TRKNWS-L x0x Anadolu Ajansi News -- 17 Feb 02
trk...@attbi.com
ANADOLU AJANSI NEWS
17 February 2002 Monday
Turkiye
Turkey
-TURKEY-PRESS SCAN
These are some of the major headlines and their brief stories in
Turkey's press on February 17, 2002. The Anadolu Agency does not
verify these stories and does not vouch for their accuracy.
HURRIYET (LIBERAL)
------------------
TURKISH SOLDIERS ARRIVE IN KABUL
The first part of Turkish troops arrived in Afghan capital Kabul with
a C-130 cargo plane to join the International Security Assistance
Force (ISAF). Turkish soldiers, the sons of modern and secular
Republic of Turkey founded by Great Leader Mustafa Kemay Ataturk, will
provide peace and security in Afghanistan which was dragged into
darkness by Taliban regime.
LPG TANK IN A FACTORY IN KAGITHANE EXPLODES
Liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) tank in a factory in Kagithane district
of Istanbul exploded, injuring 12 people. LPG tank in the four-storey
factory manufacturing carburetors exploded at about 06:00 a.m. on
Saturday. The injured people were rushed to nearby hospitals for
medical treatment. Two of them have been in critical condition. The
explosion caused the factory building to collapse partially. Windows
in nearby buildings were shattered in the explosion.
FOGG: ''KURDISH PEOPLE SUFFERED MUCH BECAUSE OF OCALAN''
European Union (EU) Representative in Turkey Karen Fogg said that
Abdullah Ocalan, the head of terrorist organization PKK, was the
person who harmed Kurdish people most. She stressed that Ocalan was
also responsible for the conditions in the region.
MILLIYET (LIBERAL)
-----------------
U.S. AND ISRAELI WAR PLANES DUE IN KONYA
Three military exercises will be held in central Konya province which
was claimed to be used together with Incirlik Air Base in southern
province of Adana in a possible operation against Iraq. U.S. and
Israeli war planes will participate in these exercises to be held in
April, June and October. The Netherlands and Germany will also
participate in the second military exercise.
GOVERNMENT ENTERS A CRITICAL PERIOD
The coalition government that is planning to put into practice short
term commitments for the European Union (EU) till March 19, 2002, has
entered a critical period. State Minister and Deputy Prime Minister
Mesut Yilmaz, the leader of the Motherland Party (ANAP), will meet
with chairmen of relevant parliamentary commissions, deputy chairmen
of political parties having seats at the parliament and with relevant
deputies. Yilmaz is also scheduled to meet with representatives of
non-governmental organizations and universities. Later, drafts will be
given their final shape, and submitted to parliament.
HIGH-LEVEL U.S. OFFICIALS DUE IN TURKEY
U.S. Deputy Secretary of Defense Paul Wolfowitz, and General Richard
Myers, the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, will pay a visit to
Turkey at the end of March of 2002. Meanwhile, U.S. Vice President
Dick Cheney will come to Ankara within framework of his tour to Middle
Eastern countries in March. During contacts of Cheney, Wolfowitz and
Myers in Turkey, issues of Iraq, the Middle East and defense
cooperation between Turkey and the United States are expected to be
taken up.
SABAH (LIBERAL)
---------------
ANOTHER PICASSO PAINTING CONFISCATED IN USAK
A painting which is believed to have been painted by worldwide famous
painter Picasso, was confiscated in southeastern province of Usak.
Acting on a tip-off, security forces launched an operation in Usak.
They confiscated the painting and detained seven people.
U.S. EXPERT WARNS EUROPE AGAINST PKK
Prominent news agency Associated Press transmitted a news sory saying,
''PKK with a history of ruthless guerrilla attacks is abandoning the
name it has used for 24 years in the hope of shedding its bloody image
and transforming into a legitimate political force.'' The AP quoted
Michael Radu, a U.S. terrorism expert with the Philadelphia-based
Foreign Policy Research Institute, as saying, ''the PKK is the old PKK
with a different tactic. Ocalan is a much more effective
public-relations strategist than Turkey, and he is telling Europe how
nice his organization is.''
SECOND CONSTITUTIONAL REFORM IS ON THE WAY
The Parliamentary Inter-parties Compromise Commission will debate the
second constitutional reform package following the upcoming religious
holiday. The package envisages important amendments to some articles
of the Constitution like abolition of State Security Courts (DGMs).
