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Anadolu Agency: News in English, 01-05-14Anadolu Agency: News in English Directory - Previous Article - Next ArticleFrom: The Anadolu Agency Home Page at <http://www.anadoluajansi.com.tr/>Anadolu AgencyANADOLU AGENCY NEWS 14 MAY 2001 Monday CONTENTS
[01] TURKEY-PRESS SCANThese are some of the major headlines and their brief stories in Turkey's press on May 14, 2001. The Anadolu Agency does not verify these stories and does not vouch for their accuracy.HURRIYET (LIBERAL)TURK TELEKOM ADMINISTRATION TO CHANGE TODAYTreasury, which called the Telekom administration to General Assembly meeting, is expected to change the Telekom administration as a whole. Professional administrators are expected to be appointed to Telekom as it happened in public banks. U.S. PRAISES THE GOVERNMENT TO CILLER Ciller said they foresaw the crisis months before, noting that they made warnings to take steps beforehand. Ciller said the government did not consider their warnings. She said they defended that the economic program will not be adequate to get rid of the crisis. MILLIYET (LIBERAL)SPRING AIR WITH FRANCESonmez Koksal, Turkey's Ambassador in Paris, who was called back to Ankara to have consultations after France issued a law recognizing allegations regarded with so-called genocide on Armenians, returned to Paris on Sunday. Speaking before his departure from Istanbul's Ataturk Airport, Koksal said, ''the Turkish-French relations were negatively affected by this incident. But, I believe that the two countries will do their best to overcome this. I am returning to my office within this framework,'' Koksal said.Koksal added, ''nothing is lasting in international relations. What is important is to promote the relations in line with the interests of the two countries. France and Turkey have the will. We will try to promote the relations.'' SABAH (LIBERAL)ARGUMENT ENCOURAGES ME''I did not have that much difficulty abroad as I have in the country,'' State Minister Kemal Dervis briefed his struggle with the government while talking his his close friends. He noted, ''both I and they have rightful reasons.'' Dervis, who kept his calmness even against the most harsh criticisms, said, ''argument encourages me.'' Dervis also gave assurances saying, ''I will struggle till to the end for the success of the program. It is out of question for me to leave it in half way.'' HEALTH MINISTER DURMUS LEAVES FOR SWITZERLAND Speaking before his departure from Istanbul's Ataturk Airport, Durmus said, ''baby and children nutrition, betterment of health, control of contagious diseases, medicine strategy, efficient medicine usage, quality of medicine and psychology,'' would be taken up at the assembly. CUMHURIYET (LEFT)PARLIAMENT WORKED FOR IMFNine of the 15 urgent legal arragements, which state minister Kemal Dervis promised to the International Monetary Fund (IMF), were passed from the parliament. Eyes now turned to President Ahmet Necdet Sezer who will approve the bills on Banking and Telekom which Dervis from time to time dared to confront with leaders of the Nationalist Movement Party (MHP) and the Motherland Party (ANAP). POLICE OBSTACLE TO F TYPE PROTEST Police, who dispersed the protestors, detained many people. RADIKAL (LEFT)NONE OF THE PARTIES WILL BE ABLE TO GET 10 PERCENT VOTE IF AN ELECTIONTAKES PLACE Vote erosion of the political parties is this time very grave. Half of the voters will not give their votes to the parties. The Nationalist Movement Party (MHP) and the True Path Party (DYP) are those which are close to 10 percent, which is required to be elected. The Democratic Left Party (DSP) loss the most votes. According to a survey made by A&G Company, MHP will get 19.0 percent, DYP will get 18.3 percent, Virtue Party (FP) will get 15.7 percent only if the 50 percent hesitant votes are distributed. ANAP's votes is 7.8 percent, and DSP's is 6.5 percent. VIRTUE IS AFTER ANNULMENT TURKIYE (RIGHT)BAHCELI: GRAFT AND PLUNDER TO ENDDevlet Bahceli, the State Minister and Deputy Prime Minister, who attended the Consultation Meeting of the Nationalist Movement Party (MHP) in Samsun province, briefed about the Banking Law. He said, ''whatever the result will be, we will prevent graft and plundering.'' Bahceli reiterated the message that the government partners worked in full harmony. HERE IS THE OPPORTURNITY Almost 100 investors and fund administrators from 20 countries will attend the conference. ZAMAN (CONSERVATIVE)WHEAT CRISIS IS AT THE DOORThe commitments given to the International Monetary Fund (IMF), preparation of the Agriculture Ministry for 178,000 Turkish liras for minimum wheat price, and expectation of the farmers for 260,000 Turkish liras may cause a new crisis in the coming days both in the government and between the farmers and the government. ASIA ALSO COMES TO THE TURKISH DAY PARADE Cay, who