TRKNWS-L x0x Anadolu Ajansi News -- 30 Mar 01
Turkish Radio San Francisco
ANADOLU AGENCY NEWS
30 MARCH 2001 Friday
Turkey
Turkey
-TURKEY-PRESS SCAN
These are some of the major headlines and their brief stories in
Turkey's press on March 30, 2000. The Anadolu Agency does not verify
these stories and does not vouch for their accuracy.
HURRIYET (LIBERAL)
------------------
FORMER PRESIDENT DEMIREL: ''TURKEY DIDN'T DESERVE THIS CRISIS''
Former President Suleyman Demirel said Turkey didn't deserve the
economic problems that it had currently and added he had difficulty in
understandig how Turkey had reached this situation. ''Turkey doesn't
have any unpaid debts and a candidate of the European Union (EU). If
the situation is so bad then how come Turkey was announced as a
candidate country in 1999,'' added Demirel. Noting that the causes of
the problem and solutions to it are all political, Demirel said
unfortunately there is a non-confidence to the politicians and the
political institutions.
VIRTUE PARTY: ''WE ALSO PROMISE''
The Virtue Party (FP), which is the main opposition party, announced
that they would also exert efforts to pass 15 laws necessary for the
economic program. Bulent Arinc, the deputy leader of the FP, said they
would extend support to pass 15 laws in fifteen days time, adding that
they took this decision to prevent an interim regime. We will extend
support to the efforts of State Minister Kemal Dervis which will be
beneficial to Turkish people, added Arinc.
MILLIYET (LIBERAL)
------------------
TIME TO SAY FAREWELL TO LUXURY
The government will announce the domestic source package following
72-hour economy meeting to overcome the crisis. Firstly, the Value
Added Tax (VAT) imposed on luxurious goods which is currently 25
percent, will be increased and the lands belonging to the Treasury
will be sold.
JUDICIAL ORGANS STOP TELEKOM TENDER
The Ankara Administrative Tribunal no: 6 suspended procedure for an
auction to sell 33.5 percent of Turkish Telekom's shares under the
Privatization Authority Board's decision to determine the selling
conditions. The Ankara Administrative Tribunal no: 6 announced its
verdict in the suit filed by Public Entrepreneurship Development
Foundation (KIGEM).
SABAH (LIBERAL)
---------------
BUREAUCRATS SAY THAT ADOPTION OF MERELY SIX LAWS COULD BE ENOUGH
Turkey has started to discuss the ''adoption of fifteen laws in
fifteen days time''. Everybody say that the adoption of these laws was
the prerequisite of the International Monetary Fund (IMF). However,
according to the bureaucrats, who carry out the meetings with the IMF,
the number of the laws which should be passed rapidly is six. These
six laws are the prerequisite of the IMF, and Turkey has time for the
adoption of remaining laws. These six laws are supplementary budget
law, law on banks, law on privatization of Turk telekom, law on
Central Bank, law on sugar, and law on tobacco.
DERVIS'S SURPRISE MEETING IN PARIS
State Minister Kemal Dervis, who is expected to hold contacts in
Frankfurt following his visit to the U.S., had to cancel his
appointments in Frankfurt due to a delay in his flight. Dervis, who
went to Paris, France instead of Frankfurt, met with Laurent Fabius,
the finance and economy minister of France. Dervis gave information
about the new economic program to Fabius and requested support from
France. Fabius, who is one of the most influential names of the
Socialist Party, said they would exert utmost effort to extend support
to Turkey.
CUMHURIYET (LEFT)
-----------------
SUPREME COURT OF APPEALS RESTRICTS SCOPE OF AMNESTY
The Supreme Court of Appeals restricted the scope of the amnesty. The
Penalty General Council of the Supreme Court of Appeals decided that
those who were released from the prison on condition, cannot benefit
from the law on conditional release and suspension of punishments if
they commit another crime in the period in which their previous
conviction record was being erased under the judicial register law.
OPERATION AGAINST DRUG SMUGGLING
Security forces seized drugs having a market price of 454 billion
Turkish liras (TL) in a truck which entered into Turkey through
Gurbulak Border Gate. A statement of the State Ministry said that 20
kilograms of opium hidden in the truck were confiscated.
RADIKAL (LEFT)
--------------
BAYDUR, CHAIRMAN OF TISK CRITICIZES GOVERNMENT
Refik Baydur, the chairman of the Turkish Employer's Union (TISK),
criticized the government and Prime Minister Bulent Ecevit and
extended support to State Minister Kemal Dervis. Recalling the
statements of Ecevit who said that it would not be possible to adopt
fifteen laws in fifteen days, Baydur said they believed that the
attitude of Dervis was right. We will support Dervis, added Baydur.
