PRESS HOLIDAY CELEBRATED

The 10 January Journalists' Day was celebrated yesterday. Many high-level officials issued congratulatory messages to mark the Journalists' Day. President Suleyman Demirel said in his message that legal procedures within the Turkish press should be completed as soon as possible and added that, despite some delays experienced in these legal procedures, the Turkish press has achieved rapid development. "Our democracy and free press are our most important assets in the 21st century", Demirel said. /Aksam/

ALIYEV TO LIFT VETO ON ARMENIA

It is reported that Azerbaijani Head of State Haydar Aliyev has arrived in Ankara to commence the new Caucasian integration process based in Turkey. Azerbaijan, which has been opposed to Turkey's relations with Armenia, is also giving a green light to opening of the border gates for the first time. According to Azerbaijani Foreign Ministry sources, the meetings held during Aliyev's contacts in Ankara will again focus on the Nagorno-Karabakh issue. Aliyev is expected to suggest that dialogue between Turkey and Armenia to solve the Nagorno-Karabakh problem may be more beneficial. Aliyev stated prior to his departure from Baku for Ankara that they might lift the veto to resume cross-border transport and trade which had previously frozen between Turkey and Armenia. He added that a definite result would be made clear following the Aliyev-Demirel meeting. After his talks in Turkey, Aliyev will leave for Georgia and meet Georgian Head of State Eduard Shevardnadze. /Hurriyet/

DENKTAS: MAN OF THE YEAR

The Ankara Journalists' Association has announced the '1999 Achievement Awards'. The grand jury has elected the President of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC), Rauf Denktas, as their 'Man of the Year'. Denktas was elected due to his successful initiatives without making any concessions on TRNC national interests. /Hurriyet/

GEORGE PAPANDREU ON SOUTHERN CYPRUS

Greek Minister of Foreign Affairs George Papandreu is coming to Southern Cyprus today. Papandreu and Greek-Cypriot officials will evaluate the situation concerning Turkey and Cyprus following the New York talks and Helsinki Summit and will determine their common strategy. It was also stated that consultations between the Greek Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Greek-Cypriot Administration were continuing concerning the second round of Cyprus meetings that will be held in Geneva on 31st January. /Turkiye/

KASULIDES: "WE ARE AGAINST A CONFEDERATION SOLUTION"

The Greek-Cypriot Minister of Foreign Affairs, Yannakis Kasulides, stated that it was impossible for them to accept a confederational solution. Kasulides made a statement concerning an article quoting George Pandea's words in the 'Eleftrotipia' newspaper about equality between the Turks on Cyprus and the Greek-Cypriots. Kasulides said that it was impossible for Greece to admit a confederation solution whereas Pandea was of the opinion that his article had been misunderstood. /Turkiye/

NEW COOPERATION PROPOSAL FROM ATHENS

Greek Prime Minister Kostas Simitis stated that they would continue to support cooperation between Turkey and Greece with reference to issues of mutual interest. Simitis issued a statement in the 'Kathimerini' newspaper to the effect that the Helsinki decisions had created the conditions vital to alter the atmosphere in the Southeastern Mediterranean and said that a new mentality should be encouraged in the region for the establishment of peace, stability and development. /Aksam/

PAZARKULE BORDER GATE OPENS BETWEEN TURKEY AND GREECE

Initiatives to make Pazarkule border gate, one of two such gates between Turkey and Greece, more functional, are almost finished. The border gate will be open for 12 hours a day beginning on January 16, the Anatolia News Agency reports.

CLINTON CONGRATULATES ISLAMIC WORLD ON RAMADAN FESTIVAL

After the Middle East Peace Talks in Shepherdstown, American President Bill Clinton delivered a speech at the White House congratulating the Islamic World on its Ramadan Festival. The chief imam of Georgetown University, Imam Yahya Efendi, was also present at the ceremony in the White House. Imam Yahya Efendi read the Koran during the ceremony and chatted with Clinton for a while. Meanwhile, Clinton said that the prayers of all people from all religions world-wide are needed for peace. /Turkiye/

'TURKEY SHOULD BE TREATED EQUALLY'

