THIRD ROUND OF PRESIDENCY ELECTIONS TO BE HELD TODAY

Head of the Constitutional Court, Ahmet Necdet Sezer, the joint candidate of the five political parties represented in Parliament, is expected to be elected as President in today's third round ballot. If Sezer is elected as the new President today, he will be informed of the result by members of the Parliamentary Speaker's Office, and will take over the presidency on May 16, since President Suleyman Demirel's term expires on that date. On May 16, Sezer will attend the inauguration ceremony and take over the presidency from Demirel. Parliament Speaker Yildirim Akbulut announced that he would not be participating in the third round. Therefore six candidates remained in the presidential elections. /All papers/

CYPRUS AND TURCO-GREEK DIPLOMACY EFFORTS INTENSIFY

Foreign Minister Ismail Cem said that Turkey continues to support Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) President Rauf Denktas' policies on the Cyprus issue, the Anatolia News Agency reports. He also stated that better Turco-Greek relations were having their effect on the economy. Cem and his Greek counterpart George Papandreou are in the US following their both being awarded "Statesman of the Year" awards by the US-based East-West Institute on Wednesday. Speaking at a press conference in New York, Cem also said that Turkey and the US would soon start a more comprehensive dialogue on matters concerning the Central Asia and Caucasus regions. Cem is expected to have a meeting with UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan today. At the press conference, Cem emphasized that the Cypriot confederation proposals put forward by Denktas are still being discussed. Cem also touched on the Aegean issue, saying that the issue should be solved within the framework of UN treaties, the EU Agenda 2000 principles and the Helsinki Summit decisions. Referring to Greece's view that disputes concerning the Aegean issue should be solved by the International Court of Justice, Cem said that Turkey is always open to a solution through dialogue. Greek Foreign Minister Papandreou met US President Bill Clinton's Special Envoy for Cyprus Alfred Moses yesterday. Both the Turkish and Greek Cypriot quest for EU candidacy can contribute to a solution on the Cyprus issue, he said after the meeting.

DEMIREL'S FAREWELL VISIT TO THE TRNC

President Suleyman Demirel, whose term will come to an end on 16 May, will say farewell to the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) during a one-day visit to the TRNC. President of the TRNC, Rauf Denktas, stated that he had invited Demirel to the TRNC and added, "It is a farewell visit. Our nation is grateful to him." Denktas stated that he had been knowing Demirel for 40 years and mentioned the things that Demirel had done for the TRNC with compliments. According to information received by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Ministry of Defence, President Suleyman Demirel, will arrive in Ercan Airport on 13:30 and will be welcomed with a military ceremony. Then Demirel will meet Denktas for half an hour and will also receive the Prime Minister Dervis Eroglu, State Minister and the Deputy Prime Minister Mustafa Akinci and the members of the government, the chairmans of the constitutional establishments and the leaders of the political parties. Demirel will address the public at 15:45 at Lefkosa Ataturk Square and then attend the ceremony that will be organized at the Near East University and receive an honorary doctorate in the field of 'international relations.' Demirel will leave the TRNC after attending the dinner that will be given by Denktas in his honor. /Turkiye/

CYPRUS TALKS POSTPONED

The third round of Cyprus proximity talks, expected to start in New York on May 23, have been postponed to the end of June, it was announced yesterday. The postponement of the third round of Cyprus proximity talks came amid reports that Greek-Cypriot Leader Glafkos Klerides will undergo surgery today for removal of what his doctors described a benign polyp found on his large intestine. Greek-Cypriot Foreign Minister Ionnakis Cassulides said the third round of talks is expected to start towards the end of June. He added that he expected Klerides to recover by then. Meanwhile, a statement issued by the UN Spokesman on Cyprus said a planned visit to the Island by UN Special Cyprus Envoy De Soto has been called off for now. De Soto was scheduled to arrive on the Island on Sunday to prepare for the third round of proximity talks, which have been postponed there as well. In another development, Greek Foreign Minister George Papanderou said he saw momentum building for a settlement on Cyprus. The Minister said that attitudes were changing in Greece, Turkey and Cyprus. Other factors for change are Turkey's candidacy for membership in the EU, cooperation accords between Greece and Turkey and an increase in people-to-people contact across the Aegean and across the green line in Cyprus. The Minister said it was too early for the changes to solve the Cyprus dispute but that the third round of proximity talks between Greek-Cypriot and Turkish-Cypriot leaders in New York later this year could show "more of a give-and-take". /All papers/

