DEMIREL DUE IN GEORGIA

President Suleyman Demirel is paying a two-day visit to Georgia during a period of high tension in Caucasia. Demirel will discuss, in detail, the 'security of the region, Chechen refugees and the Baku-Ceyhan pipeline`, with Georgia President Eduard Shevardnadze. Foreign Minister Ismail Cem and Energy and Natural Resources Minister Cumhur Ersumer and Public Works and Settlement Minister Koray Aydin will accompany to the President. /Cumhuriyet/

DEMIREL: 'HATRED DOESN'T SUIT THE STATE`

President Suleyman Demirel praised the Government's decision on the Ocalan case. Demirel said, "This decision is the right one and it has relieved Turkey. Hatred doesn't suit the State. I advise citizens not to be effected by provocations." While replying to qestions posed by journalists Demirel stated, "The Turkish Grand National Assembly will think about the country's interests." Answering a question about the openning of the border with Armenia and its effects on Turkey-Azerbaijan relations the President stressed that Turkey's policies do not depend on other country. He also said that Turkey would not do anything to hurt Azerbaijan and that the two countries were brother countries. /Turkiye/

GOVERNMENT CALM, OPPOSITION ANGERED

The decision emerged from the leaders' summit of the coalition government regarding terrorist chief, Ocalan's execution, caused different comments. Opposition parties reacted harshly to the decision. Islamist Virtue Party's (FP) Deputy Chairman, Ali Goren, asserted that Ocalan has been saved by various circles. The True Path Party defended the leaders' decision not to deliver Ocalan's file to the TGNA didn't comply with the domestic law system. The Great Unity Party's (BBP) leader Muhsin Yazicioglu also against the decision and said, "If he was to be saved, why was he brought to Turkey? There would have be no change if he had stayed in Italia. There is no difference between Ecevit and Dalema's opinion regarding this case. /Turkiye/

RELATIVES OFFENDED

Relatives of the victims of the 15 years of PKK-related violance protested against the decision to delay Ocalan's execution. Approximately 100 relatives of dead soldiers held a demonstration at Edirnekapi Cemetary in Istanbul. Two young men and a woman set themselves alight and are being treated for severe burns at a local hospital. /Turkiye/

EU COMMISSION: 'A POSITIVE DECISION`

Following the decision of Turkey's coalition government on Wednesday to put the death sentence of Abdullah Ocalan on hold, The EU Commission declared that they welcomed the decision. The Commission's Spokesman said in Brussels, "We are pleased with the decision. It shows Turkey's compliance with democracy, human rights and international commitments and we assume that the execution will not be carried out in the future." The EU's Foreign Politics and Defence High Representative Javier Solana also described the decision as 'a firm step in the right direction`. Meanwhile, the decision of the leaders was commented on by European press as a 'postponement`. Western newspapers stated that Premier Bulent Ecevit was effective in taking the decision. /Turkiye/

U.S.A.: "IT WAS THE BEST ALTERNATIVE"

U.S.A. was delighted with Ankara's decision to postpone the Turkish Grand National Assembly vote regarding enforcing the execution of Abdullah Ocalan. In contrast to European countries, the U.S.A. is careful about not to be official in manner concerning the execution of Ocalan. However, according to the American officials as quoted by 'Miliyet' newspaper journalists, postponement is the best alternative' in order that the coalition government may continue with stability and will not to make difficulties with Turkey's relations with the European Union (EU). /Milliyet/

CILLER VISITS LEADERS

The True Path Party (DYP) leader, Tansu Ciller, visited the Democratic Left Party (DSP) leader and Prime Minister Bulent Ecevit, the Nationalist Action Party (MHP) leader and Deputy Prime Minister Devlet Bahceli, the Motherland Party (ANAP) leader, Mesut Yilmaz and the Welfare Party (FP) leader Recai Kutan. During her visit to Bahceli, she mentioned some of her concerns regarding the Presidential election, Ocalan's pending execution and the new government. Ciller offered five reform suggestions and suggested that the Presidential elections should be no more than twice and no longer than five year terms, parties' expenses should be transparent and the Election Law should be changed. The registration of members to the parties should be made healthier and the reforms concerning the judgement system should be implemented. /Star/

KIVRIKOGLU'S HEALTH CONDITION BECOMES BETTER

The Chief of General Staff, General Huseyin Kivrikoglu, who visited Paris as the guest of the French Chief of General Staff, was suddenly taken ill yesterday and was taken to the 'Hospital D'instruction des Armee du Val de Grace' military hospital. Kivrikoglu, who kept in overnight was diagnosed with inflammation of the kidneys. Doctors said that his condition was good. He left the hospital in the morning and continued with his work. General Kivrikoglu is expected to arrive back in Turkey today. /Aksam/