will lead the delegation that will attend the Turkish Day Parade in New York, pointed out that, ''this parade will be an important opportunity to corrode Armenian allegations regarded with so-called genocide on Armenians. We will give many conferences in the U.S. regarding the allegations of the Armenians.'' [02] STATE MINISTER GUREL MEETS REPRESENTATIVES OF AMERICAN-TURKISH ASSOCIATION ASSEMBLY IN WASHINGTON D.C.WASHINGTON D.C. - State Minister Sukru Sina Gurel arrived in Washington D.C. on Sunday to attend Turkish Day Parade in New York, and to listen to the problems of Turkish citizens living in the U.S.In Washington, which is the first step of his visit to the U.S., Gurel met representatives of American-Turkish Association Assembly (ATAA), and exchanged views regarding the problems of Turkish citizens living in the U.S. Speaking at the meeting, Gurel said number of Turkish citizens living in the U.S. was less when compared with those living in Europe, yet noted that their quality was much. He said they achieved great successes. Gurel said representatives of Turkish community, as being individuals that made themselves adopted in the U.S. community, directly contributed to the promotion of Turkey. Tolga Cubukcu, former chairman of ATAA, mentioned the efforts carried out by the Armenian lobby in the U.S. regarded with the so-called genocide on Armenians, and said, ''our efforts here are in local dimensions. ''We should follow a strategy to change the ideas. This is a question of foreign promotion and Turkey's honor.'' Guler Koknar, the ATAA Executive Director, said efforts of Turkish citizens in the U.S. did not make a lasting influence against the efforts to recognize so-called genocide on Armenians. Koknar mentioned the importance of setting up a ''promotion coordination committee.'' Minister Gurel will also meet officials of Turkish-American Council and representatives of Jewish community in Washington D.C. Gurel will stage a news conference on Wednesday regarded with his contacts in Washington, and will later proceed to New York. Gurel is scheduled to attend traditional Turkish day parade on May 19 in New York. [03] FRESH FRUIT, VEGETABLES AND INDUSTRY PRODUCT EXPORTATION DECREASES 48.9 PERCENTGAZIANTEP - Fresh fruit, vegetables and industry products, worth of 17.554 million U.S. dollars, was exported from Southeastern Anatolia region in the first four months of this year.Exportation, worth of 34.316 million U.S. dollars, was realized in the same period of last year. Share of fresh fruit, vegetables and industry products, which was 19.3 percent in January-April, 2000 period in regional total exportation, decreased 9.4 percent in the same period of this year. According to the data of Southeastern Anatolia Exporters Union, fresh fruit and vegetables, worth of 1.250 million U.S. dollars, chemical items, worth of 4.636 million U.S. dollars, electric-electronic devices worth of 2.319 million U.S. dollars, textile worth of 2.457 million U.S. dollars, ciment worth of 1.768 million U.S. dollars, iron, worth of 3.269 million U.S. dollars, and various products worth of 1.767 million U.S. dollars were exported in January-April 2001 period. European Union and Middle East countries are among the countries where fresh fruit, vegetables and industry products were exported. [04] ECONOMIC PROGRAM IS EXPECTED TO BE DISCUSSED IN IMF EXECUTIVE DIRECTORS COMMITTEE ON TUESDAYANKARA - The new economic program, which Turkey started to implement, and which was submitted to the International Monetary Fund (IMF) in the form of intent letter, is expected to be discussed in IMF Executive Directors Committee that will take place on Tuesday.The 3.9 billion U.S. dollars first slice, which will be given within the scope of additional financial support, will come after the letter of intent is approved in Executive Directors Committee. The financial support, which will come to the IMF and the World Bank, will enter to the budget as source. The IMF and the World Bank don't interfere where the approximately 15 billion U.S. dollars source, which will be provided to Turkey this year, will be used. The Turkish government will benefit from th credit within the framework of the priorities it will determine. The first slice, worth of 3.9 billion U.S. dollars, will come to Turkey after Banking and Telekom bills, which were submitted to the approval of President Ahmet Necdet Sezer, are issued, and after the program is approved by the IMF Executive Directors Committee on Tuesday. According to the program, the IMF and the World Bank, will make 15 billion U.S. dollars financial aid this year. The 10 billion U.S. dollars of this will be new, and the five billion U.S. dollars remains from the previous agreements. The IMF will meet 8 billion U.S. dollars of the new additional financial support, and the World Bank will meet two billion U.S. dollars. According