DEMIREL AND SEZER TO MEET DURING A RECEPTION

Turkey is officialy preparing for this year's European Union (EU) International Day. President Suleyman Demirel will give a reception in honor of the '9 May EU International Day' on Tuesday at Cankaya Presidential Palace. If the Head of the Constitutional Court, Ahmet Necdet Sezer, who is expected to be elected President during the presidential elections today, attends this reception, then the Cankaya Presidential Palace will welcome the 'current' and the 'future' Presidents at the same time. 9 May is the anniversary of the announcement of the declaration, which was made by the French Minister of Foreign Affairs, Robert Schuman, and which forms the basis of the EU, and this date is being celebrated as 'EU Day' or the 'European International Day.' /Cumhuriyet/

DE GROOT: "TURKEY CANNOT BE EXCLUDED"

A lecturer from Holland's Leiden University, Prof. Alexander De Groot, accused Europe of lacking vision during his speech on the 'Relationship between the Secular State and Official Islam' during the conference on the 'Religious Life in Turkey in the Process of Entering the European Union (EU)' during the International EU Council. Prof. De Groot stated that Europe would incur many losses in the long-run if it did not make Turkey a member of the EU, due to false reasons such as Turkey's high population, weak economy or the human rights violations. De Groot stated that the if the EU is divided among many groups, including the Christians and Muslims, then Turkey can be included in one of these groups. De Groot added that although Turkey was lacking the non-governmental organizations, that political parties have collapsed and the political section is not making progress, the EU would benefit Turkey in terms of its geopolitical importance. /Turkiye/

AKBULUT HEADS FOR STRASBOURG

Parliament Speaker Yildirim Akbulut headed for Strasbourg yesterday to attend a conference which will be attended by parliament speakers from member countries of the Council of Europe. Prior to his departure, Akbulut said that the role of national parliaments in the formation of a greater democratic Europe would be discussed in the conference, which will be held on May 5 and 6. "In addition, the role that can be undertaken by the parliaments in the fight against organized crime and existing legal regulations in this regard will be examined" said Akbulut. /Turkish Daily News/

CZECH PARLIAMENT DELEGATION IN ANKARA

Parliament Deputy Speaker Nejat Arseven received a Czech Republic Foreign Affairs Commission delegation headed by Commission Chairman Lubomir Zaoralek yesterday. Zaoralek came to Turkey upon invitation by Parliamentary Foreign Affairs Commission Chairman Kamuran Inan. The delegation also came together with Inan, Turkey-Czech Republic Inter-Parliamentary Friendship Commission Chairman Sema Piskinsut and Parliament Defence Commission Chairman Sadik Kirbas. /Turkish Daily News/

MHP FORMER PROVINCIAL CHAIRMAN OF DIYARBAKIR KILLED

The former Provincial Chairman of Diyarbakir from the Nationalist Action Party (MHP) Seyfettin Ozbulten was killed during an attack at his house yesterday evening. Officials said that an investigation into the incident was underway. /Milliyet/

GEN.KIVRIKOGLU: "TURKEY COULD NOT BE EXCLUDED"

The Chief of General Staff, Gen.Huseyin Kivrikoglu said that if Europe excludes Turkey, a door opening to the Middle East and Central Asia will be closed to Europe. In a statement to the 'Defence and Aviation Magazine' published in Ankara, Gen.Kivrikoglu expressed his views concerning Turco-European relations and the PKK terrorist organization. Gen.Kivrikoglu stated that terrorist activities during the last six months of 1999 dcreased by 30-40 % when compared with the same period in 1998 due to the great efforts made by the Turkish Armed Forces (TSK). /Milliyet/

TURKISH ARMED FORCES' BIDDING

The firm which will win the bid to meet the need of the Turkish Armed Forces (TSK) for eight pieces of early control and warning from the air ships is expected to be announced during the meeting that will be held on 29 May. American Boeing and a cooperation between America and Israel, Raytheon-IAI consortiums are in a tough competition for this bid. /Cumhuriyet/

CUBA'S PARLIAMENT TO VISIT ESENYURT

Esenyurt Municipality will welcome Cuba's Parliament on 13 May. The Group Chairman of Cuba's Interparliaments, deputy and Cuba's first Ambassador to Turkey, Ramon Pez Ferro, will be among this delegation, whom will be accompanied by the Democratic Left Party's (DSP) deputy to Istanbul, Ridvan Budak, and other representatives from other parties. Mayor of Esenyurt, Dr. Gurbuz Capan, is preparing for welcoming Cuba's parliamentarians, who will also visit the Monument of Jose Marti, which is in Havana Park in Esenyurt. Capan previously put the statues of Jose Marti and Ataturk in the Havana Park in Esenyurt, gathering the leaders of independence and freedom of the two countries together. /Cumhuriyet/