CUMHURIYET (LEFT)
-----------------
OCALAN ALERT IN SOUTHEASTERN ANATOLIA REGION
Tight security measures were taken in Southeastern Anatolia to prevent
a possible incident on the third anniversary of capture of Abdullah
Ocalan, the head of the terrorist organization PKK, on February 16,
1999. Supporters of Ocalan and PKK held street demonstrations.
Security forces intervened in these demonstrations and detained 60
people.
U.S. CONGRESSMEN IN TURKEY
Culture Minister Istemihan Talay hosted a luncheon in honor of members
of the U.S. House of Representatives' United States-Turkey
Interparliamentary Friendship Group at Istanbul's Topkapi Palace
Museum. Noting that the congressmen would proceed to Ankara on Sunday
to start holding contacts, Talay noted, ''there are sound and friendly
ties between Turkey and the United States. These ties have always been
confirmed in cooperation and joint policies of two friendly and allied
countries. Our guests will try to form a Turkey Working Group at the
U.S. Congress. We are pleased to host these congress. I believe that
their visit to Turkey would contribute to further improvement of
relations between Turkey and the United States.'' Congressmen Robert
Wexler, Kay Granger, Tom Granger, James Moran and Cliff Stearns will
start its official programme on Monday by coming together with State
Minister Tunca Toskay at breakfast. The delegation will proceed to
Incirlik Air Base in southern province of Adana. On Tuesday, members
of the delegation will be given a briefing at the General Staff.
Later, they will be received by President Ahmet Necdet Sezer and Prime
Minister Bulent Ecevit.
RADIKAL (LEFT)
--------------
EU'S PLAN FOR TURKEY: RAPID NEGOTIATIONS AFTER 2004
European Union (EU) Commissioner Guenter Verheugen said that 10 out of
13 candidate countries would become a full member of the union till
2004, and added that they had been working on a plan to accelerate
Turkey's membership process. Verheugen noted that Turkey should be
ready for a rapid negotiation plan.
SECURITY FORCES IMPOUND 115 KG OF HEROIN IN ISTANBUL
Security forces impounded 115 kg of heroin in an operation in
Istanbul, and captured 10 people including a foreigner. Acting on a
tip-off, security forces revealed that a considerable amount of heroin
would be sent from Istanbul to Europe. Security forces stopped and
searched a passenger bus near Bagcilar district of Istanbul, and
confiscated 101 kg of heroin. They captured eight people including a
foreigner. It was revealed that two members of the illicit drug
trafficking network were waiting for the bus with 14 kg of heroin.
They were captured and the drug was impounded. Security forces said
that the heroin which was brought in from Iran, would be put up for
sale in Germany.
TURKIYE (RIGHT)
---------------
RED NIGHT
Fenerbahce won the derby 1-0 against Galatasaray, which had topped the
agenda for days and defined as ''match of the year'' while referee Ali
Aydin sent off four Galatasaray players in the second half of the
derby. Fenerbahce's goal was scored in the first half by Rapaic while
the events started in the second half. The referee red carded defender
Emre who blocked Rapaic and sent off midfielder Batista who hit
Serhat's face with his head. Also Hasan Sas was sent off in this
position who wanted to hold Serhat. Referee Aydin also red carded
captain Bulent who clapped for his decision. And Galatasaray were down
to seven men and completed the game with seven men.
AKTAS DE FACTO OVER
The Energy and Natural Resources Ministry said that Aktas company
could not distribute electricity and make trade in the mentioned areas
following transfer of its facilities.
ZAMAN (CONSERVATIVE)
--------------------
OUR CITIES UNDER SERIOUS HAZARD
The danger of existence of gas stations, LPG filling stations and
industrial factories in city-centers was once again revealed with
yesterday's calamity in Istanbul. The LPG tank in a factory producing
automobile radiators exploded at 6 a.m. The five-storey factory
building collapsed in the explosion which was felt two-kilometer away.
Eleven people were injured in the explosion which caused damage to
many buildings including three schools.
''WE PRAY FOR SEZER FOR 800 TIMES A YEAR''
Jewish community's leader Bensiyon Pinto said that they had been
performing sermons in every wedding ceremony and every religious
holiday and on every Saturday for the President of the Turkish state
for 510 years. ''We pray for Mr. Ahmet Necdet Sezer for maybe 700-800
times in each synagogue,'' he said.
