SOMUNCUOGLU OUT OF THE CABINET

President Suleyman Demirel approved a decree of the Prime Ministry to sack State Minister Sadi Somuncuoglu from the Cabinet yesterday. Somuncuoglu had created anxiety in the Nationalist Action Party (MHP) by defying a party decision not to field a presidential candidate; at midnight on April 25, just minutes before the expiration time for nominating candidates, he submitted his candidacy application. It is reported that an investigation is continuing against him by the MHP's disciplinary board, which may decide in favour of his expulsion from the party. State Minister Tunca Toskay will act on behalf of Somuncuoglu while State Minister Rustu Kazim Yucelen will act on behalf of State Minister Mehmet Ali Irtemcelik who resigned from his post on Saturday. /All papers/

TURK: "INVESTIGATIONS IN MUMCU CASE CONTINUE"

Justice Minister Hikmet Sami Turk visited President-elect Ahmet Necdet Sezer in his former office in the Constitutional Court yesterday. Turk briefed journalists on the half-hour-long meeting, the Anatolia News Agency reports. When asked about the operation to detain the suspected murderers of journalist Ugur Mumcu, the victim of a car bomb in 1993, Turk reminded journalists of the press blackout and said, "As you know, nine people were apprehended and brought to Ankara for questioning. This questioning is still going on, I don't think it would be right to go into many details since I do not want to jeopardize the ongoing investigations both within Turkey and abroad". Meanwhile, Chairman of the Motherland Party (ANAP) Mesut Yilmaz replied to questions posed by journalists and said, "It is evident that these people have connections with Iran. Iran should change its policy, which used to deny realities. This is essential if our relations are to be secured on a healthy basis". Yilmaz added that 97 people have been taken into custody regarding the incident so far. /All papers/

TANTAN TO MAKE EXPLANATION TODAY

It was stated that the Prime Minister Bulent Ecevit is likely to make an explanation today concerning the operation against the murderers of Ugur Mumcu. Meanwhile, Minister of the Interior, Saadettin Tantan, met the State Minister and the Deputy Prime Minister at the Prime Ministry's Central building yesterday afternoon. It was revealed that Ozkan then gave information to Ecevit on this meeting. Tantan will give information on the terrorist incidents at the Group meeting of the Motherland Party (ANAP) and then at the General Council of the Turkish Grand National Assembly (TGNA). Tantan is expected to give information on latest operations to uncover the murderers of Ugur Mumcu. After Tantan gives information, the speakers of groups will give their opinion on the issue for ten minutes. /Sabah/

TEHRAN RADIO: "PROVOCATION"

Rumors that Iran may have been behind the murder of Ugur Mumcu, has angered Tehran. Tehran Radio blamed Turkish media for regularly launching various activities to damage the relations between the two countries. The radio also broadcast a statement issued by the Iran Islam Republic's Embassy in Ankara and said, "At a time that relations between the two countries have begun to relax, the Turkish media broach groundless claims and connect Iran to the Ugur Mumcu assasination. Before that Iran was supposedly connected to Hizbullah." /Milliyet/

DEMIREL SENDS LETTER OF FAREWELL TO 80 PRESIDENTS

9th Turkish President Suleyman Demirel, whose term of duty will come to an end next week, sent a letter to nearly 80 Heads of State, including the American President Bill Clinton, French President Jacques Chirac, the Greek President Kostis Stephanopulos, Cuba's Head of State Fiedel Castro and the Iranian President Muhammed Hatemi, saying farewell. Demirel did not include Iraq's Head of State, Saddam Huseyin, Libya's Leader Muammer Kaddafi, Syrian Head of State Hafiz Esad, Pakistan's Leader Pervez Muserref or the Yugoslavian Head of State Slobodan Milosevic in his list. /Sabah/

DEMIREL PROMOTES ENERGY INVESTMENT

President Suleyman Demirel gave an address at the eighth Middle East Technical University (ODTU) Energy Congress in which he said that Turkey needs to develop on all fronts and also gave details about energy projects that have been continuing over the years, the Anatolia News Agency reports. Demirel stressed that Turkey should not back away from anything to do with energy and that it must invest some $4 billion annually in energy projects. Demirel stated that Turkey used to be dependent on the outside world for everything, but that now it was in the position to sell products to countries which it used to buy from. he added that most of the $30 billion worth of goods which Turkey exports every year are industrial products, but that in order to increase that amount Turkey needs to produce more energy.

