ECEVIT RECEIVES MARTYRS' MOTHERS

8 women, members of the Istanbul Association of Mothers of the Martyrs, were in conference for nearly an hour with Prime Minister Bulent Ecevit at his Central Office. After the meeting, the Chairman of the Association, Pakize Akbaba, said, "We talked with the Prime Minister as a mother and son do". The mothers of those soldiers killed during conflicts with terrorists also met Bahceli in the afternoon. Bahceli said, "Our meeting took nearly an hour. I saw that their attitude was mature, patient and understanding." Then the women visited the Central Office of the Motherland Party (ANAP) and requested the support of the leader of ANAP, Mesut Yilmaz, for the handing-over of Abdullah Ocalan's file to the Turkish Grand National Assembly (TGNA). /Star/

COSTA: 'TURKEY IS A STRATEGIC CANDIDATE'

Following the declaration of Turkey's candidacy for the EU at the Helsinki Summit, the first serious meeting between Turkey and the EU was held yesterday in Ankara. Portugal's Secretary of State Seixas da Costa, representing the EU Term Presidency, was received by Bulent Ecevit and also met with Foreign Minister Ismail Cem and State Minister Mehmet Ali Irtemcelik, the man responsible for human rights. He said, "We don't look at the issues in Turkey as 'the Kurdish case` and 'the minority case`. The Copenhagen criteria are valid for all individuals. If Turkey abolishes the death penalty completely, the road to membership may be taken more easily. Turkey is an indispensible and very important strategic candidate for the EU." /Hurriyet/

PKK WARNING FOR HARRAZI

Yesterday, Iranian Foreign Minister Kemal Harrazi was received by President Suleyman Demirel, Premier Bulent Ecevit and Foreign Minister Ismail Cem. The guest Minister expressed Iran's annoyance at Turco-Israeli relations. Turkey reiterated that a number of terrorists have sheltered in Iran and a detailed PKK report was presented to Harrazi. During his meeting with the Iranian Minister, Prime Minister Bulent Ecevit said that if Iran so desires, the PKK problem will end. Minister Kemal Harrazi also conveyed Iranian President Muhammed Hatemi's goodwill message and invitation to Suleyman Demirel. The Iranian Foreign Minister will proceed to Konya after completing his meetings in Ankara, and he will return home following his discussions with businessmen in Istanbul. /Hurriyet/

CLASH WITH HIZBOLLAH

For the first time, members of the Hizbollah have clashed with the security forces in a metropolitan area. Istanbul police were led to members of the illegal Hizbollah organization thanks to the case of the seven kidnapped businessmen. Yesterday, following the suspected persons, the police confirmed that they were living in a villa in Beykoz. At 14.30 an armed conflict flared up between the police forces and terrorists, lasting for five hours and ending at 19.00. Istanbul Security Chief, Hasan Ozdemir, personally headed the operation. By the end, one terrorist had been killed and two others captured alive. One policeman was slightly wounded in the hand. A number of weapons and ammunition was seized. Identification found on the dead man revealed him to be Seyithan Aksoy. The other two terrorists are currently being questioned at Istanbul Security Directorate. /Cumhuriyet/

HIZBOLLAH LEADER KILLED

It was revealed that the terrorist 'Seyithan Aksoy`, killed yesterday during a police raid, was the leader of the Hizbollah organization, Huseyin Velioglu. One of the captured militants is Cemal Aydin, responsible for the military wing of the organization; the other is Edip Gumus, responsible for activities in Istanbul. /Hurriyet/

POLICE RAIDS

The two militants, seized alive, were immediately questioned so as to find out the location of the kidnapped businessmen. Accordingly, police arranged a series of overnight raids in Istanbul. During the clash in Beykoz, raids on six other houses were arranged in various areas. Eight persons were placed in custody. /Hurriyet/

JORDAN IS CANDIDATE FOR MANAVGAT WATER

On the heels of Israeli officials, now the Jordanian Minister of Water and Irrigation, Kamil Oyda Allah Mahadin, has arrived in Turkey to discuss the issues concerning the Manavgat Water Project. The Jordanian Minister was received by the Turkish Minister of Energy and Natural Resources, Cumhur Ersumer. Mahadin was briefed at the State Water Works (DSI) and will engage in an inspection of Antalya's Manavgat facilities today. /Aksam/