ERCEL: "FIRST THE CULTURE OF RISK SHOULD BE DEVELOPED"

Chairman of the Central Bank, Gazi Ercel, stated that first of all, a culture of risk should be developed in order to establish an effective system of risk management. Ercel explained risk management during the conference on the 'Current Issues of the Central Banks in Europe, the Middle East and Northern Africa,' which was organized by the World Bank. Ercel said, "Being aware of the risks does not mean we remove them, but that the risks should be managed." Ercel also recalled that the department of risk management was established within the Central Bank two years ago. He also added that developments in information technology, the increase in commercial activity and the development of the new financial instruments in the process of globalization had involved risk management. /Sabah/

SEMINAR ON THE RISK CAPITAL

Turkish Foundation for Improving Technology (TTGV), which supports technology projects through funds originating from the World Bank and the Treasury, is organizing a seminar together with the Capital Market Council (SPK) and the Istanbul Stock Exchange (IMKB) so that the risk capital practices in Turkey can be activated. This seminar entitled 'Situation of the Risk Capital and the Risk Capital in Turkey' will be held in Ceylan Intercontinental Hotel today. Minister of Industry, A. Kenan Tanrikulu, Chairman of SPK, Prof. Dr. Muhsin Menguturk, Chairman of IMKB, Osman Birsen and the Chairman of the Executive Board of TTGV, Fikret Yucel, will issue the opening speeches of this seminar and the opportunities where Turkey can use risk capital and the things that should be done concerning this issue will be discussed. /Sabah/

IS BANK IS THE WORLD'S 334TH BIGGEST COMPANY

Turkish Is Bank was included in the British Financial Times' traditional category of the 'Biggest 500.' Turkish Is Bank, which could not enter this category in 1998, became the world's 334th biggest company in the category, which was made according to the capital values of 1999. Seven additional Turkish companies were included in the same category. /Hurriyet/

AWARD FOR ATGS

The Association of the Anatolian Textile, Clothing and Leather Industrialists' Foreign Trade Joint Stock Company (ATGS), which was established by a series of initiatives by the EGS Company, became the fifth company in Turkey with exportation amounting to 145 million dollars. ATGS received an Award of Exportation Success during a ceremony that was organized in Ankara. /Hurriyet/

MINISTRY SEEKS DEAL WITH IMF OVER WHEAT PRICE

The Turkish Agriculture Ministry is seeking a consensus with the IMF over the extent of the increase to be allowed in wheat support prices, Minister Husnu Yusuf Gokalp announced yesterday. "We are keeping to the letter of intent given to the IMF and no compromises will be allowed on Turkey's economic programme", Gokalp said. He noted, however, that if an increase that puts Turkish wheat prices 35 % above world prices was not satisfactory, he would propose a higher wheat price. In its stand-by agreement with the IMF, Turkey pledged to limit grain support prices to a maxiumum of 35 % higher than world prices. He added that wheat support prices would be announced by late May or early June. He predicted a wheat harvest this year of around 19-20 million tons. He further announced that 10 agricultural enterprises were seeking alliances with private companies for a period of at least 10 years. The Agricultural Enterprises General Directorate (TIGEM) plans to hold stakes in these companies of between 15 and 50 %. An announcement will be published this weekend inviting local and foreign companies to draw up plans in this respect by August 15. /All papers/

APRIL INFLATION PLEASES BUSINESS COMMUNITY

The Chairman of the Ankara Chamber of Commerce (ATO), Sinan Aygun, said that the inflation figure for April was encouraging, proving that trust in the stabilization programme was not misplaced. He added that Turkey was on the right track. Aygun said in a press statement yesterday that a negative inflation rate in the summer was no longer a dream. He said that even if the year-end inflation rate ended up between 30 and 35 %, this would be a great achievement for the anti-inflation programme. Meanwhile, the Union of Turkish Chambers and Commodity Exchanges (TOBB) and the Turkish Exporters' Assembly (TIM), which launched the "Turkey is Defeating Inflation" campaign, reiterated that the inflation figures for April were encouraging. /All papers/

MIELE TO VISIT TURKEY

The owner of the Miele Company, which is one of the biggest companies in the durable goods sectors in Germany, will arrive in Istanbul on 10 May. Rudolph Miele will meet Turkish industrialists, businessmen and the press sector during the meeting that he will hold on 11 May. During his speech, Miele will explain the management secrets of a hundred year old family company. /Turkiye/

