Basyn - Yayýn ve Enformasyon Genel Müdürlüðü

President Suleyman Demirel attended Hacettepe University's Meetings and gave a lecture to the students yesterday. Demirel explained Turkey's improvements since the beginning of the establishment of the Republic with historic realities and said that this is our country and it should be appreciated. Then Demirel answered the students' questions. On answering a question concerning the establishment of a nuclear power-station in Turkey, he said that this was inevitable due to the fact that Turkey's energy sources were not so rich. /Turkiye/

DEMIREL'S MESSAGE ON THE WORLD FORESTRY DAY

President Suleyman Demirel requested everyone to plant a tree even if only once a year in order to leave a greener world for future generations. The World Forestry Day and the Afforest Festival are being celebrated with many activities and President Demirel issued a message in which he said, "Turkey's forests are decreasing when compared to previous years. Afforest is one of the most important actions to be taken in order that our natural resources not to end and we will continue to make improvements." President Demirel also wanted Turkish people to be more careful about the risk of forest fires. /Cumhuriyet/

CEM TO VISIT TUNISIA

It was stated that the Turkish Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ismail Cem, will visit Tunusia on 14 and 15 April after an official invitation from the Tunisian Minister of Foreign Affairs, Habib Bin Yahya. In a statement issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, during Cem's visit, political, economic and cultural relations between Turkey and Tunisia will be discussed and an exchange in opinions on both regional and international issues. /Turkiye/

VERHEUGEN'S STATEMENT

The European Commission's Member responsible for Expansion, Gunter Verheugen, stated that the National Security Council's role in political life and the Kurdish problem will be mentioned in Turkey's Participation Cooperation Document to the European Union. The Participation Cooperation Document, to be written by the European Commission by the autumn, will consist of the duties of candidate countries applying for membership. Verheugen stated that the demands that will not be able to be implemented by Turkey should not be demanded from Turkey and that it was inevitable for these two issues to take place in a Participation Cooperation Document. /Milliyet/

BAHCELI: 'ARTICLE 312 CANNOT BE ABOLISHED`

Recalling that bans in politic life were carried out in many countries, the Leader of the Nationalist Action Party (MHP) and Deputy Prime Minister Devlet Bahceli stated that a life time ban was a very severe punishment. During his speech at the MHP group meeting, Bahceli said, "In many countries in the world, particularly in Europe, being banned from participating in politics has been carried for politicians who have committed crimes. However, our life time ban is a very heavy punishment. This should be limited for a certain length of time, in the case of repetition, retribution should be heavy." He also emphasized, "The those who think that article 312 is against human rights and democracy, especially politicians, should first look at their own attitudes and speach." /Hurriyet/

KUTAN: "TODAY FOR US, TOMORROW FOR YOU"

The Leader of the Virtue Party (FP) Recai Kutan yesterday delivered a speech at his party's group meeting. Kutan repeated their wishes for the abolishment of article 312 of the Turkish Penal Code, on which Necmettin Erbakan was condemned. He stated, "Let's save Turkey from this democracy shame. They say that article 312 cannot be revised, as they are afraid of not being elected again if bans are abolished. The situation which cuts out your rival today, may cut you out tomorrow." /Hurriyet/

NEVRUZ CELEBRATIONS

Nevruz has been celebrated in peace this year, unlike the often violent celebrations in the past. Still, there were some violent incidents staged by activitist who attempted to turn the occasion into a platform to demonstrate in favor of PKK separatist organization. The police detained some demonstrators, but there were no mass arrests or excessive force used by police. In Diyarbakir tens of thousands of people attended the celebrations. Edip Akbayram, Seher Dilova, Firat Baskale and the Group Koma Amed performed concerts. President Suleyman Demirel, Premier Bulent Ecevit and Deputy Prime Minister Devlet Bahceli issued messages declaring Nevruz as an occasion when feelings of brotherhood, friendship and peace were expressed. /Hurriyet/

INTERIOR MINISTER TO VISIT GERMANY

The Minister of the Interior, Sadettin Tantan, will leave for Berlin today as an official guest of the German Interior Minister Otto Schilly. During the talks, the issue of extradition of Metin Kaplan, who is being tried in Germany for fundamentalist activities, will also be discussed. /Star/