DEMIREL'S RECEPTION

President Suleyman Demirel has invited more than 3,000 people to the Cankaya Presidential Palace for the '9 May EU National Day' reception. Turkey's 10th President Ahmet Necdet Sezer is also expected to participate in the reception. /Cumhuriyet/

DURABLE GOODS' SITUATION BECOMES BETTER

Durable goods, whose market shrunk by 35% when compared to the year before, began to improve its situation. According to the data of the Durable Goods Industrialists' Association, the total of durable goods sales increased by 16% when compared to the same period last year. In addition, production increased by 9.5%. During the first three months of the year 2000, the amount of exports increased by 23.3% when compared to the same period last year. In addition, the amount of imports reached 11%. /Sabah/

TRANSPORTERS PREPARING FOR ELECTRONIC TRADE

The internet has begun to show its impact on the transporting sector. The fact that the electronic trade is becoming very important day by day, increased the importance of the transporting sector. One of the leading names of this sector, General Director of Balnak Holding Company, Selma Akdogan, thinks that transporters are changing their images. Akdogan stated that they were transporting without using transporting vehicles and that they were using the highway, sea way and airway. Akdogan added, "We also use a satellite monitoring system and can reach all the vehicles whenever we want and receive any information we need concerning the transportation. We can apply business discipline very well and educate both the owners of lorries and the suppliers." /Sabah/

TWO BANKS SEIZED IN THE TRNC

Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus' (TRNC) Council of Banks seized the administration of Cyprus' Industry Bank and Cyprus' Credit Bank, whose financial situation began to weaken. The Council of Banks were summoned yesterday and chaired by the Deputy Prime Minister and the State Minister Mustafa Akinci and during the Council it was decided that the administrators will be appointed to these banks by the State and their deposit payments will not be paid for six months. These two banks were given a period of six months so that they can improve their situation. /Sabah/

DR. OREN RECEIVES AN HONORARY DOCTORATE FROM FLORIDA ATLANTIC UNIVERSITY

Florida Atlantic University gave an honorary doctorate to the Chairman of the Executive Board of Ihlas Holding Company, Dr. Enver Oren due to his services. Rector of Florida Atlantic University, Dr. Anthony James Catanese, issued a speech during the ceremony and pointed out the importance of the friendship between the US and Turkey and praised Dr. Oren's contribution to this issue and his success. Catanese said, "Dr. Oren was to receive this title on December, 1999. However, the unfortunate earthquake disaster that occurred in Turkey prevented him from leaving Turkey. We are happy to see Oren with us. I am honored to present this doctorate title in recognition of his aid and services to the humanity and to our university." In response, Dr. Oren said, "I thank these respectable lecturers for awarding me this honorary title." /Turkiye/

TURKEY TO CELEBRATE EUROPEAN DAY

Turkey will be represented beside the other 26 countries during European Day, which was organized by the England's Ministry of Foreign Affairs. European Day activities will begin today with an opening speech that will be made by England's Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, responsible for Europe, Keith Vaz this morning. Turkey will also open a stand during these activities, which is expected to be visited by nearly 5,000 people at Durbar Court Exhibition Centre. Turkish meals will be presented at the Turkish stand and the best examples of the Turkish folk dance will be presented. In addition, pianist Seden Yilmaz will give a concert as part of these activities. /Turkiye/

ROMANIA SUGGESTS TO BE IN COOPERATION WITH TURKEY

Romanian Deputy Prime Minister and the Assembly Spokesman of the Economic Commission, Gavanescu Vicentiu, stated that Romania had top technology for constructing earthquake-proof buildings and that they were willing to be in cooperation with Turkey. The Romanian Businessmen delegation, chaired by Vicentiu, arrived in Turkey as the guests of Kocaeli Industrialists' and Businessmen's Association and visited the Governor of Kocaeli, Kemal Onal at his office. Vincentiu made an explanation during his visit and stated that they were willing to cooperate with Turkish businessmen and that they had arrived in Turkey with this purpose. Vincentiu said, "We have top technology for constructing earthquake-proof buildings. We can make additional trade regarding construction materials. During the next meetings, we will determine what kind of a trade we can make." /Turkiye/