FRANCE 2000 FAIR

Economy and Trade Advisor of the French Embassy, Cyril Bouyeure, stated that France was a dynamic market of the utmost importance for the Turkish initiators. Bouyeure, issued a speech during the information meeting of the 'France 2000' Fair, which was held with the partiticipation of the France's General Consul, Jean-Francois Bouffandeau, and said, "The 'France 2000' Fair, which will be organized between 6 and 10 June at the World's Trade Centre, aims at strengthening the strategic partnership of the two countries." /Turkiye/

DEMIRBANK'S RATING UPGRADED

Rating agency Thomson Financial BankWatch upgraded Turkish lender Demirbank's long-term credit rating to "A+", the bank announced yesterday. The agency also upgraded the bank's country risk-free medium-term credit rating to "B" and assigned the highest "LC-1" rating to its short-term local currency debt. The agency said Demirbank had achieved a strong capital structure. /All papers/

MENDERES TO LAUNCH IPO

Textile producer Menderes, based in Denizli, has applied to the Capital Market Board (SPK) to launch an intial public offering (IPO). The company will increase its capital from the current 1.9 trillion TL to 2.2 trillion TL through the IPO, which will be managed by a Global Securities-led consortium. The company exports 75% of its output and among its clients are major retailers such as Aldi, Tchibo, Kaufhof etc. /All papers/

TURKEY AND NORWAY TO COOPERATE ON ENERGY

Turkey and Norway yesterday signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to improve cooperation on energy, the Anatolia News Agency reports. Energy Ministry officials said the MOU was sealed by the Turkish Energy Minister Cumhur Ersumer, Norwegian Oil and Energy Minister Olav Akselsen and Trade and Industry Minister Grete Kundsen.

REKTA IS THE REPRESENTATIVE OF KETCHUM IN TURKEY

The Rekta Public Relations Company has become the representative of the American Public Relations Agency, Ketchum, in Turkey. Ketchum, which has been elected as the 'Public Relations Company of the Year' three times during the last 10 years by US 'Inside PR Magazine', has many representative offices in various centres throughout the world. Rekta serves in the fields of strategic marketing advice, media relations, sponsorship, lobbying, etc. /Aksam/

TURKEY REPAYS $4 BILLION IN DEBTS

Turkey repaid $357.32 milion in foreign debts between May 1 and 3. Officials said that the total repayments since the beginning of this year has amounted to $4.356 billion. /Aksam/

GSM JOY IN 'ITALIA'

The Executive Manager of the Italian Telecom Italia (TIM) Company, Marco De Benedetti, said that in receiving the GSM licence in Turkey, they had gained access to one of the greatest markets in the world. De Benedetti delivered a speech at a meeting held for the promotion of new inter-active systems of the TIM in Istanbul yesterday and stated that TIM would be very successful in Turkey. He added that since they entered the mobile phone market in Turkey as the third company, they would achieve a great profit and he believed that they would become the second biggest company in a very brief period of time. /Aksam/

BLUE STREAM PROJECT ON ITS WAY

One part of the Blue Stream natural gas pipeline to be constructed between Turkey and Russia has been laid down between Samsun and Corum. A ceremony attended by OHS consortium's officials, and representatives from the Turkish Pipeline Transportation Company (BOTAS), the Italian ENI Group, Gasprom and other public institutions was held yesterday.

KAZAKHSTAN'S SUPPORT FOR THE BAKU-CEYHAN PIPELINE PROJECT

After the 'Transit Country Agreement,' which is considered to be one of the most important steps for the implementation of the Baku-Ceyhan pipeline project, was initialed, attentions were directed towards the international financial establishments. Following the approval of the agreements by the Turkish, Azerbaijani and the Georgian parliamentarians, the meeting of sponsors will be held. In addition, if the new reserves in Kazakhstan are transported through this pipeline, then the problem of financing will be solved. It was stated that the petroleum reserve in the Eastern Kasagan region in Kazakhstan would be able to meet the amount necessary for the Baku-Ceyhan pipeline. /Cumhuriyet/

CEYLAN CLOTHING-NIKE COOPERATION

The Ceylan Clothing Industry and Trade Company, owned by the former Chairman of the Turkish Clothing Industrialists' Association, Bulent Atuk, has reached an agreement with the Nike firm based in the US. Furthermore, an international supervisory firm determined by the Nike made an observation at the Ceylan Company regarding qualified production, social security conditions and secure production atmosphere. /Aksam/