MUMCU IN MOSCOW

Minister of Tourism Erkan Mumcu will travel to Moscow today to attend the MITT Tourism Fair. During the Fair, to be held on March 22-25, Mumcu will visit the displays of Turkish travel agencies and tourism operators. He will also present photographs from Turkey's official Web site on a multi-screen display. After visiting some of Moscow's historic and tourist sights, Mumcu will return to Turkey on March 25. /Turkish Daily News/

SO-CALLED ARMENIAN GENOCIDE DRAFT BILL REJECTED AGAIN

The French Senate focused on the so-called Armenian genocide draft bill again yesterday. A total of 52 signatures were collected in order for the draft bill to be brought on the agenda of Emergency Items. However, the French Senate again rejected the so-called Armenian genocide draft bill. /Star/

ARMENIANS CANNOT ENDURE A PRO-TURKISH STATEMENT

Extreme nationalists in Armenia are blaming the French Ambassador in their country Michel Legras, for making statements supporting Turkey and want him to be deported. A request published in various newspapers in Yerevan said that the nationalists wanted the Armenian Foreign Ministry to pronounce the French Ambassador persona non-grata as soon as possible. They reported that the Nationalist Armenians stated that the Armenian Ambassador in France should be withdrawn until France officially apologizes. Armenian Foreign Ministry officials stated that the request would not be accepted and added that those people did not represent Armenian public opinion. /Aksam/

TURKISH CONGRESS TO BE HELD

The 8th Turkish Congress, traditionally held each year, will be take place between 24 and 26 April, in Samsun. The President of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC), Rauf Denktas, will also attend this congress which is expected to be opened by Turkish President Suleyman Demirel. The Nationalist Action Party (MHP) leader and Deputy Prime Minister Devlet Bahceli, together with other Ministers and representatives of Turkish-speaking countries, Turkish groups in Tunisia, Mongolia and Russia and representatives of native American Indians will attend the Turkish Congress. 640 delegations and more than 2,500 official guests will attend the Congress which will last for three days. /Turkiye/

NEW AGREEMENT IN THE BLACK SEA

The agreement concerning the Black Sea Call Force to be established with naval forces of countries bordering the Black Sea will be signed by six countries on 19 April. The Black Sea Cooperation Duty Group was established in 1998 in order to increase peace, stability and to strengthen regional cooperation. During a meeting held by the Duty Group, a decision was made to form a multi-national power group named The Black Sea Call Force with the participation of Bulgaria, Georgia, Romania, the Russian Federation, Turkey and the Ukraine. Technical work that has been carried out for two years is about to be completed. This multi-national power group will work on search and rescue, humanitarian aid, mine sweeper and the protection of the environment issues. /Turkiye/

EARTHQUAKE COUNCIL

A 'National Earthquake Council' has been set up to give all the information concerning the earthquake from now on. A total of 20 experts will be represented on the council including eight geomorphologists, eight civil engineers and four from other fields. /Star/

PLANE CRASH

A plane belonging to Tepe Aviation Company left from Ankara's Esenboga Airport yesterday evening. However, the plane went missing for nearly an hour near Bursa Balabancik rural areas. The pilot, Turgay Kalaycioglu, managed to control the plane which had begun to lose altitude. After a crash landing, rescue efforts managed to save the General Director of the Tepe Aviation Company, Behic Ozek and the other passangers on board Tumay Kalaycioglu, Nuray Birol, Ibrahim Dogan and Mahmut Sevimli. /Star/

EU APPROVES OBSERVATION PROJECT

The European Union (EU) which has not previously allowed imports of meat and meat products from Turkey due to various animal diseases has approved an observation project in Turkey for the control of agricultural products. As part of the project, Turkey will allow between six-seven types of products to be observed such as honey, milk, milk products and water products. /Star/

HELICOPTER BIDDING CREATES DISAGREEMENT

It was stated that a disagreement occurred between the State Department and Defence Department of the US concerning Turkey's huge attack helicopter bidding. Diplomatic sources state that the Human Rights Branch, attached to the Deputy Secretary, Harold Koh, of the State Department, does not warmly welcome giving an export licence if an American company wins the bidding. The Defence Department of the US and the other officials in the State Department are pro the sale. /Cumhuriyet/