Baydur said the share of the state in Turkish economy is around 70
percent, adding that nobody should expect the corruption cases to come
to an end under such conditions. The number of the deputies in the
parliament is too much, said Baydur and added that the parliament
should shrink.
PSYCHIATRIST SAMANCI SAYS NUMBER OF PEOPLE WHO COMMIT
SUICIDE DURING CRISIS DAYS INCREASES
Unemployment and economic crisis, which are the main causes of
pyschological disorders, cause many people to commit suicide beacuse
of depression, anxiety, and harmonization problems. Delivering a
speech at a panel discussion titled ''The Effects of Economic Crisis
on Pyschology'', psychiatrist Armagan Samanci said the depression
cases increased following the crisis periods. Men start to drink and
women start to take pills during such days, added Samanci.
TURKIYE (RIGHT)
---------------
ASSASSIN OF OKKAN KILLED
Hasan Sariagac, a member of the assassination team of terrorist
Hezbollah organization, was killed in a clash. Sariagac, who was
determined to be involved in the killing of former Diyarbakir police
chief Gaffar Okkan and five policemen, was killed in an armed clash.
Weapons and explosives found in the house of Sariagac.
U.S. DOLLAR CANNOT BE DECREASED
Despite all the efforts, one U.S. dollar increased to 1 million 200
thousand Turkish liras (TL). Due to indefiniteness in economy, the TL
continues to lose value against foreign currencies. The Central Bank
decided to hold currency sale tender every day as of Thursday. But,
this intervention did not stop the U.S. dollar from increasing.
PAINTING SMUGGLERS IN PRISON
Four people were sent to prison in connection with the smuggling of
two paintings which were believed to be painted by world-famous
painter Pablo Picasso. Four people, including Ihsan Demir, the nephew
of Mustafa Bayram, an independent deputy from eastern Van province;
his bodyguard Haydar Durak; his driver Ismail Zorlu; and Cumhur
Ertekin were impisoned by Istanbul Criminal Court on charges of acting
contrary to the Law on Preservation of Cultural and Historical
Heritage.
ZAMAN (CONSERVATIVE)
--------------------
PICASSO PAINTINGS WERE ORIGINAL
The paintings which were confiscated by the police, disguised as
buyers, were revealed to be painted by world-famous painter Picasso.
Lecturers at the Mimar Sinan University's Fine Arts Faculty and
art-historians from France examined the paintings. Examines revealed
that the paintings were painted by Picasso.
ARINC: ''WE HAVE TO SUPPORT DERVIS''
Virtue Party (FP) Parliamentary Group Deputy Chairman Bulent Arinc
said that they would support adoption of laws which State Minister
Kemal Dervis saw necessary in order to relieve the nation and overcome
the financial crisis. Staging a press conference at the parliament,
Arinc said, ''if fifteen different laws which Mr. Dervis wants the
parliament to adopt in fifteen days are prepared rapidly and brought
to parliament and commissions function well, we are ready to support
them on behalf of 65 million people.''
-STATE MINISTER DERVIS (1):
-''I THINK IT IS POSSIBLE TO MAKE LEGAL CHANGES RAPIDLY''
ISTANBUL, March 30 (A.A) - State Minister Kemal Dervis said on Friday
that he thinks it is possible to make legal changes rapidly.
Prior to his departure for Ankara, Dervis told reporters that the
mentioned legal changes are on the agenda for a long time.
Dervis said that many of the legal changes reached the final stage and
that many of them can be presented to the Council of Ministers today
or Monday.
Defining ''15 laws in 15 days'' as a good slogan, Dervis said that
this period can be 13, 18 or 14 days.
Dervis stated that the legal changes have to be finalized rapidly.
All the laws can be passed until the middle of April, Dervis said, ''I
am fairly optimistic.''
Dervis emphasized that his contacts in the U.S., Germany and France
were very beneficial, adding that he is very optimistic that they can
get foreign support within the framework of the program.
(To be continued)
-STATE MINISTER DERVIS (2):
-''WE HAVE TO PUT FORWARD ALL THE DETAILS OF THE PROGRAM
WITHIN TWO OR THREE WEEKS''
ISTANBUL - State Minister Kemal Dervis said on Friday that they have
to put forward all the details of the program within two or three
weeks.