to the program, a total of six billion U.S. dollars credit will be given to Turkey by the end of June. If the IMF Executive Committee approves the program of Turkey in the meeting that will make tomorrow, the first slice of the credit will be released immediately. The first installment of the credits within this framework is expected to reach Turkey within this week. [05] BOTAS: ''TURKEY WILL START TO PURCHASE NATURAL GAS GROM RUSSIA IN JANUARY OR FEBRUARY OF 2002 WITHIN FRAMEWORK OF BLUE STREAM PROJECT''ANKARA - The Directorate General of Pipeline Transportation Corp (BOTAS) said on Monday that Turkey would start to purchase natural gas from Russia in January of February of 2002 within framework of Blue Stream Project.Releasing a statement to respond new stories claiming that Turkey's purchase of natural gas from Russia would be delayed to 2003, the Directorate of BOTAS said, ''works are under way. Some of the pipes were brought in from Britain, and stored in northern province of Samsun. Installation of the pipes will start in July of 2001. Meanwhile, other pipes which were produced in Japan, will be sent to Turkey in August after being processed in Malaysia. We plan to install these pipes in September. Installation will take 90 days. Therefore, Turkey will start to purchase natural gas from Russia in January of February of 2002 within framework of the Blue Stream Project. After finalization of the first pipeline, Russia will provide 8 billion cubic meters of natural gas every year. The second pipeline will be completed in 2003. Then, this amount will increased to 16 billion cubic meters.'' [06] TREASURY TO REPAY 89.1 MILLION U.S. DOLLAR EXTERNAL DEBTANKARA - The Treasury will repay 89.1 million U.S. dollar external debt this week.The total external debt payment of the Treasury reached 3 billion 481.7 million U.S. dollars since the beginning of this year. The Treasury will repay 16.8 million U.S. dollars in external debt on Monday, 43.6 million U.S. dollars on Tuesday, 6.1 million U.S. dollars on May 16, 1.3 million U.S. dollars on May 17, and 21.2 million U.S. dollars on May 18. The Treasury paid back the highest external debt in the first quarter of this year in February. The Treasury paid back 503.9 million U.S. dollars in January, 804.9 million U.S. dollars in February, and 631.2 million U.S. dollars in March. The Treasury repaid 1 billion 168.6 million U.S. dollars in external debt in April, 235.7 million U.S. dollars in the first week of May and 137.4 million U.S. dollars in the second week of May. [07] MEETING OF COUNCIL OF MINISTERS ENDS -STATE MINISTER YUCELEN: ''RECENT FLOOD DISASTER WAS TAKEN UP AT THE MEETING''ANKARA - State Minister and Government Spokesman Rustu Kazim Yucelen said on Monday that recent flood disaster was taken up at today's meeting of Council of Ministers.Addressing journalists following the meeting which lasted for about one and a half hour, Yucelen said, ''State Minister Mustafa Yilmaz, Agriculture and Rural Affairs Minister Husnu Yusuf Gokalp and I went to the region which had been affected by the flood. We informed members of the Council of Ministers on our visit and on problems of the region. Our government is very sensitive about problems of residents in the region. The residents in the region asked us to give priority to premium payments for cotton and olive oil. We will work to meet their demands.'' Noting that tradesmen and merchants in Antakya requested the government to delay their tax payments for two months, Yucelen said, ''the Finance Ministry announced on May 13 a force majeure for collection of taxes in the region till the end of June.'' ''Allocation of source from the Finance Ministry to municipalities in the region was also discussed at the meeting. The Finance Ministry has provided free diesel oil to all public institutions in the region through Directorate General of Wood Industry Employer's Trade Union in Tarsus (Tasis),'' he added. [08] GREECE HANDS OVER COMMAND OF MCMFORMED TO TURKEYMARMARIS - Greece handed over the command of the NATO Mine Counter Measures Mediterranean Force (MCMFORMED) to Turkey on Monday.A ceremony took place in Aksaz Naval Base in Marmaris township of western province of Mugla. Speaking at the ceremony, Admiral Ilhami Erdil, the Commander of Naval Forces, said, ''the MCMFORMED is one of the most flexible and the most dynamic operational elements of NATO. It has been playing a significant role in struggling against crises and settling stabilitiy in the Mediterranean. The MCMFORMED is one of the most important and active multi- national forces in the world. We are very pleased with hosting the force in Aksaz.'' ''The Mediterranean has been surrounded with a number of multi-dimensional and multi-lateral sources of clash. The Mediterranean, one of the most strategical seas in the world, has been acting as a main artery among the commercial