UKRAINIAN PROPOSAL FOR TANKS

The Ukrainian Foreign Minister Boris Tarasyuk on an official visit to Turkey has met with the Turkish National Defence Minister Sabahattin Cakmakoglu concerning their T-84 tanks. Tarasyuk later met with Prime Minister Bulent Ecevit and conveyed a letter from the Ukrainian Prime Minister Yusenko praising the T-84 tanks. In the letter, Yusenko said that the Ukraine was ready to participate in the Modern Tank Production Project which envisages the production of 1,000 tanks for the Land Forces Command. It is reported that the Ukraine's official proposal has been sent to the Turkish Defence Ministry's Undersecretariat. Tarasyuk was accompanied by representatives from the firm 'Ukrspetsexport' which manufactures the T-84 tanks. /Aksam/

PKK: SECRET AGENT FOR RUSSIANS

It has been claimed that the Russian Military Intelligence Service has used members of the PKK terrorist organization, trained in Southern Cyprus, as secret agents penetrating into Chechnya. According to the circles close to the British Intelligence Service, 20 PKK members who signed a contract with the Russians received training at a house, owned by a Russian businessman in Southern Cyprus, in October 1999. The PKK used special equipment to report Chechen locations to the Russians and entered Chechnya by way of Armenia and Dagestan. /Aksam/

KOSOVAR UNIT TO BE STRENGTHENED

Turkey has decided to give a positive reply to NATO and the United Nations' (UN) request for all countries to support Kosovo. It was stated that new units will be sent to Dragas, Prizren and Mamusa in which there is still a thousand Turkish force. NATO Secretary-General, George Robertson, who requested soldiers from Turkey first, during his visit to Ankara. While this offer was being evaluated by the Turkish Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the General Staff, the UN cut in. Not only the UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan, but also the UN's special representative to Kosovo, Bernard Kouchner, called for everyone to support Kosovo. Turkey then decided to increase its existance in Kosovo. /Milliyet/

WORLD BANK TO GIVE LOAN TO TURKEY

The total amount of financial support from the World Bank will reach 2 billion 750 million dollars this year. 2 billion dollars of this will be from the Structural Harmonization Loan and the remaining 750 million dollars will come from Country Aid Strategy (CAS). The World Bank will give the loan amounting to 750 million dollars within the framework of the Economic Reform Loan (ERL). ERL aims to support structural reforms on agriculture, energy, social security and privatization. The World Bank is also planning to give loans amounting to 750 million dollars to Turkey within the framework of the Financial Sector's Harmonization Loan (FSAL). In addition, the amount of the FSAL will be increased to 1 billion 500 million dollars. /Turkiye/

AKKUYU NUCLEAR POWER-STATION

The Westinghouse, NPI and AECL consortiums who attended the Akkuyu Nuclear Power-Station bid have sent an article, stating that they have extended the validity period of their offer until the 7 April, to the Turkish Electricity Joint Stock Company (TEAS). TEAS previously faxed to these three consortiums, on 9 March, asking them to extend the validity period of their offer until 7 April. /Turkiye/

TREASURY'S AGENDA

It was stated that the Turco-American Joint Economic Committee's 6th term meetings will be held on 23 and 24 March in Washington, US. The Turkish delegation chaired by Treasury Undersecretary, Selcuk Demiralp, will hold meetings with American officials concerning bilateral, financial and economic issues to improve cooperations in energy, trade, the environment and technology. /Cumhuriyet/

TURKISH TOURISM INVESTORS' ASSOCIATION TO VISIT SALONICA

It was stated that the administrators of the Turkish Tourism Investors' Association (TYD) will visit Greece on the Turkish Airlines' first flight to Salonica. In a statement issued by the TYD, the administration of the TYD will hold meetings with the Greek Tourism Entrepreneurs' Association (AGTE). /Cumhuriyet/

