SUPPORT TO DEMIREL'S SUGGESTION FROM RUSSIA

President Suleyman Demirel, who has suggested a Caucasus Stability Pact because of high tension in the Caucasus, was given initial support by Russia. The Russian Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ivan Ivanov, who is in Ankara now, stated that they wanted to take part in a Caucasus Stability Pact, geographically and politically and a mechanism should be set up for such a pact. Ankara is starting the second half of January with an intensive programme. Improvement of economic relations and petroleum and natural gas pipelines are on the agenda of Ivanov's two day visit. /Aksam/

ECEVIT: 'IMRALI IS NOT A POLITICAL PLATFORM`

Stressing his disapproval of Abdullah Ocalan making announcements to the press and the public via his lawyers from his prison on the Island Imrali, Prime Minister Bulent Ecevit stated, "It is not possible to tolerate Apo's use of Imrali prison as a platform to send political messages to Turkey." Premier Ecevit interviewed on 'Sunday Panorama` which was broadcast on state television (TRT) on Sunday and answered questions about Ocalan's case. He said that Ocalan's influence had mostly dissappeared in the terrorist organization and disputes were being experienced. Speaking about the stay of execution on Ocalan, Ecevit said that it would not be in the interests of Turkey to make Ocalan a hero by hanging him, and keeping him alive would erode his influence. Prime Minister Ecevit also answered questions regarding the coalitian government, he said, "There is a great compliance in the government, and the world is also astonished by this. The Jan. 12th summit was a result of harmony and conciliation. I don't accept it as my personnel success or victory." The Prime Minister also stated that he was pro-lengthening to the term of President Demirel, and said that Demirel has become the 'common moral leader` in the region and that ensures many possibilites for Turkey. /Milliyet/

PAPANDREU IN ANKARA ON WEDNESDAY

The Greek Foreign Minister Yorgo Papandreu's visit to Turkey has historic importance as it is the first official visit since 1962. The Greek Foreign Minister will arrive in Ankara on Wednesday and begin his four-day long meetings on Thursday. During the meetings,the anti-terrorism agreement is expected to be signed which has been awaited for years for by Turkey and other hard issues such as the construction of chancellery buildings will be taken up. In addition, narcotics, the smuggling of people, organized crimes and cooperation in anti-terrorism and tourism agreements will be signed. /Milliyet/

CYPRIOT-GREEK MINISTER WANTS TO VISIT TURKEY

The Cypriot-Greek Administration's Foreign Minister, Yannakis Kasulides, stated that he also wanted to visit Turkey after Papandreu's visit. In his statement to the 'Kathimerini` newspaper Kasulides said that he might pay a visit to Ankara either as an official or by private invitation and he had a lot to say to Turkish officials. /Hurriyet/

IRAN FOREIGN MINISTER DUE IN ANKARA

Iran Foreign Minister Kemal Harrazi came to Ankara yesterday for a two-day official visit. During the visit bilateral relations, especially on the economy will be discussed. Harrazi will also proceed to Istanbul and meet with Turkish businessmen. Although it's an official visit Harrazi will not be visiting Ataturk's mausoleum. /Milliyet/

IVAN IVANOV DUE IN ANKARA

Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Ivan Ivanov will start his official programme today. During the meetings, the effects of Turkey's EU membership on Turco-Russian relations will be discussed as well as the Blue Stream pipeline venture. /Milliyet/

ISMAIL CEM: 'THERE IS CONCRETE DEVELOPMENTS`

Turkish Foreign Minister Ismail Cem stated that there is concrete developments in the relations between the two countries, in his statement to Greek newspaper 'To Vima`. He said, "Turkey and Greece have decided to solve the problems between them in a peaceful manner." /Hurriyet/

S-300 MISSILES AND A PROFESSIONAL ARMY FOR GREECE

The earthquake disasters has brought Turkey and Greece closer. The winds of friendship have begun to blow. Greece opened the road to the EU for Turkey. However, as Ankara was preparing to host the Greek Foreign Minister, George Papandreu, the real bomb exploded in Crete. Greek Defence Minister, Akis Djohadjopoulos, controlled the S-300 missiles which were withdrawn from the Greek-Cypriot Administration and deployed on Crete. He then stated that these missiles would be in working order soon. The Greek Defence Minister said that when the S-300 missiles were in operation, 40% of the region would be controlled by Greece. He added that with the US Patriot missiles to be deployed on Crete in 2001, Greece would control the whole of the Aegean. The Greek Defence Minister made another announcement that Athens would establish a professional army of 15,000. /Star/

RENT LAW TO BE DISCUSSED TOMORROW

The draft law to increase rents no more than an increase of 25% in the year 2000 and up to 10% only in the year 2001 will be discussed tomorrow in the Turkish Grand National Assembly (TGNA). It will be discussed by the Plan and Budget Commission of the TGNA and then it will go before the General Council of the TGNA. This law is very important in terms of reducing inflation to 25%. /Star/

