ECEVIT: "NO PROBLEMS WITH BAKU-CEYHAN"

Prime Minister Bulent Ecevit clarified issues surrounding the pipeline project to transport natural gas from Turkmenistan, the Anatolia News Agency reports. Ecevit said, "The natural gas agreement between the Russian Federation and Turkmenistan is not yet signed, and moreover the ongoing negotiations between those two countries are not likely to have an adverse impact on the Baku-Ceyhan project. /All papers/

CEM: "EURASIA, OUR TOP PRIORITY"

Minister of Foreign Affairs Ismail Cem has stated that Eurasia has a very important place in Turkish foreign policy. Cem stressed that one of the two top priorities of Turkish foreign poicy was to be a pivotal player in Eurasian politics. The other priority he stated was Turkey's membership in the EU. Speaking at a luncheon he hosted for the ambassadors of Central Asian and Caucasian republics at his residence yesterday, Cem said his meeting with the ambassadors would be of help in developing the action plan of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Cem said that he will visit Azerbaijan next week and will also tour the Central Asian Republics in June. /All papers/

PAPANDREOU: "RELATIONS WITH ANKARA ARE MOVING IN A POSITIVE DIRECTION"

Greek Minister of Foreign Affairs, George Papandreou, who is in Brussels now to attend the meetings of the European Union (EU) Council, stated that they were expecting to find solutions with Ankara so that all the current problems can be solved within the framework of a healthy dialogue. It was also envisaged that Papandreau will hold bilateral meetings with the Turkish Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ismail Cem, and with the American State Secretary, Madeleine Albright, during the NATO Council's meetings that will be held on 24 and 25 May in Florence. Papandreou stated that the measures taken to increase confidence between Turkey and Greece will be increased and that new compromising areas will be placed on the agenda. Papandreou added that the relations between the two countries were moving in a positive direction. /Turkiye/

IMF SAYS NO REVISION NEEDED ON TARGETS

The Head of the IMF-Turkey Desk, Carlo Cottarelli, visiting Turkey ruled out a need for revision of basic targets of the government's economic program. Cottarelli said March and April consumer inflation figures indicated that the 25 % year-end consumer inflation target was within reach. Following meetings with Treasury Undersecretary Selcuk Demiralp and State Minister responsible for the economy, Recep Onal, Cottarelli reiterated that the economic program remains on track. He added that Turkish industrial production could rise 9 % by the end of this year in a recovery from last year's recession. /All papers/

GOVERNMENT UNVEILS NEW INCENTIVE LEGISLATION

State Minister Recep Onal yesterday unveiled a new incentive legislation, which has yet to be presented to the Cabinet and High Board of Planning. Onal told a news conference that approximately TL 140 trillion will be distributed in incentives this year. This will largely be met through foreign financing. /All papers/

TREASURY HOLDS BOND AUCTION

The Treasury is today selling 13-month bonds with a view to borrow in the range between TL 650 trillion and TL 850 trillion, according to the Treasury's monthly borrowing program released on April 28. The bonds value dated May 24 are a re-issue of April 19 papers maturing on June 20, 2001. /All papers/

ERCEL TO GIVE A CONFERENCE

Chairman of the Central Bank, Gazi Ercel will a give briefing to the European bankers in Frankfurt. Ercel will explain the strength and the economic structure of Turkey during a conference entitled 'Turkish Economy During the Years 2000' and also distribute the brochures, prepared by the Central Bank to the European bankers. The Deputy Chairmen, Sureyya Serdengecti, Sukru Binay and the Central Bank's representative to Germany, Yavuz Ozgediz, will also attend this conference, to which 500 bankers were invited. /Star/

BOTAS: "PUTIN'S VISIT WILL NOT HARM TURKEY'S INTERESTS"

The General Director of the Turkish Pipeline Transportation Company (BOTAS), Gokhan Yardim, said in a press conference held yesterday that Russian President Vladimir Putin's visit to Turkmenistan would not harm Turkey's natural gas agreement with the former Soviet territory. Yardim stated that Turkey had expressed its will to import natural gas to saparmurad Turkmenbasi in the next few weeks and now it was waiting for a positive response from Turkmenistan. /All papers/