-TREASURY TO AUCTION 2-YEAR BONDS ON TUESDAY
ANKARA - Treasury will hold an auction on Tuesday, February 19 to sell
two-year bonds.
The value date of the two-year bonds is February 20, 2002 and maturity
is January 21, 2004.
This sale will be the re-issuance of the two-year debenture bonds
which have floating interest rates and were sold on January 22,2002.
-ILIKSOY SAYS TURKEY SUFFERED MUCH FROM TERRORISM
ATHENS - Deputy Parliament Speaker Ali Iliksoy said on Saturday,
''Turkey, a country that suffered much from terrorism, is one of the
countries well-understanding necessity of international fight against
terrorism.''
Speaking at the third meeting of European-Mediterranean Parliament
Speakers started in Greek capital Athens, Iliksoy said, ''the whole
world understood importance of fight against terrorism in the wake of
the terrorist attacks on the twin towers of the World Trade Center
complex in New York, the United States, on September 11, 2001.''
''We suffered much from terrorism. We lost nearly 30 thousand people.
Heavy cost of our fight against terrorism underlies today's economic
difficulties. We should make an international definition of terrorism.
Terrorism cannot be defined according to the regions. We should agree
on a single definition. Global solidarity is the only way to fight
against global terrorism,'' he stressed.
Iliksoy emphasized, ''Turkey had to make some restrictions in its
liberalist constitution because of acts of violence and terrorism.
Today, we have been trying to amend our Constitution. Terrorism
destroys the right to live, the most important right.''
Noting that the Mediterranean Basin was the cradle of great
civilizations and three monotheist faiths, Iliksoy said that all
religious beliefs were based on tolerance and understanding.
Stressing that it was a serious mistake to connect the Islam with the
terrorism, Iliksoy said, ''these two words should not be used
together. Such allegations and approaches will lead us only to
misunderstandings.''
Noting that representative of Greek Cypriot side used the expression
of occupation of Cyprus in his speech, Iliksoy said, ''it will be
benefical to refrain from using such expressions. Face-to-face talks
process has been continuing on the island. And it is clear that such
attitudes would affect the process negatively.''
Referring to the Middle East crisis, Iliksoy stressed that the crisis
should be resolved urgently.
The meeting will end on Sunday after the final statement is released.
-TURKISH CONTRACTORS DUE TO AFGHANISTAN
ANKARA - Turkish-Afghan Business Council Chairman Guven Sazak said on
Sunday that four people would participate in a ten-day visit to
Afghanistan to be organized by the Asian Development Bank.
Responding questions of the A.A correspondent, Sazak said, ''during
Prime Minister Bulent Ecevit's visit to the United States, we met with
Afghanistan's new prime minister and foreign minister. We also held
contacts with the U.S. firms. The Asian Development Bank will organize
a meeting in Pakistani capital Islamabad on March 2. This meeting
includes a ten-day visit to Afghanistan. Four Turkish contractors will
join the meeting and the visit. We will join the tenders in
Afghanistan through the World Bank and the Asian Development Bank.''
Sazak said that Turkish-Afghan Business Council had been planning a
visit to Afghanistan after March 15, and noted that State Minister
Mehmet Kececiler was expected to join the visit.
-IMPORTS DECREASE BY 50.6 PERCENT
ANKARA - According to the Customs Undersecretariat data, imports
reduced by 50.6 percent and exports decreased by 2.9 percent in
January of 2002.
Imports from foreign countries to Turkey decreased 50.6 percent to 2
billion 50 million U.S. dollars in January of 2002. In January 2001,
Turkey imported goods of 4 billion 152 million U.S. dollars.
Exports from Turkey to foreign countries dropped by 2.9 percent from 2
billion 244 million U.S. dollars to 2 billion 180 million U.S.
dollars.
As a result, the rate of exports meeting imports increased to 106.3
percent.
While the foreign trade deficit had been 1 billion 908 million U.S.
dollars in January of 2001, there was a 129 million U.S. dollars
surplus in foreign trade in January of 2002.