START TO SECOND RETIREMENT

The draft for the law concerning Personal Retirement Funds was on the agenda as part of social security reforms has been completed. It is expected to go before the Council of Ministers in two weeks. An exchange of information with the insurance companies concerned took place and further changes were made to the draft document concerning opportunities for second retirements. The Ministry of Labour, the Ministry of Finance, the Treasury and the State Planning Organization are responsible for preparing the draft. /Star/

REFORM TO BE MADE IN AGRICULTURE

The first step concerning agricultural reforms is being taken. A delegation from the World Bank will arrive in Ankara tomorrow to discuss agricultural reforms to the support purchases which are planned to be removed by the government and will not please farmers. The World Bank will reserve a source of 1 billion US dollars for the overheads involved. The basic principle of the agricultural reform is to prevent the agricultural loans' and support purchases' going to 'large farmers' who do not need them. /Star/

REPUBLICAN PEOPLE'S PARTY TO VISIT VILLAGES

The Republican People's Party (CHP), which is continuing its reconstructing efforts, is targetting at least 80% of nearly 40,000 villages in Turkey with the slogan of "The village that you do not visit is not yours". The 'reaching the village' project, which was prepared by the Deputy General Chairman of the CHP, Cevdet Selvi, and which is just a draft at the moment, is aiming at giving priority to rural areas, coming face to face with the public, explaining the work of the CHP and to refreshen confidence. /Cumhuriyet/

JUSTICE COMMISSION TO CONVENE TODAY

The Commission for changes to be made to the Turkish Punishment Law is convening today. The opening speech of the meeting will be made by the Minister of Justice, Hikmet Sami Turk. The Commission will be chaired by Senior Proffessor Sulhi Donmezer and will evaluate criticisizms and suggestions concerning this issue and rearrange them. The Commission consists of the Ministry of Justice and 20 masters of law from the universities. /Cumhuriyet/

AYVAZ KORKMAZ IN PRISON

The gangster, Ayvaz Korkmaz, who was extradited to Turkey from Ukraine, arrested in Istanbul State Security Court (DGM). Korkmaz, who was questioned for four days by Istanbul police, and sent for a health check at Istanbul Haseki Hospital. Later he was taken to the Night DGM Jurisdiction Court and was detained. /Aksam/

TOURISM TARGETTED AT 7.5 BILLION DOLLARS

The Ministry of Tourism, stated that Turkey has a share of 3% in Europe, will reconstruct the tourism sector as from the year 2000. The Ministry is planning to enter special areas such as yatching, golf and mountaining. In addition, the Ministry of Tourism is planning to soften the laws and regulations concerning the tourism sector. To sum up, Turkey, which was visited by 7,500,000 tourists, and received nearly 4 billion 800 million dollars, is hopeful from the year 2000 on. /Sabah/

TAI'S FIRST HELICOPTER TO BE RECEIVED

As part of the Phoneix-1 programme, the contract for which was signed on 13th February 1997, a large chunk of the manufacture and montage works for the 'Cougar helicopter AS-532' intended for the Land and Air Forces Command, was completed. The first helicopters, manufactured by the Turkish Aviation and Space Industry (TAI), is programmed for delivery to the Aviation Forces Command in May. /Sabah/

TURKEY TO JOINTLY MANUFACTURE CIGARS WITH CUBA

The joint cigar production between Turkey and Cuba, which has been on the agenda for a very long period of time, will start on 1st October 2000. Havana tobaccos will be permitted to be used in the production of cigars and labelled Ankara, Topkapi, Marmara and Pazar, which are still being used by the Monopoly. The TEKA company established for this purpose and the Monopoly will provide Cuba finance of 3 million dollars. /Aksam/

AN EARTHQUAKE BASE IN ISTANBUL BY THE RED CRESCENT

The biggest humanitarian establishment in the world, the Red Crescent, has established an earthquake base in Istanbul. The Red Crescent, which came to Turkey before, is working very hard in the office opened at the Directorate of Kizilay (Turkish Red Crescent) in Istanbul. The team of 53, who collect materials coming from other countries in a huge depot in Samandira, is continuing its works concerning the earthquake. The team consists of experts from countries such as Canada, Japan, Holland and Spain and is evaluating precautions against further possible earthquakes in Istanbul. At the Red Crescent's base, action plans are being made and the data collected. /Aksam/

STATE PLANNING ORGANIZATION: 'WORLD ECONOMY TO GROW 3.5%'

The State Planning Organization (DPT), stated that the world economy would grow by 3.5% in the year 2000 and the world's trade volume will grow with an average of 6.2%. According to the evaluation made by the DPT, the world economy started improvements in 1999 because of the economic precautions implemented after the crisis in the financial markets because of the rapid high growth in the U.S.A. which continued during the last year and, in consequence, prevented the crisis deepening on a global scale. /Sabah/

IZNIK TILES TO BE EXHIBITED IN PARIS

An exhibition of the famous Iznik tiles and their use in modern decoration and architecture, will be opened today at the UNESCO building in Paris. The new Japanese Secretary-General of UNESCO, Koichiro Matsuura, the Minister of Culture, Istemihan Talay and Turkey's Ambassador to UNESCO, Turan Firat, will open the exhibition which is organized by the Iznik Foundation of Education. /Cumhuriyet/