centers of the world. Therefore, it cannot endure any interruption in maritime commerce routes. The Mediterranean has been constituting a strategical side of the national security for most of the NATO allies. Settlement of a reliable naval force in the Mediterranean has not only taken under guarantee NATO's benefits, but also settled stabilitiy and peace in some regions under the light of instructions of the United Nations and the other international organizations,'' he stressed. Admiral Erdil noted, ''Turkey has been providing minehunter ships to the MCMFORMED since 1999. It will maintain its support in the future. Turkey has taken over the command of MCMFORMED for the first time. I believe that Captain Senol would achieve great success in his mission. Also I wish success to Greek Captain Ionnis Grammatikatis.'' Admiral Erdil said, ''six minehunter ships of six NATO allies and a Greek command and support ship have arrived in Aksaz Naval Base to attend the ceremony.'' ''We invited commanders of NATO, naval force commanders of NATO allies, and military attaches of relevant countries to the ceremony. All countries including Greece responded our invitation in the affirmative. Besides these distinguished guests, we would be pleased with hosting a minehunter ship and a command and support ship of Greece in Aksaz. Also we would be pleased with participation of a Greek minehunter ship in NATO Damsel Fair maneouvres to be performed in Kusadasi within framework of ceremony to hand over command of the MCMFORMED,'' he said. Admiral Erdil added, ''although there were many alternative methods of journey, Admiral Georgios Theodorakopulos, the Commander of Greek Naval Force, wanted to come to the delivery ceremony by a military helicopter which would take off from Rhodes. In accordance with the Paris Treaty signed in 1947, Rhodes Island was disarmed. He was told that any military plane could not be deployed on the island. We told him that we would be pleased with hosting him in Aksaz. But he took a final decision not to attend the ceremony.'' The MCMFORMED was activated on 27 May 1999. The force is a permanently established multinational maritime force and its role is recognized as a standing naval force. As such it will be a part of the Allied Command Europe Reaction Forces, primarily for use in the southern region and if required available to deploy throughout the NATO area and outside of it also. The force is designed to meet the demands of the post Cold War geopolitical situation by being available for immediate deployment in times of tension, crisis or conflict. MCMFORMED is under the operational control of the Commander, Allied Naval Forces Southern Europe (COMNAVSOUTH). The force normally consists of four to six MCMV's plus a command support ship. Belgium, Germany, Greece, Italy, the Netherlands, Spain, Turkey, UK, and the US are the nations contributing to the force on a permanent or a case by case basis. [09] MEETING OF COUNCIL OF MINISTERS ENDS (2) -FLOOD DISASTER IN ANTAKYA DEBATED IN MEETINGANKARA - The Council of Ministers debated the flood disaster in Antakya and Osmaniye on Monday.Following the meeting, State Minister Rustu Kazim Yucelen told reporters that the ministers, including himself who went to the disaster area, expressed their impressions and voiced the problems of the area. Yucelen said that the Council of Ministers considered as reasonable the demand to give priority to the payment of the encouragement premiums in cotton and olive oil. The demands of the tradesmen and artisans in Antakya regarding the postponement of the tax collection for two months concern the Finance Ministry, Yucelen noted. Yucelen stated that the Finance Ministry announced on May 13 a force majeure for collection of taxes in the region till the end of June. The Finance Ministry allocated additional source to the municipalities which were damaged by the flood, Yucelen said. Yucelen pointed out that the Finance Ministry has provided free diesel oil to all public institutions in the region through Directorate General of Wood Industry Employer's Trade Union in Tarsus (Tasis). ''The citizens and the tradesmen in the region wished the postponement of payment of their electricity debts for a month. Energy and Natural Minister Zeki Cakan presented a draft law regarding the postponement of payment of the electricity debts in the region for six months. However, this issue will be discussed by a delegation set up by State Minister Kemal Dervis and Cakan because this issue requires a decision related with the duty losses. A decision can be taken after the issue is debated by this delegation,'' Yucelen said. Yucelen also said, ''State Minister Dervis will examine the postponement of the default debts of the tradesmen in the region to the Halk Bankasi and will later give information about this issue.'' Upon a question, Yucelen said that five draft