TURKISH WOMAN'S SUCCESS

Prof. Guler Gursu, who was elected the Head of the International Association of the Aesthetics Plastic Surgery (ISAPS), began her duty after receiving the Chairmanship Medal during a ceremony that was held in Tokyo. Prof. Gursu, who is the first female chairman of the ISAPS, is also carrying out the preparations for the 16th International Congress, which is expected to be held in May 2002 with the participation of nearly 1,500 people from all around the world. /Turkiye/

SIXTH ANKARA CARTOON FESTIVAL

The '6th International Ankara Cartoon Festival,' which is organized by the Foundation of Culture, will begin today with the participation of many famous cartoon artists from Turkey and abroad. During the festival that will continue by 9 May, 12 international cartoon exhibitions will be opened, the international symposium on the 'Cartoon of the 20th Century,' which will be attended by the cartoon artists and scientists, will be held. During the symposium, the cartoon film will be demonstrated and a work-shop will be organized. /Cumhuriyet/

WIND OF ANTAKYA IN NEW YORK

During the 19th Turkish Parade and New York Cultural Festival, programmes were prepared on Antakya will be shown. Those who attend this symposium from Antakya will promote this city, which had a leading role in many civilizations since the beginning of history and which is one of the unique cities in Anatolia, in terms of its culture, history and tourism. During the programme, poems will be read and the folk songs of Antakya will be sung on 15 May. In addition, the hand crafts of Antakya, photographs and books concerning the city, the real silk materials that are made in Antakya, examples of strawy crafts and stone carving and the sweet bay soaps will be exhibited. /Turkiye/

PAPANDREOU'S MOTHER COMES TO ANKARA

Greek Foreign Minister George Papanderou's mother, Margarita, who is the Turco-Greek Women's Peace Initiative (Winpeace) Spokesperson, came to Ankara yesterday to attend a "Woman and Peace" panel to be held within the framework of the Third 'Ucan Supurge' Women Films Festival. Mrs.Papandreou was met by Cankaya Mayor Haydar Yilmaz at the airport. /Turkish Daily News/

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

MISTAKES BY ESEN UNUR (STAR)

Columnist Esen Unur writes on what is to be expected following the election of a new president. A summary of his column is as follows: "Nowadays people are leaving the past aside and looking towards the future. However, without knowing what was done in the past, learning from these mistakes, it is very hard not to repeat them. The serious problems Turkey faces today stem from past mistakes. If we can draw the right lessons we can look towards the future with hope. Today, the Turkish Grand National Assembly is expected to elect Ahmet Necdet Sezer as President. Following the election, there will be some changes in the Government and a new era will begin in Turkey with a new President. There are many issues - the fight with terrorism, democratization, human rights, amnesty, relations with the EU, new economy measures, relations with Greece, solution of the Cyprus problem, Baku-Ceyhan pipeline - awaiting the Government. These issues can no longer be ignored. It is the great duty of Prime Minister Ecevit and his cabinet to work diligently on these matters."

TURKEY IS DIFFERENT, BUT..... BY SAMI KOHEN (MILLIYET)

Columnist Sami Kohen writes on the conference held by the International Press Institute in Boston on the occasion of the "World Press Freedom Day" celebrated on 3 May. A summary of his column is as follows: "The coincidence of IPI conference with the World Press Freedom Day underlined the importance of the issue. The reports prepared by the IPI in coordination with other international press institutes stated that the situation of press with regards to freedom was far from good. The World Press Freedom Day was a reminder of the fact that the press in many countries lacked this freedom. Various sources state that about a half of the countries around the world lacked the freedoms of press and expression. In some 28 countries the situation is critical. In the other 65 countries the press is in a difficult situtation. As an improvement has been observed in the former communist countries of Eastern Europe, a trend in the opposite direction can be seen in third world countries. When looking at the picture of the plight of the press in some countries, Turkish press situation may not seem to be comparable. Therefore, it is unfair and wrong for the 'Non-Frontiers Journalists' to put Turkey in the countries where the situation is critical. At the IPI conference we tried to explain this issue, and were able to prevent Turkey from being accused or denounced. However, we should also accept the fact that Turkey is a country where there are still problems concerning the freedom of press. The promises to change the situation were not kept and IPI which has always shown understanding towards is disappointed. This year we may be more successful on the subject. At least there are signs which give us hope. The chance of ending terrorism in the Southeast of Turkey may lead to the lifting of restrictions of the press working there. Certain arrangements to made following the achievement of EU candidate status may strengthen press freedom in Turkey. The election of a man of law as President may result in the long-awaited changes to be made allowing for freedoms of expression and press."

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