In 'The Washington Times' newspaper, it was written that the approval of Turkey's candidacy to the EU during the Helsinki Summit would be a real turning point if the U.S.A. continued to give its support, and if Turkey was treated equally in terms of human rights, democratization and foreign policy. In the newspaper, it was stated that the EU's fair and objective evaluation of Turkey's application will strengthen democracy and human rights in this country. It was further added that Turkey's EU candidacy would help both the EU and the U.S.A. in terms of their international security being placed on firmer ground; moreover, in Kosovo and during the Gulf War, it had been proved that Turkey is a good ally. /Turkiye/

WASHINGTON TIMES: 'EUROPEAN ARMY IS A FIASCO'

In a comment published in one of the leading newspapers in the U.S.A., the 'Washington Times', it was declared that the EU-member countries' efforts to establish a "European Army" of 60,000 people had turned out to be a fiasco due to the fact that enough financial funding could not be allocated to it. In the article, it was also pointed out that although the U.S.A. had reserved 252 billion dollars for defence in 1997-1998, the 15 EU-member countries's total defence expenditure for the same year amounted to 125 billion dollars. 'The Washington Times' stated that under these circumstances, it would be impossible to have the "European Army" up and running in the year 2003, as had been planned. /Turkiye/

INTERESTING TIMING BY EUROPEANS

The 'Law Congress 2000' chaired by the Head of the Ankara Bar Association, Hakki Suha Okay, will begin tomorrow. The Congress attended by national and international lawyers will be held between January 12 and 16. The Secretary-General of the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR), Wolfgang Peukert, will also participate in the Congress and deliver a speech on 'Universal Law and National Sovereignty". It is remarkable that Peukert will arrive in Ankara on the same day as the Turkish coalition leaders' summit on Ocalan. /Aksam/

SUMMIT ON OCALAN

The leaders of the three parties comprising the government will hold a summit tomorrow to take a decision concerning the execution of the head of the PKK terrorist organization, Abdullah Ocalan. Prime Minister Bulent Ecevit is expected to persuade his partners to stay Ocalan's execution. The Democratic Left Party (DSP) and the Motherland Party (ANAP) are pressing to wait for the decision of the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) on Ocalan's legal application to that body. The Nationalist Action Party (MHP) wishes to carry out Ocalan's execution as soon as possible. /Hurriyet/

SIX TERRORISTS KILLED

During raids carried out by security forces in Tunceli, six PKK terrorists were killed and six security forces' members also died. A statement issued by the Emergency Rule Region said that raids would continue to sweep the terrorists from the region, the Anatolia News Agency reports.

SPLITS WITHIN PKK INCREASE

Intelligence units declared that the splits and forming of break-away groups had become more visible at the PKK's 7th Congress. Pro-Cemil Bayik militants and those of Osman Ocal sat separately in their own groups. Armenian, Greek, Iranian, Iraq and Syrian representatives also attended the Congress. The 7th Congress had gathered to discuss Abdullah Ocalan's call to 'lay down weapons`. During the meetings, it was stated that according to the last year's figures membership of the organization had decreased by 80-85% and a 230% increase has been observed in desertions when compared to 1998. /Cumhuriyet/

ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS CAPTURED

Three hundred and ten illegal immigrants trying to cross the Turco-Greek border have been captured by the gendarmerie. Most of the immigrants were Afghanis, Pakistanis and Iraqis. Officials said that the immigrants had been taken into custody at Ipsala Gendarmerie Headquarters. /Aksam/

RAPPORTEUR TO VISIT TURKEY

Rapporteur Larszlo Surjan, who was appointed by the Council of Europe following the quake in the Marmara region of Turkey on August 17, 1999, will visit Turkey between January 12-16, the Anatolia News Agency reports. Hungarian parliamentarian Surjan will make observations in the region after meeting with high-ranking officials in Ankara and Istanbul.

NAVAL FORCES TO BE STRENGTHENED

The Naval Forces' Commander, Vice Admiral Ilhami Erdil, stated that new vessels, aircraft and helicopters will be purchased in order to further strengthen the Turkish navy. He replied to questions from the 'National Strategy Magazine' and said that well-trained personnel were also needed to be experts in international maritime law and would be educated in accordance with this view. Erdil pointed out that Turkey should be a political, economic and military power in the region. /Milliyet/

AYTEKIN: "ALL EXPENSES WILL BE MET BY ENVIRONMENTAL FOUNDATION"

Feyzi Aytekin, the Minister of the Environment, announced during an interview that the investigations to assess the pollution caused by Volganeft 248, the Russian tanker that hit a sand bank off Florya due to heavy winds and broke in two, causing a serious oil spill at the Bosphorus, has been continued on board of Arar research vessel, and all expenses are being met by the Environmental Foundation, the Anatolia News Agency reports. Aytekin asserted that whatever is required to clean the pollution, either it is money or the equipment, will be made available to support the cleaning and the containment efforts.