Prior to his departure for Ankara, Dervis told reporters that they
have to act very rapidly and carefully.
Dervis said that after discussing the outlines of the program with
Premier Bulent Ecevit and the other coalition leaders and reaching
frame agreement with the International Monetary Fund (IMF), they have
two or three weeks to work.
''We have to put forward all the details of the program during this
time. We need time for two reasons. We have to put forward the
concrete details by taking the support of the parliament together with
my colleagues. On the other hand, we have to reach the final stage
after listening to the proposals of all the sectors of the society. We
will see how long this will take. But, it will be beneficial to
finalize these initiatives as soon as possible,'' Dervis said.
Dervis noted that the state which takes loans with high interests
undertakes more burden every day.
''This is our burden. Especially, this is the burden of the workers.
To this end, we have to exert efforts rapidly and carefully,'' Dervis
said.
Touching on his contacts in the U.S., Germany and France, Dervis said,
''the solution of problems is in Turkey. We have always said this. It
will be wrong to undertake a big foreign loan burden. But, we have to
take some foreign support. I am optimistic that we can provide this
foreign loan within the framework of the program.''
(To be continued)
-STATE MINISTER DERVIS (3):
-''I HAVE BEEN SUPPORTED BY ECEVIT SINCE THE VERY FIRST DAY''
ISTANBUL - State Minister Kemal Dervis said on Friday that he has been
supported by Premier Bulent Ecevit since the very first day.
Prior to his departure for Ankara, Dervis told reporters that they are
working altogether and that nobody should doubt about this.
Dervis said that he is also supported by deputy prime ministers Devlet
Bahceli and Mesut Yilmaz, adding, ''everybody wants to support this
program and will do so.''
Noting that he expects the opposition parties to extend some support
to the program, Dervis said, ''I want to inform the opposition
parties. I will apply to get appointment from these parties.''
Dervis said that they are more strong today when compared to the last
week.
Everybody should be patient, Dervis noted.
Dervis stated that the foreign circles examined the new parts and
figures of the economic program.
''They stated that they would extend support to us following their
examinations. The amount and shape of the support will become definite
after all the details of the program are announced. My contacts in
Germany, the U.S., and France were positive,'' Dervis added.
Dervis later left for Ankara.
(To be continued)
-ECONOMIC AND SOCIAL COUNCIL TO CONVENE ON SATURDAY
ANKARA - The Economic and Social Council will convene on Saturday
under the chairmanship of Prime Minister Bulent Ecevit.
Economic situation will be assessed in general, and issues like
problems of reel sector, salary, distribution of income, unemployment
and production will be taken up at the meeting.
State Minister and Deputy Prime Minister Devlet Bahceli, State
Minister and Deputy Prime Minister Husamettin Ozkan, State Minister
Kemal Dervis, State Minister Tunca Toskay, State Minister Rustu Kazim
Yucelen, Finance Minister Sumer Oral, Agriculture and Rural Affairs
Minister Husnu Yusuf Gokalp, Labour and Social Security Minister Yasar
Okuyan and Industry and Trade Minister Ahmet Kenan Tanrikulu are
expected to be in attendance at the meeting.
High-level officials from State Planning Organization, Finance
Ministry, Treasury Undersecretariat, Central Bank, Privatization
Administration Board, Union of Chambers and Commodity Exchanges of
Turkey (TOBB), Union of Chambers of Agriculture (TZOB), Confederation
of Turkish Employers' Unions (TESK), Turkish Confederation of
Employers' Union (TISK), Confederation of Turkish Labour Unions
(Turk-Is) and Hak-Is will also attend the meeting.
Earlier, Confederation of Revolutionary Workers' Unions (DISK) stated
that it would not attend the meeting.
-STATE MINISTER DERVIS (4):
-''SOME ADDITIONAL TAXES MAY BE IMPOSED''
ISTANBUL - State Minister Kemal Dervis said on Friday that some
additional taxes may be imposed because they need domestic sources.
When a reporter reminded about rumours related with additional taxes,
Dervis said that they are making serious works on the budget.
Dervis noted that they have to make some budgetary changes following
the crisis in February.
''We need to provide some additional domestic source. We will work
altogether on how this additional source may be provided. Some
additional taxes may be imposed. We have to keep this in reasonable
amounts,'' Dervis said.
Dervis stated that the real problem in Turkey is not the low tax
rates. On the contrary, the tax rates are high, Dervis said.