HIGH-TECH COMPANIES JOIN POWERS TO SUPPORT KOBIs

Swedish telecommunications company Ericsson, computer giant IBM Turk, software provider Logo Business Solutions and Internet service provider Superonline have combined powers to help Turkish small- and medium-scale enterprises (KOBIs) shift to e-commerce, the Anatolia News Agency reports. Supported by private Turkish bank Yapi Kredi, the companies will hold a series of events in Istanbul, Izmir and Ankara in cooperation with Small- and Medium-Scale Enterprise Development Administration (KOSGEB) and present specific e-commerce solutions to the KOBIs. /All papers/

EU COMMISSION REPORT PRAISES TURKISH STABILIZATION PROGRAM

A report prepared by the EU Commission gives support to the Turkish government's economic stabilization program. In the report, Turkey's program was described as 'ambitious' and it was added that this program allowed for improvements in the Turkish economy. The report made positive predictions for the remainder of this year and next year. /All papers/

FOREIGNERS SELL NET $1.7 BLN STOCKS IN FOUR MONTHS

Foreign investors sold a net-worth of $1.7 billion stocks on the Istanbul Stock Exchange (IMKB) in the first four months of this year, the Anatolia News Agency reports. Foreigners' total trading volume during January-April reached $16.8 billion, compared to $17.9 billion for the whole of 1999, the agency said. Meanwhile, it is reported that the Turkish Economy Bank (TEB) has authorized Commerzbank, Hypovereinsbank, Standard Bank and West LB for syndication loans worth $50 million. /Sabah/

TURKISH UNION OF CHAMBERS AND COMMODITY EXCHANGES' EVALUATION

The 'Economic Report 99,' which will be presented before the 55th General Council of the Turkish Union of Chambers and Commodity Exchanges (TOBB) on 27 May, was published. In the report, developments both in Turkey and in the world were evaluated and solution were proposed. The Chairman of the TOBB, Fuat Miras, stated that in the foreword of the report, it was pointed out Turkey was negatively influenced by the global economic crisis in 1999 and that there were also economic, social and political ambiguities during this same year. /Star/

WORLD BANK DELEGATION TO ARRIVE IN TURKEY

The Head of the World Bank, James D. Wolfensohn, will arrive in Turkey to make some observations between 25 and 28 May. Wolfensohn, will meet the representatives of the private sector in Istanbul on 25 May. He will also issue a speech at the Union of Banks on global financial reforms. Then he will go to the earthquake-hit region on 26 May and tour the tent cities in Golcuk. Following this visit, Wolfensohn will arrive in Ankara in the same day and exchange opinion on the economic reform practices with the Prime Minister Bulent Ecevit and the officials from the government. During these meetings, the level of the World Bank's support for Turkey will also be discussed. /Star/

GLOBAL STOCK EXCHANGES' NEW INITIATIVE

Global Stock Exchanges took its place among the international advisory companies. Global Stock Exchanges, which has been giving advisory services in the international markets since 1997, undertook the duty of advisory in the operation of purchasing a company between the US and Egypt. /Hurriyet/

TUSIAD'S INTENSIVE AGENDA

The Chairman of the Turkish Industrialists' and Businessmen's Association (TUSIAD), Erkut Yucaoglu, and the accompanying delegation are participating as a member of the Turkish lobby in France, which take up the European Union's (EU) presidency the end of June. The fact that the document of Turkey's participation in the European Union will be approved during this period is increasing the importance of these contacts. The delegation from the TUSIAD, who met the Undersecretaries of France's Ministry of the EU and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Jean-Michel Casa and Daniel Lequartier, made the following statement during their contacts: "Help Turkey in the process of democratic reforms. The econmic and political integration and financial cooperation is of the utmost importance so that Turkey can take its place in the defence identity. The resources amounting to 180 million Euro, which will be given to Turkey annually as part of the strategy prior to full membership, will be used for education, youth programmes, the Small and Medium-Scale Enterprises and for regional development." /Hurriyet/