BLUE STREAM BARGAIN WITH RUSSIA

Russian Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Ivan Ivanov and an accompanying delegation arrived in Turkey to make some official contacts and met the Turkish Deputy Undersecretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Mithat Balkan, yesterday. The Russian economic experts and the Turkish energy and economic specialists attended the meeting during which the economic problems experienced between the two countries, mutual trade, energy and the Blue Stream venture were discussed. It was revealed that Russia wanted the construction of the Blue Stream scheme to begin this year. Ivanov made a statement after the consultations: "The two agreements concerning the protection of investments and double taxation that came into force in January were deliberated. We have solved the problem of finance for the Blue Stream venture. Work on the technical preparations and legal regulations is still in progress". /Aksam/

GENERAL ATILLA ATES IN CAIRO

Land Forces' Commander, General Atilla Ates and his accompanying military delegation contacted officials in Cairo where they had arrived as the guests of the Egyptian Armed Forces' Director of Operations, Major General Ali Mager Hegab. The visit began with the singing of the National Anthem at the Turkish cemetery in the afternoon yesterday at which General Ates laid a wreath, observed a minute of silence and signed the Book of Remembrance. Lieutenant-Colonel Faruk Alpaydin briefed General Ates on the Turkish cemetery in Cairo. General Ates will discuss an increase in cooperation in terms of the military and defence industries between the two countries with Egyptian military officials and will go to Ismaili today. /Turkiye/

COOPERATION FOR EARTHQUAKE VICTIMS

The Turco-German Foundation and the television channel Channel D will construct a playschool and children's dormitory in Kocaeli's district of Golcuk, which was worst-hit by the earthquake. The protocol concerning the construction of the dormitary was signed between State Minister Hasan Gemici, General Chairman of the Turco-German Foundation Vural Oger, General Director of Social Security and the Society for the Protection of Children Bulent Ilik, Governor of Kocaeli Kemal Onal and General Director of Channel D Faruk Bayhan. Gemici said, "We are expecting the aid to reach 5 trillion TL. Dormitories, old people's homes and social centres for women and children will be constructed with the money collected in the year 2000. The dormitory and the playschool will begin to serve the public in the year 2002. As part of the scheme, a school will be also constructed." /Milliyet/

TURKEY RECKLESS IN POPPY PRODUCTION

Minister of Agriculture and Rural Affairs Husnu Yusuf Gokalp has said, "Turkey does not have any problems with its poppy production. If we have the opportunity, we can open a few more alkaloid factories. Turkey can process some items that can be used in medicine. Today, Turkey can control its poppy production. Our factory in Afyon's district of Boldavin is working at full capacity. We are producing 31,000 tons each year and we paid 13 trillion 305 billion TL to the producers. We are planning to increase poppy production and to modernize the factory in Boldavin." /Milliyet/

'STAND-BY' ON TURKISH GRAND NATIONAL ASSEMBLY'S AGENDA

Today intense talks will be held to discuss the implementation of the stand-by agreement in the Turkish Grand National Assembly (TGNA). The privatization of Turk Telekom, arbitration and the legalization of rent increases in line with inflation will be discussed at the TGNA. The Planning and Budget Commission will discuss the draft law concerning the addition of a temporary article to the law concerning real estate rents. The Commission will gather at 14:00 today. /Turkiye/

'THERE IS NO NEW TAX'

Minister of Finance Sumer Oral, has declared, "There is no new tax on the agenda of the Ministry of Finance. Our target is the effective implementation of the present tax system". Minister Oral made a statement to Reuters and delivered a speech at his reception of the Chairman of Istanbul Chamber of Industry, Husamettin Kavi: "The taxes that were collected will be used without waste. There is no new tax. This year the temporary (advance) tax will be imposed once every three months. We are also planning to implement the use of a single tax number as part of our plan to fully-automate the Inland Revenue. In addition, we are planning to change the structure of internal debts, that is, to obtain foreign loans and so extend the length of time for repayments and decrease interest on them. We are also bringing in new arrangements that can increase the effectiveness of public expenditure. The government is determined to take all measures needed for the economy." /Aksam/

OLIVE OIL: 'MADE IN TURKEY`

Following the boom in olive oil exports in 1999, another pleasing development has come from the International Olive Oil Council. Accordingly, the origin of the oil on the world's biggest markets America and Canada, has to be stamped on the bottles. So, Italy and Spain will have to write 'Made in Turkey` on their bottles of export oil bought from Turkey and this will create a great market for Turkish exporters. /Sabah/

ENERGY INVESTMENT: 1.2 QUADRILLION TL

Currently with 116 energy schemes planned, Turkey will invest 1 quadrillion 201 trillion 625 billion TL in the energy sector. As part of the Investment Schedule for the year 2000, the State will spend 1 quadrillion 175 trillion 118 billion TL for those ventures currently underway and 18 trillion 402 billion on the new plans. In addition, the State will use 8 trillion 105 billion TL for research and project administration services. /Turkiye/