Dervis continued, ''but, everbody has to pay tax. Also, the burden of
this crisis has to be fairly imposed. If this burden is undertaken in
a way that it is appropriate for social justice, I think the people
can accept it and everybody will fulfil their responsibilities.''
(To be continued)
-TURKISH BUSINESSMEN DUE TO UNITED ARAB EMIRATES AND KUWAIT
ANKARA - Turkish businessmen will go to the United Arab Emirates and
Kuwait between April 6 and 12 within framework of a visit which was
organized by the Istanbul Exporters' Union under the coordinatorship
of the Foreign Trade Undersecretariat.
Releasing a statement, the Foreign Trade Undersecretariat said on
Friday that the delegation headed by Foreign Trade Undersecretary
Kursad Tuzmen, would hold bilateral talks with state officials and
representatives of private sector in the United Arab Emirates and
Kuwait.
Seminars on ''Turkey-United Arab Emirates Business Opportunities'' and
''Turkey-Kuwait Commercial Relations and Cooperation Opportunities''
will be held within framework of the visits.
Turkish businessmen will visit Jebel Ali Free Zone and Kuwait Free
Zone.
Businessmen from textile, marble, construction, foodstuff, medicine,
aluminium, plastic and miningsectors, are expected to return to Turkey
on April 12.
-STATE MINISTER DERVIS (5):
-''WE SHOULD CHANGE NEGATIVE GROWTH PROCESS INTO
POSITIVE GROWTH PROCESS AS SOON AS POSSIBLE''
ISTANBUL - State Minister Kemal Dervis said on Friday, ''we should
change negative growth process into positive growth process as soon as
possible.''
State Minister Dervis staged a press conference at Istanbul's Ataturk
Airport prior to his departure for Ankara, and responded to questions
of journalists.
Referring to his contacts in Germany, the U.S. and France, State
Minister Dervis said that he had held very positive meetings.
''They told me that they would examine the new figures in our economic
program, and support us,'' he said.
State Minister Dervis told reporters, ''I want to reiterate that
amount and type of their support will become clear after we reveal the
economic program. I am pleased with my contacts in Germany, the U.S.
and France. They displayed an understanding attitude, and appreciated
Turkey's taking courageous measures. They are waiting for these
measures to be disclosed concretely.''
Underlining importance of these measures in security confidence of
people in Turkey, Dervis said, ''some of these measures can be
pre-conditions of the International Monetary Fund (IMF). We should
adopt other measures in order to secure confidence of our people.
These measures are necessary to save economy from the heavy burder of
interest, to decrease interest rates, to relieve markets and to
provide positive growth rate in the second half of the year.''
Dervis said, ''we should change negative growth process into positive
growth process as soon as possible. This should be the target of
government and everybody in Turkey.''
Dervis later answered the questions of the reporters.
When recalled his proposal on adoption of fifteen laws in fifteen days
time, Dervis said they have been working on approxiametly fifteen laws
at the moment adding that many of them have been prepared for along
time.
''What I mean is, these laws or amendments didn't come to the agenda
in two weeks' time. Many of them were at preparation stage. Many of
them would be summitted to the Council of Ministers either today or on
Monday. Therefore, with hard work these laws could be adopted. This
process could take 13, 14 even 18 days. However, we should speed up
the process and this is possible, '' Dervis said.
Some amendments could be made very easily and rapidly said Dervis and
gave the example of the change that would be made regarding the Civil
Aviation.
Noting that there were also very complex, long and difficult works
that should be carried out, Dervis said ''for example, the tender law
is very important for Turkey. It carries out importance for
transparency, and for better operation of state. More works should be
done on the law. It will be submitted to the parliament in couple of
weeks' time. Many of these laws will be adopted by the parliament by
mid-April. I am very optimistic about it and both the Prime Minister
and the Deputy Prime Ministers had announced their support. The Higher
Planning Board will convene today. We will work together to do our
best rapidly and in a cautious way.''
When recalled that Turkey was expecting a foreign support amounting up
to 10-12 billion U.S. dollars and the words of Fuat Miras, the
chairman of the Union of Chambers and Commodity Exchanges of Turkey
(TOBB), who said that they could give 27.2 trillion Turkish lira (TL)
during the crisis if they agreed with the government, Dervis said he
didn't read what Miras said, adding that he would meet with Miras at
2.00 p.m. today.
Dervis said, ''we really have to find a solution to these difficulties
by the contribution of everybody.''
Upon another question, Dervis said that all his contacts were very
positive.