TURKISH RED CRESCENT IN ETHIOPIA

Turkey wil send a tank plane full of food to Ethiopia, which has been suffering from famine from a long period of time. Directorate General of the Turkish Red Crescent, previously sent aid amounting to 25,000 US dollars to Ethiopia after the initiative of the Turkey-Ethiopia Joint Economic Commission's Co-Chairman to Turkey and the Turkish State Minister Mehmet Kececiler. Kececiler listed the aid materials that will be sent to Ethiopia by plane tomorrow and this list is as follows: four tons of sugar, five tons of flour, two tons of macaroni, four tons of rice, five hundred kg of tomato sauce and 113,759 injectors. /Turkiye/

MARLBORO'S TOBACCO BEING PROCESSED IN DIYARBAKIR

The Director of Diyarbakir Tobacco Processing Factory, Zeki Yilmaz, stated that they had processed 70,000 kg of tobacco belonging to Marlboro Company. Within the framework of the agreement, signed by the Prime Ministry and Rodop Tobacco Joint Stock Company, the test tobacco of 'Virginia type' was produced in Edirne for Marlboro Company, a portion of which was then brought to Diyarbakir and processed there. /Aksam/

WORLD RADIOCOMMUNICATIONS CONFERENCE

Istanbul is hosting a giant international conference which will last one month. About 2,600 members of the International Telecommunications Union (ITU) from 160 countries have convened in Istanbul at Lutfu Kirdar Congress Centrum for the World Radiocommunications Conference. During the conference, important decisions are expected to be taken concerning telecommunications in the 21st century. The Deputy Prime Minister Devlet Bahceli inaugurated the conference. Minister of Transport, Enis Oksuz; Minister of Tourism, Erkan Mumcu and Minister of Health, Osman Durmus also attended the openning ceremony. The cost of the conference is about 50 billion dollars. /Hurriyet/

RECEP ONAL IN SYRIA

The Minister of State Recep Onal, in Syria with a group of businessmen to attend the Turkiye-Syria Joint Economic Commission (KEK)'s three-day meeting which will be held after a pause of 12 years, began his meetings. Onal opened the "Made in Turkey" fair with the Syrian Minister of Economy, Muhammed El-Imadi. In addition to increase the trade volume between the two countries, the KEK meeting also hopes improve cooperation in health, transport, agriculture and energy areas. /Hurriyet/

FOREIGN AFFAIRS WAITS FOR DOCUMENTS

Concerning the claims that Iran is connected with the Ugur Mumcu assasination, Turkish Foreign Affairs is awaiting related information and documents from officials. Foreign Ministry authorities stated that they will take the initiatives necessary toward Iran after evaluating the case. /Millliyet/

HARRIS' CONFERENCE

A prominent American historian and writer on foreign affairs, George Harris, gave a conference concerning the Turkish-American relations at September 9 University in Izmir. Harris stated that Turkey has experienced very important developments in the last 45 years and said, "I am happy to see these developments. Turkey has become a country open to the world." Replying to a question regarding the election of Ahmet Necdet Sezer as president, Harris emphasized, "Sezer has gained the sympathy of the world with his loyalty to principles of democracy and human rights". /Milliyet/

INDUSTRIAL PRODUCTION INCREASES

The total industrial production has increased 1% in March, and 3.2% in the first three months of this year. Last year in March, industrial production decreased 12%, and 9.6% in the first three month period. /Aksam/

DIALOGUE AMONG RELIGIONS

The Director of the Religious Affairs, Mehmet Nuri Yilmaz, said that belief tolerance in Europe and Turkey will be emphasized during the "Dialogue Between Religions" meeting, which will be held in Tarsus on May 10-11. Yilmaz stressed that representatives of all religions in Turkey will attend the meeting. /Aksam/

SOLIDARITY AMONG COUNTRIES

The "First International Symposium for Border Countries' Journalists" organized by the Thracian Journalists' Association started in Edirne yesterday. In addition to Turkey, journalists from Greece and Bulgaria attended the symposium. The Head of the Turkish Journalists' Association, Nail Gureli, delivered a speech at the symposium and pointed out the solidarity among countries in regards to solving the problems concerning journalism. The symposium will end tomorrow, when a joint declaration will be made available for signatures. /Cumhuriyet/