TUPRAS' STOCK SHARES TO BE SOLD IN GREECE

The promotional campaign prepared for the sale of TUPRAS stock shares will start in Greece. The Chairman of the Privatization Administration Board (OIB), Ugur Bayar, will ask the Greek nation and Greek investors to be partners with TUPRAS and to buy its stock shares. The promotional campaign will begin on 27 March in the Grand Brinatania Hotel in Athens. The Chairman of the OIB, Ugur Bayar, the Chairman of the Executive Board of TUPRAS, Ismail Alakoc, the General Director of TUPRAS, Husamettin Danis and the representatives of Salomon Smith Barney and Garanti Yatirim will attend this promotional campaign. /Milliyet/

AKBANK IN HOLLAND

It is reported that Akbank will set up branches in Holland and in Malta. The bank in Holland to be set up with a capital of 25 million Euros will serve Turks living there. Akbank already has a branch in Britain. Akbank's branch in Malta will be set up with a capital of $5 million. The Sabanci Group has strengthened its cooperation with Kraft Foods International. The Sabanci Holding Company holds 51 % of shares of Marsa KJS while Kraft Foods has 51 % of the KraftSA. /Aksam/

THY'S NEW TERMINAL

Following the opening of the new international terminal at Istanbul's Ataturk Airport-Turkish Airlines (THY), transit passanger numbers increased by 60 %. THY Deputy General Director, Birol Yuksel said that during the first three months of the year, an important increase in revenue was achieved, when compared with the same period last year. /Aksam/

NEW PARTNERSHIP WITH AMERICAN AIRLINES

A aviation agreement will be signed between Turkish Airlines (THY and American Airlines in order to carry out common flights. The final agreement on this issue will be signed within this week. THY currently has flights to US cities, New York, Chicago and Miami. Following the cooperation between Turkish and American Airlines, passangers will now be able to go to various destinations with American Airlines. /Aksam/

TURYAP IN ROMANIA

TURYAP, the Turkish real estate company with officies in Europe and the US, will open a branch in Romania. TURYAP, the first firm to extend franchises to foreign countries, will operate in real estate marketing services through offices in Holland-Amsterdam, Belgium-Brussels, Bulgaria-Sofia, the US-Atlanta and Miami. /Aksam/

KOC HOLDING COMPANY'S NEW INITIATIVES

The TNT Post Group, a leading company in logistic and distribution, and Koc Holding Company, published their letters of goodwill in order to launch joint ventures yesterday. The cooperation planned by these two groups will initially focus on the automotive and durable products sectors. They will concentrate especially on express distribution and developing activities in the Middle East, Central Asia and the Balkans as well as Turkey. The Koc Holding Company has established an Information Group in order to strengthen its global competition strategies. The Information Group will coordinate the studies of Koc Holding in the field of information technologies. Ali Y.Koc has been appointed as the Head of the Executive Committee of the Information Group. /Star/

COMPANIES PLEDGE

The fight of women against inflation has begun to show dividends. Migros has accepted to declare prices for its goods, while Coca Cola, Ulker, Bosch, Siemens, Profilo, Beko, Arcelik, Pastavilla, Maret, Sek Sut, Tat and Reis Gida Companies have pledged not to increase their products' prices more than 25%, which is the target rate of inflation the year. The Companies conveyed their decisions in writing to KADER (Women's Association). The Association of Consumers also stated that they would support the efforts women. /Sabah/

FLOWERS FROM ANTALYA

The special days celebrated in Europe, Christmas, World Woman's Day, Easter, Valentine's Day and Mothers' Day, make florists, especially in Antalya, happy. On these days, flower exports from the region increased two or three fold. They are now getting ready for 'Mothers' Day` which will be celebrated in Britain on April 2nd. 15 million of carnations will be exported to this country from Antalya and the consignments of flowers will start this week. /Sabah/

IZVESTIYA PRAISES TURKISH TOURISM

Izvestiya, a leading Russian newspaper, praised Turkish tourism in its supplement, published yesterday. An article entitled 'The Country of Those Waiting for the Russians' explained the natural and historic assets of Turkey and the hospitality of the Turkish people. It also said that tourists can spend their holidays in Turkey in safety. /Aksam/