TREASURY'S SECOND SALE OF THE YEAR

The Treasury is organizing the second sale of the year 2000; it will sell three-month bonds and 16-month debentures during this second sale. The repayment date for the bonds was set as 19th April 2000, and the debentures will mature on 23rd May 2001. The Treasury envisages the receipt of 572 trillion TL net from the bonds and 1.3-1.4 quadrillion TL net from the debentures. Furthermore, the Treasury will repay national debts of 3 quadrillion 816 trillion TL in January. /Star/

EARTHQUAKE PHOTOGRAPHIC EXHIBITION

The Association of Turkish Journalists is exhibiting 61 photographs reflecting the grief and sorrow experienced in the Aug. 17th quake, at the Mayor of Cankaya's Modern Arts and Culture Centre in Ankara. At its inauguration, TGNA Spokesman Yildirim Akbulut said, "Thanks to these photographs, future generations will be able to understand the extent of the disaster that we have experienced." Following the opening, a reception was held at Ankara Palace. Justice Minister Hikmet Sami Turk and State Minister responsible for human rights and the press Mehmet Ali Irtemceli also attended the reception. /Cumhuriyet/

COLD WEATHER IN TURKEY

With most parts of the country still under snow, Turkey began to fall under the influence of a new cold front on Monday. According to State meteorological officials, heavy rainfall and snow are expected to continue affecting life in most parts of the country until Thursday. Temperatures will remain at the seasonal average, but farmers have been warned to take precautions against frost. In the quake-hit region, authorities have started to take measures against possible floods, caused by heavy rain, that could affect the tent cities. /Cumhuriyet/

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

ENCOURAGING DAVOS BY FIKRET BILA (MILLIYET)

Columnist Fikret Bila writes on Prime Minister Ecevit's impending visit to Davos. A summary of his column is as follows: "Ankara is preparing for the Prime Minister's imminent visit to Davos. Ecevit is going to Davos with the slogan "Invest in Turkey". A brochure showing the positive results achieved in the economy and areas waiting for investment has been prepared. This booklet will be distributed to politicians and businessmen during Ecevit's visit. Ecevit, will outline the steps already taken in the economy and in the legal area directed towards the goal of becoming a full member of the EU, and will underscore the determination of the Government to reduce the rate of inflation as well as the measures implemented in line with this policy and the results obtained. He will also stress that Turkey is a country most suited to investment from abroad. He will explain the investment opportunities in the Southeast of Turkey and state that foreign investors can also benefit from the incentives availablet to Turkish investors in the East and South East of Turkey. Before leaving for Davos, Ecevit wants to solve the issue of arbitration which previously had resulted in the unwillingness of foreign investors to place their money in Turkey. Therefore, he wants the law on arbitration to be passed before 27th January. That is why the issue at the top of the TGNA's agenda today is arbitration. Another important aim of the Davos visit is to provide for the continuation of foreign financial support by breaking the vicious circle of debts with the steps the Government has taken. He will emphasize the need for financial support so as to reduce both the rate of interests and public borrowing. If the issue comes up during his bilateral talks, Ecevit is expected to explain the decision taken at the conference of the Turkish coalition party leaders and what this decision means. Ecevit will arrive in Davos fully-prepared."

WE ARE GETTING LATE IN THE SOUTHEAST BY KENAN AKIN (TURKIYE)

Columnist Kenan Akin writes on the possibility of opportunities in the Southeast slipping through our fingers thanks to delayed action. A summary of his column is as follows: "The economic initiatives which both the Government and the private sector have to launch in the Southeast are being delayed. We should not miss the opportunity to save the Southeast from the state it is in due to years of neglect, and a place where, for years, terrorists ran wild. Following the Turkish Armed Forces' operations to wipe out the terrorists in the Southeast, economic investment in the region is a must. Although investment and the enabling of new employment opportunities are an urgent obligation, they are being hampered and, whatever the reason, the essential investments cannot be implemented. Occasionally, governments engage in certain initiatives but they are too little too late; the people in the region are yearning for employment in freedom following the dark years stained with actions of Ocalan and his friends. At present, the Government is determined to improve conditions in the East and the Southeast of the country. The Government intends to lift the State of Emergency in some cities and is preparing to put certain development schemes into effect in the region. We hope that these plans are implemented. If we do not want terrorism actions to be revived we have to improve the economic situation of the East and Southeast. "

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