laws which have to be adopted as urgent laws were not debated in the meeting. Asked if Dervis informed the ministers about the foreign aid to Turkey, Yucelen said, ''no. The program is being implemented. Today, we did not discuss anything related with economy. Everybody is fulfilling his responsibility in line with the program.'' Responding a question saying, ''when the postponement is brought to the agenda, discussions occur in the Council of Ministers meeting due to the duty losses. Was there a similar discussion in today's meeting,'' Yucelen said, ''no, there is no need to discuss these. There is an obligation to show a source for the duty losses since November.'' Yucelen continued, ''this source was included in the additional budget. In accordance with this source, the duty losses will have to be proved and then the money will be given. This is a law which was adopted before Dervis.'' Asked if collective contracts were on the agenda of the meeting, Yucelen said that this issue was not debated. ''However, State Minister Mehmet Kececiler requested me announce that the collective contracts can be signed on Thursday, that significant steps have been taken in this issue, and compromise has been reached,'' Yucelen added. [10] FOREIGN MINISTER CEM LEAVES FOR BRUSSELSISTANBUL - Foreign Minister Ismail Cem left on Monday for Brussels to attend the meeting of foreign ministers of 15 member and 13 candidate countries to the European Union (EU).Upon an invitation of Sweden, the Term President of the EU, 15 member countries to the EU will hold two meetings with 13 candidate countries and Norway and Iceland, and with non-EU six European NATO allies in Brussels on May 15 on the foreign ministerial level within framework of the European Security and Defense Policy process. Latest developments in the European Security and Defense Policy, the EU's enlargement, crisis management in the Balkans, and relations between the EU and NATO will be taken up at the meetings. Foreign Minister Cem is expected to return to Turkey on May 16. [11] FINANCE MINISTER ORAL STAGES A JOINT PRESS CONFERENCE WITH HIS BELGIAN COUNTERPART (1)ANKARA - Finance Minister Sumer Oral said on Monday that Turkey would provide change and transformation with its new programs.Oral staged a joint press conference with Didier Reynders, the Finance Minister of Belgium who is currently paying an official visit to Turkey. Speaking at the press conference, Oral said that Reynders's visit to Turkey aimed at examining effects of Euro in member and candidate countries to the European Union (EU), and to exchange views with Turkish officials. Recalling that Belgium would take over the EU Term Presidency from Sweden on July 1, 2001, Oral underlined importance of relations between Turkey and Belgium to this end. Noting that Turkey had announced its National Program, Oral said, ''at the same time, Turkey has begun to implement a new economic program. Both programs mean change and transformation. Turkey will provide change and transformation with its new programs. New economic program aims at making economic and financial balances more sound. Meanwhile, Turkey should become a modern country in regard to democracy and human rights.'' Stressing that commercial relations between Turkey and Belgium were far away from the desired level, Oral said, ''the current trade volume between the two countries is about 2 billion U.S. dollars. We do not consider this amount enough. We want to revive our investments. Therefore, the Business Council should be made more active.'' Oral underlined importance of revival of relations in tourism. [12] FINANCE MINISTER ORAL STAGES A JOINT PRESS CONFERENCE WITH HIS BELGIAN COUNTERPART (2) -BELGIAN FINANCE MINISTER REYNDERS SAYS THEY HAVE CONFIDENCE IN TURKEY'S NEW PROGRAMANKARA - Belgian Finance Minister Didier Reynders said on Monday that they have confidence in Turkey's new program.Reynders and Finance Minister Sumer Oral staged a joint press conference in Ankara. Belgian Finance Minister said that 12 European Union (EU) members have a monetary union and that 300 million people will use this money. They want Euro to take its place in the world, Reynders noted. Touching on Turkish-EU relations, Reynders said that Turkey announced its national program and that this program was totally put forward by the Turkish government. Defining this as an important process, Reynders noted that the EU wants to see the efficient implementation of this program and that they believe that this program will be implemented in a better way by the support of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the World Bank. Reynders said that the program is a good one and that they believe that the parliament and the government will mark developments in this issue. It is important to have a program but it is more important to implement this program, Reynders emphasized. Reynders