GALATASARAY ON CNN'S LIST

Following the election on Eurosport of Galatasaray as the 'team of the year`, the prominent News Channel, CNN, included it on its weekly list of the most succesful ten soccer teams in the world. Manchester United was in first place, while Galatasaray was the first Turkish soccer team in the top ten leaving Italian's Inter soccer team behind. /Sabah/

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

IS ANKARA ASLEEP? BY DOGAN HEPER (MILLIYET)

Columnist Dogan Heper comments on recent developments in Northern Iraq. A summary of his column is as follows: "As Turkey has turned her eyes to the West, she has forgotten the East. In the meantime, a Kurdish state has been established in Northern Iraq in a way where there is no return. Only an official declaration is needed. Ankara is not aware that she is faced with an accomplished fact with the reception given by Northern Iraq in Nevruz. For a long time, Turkish experts have stated that it was impossible to establish a Kurdish State in Northern Iraq and this probably influenced Ankara. Today the army parades and security forces in Northern Iraq are aired on TV stations. Only a State can have such an army or a security force, not counting the Government, customs and tax collection organizations and courts. Notwithstanding these developments Ankara carried on saying that she was in favour of the territorial integrity of Iraq. As Baghdad refrained from extending a helping hand to Northern Iraq, a state was formed in the power vacuum. This opportunity was provided by the United States. Does not the arrogant acts of the Westerners coming to Turkey coincide with this formation? We have to be vigilant instead of viewing these statements as being overly suspicious. As Turkey has turned her eyes to the West, ignoring the question, the West is ready to snatch away the Southeastern problem from Turkey's hands. In order to view the question correctly, you just have to think who did the European Ministers visiting Ankara want to meet and whom did they defend. Their actions make it clear that Europe wants to impose a solution on Southeastern Anatolia. How close are the ties between these wishes and the formation in Northern Iraq? Are they the pieces of a puzzle? If the European Ministers coming to Ankara want to visit the People's Democracy Party and do not meet with the Virtue Party which is on the verge of being closed, or ask for an appointment to see Leyla Zana in prison, but do not remember Hasan Celal Guzel who is also in prison, this could only be defined as applying double standards. The reception in Ankara given by Northern Iraq has aggravated the situation. This aggravation concerns the unawareness of Ankara. Is there a recognized State in Iraq, that they may hold a reception? The developments in Turkey should not reach standards where they could disrupt the unity and brotherhood among citizens. Ankara still holds the key to the situation. The Southeast development plan should be implemented immediately and effectively. The military victory won against terrorism should be used to enhance brotherhood among the people. The people in the Southeast should live in prosperity with what they earn. In the meantime, Ankara should be able to keep the situation in Northern Iraq under control."

NEW DAY STARTED WELL BY ORHAN BIRGIT (CUMHURIYET)

Columnist Orhan Birgit writes on the Nevruz(New Day) celebrations. A summary of his column is as follows: "It has pleased all who want to see the 21st of March each year as the rebirth of Nature, that the Nevruz celebrations have taken place in peace, against expectations in certain circles. In the past, as Nevruz approached, all security forces of the State were alerted, provocators came on to the scene and the festival which was not known to whom it belonged to turned into a nightmare instead of a feast. In the past, we used to experience a similar situation during Labour Day on March first. The Government took precautions in a state of panic and indeed those circles which tried to disturb this holiday introduced violence to it. We have to state that the country of origin for Nevruz is neither Anatolia, nor Mesopotamia. The holiday celebrated by the Central Asian States today may be the common festival of various tribes looking for new places for themselves during the long road from ancient times till today. In a statement he issued yesterday, Prime Minister Bulent Ecevit said that Nevruz was a holiday of brotherhood and friendship deeply rooted in history. It should be mentioned that to celebrate the Nevruz festival in peace the maturity of not only the State but also the People's Democracy Party (HADEP) was needed. HADEP has frustrated the efforts of the provocators and observers coming from various European countries. We hope that those who view 21 March 2000 as the rebirth of a new policy by HADEP are not disappointed. We have to mention once more that spring means hope and every new day brings fresh beginnings for new hopes."

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