ULUCEVIK: "WE HOPE THAT THE NEW LAW WILL FACILITATE HARMONIZATION WITH GERMAN SOCIETY"

The Turkish Ambassador to Berlin, Tugay Ulucevik, visited the Prime Minister of the Berlin Provincial Administration, Eberhard Diepgen, yesterday. Diepgen pointed out the importance of vocational training for Turks in Germany and said, "Learning German and undertaking vocational training will facilitate harmonization with German society". Ambassador Ulucevik expressed his thanks for the support given by the people in Berlin to the earthquake survivors in Turkey. He further stated that he shared the same views as Diepgen concerning the importance of the German language and added that he hoped that the new law which has gone into effect would facilitate such harmonization, the Anatolia News Agency reports.

TEMA TO BECOME ACTIVE IN GERMANY

The Turkish Foundation Against Erosion and Defrorestation (TEMA), which is trying to stop erosion and aims to replant forests all over Turkey, will continue its work at a meeting in Cologne, Germany. TEMA General Chairman in Germany, Kemal Sahin, made a statement concerning the gathering in which he said that the most important heritage to leave for future generations was a green Turkey. Sahin said, "A conference concerning the environment will be held on 15th January. Meanwhile, TEMA is struggling honourably in order to provide Turkey with its former, beautiful covering." /Turkiye/

TURKEY'S CREDIT RATING

International credit rating establishment Thomson Bank Watch changed Turkey's credit rating, which had been negative, to stable. In a written statement, pointing out that the Turkish Central Bank's monetary and foreign exchange policies target a decrease in interest rates and inflation, Thomson Bank Watch stated that the applications of these policies would form Turkey's economic future. It was also emphasized that political determination was required to be successful in economical policies. /Cumhuriyet/

GAZI ERCEL TO VISIT US

The measures taken by the government and the programmes that have been put into effect in the recent period in the field of economy, had positive and concrete effects in Turkey's foreign credibility. Gazi Ercel, Central Bank Governor, will visit New York on January 11 to address a 100-people group composed of the US finance circles, the Anatolia News Agency reports. The Head of the IMF-Turkey Desk, Carlo Cottarrelli, will also address a conference in New York on January 12 titled "Turkey's Programme in the Struggle Against Inflation".

DIRECTORATE GENERAL OF RAILWAYS, HARBOURS AND AIRPORTS TO INVESTS

The Directorate General of Railways, Harbours and Airports (DLH) is continuing to invest this year as well. DLH's General Director, Ilyas Gulay, recalled that 16 out of 99 construction ventures have been completed, leaving 83 of them for after the year 2000. Gulay further added, "This year we are going to invest 44 trillion 650 billion TL. A new bidding system for tenders will be implemented this year; the evaluation of all kinds of bids will be made by three seven-person commissions that will be established within the DLH. Following this, the bids will be approved." /Turkiye/

TURKISH TELEKOM TO DEVELOP IN THE YEAR 2000

Turkish Telekom is aiming to increase the number of its subscribers to 22 million in the year 2000. According to the news furnished by Turkish Telekom officials, this company has 18,059,500 subscribers thanks to the 260 trillion 900 billion TL invested, that is, 1999's revised investment outlay. Turkish Telekom is expecting to increase its automatic telephone exchange capacity to 22 million lines, the length of its fibre optic cables to 77 thousand km, the number of its subscribers to 22 million and see a rise of 30% in its telephone subscribers. /Turkiye/

