which
must be completed in Ankara. We will discuss them. We will convey the issue
to the cabinet. I suppose this will be signed in a short period,'' Ecevit
said. Responding to a question, Ecevit noted that Chechnya is an internal
problem of Russia, but they conveyed their sorrow over the damage the
civilian Chechen people suffer, to the Russian side during the meetings.
''At the meetings we discussed the bilateral relations and the support
extended to the separatist terrorist organization PKK not by the government
but by certain circles. It was a very beneficial meeting,'' Ecevit added.
[30] TURKEY AND RUSSIA SIGN DECLARATION OF COOPERATION IN STRUGGLE WITH
TERRORISM
[31] MOSCOW, Nov 5 (A.A) - Prime Minister Bulent Ecevit and Russian Prime
Minister Vladimir Putin signed on Friday the ''Joint Declaration of
Cooperation in Struggle Against Terrorism'' on Friday. The joint
declaration expressed deep concern over the increase of criminal acts
staged by terrorist groups, which have dangerous connections with organized
crimes. Terrorists resort to activities aiming at killing people and
causing terror more and more, noted the declaration and added that
terrorism constitutes a threat against human rights, basic freedoms, and
democratic foundations of modern society, international peace, and security,
and friendly relations of countries. The declaration stated that the sides
confirm that they condemn terrorism in a resolved manner and state that
they won't consider any terrorist activity legitimate whatever its aim is. -
All countries have the right and obligation to protect their citizens and
foreigners against terrorist attacks by using all kinds of legal ways. -
The concerned sides will abide by the principle of extradite or try
terrorists, regarding the cooperation against terrorism. - While taking
decisions of extradition, the sides state that they won't evaluate the
terrorist activities as political crime. - The implementation of this
provision between the sides won't upset their obligations stemming from the
European Convention on Human Rights. - No shelter, asylum right should be
granted to terrorists and they shouldn't be permitted to set up training
camps, transfer weapons, or military munitions, collect money, take
treatment, and undertake activities of propaganda in any country. -
Measures should be taken to prevent terrorists from using banks or other
economic institutions when one takes into account the efforts of the
terrorist organizations about money-laundering. - No permission should be
given to terrorists to reach mass destruction weapons. Signing an
international agreement on struggle with nuclear terrorism will help in
that. - The sides are in full determination to strengthen the regime of
international law to struggle with terrorism and to abide fully by the
international anti-terrorism convention.
[32] AMBASSADOR JOHN WOLF SAYS BAKU-CEYHAN PIPELINE PROJECT IS NOW
COMMERCIALLY REALIZABLE
[33] ANKARA, Nov 5 (A.A) - Ambassador John Wolf, U.S. President Bill
Clinton's Special Advisor on Caspian Basin said on Friday that Baku-Ceyhan
pipeline project which will carry the Azerbaijani oil to western markets is
now commercially realizable. Talks are also underway between the four
government parties on the Trans Caspian Gas Pipeline that will bring gas
produced in Turkmenistan, Wolf also noted at a press meeting he held at the
U.S. Embassy. He briefed the latest developments on Baku-Ceyhan pipeline
and Turkmenistan natural gas projects. Wolf told reporters that this was
his sixth trip in Turkey and he had ''excellent'' talks with President
Demirel, Prime Minister Bulent Ecevit and Evergy Minister Ersumer and his
team all week. ''When I was here last time, I made some pointed comments
about the concern I shared with Turkey concerning the pace of negotiations
between the Turkish and Azerbaijani working groups in regard to the Baku-
Ceyhan Main Export Oil Pipeline. I am therefore delighted that in the
intervening period the negotiations have moved much closer to an agreement
on the basic texts that can help form the basis for establishment of this
pipeline,'' Wolf said. Baku-Ceyhan is more than just an oil pipeline, he
went on to say. ''It can be a contribution to the strategic vision of new
Eurasian cooperation and can be an important contribution to the economic
and political prospects of the region,'' he stated. Wolf reminded that
Azerbaijani and Georgian delegations were currently having meetings in
Ankara. ''Georgia must be a full party in these agreements and detailed
negotiations are now underway with a high level Georgian team. As those
talks go forward, it is incumbent on all to remember that Georgia has its
own unique characteristics and the agreements it signs must conform to
Georgia's democratic practices and its constitution,'' he explained. It is
time to be pragmatic about Baku-Ceyhan pipeline project, he stressed.
''With agreement hopefully in sight, I am confident all parties are going
to stay engaged in a sincere, focused effort to get a workable agreement
that can serve as a proper basis to take this project to the marketplace,''
he added. Wolf said Baku-Ceyhan can now be commercially realized and Turkey
and other countries can start serious planning to meet the 2004 timeline.
Wolf called the Trans Caspian Gas Pipeline project as a ''historic
cooperation''. ''We are looking for an intergovernmental agreement that can
enable the project sponsors to move rapidly to financial closure. In that
respect, former Secretary of State Shultz has just completed visits to the
four presidents on behalf of TCP project sponsors. He told me last evening
TCP is an exciting project that offers special opportunities not only for
bringing gas from the region to Turkey but also because it offers the
countries a unique opportunity to work with some of the best companies in
the world, like Bachtel, General Electric, and Shell,'' he explained.
Responding to a question on Blue Stream project, Wolf said he did not want
to comment on the project as he is a ''guest'' in Turkey and Prime Minister
Bulent Ecevit was visiting Moscow. When asked about the U.S. attitude
towards the natural gas project, which will bring gas from Iran to Turkey,
Wolf said no changes were expected in the Iran policy of his country.