DIYARBAKIR DGM ALTERS SENTENCES

Diyarbakir No.2 State Security Court (DGM) yesterday altered the sentences or verdicts of 59 people who had been convicted of participating in various terrorist activities. According to the DGM, nine of the 11 people who had received the death sentence had their sentences changed to lifetime imprisonment, the sentence of one was changed to six years in prison and another's sentence was changed to 16 years and eight months in prison. Seven of the 59 were acquitted, while various decisions were made concerning the remainder. /All papers/

YALOVA REPLIES TO WORLD BANK CRITICISM

A bill providing for a 20 % stake sell-off in foundation concern Vakifbank might be sent to Parliament this week once all ministers have signed it, State Minister responsible for privatization Yuksel Yalova said yesterday. Whether the stake will be privatized through block sale or a public offering is to be decided by the consultant, Yalova told a news conference in Ankara yesterday. Replying to recent World Bank criticism, Yalova said, "We should be applauded rather than criticized for attempting to privatize a 20 % stake". He said other public banks have taken no steps towards privatization so far. Meanwhile, experts from the IMF will be allowed to permanently work at the World Bank office in Ankara to monitor economic developments in Turkey and report back to the IMF headquarters in Washington. /All papers/

KOC SEES 12 % GROWTH AS POSSIBLE

Koc Conglomerate has projected a physical growth of 12 % this year and sees this growth as possible on the basis of its first quarter results, a senior official from the company said yesterday. "The first three months of this year were more positive for Koc than the first three last year", said the Head of Koc Holding's Industry and Public relations Group, Tugrul Kutadgobilik, in an interview with the Anatolia News Agency. He stated that Koc Group would continue to be engaged in fields such as the Internet and e-commerce and would be watching out for telecom privatization. "The GSM tender must be accepted as a transition process for Koc Holding rather than a beginning or an end", he added.

TURKEY PREPARES FOR EURO 2000 DISPLAY

The Foreign Ministry has begun preparation for its displays on Turkey for the Euro 2000 soccer championships in Belgium and Holland, the Anatolia News Agency reports. Its display stands will feature brochures and a wealth of information about Turkey. Stands from the Culture Ministry will also present reports on Turkish folklore and traditional dancing. Additionally, Turkish sports and sports stars will be spotlighted by documentaries prepared by the Turkish Radio and Television Corporation (TRT). Meanwhile, Eurosport channel has begun to compile film and footage for broadcasts on Turkey.

DELEGATION FROM CUBAN PARLIAMENT VISITS ANKARA

A delegation from the Cuban Parliament chaired by its International Commission Chairman Ramon Pez Ferro came to Ankara yesterday as official guests of the Turkish Parliament's Foreign Affairs Commission. The delegation met Parliament's Deputy President Vecdi Guonlu, Turkey-Cuba Inter-Parliamentary Friendship Group Chairman Ridvan Budak, and Foreign Affairs Commission Chairman Kamran Inan. The delegation will also have meetings with Foreign Minister Ismail Cem and State Minister Sukru Sina Gurel. On Thursday, the delegation will visit Istanbul. /Turkish Daily News/

ISEDAK HOLDS ITS 16TH MEETING

The Organization for Islamic Conference, Economic and Trade Cooperation Standing Committee (ISEDAK) is holding its 16th meeting today in Istanbul. The meeting will last through May 11. According to the State Planning Organization (DPT), topics to be discussed include developments in the application of the Economic Cooperation Act Plan, relations with the World Trade Organization (WTO), and strengthening of small- and medium-scale enterprises (KOBIs). /Turkish Daily News/

TREASURY HOLDS 15-MONTH BOND AUCTION

The Treasury is holding a 15-month bond auction today with a view to borrow in the range between TL 500-700 trillion, according to its monthly borrowing programme. Repayment of the bonds is scheduled for August 22, 2001. In May, the Treasury will repay a total domestic debt of TL 4.6 quadrillion. /All papers/