TURKISH TOBACCO FOR MARLBORO

Diyarbakir Tobacco Processing Factory's General Director, Zeki Yildiz, stated that they were processing the tobacco that is being test-grown in Edirne for Marlboro cigarettes. Yildiz said, "An agreement between the Ministry and the Rodop Tobacco Company was signed recently and, as part of this, it was decided that this tobacco should be grown in Edirne for the Marlboro firm. After harvesting 405,000 kg of the tobacco that is being test-grown in Edirne, we gave it to Rodop. We will process 700,000 kg of tobacco for Marlboro in the year 2000. We calculate our expenses in terms of U.S.A. dollars every day and report it to officials." /Turkiye/

WIND OF INVESTMENT IN THE AEGEAN

The warmth in relations between Turkey and Greece that began after the earthquake on 17th August is growing day by day. Using Greek funding, the Rokas Company based in Athens has suggested to the Gucbirlgi Holding Company that they cooperate in the area of wind power. Executive Board Chairman Christos Rokas signed the letter in which it was stated that the company has 40 years' experience in the energy sector and is willing to collaborate with Gucbirligi. In the letter it was further suggested, "No matter in which country the investment occurs, the power that will be obtained can be marketed to other countries using undersea cables. We can even sell this energy in the Greek Islands." Furthermore, Executive Board Chairman of Gucbirligi, Kemal Zorlu, declared that they were always ready to invest in this region. Zorlu further added that they would speed up meetings with this Greek firm. /Turkiye/

GREEK BANK TO OPEN BRANCH IN TURKEY

The rapprochement between Turkey and Greece has begun to be reflected in the business world. The biggest bank in Greece, Ethniki Trapeza, has decided to invest in Turkey; General Director Theodoros Karatzas made a statement in which he said that they were planning to open a branch in Istanbul in the next few months. He declared, "We should invest in Turkey, particularly in Istanbul because it is a commercial centre. Furthermore, commercial relations between Turkey and Greece have shown a tendency to increase. We have not applied to open a branch, but we are planning to do such a thing in the near future." /Turkiye/

'THE COMPANIES OF THE WORLD ARE NEEDED'

Executive Board Chairman of the Association of Turkish Industrialists' and Businessmen, Erkut Yucaoglu, stated that Turkey needed those firms that will play a part in the global economy and wanted cooperation between companies and banks to be encouraged. Yucaoglu further added, "If the government will make arrangements for Turkey's profit, then it should also discuss some issues that will encourage the Stock Exchange. We are expecting some banks to merge in the process of reconstruction within the financial sector and this should occur. In the global market, many large firms will compete with each other and Turkey needs those firms which will be able to play their part in this global world. Turkish firms should also cooperate in some sectors. In addition, family firms should collaborate in order to reduce costs. In addition, smart institutions which bring firms together and encouragement to alter tax arrangements and shorten the bureaucratic process are needed." /Turkiye/

FIRST TURKISH EXPORT PRODUCTS FAIR IN ATHENS

The first Turkish export products fair will be organized in Athens, Greece, between April 20 and 23. The "Turco-Greek Friendship and Cooperation Fair" will take place in the "Peace and Friendship Stadium". The Fair aims at further improving relations between Turkey and Greece which were accelerated by the dialogue process, the Anatolia News Agency reports. Meanwhile, a press conference will be staged in Istanbul on January 13 to brief journalists on the Fair.

THE YEAR 2000: THE YEAR OF HOPE FOR FOREIGN FUNDING

Executive Board Chairman of the Association of Foreign Capital Funding, Faruk Yoneyman, stated that after the harmonization law on arbitration is completed, then foreign funds are expected to come to Turkey. Yoneyman added, "1999 was a bad year in terms of foreign funding, the level of the foreign capital investments being 800 million dollars. However, following certain economic decisions taken by the government, the obstacles to foreign funding have been removed." /Turkiye/

MOBIUS: "IMKB IS KING OF THE WORLD STOCK EXCHANGES"

Mark Mobius, Director of Templeton International, one of the most famous fund administrators in the world, praised the Istanbul Stock Exchange (IMKB). Mobius stated that the IMKB had broken a record, increasing by 16% during the first six days of the new year. Mobius described the IMKB as the 'King of the World Stock Exchanges'. He added that investments should be made on the IMKB. /Hurriyet/

GLOBALSTAR TO PROVIDE TURKEY WITH UNINTERRUPTED COMMUNICATIONS SYSTEM

Globalstar is a satellite communications system that will supply uninterrupted communications in areas not served by national and international networks, the Anatolia News Agency reports. The system is currently being tested in Turkey, the US and Europe. Some of Globalstar's land stations are already operating; some are in the testing stage, and others are still under construction. The system will begin to operate at the Ogulbey land station in Ankara's district of Golbasi.

