PRESIDENT SULEYMAN DEMIREL CONGRATULATES TURKISH EDUCATION FOUNDATION

President Suleyman Demirel congratulated the Turkish Education Foundation (TEV) which gave full scholarships to 3,500 students, hit by the earthquake disaster, and reserved 6.5 trillion TL, for their next three years education. The Chairman of the Executive Board and the Administrating Committee of the TEV, Aydin Bulak, sent a letter on the subject and related works they have also completed, to Demirel. Demirel sent a letter to Bolak in a response saying, "I am very much delighted that the TEV has given full scholarship to 3,500 students, who were hit by the earthquake. I am thanking the Administration and the members of the TEV in the name of the State of the Republic of Turkey and of the Turkish people and send my congratulations and appreciations." /Milliyet/

ECEVIT TO VISIT DAVOS WITH HOPE

A report that explains the business and investment opportunities in Turkey, was prepared for the World Economic Forum, bringing together leaders of political and business life in Davos, Switzerland, between 27th January and 1st February. In the report, which is 22 pages long and will be presented by the Prime Minister, Bulent Ecevit, to the foreign investors in Davos, the Turkish economy is highlighted and information on Turkey's strategic, political and economic roles and latest structural reforms that were implemented and investment opportunities in the public sector. In addition, the report calls for foreign involvement, particularly in 58 projects, listing total costs and estimated foreign financing requirements. /Turkiye/

BRIEFING TO LEADERS

Yesterday, Interior Minister Sadettin Tantan gave a briefing to the coalitian party leaders about the Hizbullah operations. The Nationalist Party (MHP) Leader, Devlet Bahceli, the Motherland Party Leader, Mesut Yilmaz, State Minister, Husamettin Ozkan, and Justice Minister, Hikmet Sami Turk attended the meeting. Tantan informed the leaders and Ministers on operations regarding the illegal Hizbullah organization in 30 Turkish cities, materials seized and the structure of the organization. Justice Minister Turk also informed the leaders about the riot in Metris Prison, initiated by members of another reactionary terrorist organization, IBDA-C. /Cumhuriyet/

IBDA-C RIOT AGAIN

While security operations to illegal Hizbullah organization continue, another radical Islamic organization, the Islamic Great East Raiders Front (IBDA-C)'s members riot at Metris Prison. When the gendarmerie tried to take the IBDA-C leader Salih Mirzabeyoglu, expected to attend a hearing in the State Security Court today, from his cell, 63 IBDA-C members set fire to their beds and blankets and fought with the security forces. Sancar Kartal, a prisoner, died. Mirzabeyoglu and his 15 supporters were sent to Kartal Prison, after having their hair cut. /Aksam/

KUTAN: 'NO LINK WITH ISLAM AND TERROR`

During his speech at the Virtue Party (FP) group meeting, party leader Recai Kutan asked that why the authorities didn't initiate a fight against the previously widely known illegal terrorist organization earlier. Kutan said, "This is a terrorist organization. Some circles are trying to relate these murders to Islam by identifying the incidents with words such as Islamic terror, Islamic fundamentalism, Islamic massacre." He also added, "Linking Islam with terror and anarchy is the greatest slander against Islam and no one should dare to accuse our great religion and its believers. The word Islam also means peace and welfare. The true name of these events is terrorism." /Aksam/

BAHCELI: 'THERE IS NO GOOD OR BAD TERRORISM`

Deputy Prime Minister Devlet Bahceli delivered a speech at his Nationalist Action Party (MHP) group meeting. He said that the frightening face of terrorism was revealed once more with the latest 'Hizbullah operations`, however, some circles are still do not criticize terrorism. Stressing that there is no right-wrong or good-bad terrorism, Bahceli said, "Everbody should have a fair attitude and should prove whether he is for the unity of Turkey or not." He also emphasized that the Turkish State and democracy should get rid of the shade of blame and the nuisance of terrorism, corruption and gangs. /Aksam/