Foreign trade figures as of January 2001 and 2002 are as follows:
(million U.S. dollars) Difference
2001 2002 (percent)
------ ------ ----------
Imports 4.152 2.050 -50.6
Exports 2.244 2.180 -2.9
Foreign trade deficit -1.908 129 -106.8
--------------------- ------ ------ ----------
Rate of meeting (%) 54.0 106.3
-22ND INTERNATIONAL TRABZON SEMI-MARATHON HELD
TRABZON - The 22nd International Trabzon Semi-Marathon was run on
Sunday within framework of activities to mark the anniversary of
Trabzon's liberation.
The 21.1-kilometre semi-marathon started in Akcakale region in
Akcaabat township of northern province of Trabzon and ended in
Trabzon's Ataturk Square.
Satilmis Atmaca of Turkey was ranked first in men's category while
Milka Mihailova of Bulgaria came first in women's category.
A total of 169 sportsmen and women including five foreigners from the
Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC), the Netherlands, Russia,
Bulgaria and Ukraine participated in the semi-marathon.
Medallist sporstmen and women are as follows:
Men:
1-Satilmis Atmaca (Turkey) 1.05.49
2-Alexey Korobov (Russia) 1.05.52
3-Abdulkadir Turk (Turkey) 1.06.00
Women:
1-Milka Mihailova (Bulgaria) 1.15.52
2-Rumma Dubovik (Ukraine) 1.16.01
3-Lale Ozturk (Turkey) 1.17.40
-EXPLOSION IN KAGITHANE CAUSES DAMAGE TO SEVEN BUILDINGS
ISTANBUL - Damage assessment works after yesterday morning's LPG tank
explosion in a factory producing automobile radiators were concluded
on Sunday.
Following the damage assessment works in and around the Kale Oto
Radyator factory in Kagithane, Istanbul, Kagithane district's head
official Gokhan Guler told reporters that the explosion had affected a
1.5 kilometers square area.
Guler said that windows of 790 houses and 508 business places had
shattered in the explosion which had caused serious damage to 1
building and minimal damage to 6 other buildings.
The explosion in the factory happened at 6 a.m. on Saturday, injuring
11 people, and 2 of those were seriously injured.
-PRESIDENT SEZER MARKS 50TH ANNIVERSARY OF TURKEY'S NATO MEMBERSHIP
ANKARA - President Ahmet Necdet Sezer said on Sunday, ''as the
alliance of countries sharing the common values such as democracy,
human rights and supremacy of law, has always maintained its main
target to settle a fair and lasting atmosphere of peace in Europe.''
President Sezer released a message to mark the 50th anniversary of
Turkey's NATO membership.
In his message, President Sezer noted, ''half a century has passed
since Turkey joined the Alliance on February 18, 1952. NATO has played
a vital role in security and reconstruction of West European countries
devastated by the World War II since it was founded in 1949. However,
NATO's role has not been restricted with these countries and its place
in security of Europe has broadened in the course of time. The
Alliance was founded with the Washington Treaty signed by 12 countries
in 1949. Number of its members increased to 19 and 10 countries want
to become a member of the Alliance.''
''As the alliance of countries sharing the common values such as
democracy, human rights and supremacy of law, has always maintained
its main target to settle a fair and lasting atmosphere of peace in
Europe. As a natural conclusion of principles put forward by Great
Leader Mustafa Kemal Ataturk, the Republic of Turkey has taken its
place in NATO 50 years ago and made significant contributions to the
Alliance by defending contemporary values, peace and freedom,'' he
emphasized.
President Sezer continued, ''while it has been developing new
partnership relations with former Warsaw Pact countries and former
Soviet Union republics after the Cold War came to an end, NATO, on the
other hand, has put into practice new arrangements in which prosperous
European allies could undertake more responsibilities. Today, there is
a large family sharing common values and ideals in Europe-Atlantic
region instead of hostile countries. Europe's undertaking more
responsibilities in this new atmosphere became a natural requirement.
I believe that our all European allies would display a fair and
compherensive arrangement as undertaking this responsibility.''
''I want to reiterate once again that Turkey is ready to make any kind
of contribution to development of the Alliance. I wish that the
Alliance would continue to contribute to peace and stability in the
world with great success,'' he added.