Dervis continued, ''but, I tried to explain our friends, the IMF
officials and the Treasury officials that they should also hurry. I
told our foreign friends and international organizations that this
would not take so long. They also know this. To this end, they said
that they would support the program in a quick working tempo.''
Responding to another question, Dervis said that sometimes, the
incidents are more complicated when compared with the headlines in the
newspapers.
Dervis said, ''if we can make 12 of 15-16 legal changes quickly by
taking support, confidence will be restored in Turkey and abroad. But,
if we implement 15 legal changes by problems and unnecessary
discussions, I think the same confidence cannot be built. I think the
process is as much important as the amount. I am reiterating that
Turkey has to become a country which gives rapid decisions and takes
brave measures. As you know, some laws have been kept waiting for two
years.''
''Firstly, confidence in Turkey has to be restored. We have to keep to
this quick working tempo to enable the Turkish nation have confidence
in the government and economy officials,'' Dervis added.
(To be continued)
-STATE MINISTER DERVIS (6):
-''I WILL NEVER PERMIT AN INTERNATIONAL INSTITUTION
TO INTERFERE IN TURKEY'S INTERNAL AFFAIRS''
ISTANBUL - State Minister Kemal Dervis said on Friday that he will
never permit an international institution to interfere in Turkey's
internal affairs.
Dervis told reporters that it is natural that the foreign
organizations which will support the program examine the figures and
budget.
When a reporter said, ''Prime Minister Bulent Ecevit mentioned that he
did not talk with you during your contacts in Washington D.C,'' Dervis
said, ''as we started to implement the daylight saving time, the
difference in time between Turkey and the U.S. increased to eight
hours. I could not call Ecevit on the phone for two and a half and
even for three days due to my intensive meetings in the mornings. When
I wanted to call him on the phone, it was three or four o'clock. It
was too late in Turkey. To this end, we could not talk. I generally
call the prime minister at least for once a day. But, I always inform
him about developments and he supports me. I am very grateful to this
end.''
Dervis said that he debated the program and macro-economic balances
during his contacts in France.
France is one of the most important cities in Europe, Dervis
emphasized.
Dervis noted that it was beneficial to hold contacts in France
following his contacts in Berlin.
The French minister gave hope that Europe would support Turkey in the
future, Dervis stated.
Dervis said, ''but, everybody is waiting for the program. It is hard
to reach comfort before the program is put forward and before a letter
of intent with the IMF is signed. But, we are progressing in this
path.''
The markets are gradually recovering, Dervis emphasized.
Dervis said, ''we are stronger this week when compared with the last
week. Both in respect of legal preparations and the foreign support.
To this end, everybody has to be patient and keep the time.''
Upon a question on political support, Dervis said that as was seen by
the statements of the leaders on Thursday, everybody wants to support
the program.
Dervis said, ''to this end, let's not pretend as if there is a big
problem when there is not any. This will not be good for Turkey.''
Dervis had expressed his views on whether the domestic sources or the
foreign sources would be the major part to overcome the recent
economic crisis.
''Domestic sources will constitute the majority in sources. The most
important thing for us is the domestic sources and internal guarantee.
However, this doesn't mean that foreign support is unimportant. I wish
there wouldn't be a need for foreign support. It is very natural that
the sources, who will extend foreign support to us, would like to look
at the economy, figures and the budget. They also have very rightful
questions on the issue. As the staff responsible for economy, we are
trying to answer these questions, '' Dervis added.
Dervis said ''however, I must stress that I never let anybody to
interfere in the internal affairs of Turkey. We have our own political
problems, foreign policy, internal policy and those are matters which
concerns Turkey. I don't have any debates regarding these issues. The
discussions are being held within technical, economic and monetary
framework. I will never let any foreign institution to bilaterally or
multilaterally interfere in the internal affairs of Turkey.''
When asked whether they would have works to restore the internal
confidence, Dervis said they already started to exert efforts on the
issue and recalled that they had previously met with the employer's,
worker's unions and the representatives of chambers.
''In coming days, we have to carry out these works together with other
ministers responsible for economy in the government. This is very
important. The public should extend support to the program,'' Dervis
added.
Responding to another question, State Minister Dervis said, ''we
should overcome current economic crisis in Turkey as soon as possible.
We should provide foreign source with reasonable interest rates. We
should rollover domestic borrowing stock with a reasonable cost.
Therefore, we have limited period. We should overcome economic crisis
as soon as possible and normalize the situation. I hope that we would
succeed in overcoming most of the problems in mid-April. Everyone has
to help each other. Overcoming economic crisis is just the beginning.