HIZBULLAH MILITANT CONFESSES: "LONG LIVE THE REPUBLIC OF TURKEY"

Abdulaziz Tunc, who started the process of the collapse of the illegal terrorist organization, Hizbullah, with his confessions, stated that the organization kidnapped and killed its own members and that this had been kept secret. During the trial, held at Diyarbakir's number 3 State Security Court, at which Abdulaziz Tunc and his friend Gazi Kavan were present. Tunc said, "Some of these murders were committed in the interest of the organization or as a result of terrorist's leaving the organization. There are many graves like this in the Southern east of Turkey. However, I do not know where these graves are exactly. It is a strong, and well-organized organization against to the State. I have also explained this situation to the Court and the security forces with the information and formal request that I gave. Long live the Republic of Turkey." /Cumhuriyet/

'TURKEY IN THE 21ST CENTURY`

The conference 'Turkey in the 21st Century` has begun at Ankara University. During his inauguaration speech, stressing that the Hizbullah Terrorist organization didn't suddenly appear, the General Chairman of the Kemalist Idea Association, Yekta Gungor Ozden, said, "This is a result of the concessions given by the politicians in the name of tolerance over the last years." Ozden said that State positions were held by 'old people` and this was a unfortunate for Turkey. He also emphasized that to divide the public as either 'civilian` or 'soldier` was not right. /Cumhuriyet/

TURKEY'S VISA ATTACK

Romania and Bulgaria, who obtained the right to start towards full membership negotiations with the EU, applied to the EU Commission for visa exemptions for their citizens visiting EU countries. After hearing of such an application, Turkey also initiated a similar attempt. However, a written reply to Turkey's application has not arrived in Ankara yet. An official said, "It shouldn't be forgotten that the EU is anxious of possible immigration from from Turkey. This is a very sensitive subject for them." /Hurriyet/

MORGAN STANLEY: "TURKISH FUND IS THE BEST"

One of the world's largest advisory investment establishment American Morgan Stanley proposed the Turkish capital markets to international investors. Morgan Stanley commented on 'Turkish funds` as, "Unique funds for American investors". The Turkish funds closed in the year 1999 with a 274% net profit and shares also gained in value to 306%. /Hurriyet/

DISCOUNTED FLIGHTS TO TUNISIA BY TURKISH AIRLINES

Turkish Airlines (THY) stated that discounted prices would be offered between 31st January and 9th March on flights to Tunisia. The cost of a 'business class' seat would be $499 and for 'economy class' $189. /Cumhuriyet/

NATURAL GAS WILL BE TAXED

A motion to tax natural gas would be added to the draft law proposal 'Local Administration Reform' is expected to be discussed at the Turkish Grand National Assembly (TGNA) in February. As part of the article added to the draft law at the request of the Ankara Metropolitan Municipality, it is proposed that a tax of 5%, which is on electricity and coal-gas will now be added to natural gas. /Cumhuriyet/

THE WORLD BANK COMPLIMENTS TURKEY

The World Bank's Director to Turkey, Ajay Chhibber, said that the programme determined to be implemented by the government is very brave. Mr. Chhibber visited the Ankara Chamber of Trade (ATO) and met the Chairman, Sinan Aygun, and other ATO officials. Chibber said, "There is no way out except for the reconcilation of this implementation of the economic programme. The ATO's support for this programme is very important. In spite of the help of the IMF and the World Bank, the programme is Turkey's. The private sector's and the whole community's participation is necessary for its success. Now interest rates have started to decrease and the Istanbul Stock Exchange gained in value." /Turkiye/

AGRICULTURE WAS DISCUSSED

The Minister of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Husnu Yusuf Gokalp, delivered a speech during the meeting, on 'International Agricultural Development Strategies-Target 2010' and said that the new target for the new century was to increase the level of Turkish agriculture to those of modern countries'. Gokalp further added, "At the beginning of the Republican era, the agricultural sector's share in the gross national revenue was 90%. This average decreased to 26% in 1980 and decreased to 14% recently. The share that is taken by the agricultural sector from the national income is 15%, which is very low. Improving this situation is the agricultural sector's duty as well as the other sector's duty and it is also the responsibility of a socialist state. Some legal arrangements are necessary to speed up the agricultural reforms and to solve or to decrease the present problems. /Turkiye/