TURKISH EXIMBANK DROPS INTEREST RATES ON LOANS

Turkish Eximbank's 10 point interest drop on short term export loans takes effect on Tuesday. The new interest rates will be between 35 and 43 %. The rate for exporters and manufacturers in regions with development priority is 25 %. Meanwhile, tourism marketing loans are fixed between 39 and 45 % depending on the term, the Anatolia News Agency reports. The government hopes to improve the competitiveness of Turkish export goods in international markets. In a previous statement, Turkish Eximbank said that the bank dropped interest rates due to declining interest rates in December and early October.

TANK PURCHASE

The tenders for the Turkish Armed Forces's international tank purchase bid will be taken on Monday, Jan. 17th. The first large defence venture of the new century will be financed by the Defence Industry Undersecretariat. In the first stage, the Undersecretariat will receive offers from four different firms for 250 tanks on Jan. 17th and then test their proposed tanks. /Cumhuriyet/

TURKISH SIGNATURE ON MOSTAR

Mostar Bridge which was built in 1566 by Architect Hayrettin, the apprentice of Architect Sinan, will be re-constructed by Turks. The Underground Research Company (Yeralti Arastirmacilik Sirketi) won the tender for the reconstruction of Mostar Bridge which was demolished by the Croatians in 1993. Many countries had applied to UNESCO, such as Luxembourg, Italy, Croatia, Austria and Bosnia-Herzegovina, to undertake the rebuilding of the bridge. /Sabah/

INCREASE IN CEMENT PRODUCTION

In cement production, which has been abandoned by European countries due to environmental concerns, Turkey has become top in Europe. According to a report by the Central Anatolia Exporters' Union, world cement production declined to 1.48 billion tons, with a 2% decrease in 1998, and Turkey was 7th in the world with its 37.5-million-ton production volume and first in Europe. /Cumhuriyet/

LIO OLIVE OIL COMPANY COMES FIRST IN TURKISH EXPORTS

It is reported that 5% of the world's olive oil needs are met by the Lio Olive Oil Company, which has led Turkey's olive oil exports during the last three years. The Head of the Olive and Olive Oil Exporters' Union, Sevket Aksoy, and the Head of the Olive Oil Industrialists' Association, Ragip Arsan, are the owners of the company, which met 25,000 tons of the 508,000 tons of total exports needed by the world in 1999. /Aksam/

RAMADAN FEAST HOSTED BY PATRIARCH

The Fener Orthodox Greek Patriarch hosted a Ramadan feast for the inhabitants of Darulaceze. Patriarch Bartholomeos, attending lunch, celebrated the feast for the ill and the old; he said, "We Greeks live in Turkey and share this nation's happinesses and griefs. Everybody who lives in this country is a brother." /Cumhuriyet/

MODERN DANCE GROUP DUE IN LONDON

The State Opera and Ballet's Modern Dance Group will stage two performances at Bloomsbury Theatre in London on Jan. 13th and 14th. The performances will be organized by the Turkish Embassy in London and British Council in Ankara. A portion of the proceeds will be donated to the earthquake survivors. /Cumhuriyet/

CONCERT IN VIENNA AND BRATISLAVA

Ankara State Opera and Ballet is going to stage concerts on Jan. 18th in Vienna and on Jan. 19th in Bratislava, the capital city of Slovania. The concerts were organized within the framework of celebrations to mark the 700th anniversary of the establishment of the Ottoman Empire. /Cumhuriyet/

TARKAN IN TURKEY

Renowned Turkish pop-singer, Tarkan, arrived in Istanbul yesterday. Tarkan will begin his reduced short-term military service on January 15, having paid a certain amount of money following the enactment of the related military exemption law which was passed by the Turkish Parliament following the earthquake disaster. /Sabah/

CONCERT IN HOLLAND

A group of Dutch musicians will give a concert on February 27 as an expression of sympathy for the quake survivors. The fund to be raised from the concert which will be organized in the Gelredome stadium in Arnheim, will be used for education of child victims of the quake disaster, the Anatolia News Agency reports.