said that Turkey has some problems regarding this issue and that the implementations in financial and banking sectors are difficult. There should be a clear separation between politics and economy, Reynders noted, because this is very important. Reynders expressed their support for the developments. Some special contacts will be held between Turkey and the EU, Reynders stated. Reynders noted that the initiatives regarding the national program will be evaluated in October or November. Turkey is one of the most important countries among the 13 candidates, Reynders said. Reynders pointed out that they want to show the developments in Turkey to the whole world. He believes that Turkey will become a member of the European family, Reynders emphasized. Reynders said that he will voice his views about Turkey in the IMF and World Bank meetings. Responding to the questions, Reynders said that the Belgian companies are interested in investments in several sectors like the energy and banking. Reynders noted that it is important to clearly see the situation in Turkey to have a clear frame for the foreing investors. Turkey will achieve this by certain laws, Reynders stated, noting that the foreign investors will feel confident and invest in Turkey. Turkey should offer the foreign investors a series of choices, Reynders said, adding that they want to take their place in every sector. Reynders also noted that he will exert efforts to organize a Turkish Week in his country in October or November. [13] 60 DWELLINGS INUNDATED IN NEVSEHIRNEVSEHIR - Torrential rains paralyzed daily life and traffic in central province of Nevsehir on Monday.A total of 60 dwellings and a high school were inundated in Nevsehir as a result of torrential rains which lasted for nearly half an hour. Meanwhile, flood waters triggered by torrential rains closed the highway connecting Nevsehir to Gore township to traffic. [14] NATIONAL DEFENSE MINISTER CAKMAKOGLU LEAVES FOR BRUSSELS -CAKMAKOGLU SAYS TURKEY INSISTS THAT IT SHOULD HAVE EFFICIENT AND SATISFACTORY ROLE IN EUROPEAN ARMYANKARA - National Defense Minister Sabahattin Cakmakoglu said on Monday that Turkey insists that it should have an efficient and satisfactory role in the European army which will be set up besides the NATO regarding the European security.Cakmakoglu left for Brussels to attend the meeting of the European Union (EU) defense ministers. Prior to his departure, Cakmakoglu told reporters that Sweden, the EU Term President, is hosting the meeting. Reminding the reporters that the former EU Defense Ministers' Meeting was also held in Brussels on November 21, 2000, Cakmakoglu said, ''in that meeting, the EU member and candidate states expressed their commitments regarding the military possibilities and capabilities for the European army, including the European Security and Defense Identity (ESDI).'' Cakmakoglu went on saying, ''we told in that meeting that Turkey would support the European army by its air and naval units and by its mechanized brigade if our views were accepted. Tomorrow's meeting is like the continuation of that meeting.'' Turkey is not an EU member but one of the 13 candidate countries, Cakmakoglu said. ''Although Turkey is not a member of the EU, it is a member of NATO. We defend that non-EU six NATO allies including Turkey should take part in the security formation of the EU. We insist on that we should be given an active and satisfactory duty in the European Force. I suppose that these issues would be brought onto agenda at tomorrow's meeting. We will have the opportunity of reiterating our views,'' he said. Noting that Turkey had exchanged views with its allies since last year, Cakmakoglu said, ''I hope that positive developments would occur.'' ''I will pay a three-day visit to Poland between May 16 and 19 as the guest of my Polish counterpart. Bilateral relations will be taken up during my visit to this country. Poland is a non-EU NATO ally. Therefore, we have nearly same opinions about the ESDI and the new military formation of the EU. At the same time, potential opportunities in defense industry between Turkey and Poland will be discussed,'' he said. When asked, ''there has been not any positive development about Turkey's objection to the ESDI. Is Turkey determined to use its right to veto?'' Cakmakoglu told reporters, ''The EU has offered us to participate in the ESDI on the consultation level. There is a progress in efforts aiming at making our consultative role more active. It is too early to say something for tomorrow. We are aware of our authorities and duties. We will take our decisions by taking into consideration our national interests, the Turkish Armed Forces' benefits, security of our country, security of Europe, security of the Balkans.'' Later, Cakmakoglu left for Brussels by a military airplane.
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