[34] PREMIER ECEVIT STAGES PRESS CONFERENCE IN RUSSIA
[35] MOSCOW, Nov 5 (A.A) - Premier Bulent Ecevit said that the Joint
Declaration of Cooperation in Struggle Against Terrorism which was signed
with Russia does not include any articles that can associate the incidents
in Chechnya. Following his meeting with Gennady Seleznyov, the chairman of
Duma, lower chamber of Russian parliament; Ecevit staged a press conference
concerning his contacts in Russia. He met with Vladimir Putin, Russian
Prime Minister, and Seleznyov, the chairman of Duma; Ecevit recalled. The
two countries should attribute importance to cooperation in their economic
relations rather than competition, Ecevit noted. Ecevit stated that Putin
complained that the Russian businessmen cannot undertake giant projects in
Turkey as the Turkish businessmen do in Russia. Turkey will help the
Russian businessmen and the Russian businessmen can benefit from the
incentives in the Eastern and Southeastern Anatolia Regions if they wish,
Ecevit stressed. Ecevit drew the attention that the DUMA sometimes assumes
attitudes which saddens Turkey. Ecevit continued, ''it is an important
development that the realities have started to be understood. I told them
that we had felt uneasy about the encouragement of the terrorist
organization PKK by some circles in DUMA. I discussed this issue with Putin
in details.'' ''I told them that we have some documents including the
information that some circles open their arms to PKK. Putin told me that he
will make sure that our undersecretary in the National Intelligence
Organization (MIT) and the undersecretary in the Russian intelligence unit
will meet each other,'' Ecevit added. Ecevit said, ''I hope that such a
meeting will take place in one or two days. It will be very useful to have
a cooperation, communication and exchange of information between our
intelligence units.'' The drawback of DUMA in some issues concerning Turkey
led to the suspension in the ratification of some agreements, Ecevit drew
the attention. Ecevit continued, ''Russia is waiting for Turkey's decision
concerning the tax exemption. But, this additional protocol regarding the
tax exemption is susject to some agreements which have not been ratified by
the DUMA yet. Despite this, we held technical initiatives. There is not a
serious problem. But, we should discuss this issue in the government and
the parliament.'' ''We told them their concerns were meaningless. We told
them that we need the Turkmen and Azerbajani natural gas which will be
transfered to Turkey by the Blue Stream Project. Thus, we made it clear
that there is no need to be uneasy about the future of the Blue Stream
Project,'' Ecevit added. Ecevit emphasized that Putin expressed Russia's
ideas about the incidents in Chenchnya during their contacts. He told Putin
that he was uneasy about damaging the civilian people by the incidents,
Ecevit pointed out. Later, Ecevit responded to the questions of the
journalists. It is not yet clear whether or not he will be received by
Boris Yeltsin, Russian President; Ecevit said. Ecevit noted that his
contacts with Putin and Seleznyov were satisfactory. Responding questions
on Blue Stream Project, Ecevit stated that he received the news that an
agreement regarding the additional protocol was reached in the technical
level prior to his departure to Russia. He added that thus, he could not
have the opportunity to examine the draft agreement. The additional
protocol was Russia's demand and Turkey can meet the requirements of the
protocol, Ecevit stressed. When asked whether or not the U.S. has a reserve
on this issue, Ecevit emphasized that no country opposed to the Blue Stream
Project. Ecevit pointed out that all the opportunities should be evaluated
not to have an energy crisis in Turkey in the following years. The
agreement on this issue was signed two years ago, Ecevit recalled. Ecevit
said, ''the investments on this issue have been initiated. This is a
process of no return. But, we have to take cautious steps.'' When asked why
Turkey pursues a different policy about Chechnya dispute although she did
not consider Kosovo dispute as the internal problem of Yugoslavia; Ecevit
noted that Turkey did not change her policy. Ecevit continued, ''but, there
are things we can do and things we cannot do. The Kosovo dispute occured
because the U.S. and all the European Union (EU) countries interfered with
the dispute. Now, we cannot reach the incidents in Chechnya although we
want to. Our relations with Russia carry importance for us. We cannot take
every step we want.'' ''But, we clearly expressed our uneasiness about the
damages which the Chechen people face. It is obvious that we feel uneasy in
respect of humanity. Of course, the Russian authorities put forward some
reasons. The public opinion has to evaluate these,'' Ecevit added. When
asked whether or not he agrees with Putin's evaluating the incidents in
Chechnya within the framework of the struggle against terrorism; Ecevit
said, ''we are against all types of terrorism. But, there is not any
statement which will be associated with the incidents in Chechnya in the
declaration we signed today.'' Ecevit added, ''we have always defended that
the countries should assume definite attitudes towards terrorism. The
declaration we signed today is one which was prepared within this
framework.'' When asked whether or not the declaration will prevent the
support given to the terrorist organization PKK, Ecevit said, ''in my
opinion, the Prime Minister's and the Parliament Speaker's saying that they
find all the criticisms right, is a sufficient guarantee. And, I believe
that they will do their best about this issue.'' Ecevit said that Yeltsin
will participate in the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe
(OSCE) summit which will be held in Istanbul. They did not discussed the
Cyprus issue during the contacts, Ecevit noted. Referring to the Straits
issue, Ecevit stated that it is necessary to have new arrangements about
the passage through the Straits due to the increasing traffic. He added
that it is impossible for Turkey to implement arrangements which do not
comply with the Montreux Agreement.
A.A
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