FOOD AND AGRICULTURE ORGANIZATION SUPPORTS TURKEY'S AGRICULTURAL REFORM

The United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization's (FAO) representative to Turkey, Maharaj Muthoo, stated that Turkey is very determined regarding agricultural reforms and that this situation is very pleasing for everyone. Muthoo said, "When examining Turkey's agricultural data, it is seen that the low income group are in the agricultural sector, which is also the reason for immigration problems. We will contribute to the Turkish government's efforts concerning agriculture, as much as we can. After cooperation with Turkey, we might also work jointly with the Turkish-speaking-countries. We have also begun work in Azerbaijan, Kirghizistan and Turkmenistan concerning this issue." /Turkiye/

DOYSAN OIL INDUSTRY BECOMES PARTNERS WITH THE AMERICAN ARCHER DANIELS MIDLAND COMPANY

The Doysan Oil Industry, which is dependent on the Bayraktar Group, became partners with the American Archer Daniels Midland Company which produces oil, oily seeds, grain and other agricultural products. The new name of the Company is the ADM Doysan Oil and Trade Company. As part of the cooperation agreement in a 50% partnership ADM Doysan will continue to produce its own brands, as well as continue to produce Migros and Sok brands. /Sabah/

STATE OPERA AND BALLET TO PERFORM ROMEO AND JULIET FOR THE EARTHQUAKE VICTIMS

Mersin State Opera and Ballet, which celebrated its 10th anniversary this year, will perform 'Romeo and Juliet' in Ankara on 28th January, and will be supported by the State Academy of Music, in aid of the earthquake victims. All the income from the performance will be used for children living in the Saraykoy Rehabilitation Centre. /Sabah/

PRIVATIZATION WITH CREDIT CARD BY TURPRAS

The Chairmanship of the Privatization Administration (OIB) will allow people to use credit cards for the first time. OIB is planning to sell shares to 100,000 small investors in TUPRAS. As part of the privatization programme, which will begin with a presentation to the public, in the first stage. It is expected that the average of the shares sold will be 15%. Part of the shares will be available to be bought by international investors also. The amount of the shares that will be represented to the public and the amount of the shares that will be represented to the international markets will be determined according to the general request. The block sale will be made at the last quarter of the year and then the privatization of TUPRAS will be completed. /Milliyet/

TURKEY TO BECOME FINANCING BASE FOR FOREIGNERS

Credit Lyonnais Securities Asia Global Emerging Market's (CLSAGEM) Chairman to Turkey, Ian McCallum, stated that there is huge potential of local market in Turkey. McCallum also pointed out Turkey's geographical situation and said that they had chosen Istanbul as the centre of the region, which consists of the developing Mediterranean countries. Ian McCallum made a statement at a press conference held to introduce CLSAGEM's bureau opening on 15th February in Istanbul, and said that Turkey was in a process of a big change. McCallum further added, "Turkey's risk premium will go down, the foreign investors will increase their company profits, and, thus, we are positively considering the markets in Turkey." /Milliyet/

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

TURCO-RUSSIAN COMPETITION IN THE CAUCASUS BY SAMI KOHEN (MILLIYET)