DENKTAS OPPOSES PAPANDREU'S DECISION

The President of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (KKTC), Rauf Denktas, Denktas received the Republican People's Party (CHP) leader Altan Oymen, Deputy General Chairman Inal Batu, Deputy Secretary-General Sule Bucak at his office yesterday. Denktas opposed the Greek Minister of Foreign Affairs, George Papandreu's suggestion to open a common office in Brussels. During the meeting, Denktas addressed Papandreu and said, "First of all, accept our equality, this is a trap and a trick. We are facing the big Byzantine trick and I am warning the Turkish people living in Cyprus to be careful. The EU should first come to the point on which it can recognize our equality." /Milliyet/

SOLUTION WITH TURKEY FOR THE WATER PROBLEM

The Clinton Administration explained that one of the most important elements of a possible peace agreement between Syria and Israel will be about the usage of regional water and that the solution will interest Turkey as well as the other countries in the region. The Spokesman of the U.S.A.'s Department of State, James Rubin, when questioned by journalists asking 'Have you discussed the problem of water between Syria and Israel with Turkey during the latest two months?', Rubin replied that "The Turkish government was briefed concerning the Middle East peace negotiations with its 'outlines'. The water issue has regional dimensions and it not only interest Israel and Syria, but also Turkey. The solution might have regional results." /Milliyet/

PUNISHMENT FOR THOSE WHO CARRY REFUGEE IMMIGRANTS IN THEIR BOATS

10 Turkish and 1 Bulgarian citizen who brought 275 refugees to the Island of Naksos in the Greek Aegean Sea were given prison sentences of 10 years and fined 84 thousand dollars per person. The crew who brought 275 refugees to Naksos had previously been detained on 3rd January. /Cumhuriyet/

FIRST INSPECTION ON FEBRUARY

An International Monetary Fund (IMF) delegation, headed by the Chief of Turkey's Desk, Carlo Cottarelli, is coming to Turkey after Feb. 15th. According to Reuters, the delegation will stay in Turkey for two weeks and review the performance criteria stated in the framework of the stand-by agreement. Following the visit, they will present their report to the IMF's execution board. Meanwhile, regarding the stand-by agreement, the first portion of the 4 billion dollars arrived at the Central Bank and the 305-million-dollar second portion will be released after the IMF delegation's visit in February to Turkey. /Hurriyet/

COTTARELLI: 'MOST POWERFUL PROGRAMME`

The Chief of the IMF Turkey's Desk Carlo Cottarelli speaking at a conference of the American Bank representatives on the subject of Turkey's anti-inflation programme, he said, "It is the most powerful programme that I have faced in my career. Turkey will lower the inflation rate, which has not been tackled for 25 years, set out in 17th programme with the IMF. For the time being everything is going well." Pointing out that the earthquakes would not much effect Turkey's anti-inflation programme, he said, "Turkey is a powerful country and can overcome natural disasters." /Hurriyet/

42 TRILLION TL FROM BRIDGES

IN 1999, except the automatic gate system, from the Fatih Sultan Mehmet and Bogazici bridges in Istanbul, more than 42 trillion TL was earned. 55,356 million vehicles passed over the bridge Fatih Sultan Mehmet, and 61,951,520 vehicles over Bogazici. /Hurriyet/

ISTANBUL CHAMBER OF TRADE 117 YEARS OLD

Istanbul Chamber of Trade (ITO) is celebrating the 117th anniversary of its establishment this month. ITO, was established under the name of the Dersaadet Chamber of Commerce on 14th January 1882 and held its first meeting with 24 members at the same date. With the implementation of no. 625, in May 1925, the ITO became judicial in character. /Aksam/

TARA: '5 BILLION DOLLARS IN FIVE YEARS'

The Chairman of the Turco-Greek Business Council, Sarik Tara, pointed out that the atmosphere of optimism between Turkey and Greece, which became apperant after the earthquakes has turned out to be cooperative in the commercial area as well. Tara said, "We are expecting to increase mutual trade volumes, which was below 1 billion dollars, to 5 billion dollars within five years' time." Tara, who delivered a speech during the meeting to introduce the Turkish Import Goods Fair, that will be held in Athens by Ladin Fair and Congress Services, said that co-operations in many fields can be made between Turkey and Greece. Tara further added, "Turkey's EU-candidacy is the greatest event after the decleration of the Republic. The co-operation that will be made with Greece, which has EU experience of 15 years, will be of immense benefit to us." In addition, the Council's Greek the same-chairman, Panayotis Koutsikos said, "The raproachement between the two countries due to the geopolitical reasons, is being followed and supported by other countries." /Aksam/

CUKUROVA TO ESTABLISH HOLDING COMPANY IN HOLLAND

The Cukurova Group which includes the Communications Services and Sonera Coorperation will establish a holding company in Holland under the name of Findur Holdings B.V. In a statement issued by the Cukurova Holding Company, Fintur Holding Companies will hold shares of Turkcell's GSM companies, which are foreign partners of it and also shares of Cukurova. In addition, it was stated that Fintur Holding Company will provide improvement and finance. It was further declared that Sonera will invest 127 million dollars and its share will be 35.31%. /Aksam/