STFA GIVES BEST BID FOR OMAN CONTRACT

Turkish contractors STFA and Atilla Dogan gave the best bid for a wharf construction contract in Oman, STFA announced yesterday. The Turkish consortium made a bid of $32.9 million, the lowest among 12 international consortiums. The wharf must be constructed within two years as part of the Sohar Port Project and is being financed with loans from the Japanese Eximbank. The winner is expected to be announced within a month. /Turkish Daily News/

MEETING AT TOBB

The chairmen of various organizations including the Turkish Union of Chambers and Commodity Exchanges (TOBB), TISK, Turk-Is, Hak-Is, TESK and TZOB will convene during a meeting at the TOBB building today. During the meeting, issues to be discussed include harmonization with the EU regulations, an increase in the premium of the Social Security Institution (SSK), re-structuring in the agricultural sector and subsidiary policies. /Star/

'AROUND THE WORLD 2000 RALLY' IN ISTANBUL

Some 90 classic cars, all of which are at least 30 years old, are on their way around the world in 80 days as part of the "Around the World 2000 Rally". Following the Silk Road, the cars' drivers started from London on May 1 and wound their way through Central Europe. They will leave Istanbul on Tuesday morning, heading across southern Russia and the Caspian Sea to Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan and China. /All papers/

OSMANLI BANK BOOSTS NET PROFIT

Turkish lender Osmanli Bank posted a net profit of TL 48.3 trillion in 1999, up by 103.5 % compared to the previous year. The bank's total assests were at TL 1.3 quadrillion at the end of 1999, an increase of 105 % from 1998. /All papers/

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

UGUR MUMCU BY FIKRET BILA (MILLIYET)

Columnist Fikret Bila comments on the news that there has been great improvement in solving the murder of Ugur Mumcu. A summary of his column is as follows: "Minister of Interior Affairs, Saadettin Tantan called the wife of late Ugur Mumcu to give her information on the latest developments before making a statement to the press. He said that important clues were found. Mrs. Mumcu believed that this time there really has been progress toward in solving the case but nevertheless, preferred to be cautious: 'The impression I got from the news Mr. Tantan has given me is that there has been some promising developments. However, I would like to view these with cautious optimism. We do not know what kind of evidence they have besides the confessions. We do not know what will come up during the trial.' Interior Minister Tantan and Security Dirrector General believed that in addition to the Mumcu case, some other unsolved murder cases will also be solved. It is probable that the suspects maybe involved in the murder of Ahmet Taner Kislali, also an important journalist. The clues which lead the security forces increase the suspicions that many of the unsolved murders, including the Mumcu case, were supported from abroad. It is apparent that in addition to the exportation of 'ideology,' money played a significant role in these murders. With the solution of the Mumcu case many issues which remain in the dark can be uncovered. This opportunity seized by the security forces may result in success just as it has in the cases of the PKK and Hizbullah. It is the common wish of the whole nation."

IMPORTANT ISSUES BY ESEN UNUR (STAR)

Columnist Esen Unur writes on the important issues waiting to be taken up by the Government. A summary of his column is as follows: "Ankara and Turkey's programme is full of important issues. A new president has been elected. The preparations for handing over the office are going on. State Minister Mehmet Ali Irtemcelik has resigned. Other changes are also expected in the Government. Nine people suspected of being responsible for the murder of Ugur Mumcu have been caught. Their interrogation is continuing in Ankara. Justice Minister Hikmet Sami Turk said that operations within Turkey and abroad were ongoing. As the race for the chairmanship of the Virtue Party is going ahead at full speed, the date for the trial to take place at the Constitutional Court to ban this party is nearing. The Amnesty Bill which had been shelved for some time is expected to be taken up again. The Government is continually searching for solutions to economic problems. The Baku-Ceyhan pipeline has never lost its importance. Measures have to be taken for the coordination of relations with Turkish-speaking nations. For full-membership of the EU, reforms have to be made within the country, and agreements have to be signed abroad. With all these issues at hand, Turkey does not have any time to lose. One of the most important conditions for not losing time is eradicating all corruption and illegality which have taken place in the past. Therefore, it is promising to see the hastening up of the studies of the corruption committee in the Parliament and uncovering of the issues which were in the dark by the Security forces. People will trust the State and those in power so long as the perpetrators of unsolved murders are caught and corruption trials are completed fairly and the roads of corruption are obstructed."

OLD ISSUES