We should provide a lasting and rapid growth rate of 7 percent. We
should overcome unemployment and increase welfare. All these works
will take long time, but Turkey has the power to achieve success.''
When asked whether or not March 31 syndrome of real sector could be
solved, Dervis told reporters, ''a comprimise should be reached. This
can be made not with pressure, but with good will of everyone in
Turkey. Some meetings were held in Ankara. We will discuss the issue
at today's meeting of Higher Planning Board meeting. Real sector
creates business, growth and investments. Therefore, it should be
supported.''
He added, ''for development of reel sector, economic crisis should be
overcome and interest rates should be decreased. The most important
assistance to real sector will be securing confidence and settling
stability.''
(End)
-11TH INTERNATIONAL SECURITY AND COOPERATION CONFERENCE
-RETIRED GENERAL CAKAR, CHIEF ADVISER OF PRESIDENCY:
-''TRANS-ATLANTIC TIE AND INSEPARABLE SECURITY WERE TWO
IMPORTANT FACTORS IN CONCLUDING COLD WAR SUCCESSFULLY''
BELEK - Retired General Nezih Cakar, the Chief Adviser of the
Presidency, said on Friday, ''the world is face to face with a number
of threats from micro-ethnic clashes to weapons of mass destruction
used by the terrorists at the beginning of the 21st century. In this
multilateral atmosphere of risk, we should not overlook two main
principles helping us to conclude the Cold War successfully. These are
trans-atlantic tie and inseparable security.''
Speaking at the 11th International Security and Cooperation Conference
started in Belek hamlet of southern province of Antalya, General Cakar
said, ''ten years have passed since the end of the Cold War. Europeans
and Northern Americans have started a process to scrutinize their
roles and commitments in security of Europe.''
''The world is face to face with a number of threats from micro-ethnic
clashes to weapons of mass destruction used by the terrorists at the
beginning of the 21st century. In this multilateral atmosphere of
risk, we should not overlook two main principles helping us to
conclude the Cold War successfully. These are trans-atlantic tie and
inseparable security. We should support these two principles in order
to overcome the risks jeopardizing our security,'' he stressed.
Cakar noted, ''the first and the most important thing to be taken into
consideration is to save trans-atlantic tie from being damaged as
efforts have been under way to provide military capability to the
European Union (EU) with the European Security and Defense Policy
(ESDP). Another part of the European Security and Defense Identity
(ESDI)-ESDP which is regarded with the principle of inseparable
security, is the requirement of setting up an atmosphere between NATO
and EU including 23 countries to strengthen each other.''
Cakar said that to this end, Turkey defends that discrimination
between the alliances and partners will create an obstacle in the
success of European Security and Defense Policy. He drew the attention
of the developments which will deprive NATO from successful efforts in
the post cold war era that is from crisis administration.
Touching on enlargement which is another important element of European
security, Cakar said that the ongoing NATO enlargement process will
contribute to the security and stability of the Euro-Atlantic region.
Cakar emphasized that NATO and the EU cannot stay as separate
organizations and that the two organizations should be complementary.
Turkey wants to be included in and contribute to the arrangements
planned for the new security construction of Europe within the
framework of principles like transatlantic tie and inseparable
security, Cakar said.
Touching on targets of Turkey in the 21st century, Cakar said,
''Turkey continues to get developed in the direction of modern
civilizations as shown by Great Leader Ataturk. Within this context,
Turkey's targets have been listed as becoming an EU member until 2023,
ranking among first ten economies of the world, developing its
regional efficiency to become a global power, becoming a society of
information era, and having a strong armed forces equipped with
deterring possibilities.''
Cakar added, ''in the 21st century, Turkey will continue to be a
country towards the west and to share common values with the western
world like democracy, secularism, market economy, human rights and the
rule of law. And, Turkey will have a leading role in the Alliance and
the construction of new European security.''
-STATE MINISTER DERVIS TO REPRESENT TURKEY AT JEC MEETINGS
WITH IRAN, SYRIA, U.S., JAPAN AND FRANCE
ANKARA - Joint Economic Commission (JEC) meetings will be held with
Uruguay in accordance with the Commercial, Economic and Technical
Cooperation Agreement envisaged to be signed with this country.
Prime Minister Bulent Ecevit released a prime ministry decree on
Friday, and determined government members to act as co-president at
JEC meetings.