FROM THE COLUMNS... FROM THE COLUMNS... FROM THE COLUMNS...

INFORMING PARLIAMENT BY TAHA AKYOL (MILLIYET)

Columnist Taha Akyol writes on the call from the Nationalist Action Party to receive information concerning the Ocalan case. A summary of his column is as follows: "On the eve of the conference of coalition leaders, a suggestion was made by the Nationalist Action Party wing. Deputy Speaker of the TGNA Murat Sokmenoglu stated that whatever decision may be taken at the conference of the leaders concerning the Ocalan case, the Parliament had to be briefed. He said that the Prime Minister favoured the delaying of the Ocalan case and the President agreed with him. They pointed to the greater interests of the nation as the reason for their decision and talked about official reports. In the meantime, they expressed the view that the highest authority in the country is the TGNA. Therefore, it has to be informed on the question as the members of parliament who will decide on the issue, listening to the voice of their conscience, have the right to know all concerning the case. So, it is the duty of the Government to share the information it has with these members of parliament; the TGNA can hold a "secret" session on the Ocalan case. Other representatives from the Nationalist Action Party also share this view. However, the proposal has not been considered by the Prime Minister yet. Representatives from the Democratic Left wing of the Coalition Government find the proposal to be in order; they believe that it is natural for Parliament to learn the facts about the issue. However, in such a session the Opposition should not use the case as a political weapon. If the Opposition revealed their approach to the matter to be above-party politics, the information session in the Parliament would be useful. Otherwise, if the issue is used for cheap political reasons it may have certain drawbacks. This may come up during the mini-summit of the coalition party leaders. Even if the Chairman of the Nationalist Action Party, Devlet Bahceli, accepts a delay in sending the case before Parliament he may request that the TGNA be informed. During the mini-conference, the Prime Minister is expected to share information based on official documents with Bahceli and Yilmaz. In addition to the three leaders, Deputy Prime Ministers Husamettin Ozkan and Cumhur Ersumer, State Minister Mehmet Ali Irtemcelik and Industry Minister Kenan Tanrikulu are thought to be present at the conference."

DENKTAS' ATTACK FOR A SOLUTION BY SAMI KOHEN (MILLIYET)

Columnist Sami Kohen writes on the latest developments concerning Cyprus. A summary of his column is as follows: "The President of the Turkish Republic of Cyprus (TRNC) is more hopeful for finding a solution to the Cyprus problem, but is bitter about domestic politics. It is very important for Denktas to express optimism even if it is only cautious. In the course of his struggle over many years, Denktas has been annoyed and even angered at times at the lack of understanding shown not only by the Greek-Cypriot Administration but also by other foreign countries, and to see him hopeful for the future sends out the signal that there is a new initiative being brought to bear on the problem. While preparing for the second round of proximity talks, to be held in Geneva this time, Denktas is saying that the third round may be held in June. This shows that Denktas sees these not as idle talk but as a process leading to a solution. As do all Turkish-Cypriots he also believes that no solution is not a good solution, on the condition that natural basic interests should be protected. Denktas' hopefulness stems from two facts. One of them is that the world is finally understanding the argument of the TRNC better and is finding the Turkish-Cypriot side to be in the right. The second fact concerns the EU. Denktas stated that after the Luxembourg Summit the EU posed an obstacle to peace on Cyprus. At present it can play a contributory role to peace, that is, if it accepts the balance between Turkey and Greece and the truth of the situation on the Island. He believes that if the Turkish-Cypriot side plays its cards right, a solution may be near. When the door to the EU has been opened for Turkey, they have to be able to show the necessary flexibility. However, he added that they needed to get into a bargaining position and remain firm in their resolve. Denktas stated that Turkey's EU candidacy would be to the advantage of the Turkish-Cypriots. He expressed his belief that the TRNC would be able to form a dialogue and bilateral relations with the EU through this medium. The TRNC will launch a series of initiatives by the EU in the coming six months. There are some preparations underway on Cyprus concerning this. The TRNC will plan the required arrangements for membership and some visits to certain capitals and contact with other foreign countries will be undertaken. However, the President does not hide his disappointment in domestic politics, notwithstanding the positive atmosphere seen in foreign policy. He plans to be a candidate for President in the coming elections, to finish what he has started, if he believes it is what the public wants. "

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