NAZIM HIKMET POETRY AWARD FOR CESAIRE

2nd International Nazim Hikmet Poetry Award will be given to the poet Aime Cesaire during a ceremony to be held at the Ataturk Cultural Centre this evening. During the award ceremony, some artists will read poetry and the Istanbul State Opera and Ballet will colour the evening with their dances. The Lebanese poet Adonis, who lives in Paris, is the first to win the International Nazim Hikmet Award, and the Greek artist Aliki Kayalioglu will also attend the ceremony. /Cumhuriyet/

TURKEY'S PROMOTION IN THE US

Advertisements promoting Turkey will be published in US newspapers, magazines and on the Internet. In New York 300 buses will display posters for a two months period. Travel holidays will also be offered on TV game shows as prizes for contestants. /Milliyet/

MEHTER BAN IN VIENNA

The Mehter Ban and Ankara State Opera and Ballet Orchestra will stage a concert in Vienne, organized to commemorate the 700th establishment anniversary of the Ottoman Empire in Vienna, Austria. Culture Minister Istemihan Talay will deliver a speech during the performance. In addition to historical extracts of Turkish music, Beethoven's 'Turkish Marsh` and Lanner's 'Ottoman's Waltz` will be performed. /Turkiye/

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

NO STABILITY PACT WITHOUT RUSSIA BY IZZET SEDES (AKSAM)

Columnist Izzet Sedes comments on the situation in the Caucasus. A summary of his column is as follows: "One should consider the peace and prosperity of all nations in the world as much as his own happiness". These are the words of Ataturk who founded the Turkish Republic. President Demirel for years has wanted a stability pact to be established in the Caucasus. Demirel's experiences during his political life have led him to know Russia closely and very well. Therefore, he said, "Our friend and neighbour Russia is a world state who will influence the future of Europe and Asia and will play a determining role in the security and peace of the 21st century. We see Russia as our partner in the next century." President Demirel surprised everyone by calling on the establishment of a stability pact in the Caucasus. The establishment of such a pact may lead to ensuring stability in this region wrought with conflicts, although it is not certain that it would be lasting. The Chechen war has led to a disagreement between the US and Russia. Moscow claims that the US is helping terrorists and separatists. Russia and Georgia cannot be said to be on the best of terms either. We have to know that President Shevardnadze is in no position to be defiant towards Russia. In fact, the Georgian President has said that if a pact is to be established, Russia should not be left out. We have to be realistic and know that the Baku-Ceyhan pipeline cannot be established while Russia opposes the plan. Due to these diasgreements, and especially to the Chechen war, Russia has announced a defence doctrine which states that it can use "nuclear weapons" as threats in the military field have increased. Moscow has hardened its stand. In 1997, it stated that it would resort to nuclear weapons only if the existence of the Russian Federation was in danger. Today, Russia has changed its tune, and states that it may use nuclear weapons if pressed. Russia is renewing its nuclear weapons. The Head of State, Putin, was present at the testing of a new weapon on 15th November. Under such circumstances, how much will the Caucasus Stability Pact, proposed by President Demirel, be favoured? However, we believe that this initiative, launched by the President, is to the benefit of the region and the world. We hope it is successful."

OCALAN CASE BY GUNGOR MENGI (SABAH)

Columnist Gungor Mengi comments on Prime Minister Bulent Ecevit's speech concerning the Ocalan case. A summary of his column is as follows: "It cannot be possible to view the place to be used as a political stand for Ocalan!" These are the words of Prime Minister Ecevit talking about the Imrali State Prison. He also added that there was tendencies to policize the separatist movement as the price of ending terrorism and that they would not allow this. During the trial, Ocalan stated to the PKK that the only thing that would defend them was the roof the democratic republic and that he did not want a separate Kurdistan. Ocalan said that there was the freedom of expression and political freedom and therefore, it was meaningless to want something already in existence. It is significant that he is regretful, however, it cannot save his skin. He is a terrorist and justice has dealt his sentence. Today, Turkey is discussing what should be done. The important thing is to bury terrorism in the past. Is it better to carry out the death sentence on Ocalan and revive terrorism, to distance Turkey away from Europe, and sabotage the economical stability efforts or by commuting the sentence to life imprisonment, create an atmosphere supporting the will of the public to live together? A third condition, that is to say, granting amnesty to Ocalan cannot be thought of. Such an idea would provoke the public to ask for the carrying out of the sentence. The decision by Government leaders to suspend the carrying out of the Ocalan sentence is the joint will of the left and the right. They do not intend to grant an amnesty to the terrorist but to end the reasons for terrorism. However, to bargain for an amnesty and use Imrali Prison as a stand is sabotaging goodwill. Therefore, Ocalan should talk not only for his life but for the future of the nation. If he does not stop talking, his lawyers should warn him and they in turn, should be stopped by the Bar Association. The right for defence is sacred even for terrorists. However, this is not using the right of defence but speaking up for terror."

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