-U.S. PRESIDENT BUSH SENDS MESSAGES TO PRESIDENT SEZER AND PRESIDENT
STEPHANOPOULOS OF GREECE TO MARK 50TH ANNIVERSARY OF NATO MEMBERSHIP
OF TURKEY AND GREECE
ANKARA - U.S. President George W. Bush said, ''the Alliance now faces
new, diverse, and global threats. The United States is prepared to
counter those security challenges knowing we stand
shoulder-to-shoulder with allies.''
U.S. President Bush sent messages to President Ahmet Necdet Sezer and
President Kostis Stephanopoulos of Greece to mark the 50th anniversary
of NATo membership of Turkey and Greece.
The Presidential Prewss Center said on Sunday that in his message,
President Bush said, ''it is with great pleasure that I am writing to
congratulate you on the 50th anniversary of your country's NATO
membership.''
''Fifty years ago NATO welcomed Turkey and Greece into its ranks in an
effort to consolidate democratic countries in a Western alliance
against a growing communist threat. There can be no doubt that the
role your countries played throughout the Cold War was critical to
eliminating that danger.''
President Bush continued, ''our Alliance now faces new, diverse, and
global threats. The United States is prepared to counter those
security challenges knowing we stand shoulder-to-shoulder with allies.
Your countries' support in NATO's invocation of Article 5 immediately
after the tragic events of September 11 is indivative of the
friendship and cooperation that has characterized the Alliance for
over 50 years.''
''The anniversary of Turkey's and Greece's NATO membership is perhaps
even more notable in light of the warming relations your governments
have experienced over the last few years. Progress in your bilateral
relations and joint commitment to the Alliance, including joint
Greek-Turkish staffs in NATO air operations centers in both your
countries, can only strengthen our ties. I extend my sincerest
congratulations to you and to the citizens of Turkey and Greece on
this important occasion,'' President Bush added.
-TURK SAYS CAPITAL PUNISHMENT WILL BE ABSOLUTELY ABOLISHED ONE DAY
AYDIN - Justice Minister Hikmet Sami Turk said on Sunday that capital
punishment would absolutely be abolished one day.
Turk visited Emir Durmaz, the governor of western province of Aydin.
Responding reporters' questions after the meeting, Turk recalled that
under amendments to the Constitution, the capital punishment had been
annulled except for three situations which were ''warfare'', ''close
war threat'' and ''terrorist crimes''.
''Except these three situations, the offenses for which capital
punishment had been foreseen earlier are now punished with life in
prison. Our political parties have different approaches. Any capital
punishment has not been carried out in Turkey in last seventeen years.
However, death sentence in Turkey will be absolutely be annulled one
day,'' he said.
Responding a question about lifting of political immunity of members
of parliament, Turk said that also some public officials and judges in
Turkey had political immunity.
''Immunities can be lifted. This has always been a matter of
discussion. It is very wrong to give an impression as if the problem
stems only from parliamentarians' immunity and all corruptions are
caused due to this,'' Turk said.
-U.S.-TURKEY INTERPARLIAMENTARY FRIENDSHIP GROUP DELEGATION PROCEEDS
TO ANKARA
ISTANBUL - U.S. House of Representatives member Cliff Stearns said on
Sunday that all decisions about Iraq was taken in coordination with
their all allies including Turkey, and added that decision would be
taken for any possible attempt regarded with Iraq in consultation with
the allied countries.
The five-member delegation from the U.S. House of Representatives'
United States-Turkey Interparliamentary Friendship Group proceeded
from Istanbul to Ankara.
The delegation that has currently been paying a visit to Turkey as the
guest of Istanbul Textile and Ready-to-Wear Exporters' Association
(ITKIB), responded questions of journalists at Istanbul's Ataturk
Airport prior to departure for Ankara.
Stearns said that they would exchange views on cooperation in fight
against terrorism during their contacts in Ankara.
Stressing that despite being in a sensitive atmosphere, Turkey had
extended full support to the United States in fight against terrorism,
Stearns said that they were grateful to Turkey.
Responding a question about a possible U.S. operation against Iraq,
Stearns said that all decisions about Iraq was taken in coordination
with their all allies including Turkey, and added that decision would
be taken for any possible attempt regarded with Iraq in consultation
with the allied countries.
Meanwhile, U.S. House of Representatives member Kay Granger said that
their visit aimed at exchanging view with parliamentary and business
circles in Turkey.