According to the decree, State Minister Kemal Dervis will represent
Turkey at JEC meetings with Iran, Syria, the U.S., Japan and France
while State Minister Recep Onal will represent Turkey at JEC meetings
with Finland, Italy, Tunisia, Algeria, Morocco and Uruguay.
-TOBB CHAIRMAN MIRAS SAYS HE WILL BE WRONG IF HE SAYS STATEMENT
OF BANKS UNION IS SUFFICIENT FOR THEM
ANKARA - Fuat Miras, the chairman of the Union of Chambers and
Commodity Exchanges of Turkey (TOBB), said on Friday that he will be
wrong if he says statement of the Banks' Union is sufficient for
them.
Miras held a meeting with the members of the executive board, the
council chairmen, and the chairmen of chambers.
Prior to the meeting, Miras said that they had proposed that they were
ready to give back the interests they obtained during the crisis to
the state without demanding anything.
Miras noted that they wanted the banks to decrease the interest rates
to the rates prior to the crisis and they demanded this not to stop
the production of the real sector.
They have not received any concrete response to their demand, Miras
said.
The Banks' Union had made a statement regarding the meeting between
the real sector and the representatives of the banks held on Thursday
that the determination of interest rates and the repayment of the
debts would be evaluated within the framework of the mutual
understanding in the tete-a-tete meetings between the banks and their
customers.
For a compromise, the views of the government, Banking Regulatory and
Supervisory Board and the Central Bank has to be taken, Miras noted.
Miras stated that the government will give a decision following their
meeting with State Minister Kemal Dervis and following the Economic
and Social Council meeting.
They had earlier told the government that it would be wrong to ignore
the real sector regarding the March 31 syndrome, Miras said.
Miras said that if the situation is not bettered, factories will be
closed, workers will be dismissed and taxes cannot be paid and that
the real sector is facing these problems.
Miras said, ''we will request the government say how much this damage
has costed Turkish people? The government should also accept that the
real sector did not have any role in this crisis. This situation
occured due to their wrong implementations.''
TOBB backs the proposal for making 15 legal changes, Miras pointed
out.
Miras stated that they wish these changes to be passed from the
parliament as soon as possible, adding that all the sectors should
contribute to this proposal.
-DECISIONS OF JOINT COMMITTEE:
-''BANKS ASSOCIATION HAS ANNOUNCED THAT THE DETERMINATION
OF INTEREST RATES AND REPAYMENT OF DEBTS WOULD BE EVALUATED
WITHIN THE FRAMEWORK OF MUTUAL UNDERSTANDING
IN TETE-A-TETE MEETINGS BETWEEN BANKS AND CUSTOMERS''
ISTANBUL - The Banks Association of Turkey (TBB) said on Friday that
the determination of interest rates and the repayment of the debts
would be evaluated within the framework of the mutual understanding in
the tete-a-tete meetings between the banks and their customers.
The TBB announced the decisions that the joint commission set up by
the Union of Chambers and Commodity Exchanges of Turkey (TOBB) and TBB
has taken in their meeting.
The statement said that the committee reached consensus that interest
rates in the markets due to the November and February crises were not
very high and not sustainable.
The joint committee reached consensus that to decrease the loan costs,
not only the interest rates but also the monetary and financial
burdens which limit the use of resources and increase costs have to be
decreased, the statement noted.
The statement pointed out that reducing these burdens as much as the
program permits and in accordance with the European Union (EU) norms
will contribute to the reduction in national production costs and
increase in competition power in exportation.
''When the current economic situation is taken into consideration,
they discussed the necessity of making changes in the regulations to
extend the maturity of loans and make facilitations in instalments for
those who have difficulties in repaying their debts due to source
shortage. Within this framework, by taking into consideration the
necessity to provide elasticity in the implementation of reserve
requirements temporarily and giving some time, they decided to apply
to the Banking Regulatory and Supervisory Board,'' the statement
added.
-NSC'S STATEMENT:
-''NSC EXPRESSED ITS REGRET OVER DISCUSSIONS ON INTERIM REGIME''
ANKARA - The National Security Council (NSC) stated on Friday, ''the
Council expressed its regret over discussions put forward by some
circles in recent days on 'interim regime'. Such discussions will
damage image of Turkey which has been experiencing democracy for more
than 50 years and which is on the level of entering the European Union
(EU).''
The NSC's monthly meeting under the chairmanship of President Ahmet
Necdet Sezer ended. A statement was released following the meeting.