KOC TO GROW BY 10%

Turkey's biggest group, Koc Holding Company, is aiming to grow 10% in terms of US dollars. The Company will double in size as the Turkish economy is targetted to grow 5.5%. Deputy Chairman of the Executive Board of Koc Holding Company and the member of the Executive Commission, Temel Atay said, "In 1999, in particular our automative sector shrank but the consumer durable companies grew to some extent. However, after a year that had many problems, we consider 10% growth very successful in terms of inflation and dollars." /Sabah/

JRC RAITING ESTABLISHMENT TO COME TO TURKEY

Japanese raiting establishment JCR will come to Turkey in order to make investigations next week. After investigations, it is expected that they will change Turkey's credit grading. In an explanation made by the JCR officials in December, they considered that Turkey's signing of the stand-by agreement with the IMF was a very important development in terms of Turkey's credit raiting. JCR's last evaluation on Turkey was in November and it gave "BB" to Turkey. /Sabah/

AUCTION ON THE OTTOMAN WORKS OF ART

During the 'Ottoman Works of Art and Paintings Auction' organized by Portakal Art and Culture House at Istanbul International Hotel on 23th January, 262 pieces of classical and modern paintings together with Ottoman works of writing and art, totally a half-trillion TL, will be offered for sale. /Milliyet/

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

THE GOVERNMENT STRENGTHENED BY GUNGOR MENGI (SABAH)

Columnist Gungor Mengi comments on the decision concerning the Ocalan case. A summary of his column is as follows: "The decision concerning Ocalan showed that Turkey has a strong and credible Government directed towards the right goals. We have seen developments showing Turkey has moved towards new horizons. In the year 2000, it seems as if Turkey is not only at the threshold of a new century but ready to make new leaps with the energy it has accumulated over the last hundred years. The only obstacle in Turkey's way was the carrying out of the death sentence on Ocalan. It would have been an historical mistake to carry out the death sentence on Ocalan, to sacrifice the future of the country to fanaticism. The integration process with the West would have been over, economic reforms based on political stability would have failed. Powers which are against the development of Turkey would have used this to revive terrorism in Turkey, to politicise the PKK and for a dark and bloody future demanding new victims. The compromisory stand and political wisdom which had been instrumental in the formation of this Coalition will guarantee the future of the Government. Turkish society is confident that the best interests of the country will not be sacrificed for the small interests and is more interested in the good qualities of that the Government has rather than what it lacks. The leaders of the coalition parties decided that they will send the file on Ocalan to the TGNA as soon as they feel that it was being used against the high interests of the country. Up to now, Ocalan has been used as a weapon against Turkey but from now on Turkey will use this to further its own interests. However, the decision to hold the verdict until that of the European Court of Human Rights is not to grant him an amnesty. The State has to be just. However, the Turkish society will find out that commuting the death sentence to life-imprisonment with harsh terms will satisfy justice. The leader of the Nationalist Action Party, Devlet Bahceli has shown great commonsense and we are confident that he will receive the just returns he deserves. The Turkish nation does not want any adventurers to rule it. The country wants statesmen who will use opportunities with wisdom."

DEMIREL IN TBILISI BY ALI SIRMEN (CUMHURIYET)

Columnist Ali Sirmen writes on the visit of President Suleyman Demirel to Georgia. A summary of his column is as follows: "Naturally, the visit of the Turkish President, Süleyman Demirel, to the Georgian capital, Tblisi, can be taken up within the framework of routine relations. In fact, following the disintegration of the Soviet Union, the relations between the Caucasion countries included in the Commonwealth of Independent States and Turkey have improved and has turned into a friendship beyond just neighbourly relations. Azerbaijan comes at the head of the list of these friendly countries followed by Georgia. It is natural for Turkey to have good-relations with southern Caucasian countries. It should be recalled Anatolia is the door to the Caucasus opening up on the world. Turkey's interest in Caucasian countries, and considering the stability of the region vital for its own interests, is not only limited to to the strategic importance of the region, and oil reserves, but also, for the Baku-Ceyhan pipeline project. Caucasian countries are the door of the East for Turkey and Turkey is the door of the West for the Caucasian countries therefore, it is natural for them to enjoy good relations. It would be wrong to view the armed conflict in Chechnya as just a dispute between Russia and Chechnya and skip over Moscow's efforts to re-arrange the Caucasus in accordance with its own wishes. As the visit of President Suleyman Demirel to Tblisi comes at such a time, it bears great significance. It is a well-known fact that Turkey can play a vital role in securing stability in the Caucasus. This fact has been voiced by both Azerbaijani President Haidar Aliyev, and Georgian President, Edouard Shevardnadze. However, there is a fine point. So long as the role Turkey plays to secure stability in the region does not disturb Moscow and is a calming down factor, it will yield better results. Certainly, Moscow should not try to throw the whole region into the fire."

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