Columnist Sami Kohen comments on the competition between Turkey and Russia over the Caucasus. A summary of his column is as follows: "The Caucasus Summit held within the framework of the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS), in Moscow, has brought the competition between Turkey and Russia over this sensitive region into the daylight. The meeting of Russian leader, Vladimir Putin, with the Presidents of Azerbaijan, Georgia and Armenia has a special meaning because of its timing. Only two weeks before, President Suleyman Demirel met with his Azerbaijani counterpart, Aliyev and Georgian leader, Shevardnadze, in Tblisi. In the course of these meetings the idea of a regional defence agreement came up in addition to smoothing out the last hitches on the Baku-Ceyhan pipeline project. Russia, who viewed the Baku-Ceyhan pipeline against her own interests is uneasy over the Stability Pact, Demirel proposed, in Tblisi. Although officials are tight-lipped on the issue, it is clear from their private talks and the media news that Russia does not view this new initiative favourably and even believes that this is a move directed towards lessening her influence and stopping her activities in the Caucasus. It is certain that the real aim of the 'summit within summit' is to strengthen Russia's influence in Eurasia and especilly in the Caucasus. In other words, Russia has tried to show that the real power in the region it views as its backyard, is Moscow. How influential is Russia over these regional countries? No-one can say that the Kremlin has limitless power to impose her own policies on these countries or use her influence. However, it should also be known that Russia is the main player in this region and these countries depend to a great extent on Russia and therefore cannot defy her. That is why it should be known that the new projects or initiatives concerning the region will lead to competition, if not open friction. Russia displayed a desire to strengthen its strategic relations with Caucasian countries. However, Azerbaijan and Georgia do not have any economic or security expectations from Moscow. In fact, they have distrust and concerns which are not openly expressed. That is why the idea of the agreement put forth by Demirel seemed attractive to them. The agreement in question is not military in nature. It is not a political front or bloc either. As in the Balkans, the Caucasus needs political and economic stability. Therefore, President Demirel has used the term 'Stability Pact'. As in the Balkans, this Pact can be discussed within the framework of OSCE. Thus the support of OSCE which has over 50 members will be provided. As Russia is a member of OSCE, this pact is open to Russia and Armenia as well. The correct policy to follow is to solve the problems in the Caucasus to establish a cooperation instead of competition between the countries concerned."

INTEGRATION WITH EUROPE BY SEMIH IDIZ (STAR)

Columnist Semih Idiz comments on the integration process with Europe. A summary of his column is as follows: It is believed that Turkey's eyes will be opened due to the accelerated integration process following the Helsinki summit. Turks will learn that all that is reflected from Europe is not the result of prejudice or ill-will but came forth as the natural result of the integration process. However, as Turks have to overcome some of their concerns, during this integration process, Europe has to surmount some prejudices it still harborus. For years Turkey complained of xenophobia, separatism and fundamentalism and stated that these would also cause trouble for Europe as well. Europeans did not take these complaints seriously. They believed that Turkey put forth these claims to provide a suitable reasons for human rights violations. A great number of incidents have fostered these prejudices and weakened Ankara's valid arguments. However, in spite of the bad examples, the validity of Turkey's concerns on racism, separatism and fundamentalism has not disappeared. Moreover, with the increase of these threats on a global scale, it is seen that Europe had to accept the views Turkey has defended all along. The report, discussed at the Council of Europe Parliamentary Assembly, entitled "The Threat Posed by Extremist Parties and Movements in Europe against Democracy" is the latest example of this view. This report written by Danish member of parliament, Henning Gjellerod divided these extremist parties into five main groups and listed as: 1- Extreme leftist terrorist organizations trying to pull down the constitutional order.2-Armed groups struggling for the independence of an ethnic group or state or those fighting these separatist movements. 3-Armed Islamic fundamentalist groups based in Northern Africa or the Middle East and their extensions in Europe.4-The communist parties in Central or Eastern Europe which have not gone through a reformist movement and or are still against democratization. 5- Parties and movements which convey racist, xenophobic, anti-semitist and revisionist feelings and spread distrust against democracy. The report also says that, "Europe is hosting various derivatives of ethnic nationalism which cannot be classified under an ideology and which lead democracies to stability... Among them are groups which earned themselves a place in Europe after migration." Four of these five groups concern Turkey closely. In conclusion, the report states that it should be remembered that political freedom is not absolute or limitless...The European Union is responsible with the fight against racism, political extremism, xenophabia and intolerance seen in member countries." These words strengthen Turkey's arguments.

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