The statement said, ''the NSC held its monthly regular meeting on
March 30, 2001 at the Cankaya Presidential Palace with the
participation of President Sezer; Prime Minister Bulent Ecevit;
General Huseyin Kivrikoglu, the Chief of General Staff; ministers who
are members of the NSC; commanders of land, air and naval forces;
commander of gendarmerie units; and the Secretary General of NSC.
State Minister and Deputy Prime Minister Devlet Bahceli, State
Minister and Deputy Prime Minister Mesut Yilmaz, and State Minister
and Deputy Prime Minister Husamettin Ozkan were also in attendance at
the meeting.''
Noting that separatist, fundamentalist and destructive activities
which occured in last month and results of security forces' struggle
against organized crime gangs were assessed during the meeting, the
statement noted, ''it was decided to maintain measures taken against
activities targeting inseperable integrity of the state with its
country and nation, democratic, secular and social state of law, and
security of our people; without any interruption and concession.''
Pointing out that the current economic dificulties in Turkey were also
taken up at the meeting, the statement stressed, ''a full consensus of
opinion has been reached at the meeting that the works carried out by
the parliament and the government to overcome economic difficulties
and to re-settle an atmosphere of stability would achieve success.''
Noting that discussions put forward by some circles in recent days on
'interim regime' were discussed at the meeting, the statement said,
''such baseless discussions will damage image of Turkey which has been
experiencing democracy for more than 50 years and which is on the
level of entering the EU. Such discussions will not be approved by our
people who absorbed democracy. The Turkish nation has the necessary
power to overcome all difficulties in the democratic system.''
The statement added that foreign political developments were also
taken up at the meeting.
-PRESIDENTIAL OFFICE'S CHIEF CONSULTANT FOR FOREIGN AFFAIRS
ILDEM STAGES WEEKLY PRESS CONFERENCE
ANKARA - Tacan Ildem, the Presidential Office's Chief Consultant for
Foreign Affairs, said on Friday, ''President Ahmet Necdet Sezer wants
unstable atmosphere in Macedonia to come to an end as soon as
possible.''
Ildem staged a weekly press conference at the Cankaya Presidential
Palace, and gave information about President Sezer's visit to the
Netherlands between April 3 and 5, 2001.
Noting that President Sezer would pay his first official visit to a
member country to the European Union (EU) since he was sworn in as
president in 2000, Ildem said that there were not any political
problem between Turkey and the Netherlands.
Pointing out that President Sezer would be welcomed by Queen Beatrix
of the Netherlands, Ildem told reporters, ''President Sezer will hold
talks with Dutch Prime Minister. He is scheduled to address the Dutch
parliament. President Sezer will visit the Social and Economic Council
and receive representatives of Turkish community in the
Netherlands.''
Later, Ildem responded to questions of the journalists.
When recalled by a journalist that tension escalated between Turkey
and the Netherlands about the terrorist organization PKK, Ildem said,
''Turkey believes that international cooperation was very important in
struggle against terrorism. It has been pioneering initiatives to set
up cooperation in struggle against terrorism in international
platforms. The issue is taken up during contacts and negotiations in
foreign countries. During his visit to the Netherlands, President
Sezer will explain our opinions to Dutch officials on many issues.''
When asked whether or not President Sezer has launched any initiative
on foreign support to Turkey's new economic program, Ildem said,
''President Sezer is determined to support steps to be taken by the
government and the parliament in adopting drafts laws.''
Ildem told reporters, ''during his visit to Stuttgart, Germany, to
attend inaugunation of exhibition 'Troy, Dream and Reality', President
Sezer met with his German counterpart. At the meeting, President Sezer
said that efforts to form economic reform program and to take
necessary measures to relieve the economy were underway in Turkey. He
stressed that he would be pleased with Germany's support to these
efforts.''
When asked whether or not State Minister Kemal Dervis would inform
President Sezer on his contacts in Germany, the U.S. and France, Ildem
said, ''Dervis paid a visit of courtesy to President Sezer after being
sworn in as the State Minister. State Minister Dervis has not
requested an appoinment with President Sezer yet.''
Responding to a question about recent developments in Macedonia, Ildem
told reporters, ''the Foreign Ministry and the Cankaya Presidential
Palace made statements about the recent developments in Macedonia
previously. President Sezer closely monitors developments in the
region. As you know, a Turkish journalist lost his life in the
clashes. President Sezer wants unstable atmosphere in Macedonia to
come to an end as soon as possible. We wish that stability would
re-settled in Macedonia as soon as possible.''