TESK TO WORK WITH NASA

The Turkish Traders' and Small Businessmen's Confederation (TESK) was selected to be a part of NASA's cooperative working group together, along with the World's Association of Small and Medium-Scale Enterprises (WASME). Chairman of TESK, Dervis Gunday, stated that the officials from the TESK and WASME would meet soon and determine the manner of work. He added that these meetings will be also attended by the TESK's Director of Foreign Relations, Mustafa Bektas. /Aksam/

TURKEY TO PARTICIPATE IN THE JSF PROJECT

Turkey will take part in the production stage of the Allied Attack Planes JSF project, which was developed by the US and England in order to modernize the air and naval forces, after receiving the official invitation of the US. Turkey reserved a budget of 300 million dollars for this project, whose total budget amounts to 250 billion dollars. Turkey will help this project on the third level and will open a JSF office in Washington. Meanwhile, England and the US are the full cooperation partners in the JSF production project. /Milliyet/

HEROIN AMOUNTING TO FOUR TRILLION TL SEIZED

Officials from Istanbul's Department of Narcotics, held two separate operations in Bagcilar, Istanbul during which they seized 187 kg of heroin, amounting to two trillion TL, which were packed to be sent to England. Ramadan Kilic and Mehmet Fevzioglu, who were detained concerning the incident, and the places that they revealed were investigated and, thus, two weapons and 10,000 Deutsche Marks were found. Meanwhile, during another operation that was held in Hakkari's district of Yuksekova, 186 kg of unadulterated morphine, amounting to two trillion TL was seized and two people were detained concerning the incident. /Milliyet/

CLOSE ASSOCIATE OF YESIL CAPTURED

Zahir Selvi, who carries the code name of Bedirhan and who is known as the terrorist with the code name of 'Yesil,' was detained by the officials from Ankara's Department of the Struggling Against Terrorism. The Police are organizing the series of operation in order to capture Yesil as well. Zahir Selvi, who was captured in his car with a weapon without a licence and a fake identity card in Istanbul the day before, was brought to Ankara. According to the information given by Selvi, the operations are being organized from the addresses in which Yesil can be found. /Hurriyet/

ARMENIAN BILL DEFEATED IN NEW JERSEY LEGISLATURE

The New Jersey state senate has voted down a bill calling for recognition of the so-called Armenian genocide, the Anatolia News Agency reports. The bill was heavily supported by the Armenian lobby. /All papers/

CHINESE DEPUTY CHIEF OF GENERAL STAFF IN TURKEY

A military delegation headed by Chinese Deputy Chief of General Staff Kui Fulin has arrived in Turkey for an official visit, the Anatolia News Agency reports. The delegation is visiting Turkey upon a prior invitation from the Turkish Chief of General Staff's Office. After leaving Turkey, the delegation is expected to visit Egypt. /All papers/

TURKISH OFFICIALS: "GREECE HAS TO RECOGNIZE SIX-MILE LIMIT"

Despite the continuing warm relations between Turkey and Greece, it is reported that it would be difficult to dismantle the Aegean Army unless some steps are taken by Greece, such as agreeing not to extend its territorial waters beyond six miles and the disarmament of the Aegean islands. It was announced in the Turkish press yesterday that former Turkish Naval Forces Commander Adm.Guven Erkaya has prepared a four-page 'action plan' for Prime Minister Bulent Ecevit aimed at bolstering Turco-Greek friendship. As one of the Prime Ministry's chief advisers, Erkaya said that in the course of the EU accession process Turkey should solve its problems with Greece by the year 2004. /Turkish Daily News/

CHAIRMEN OF BAR TO CONVENE IN ANKARA

The Chairmen of the European Bar will convene in Ankara on May 25, 2000. According to a statement by the Turkish Bar's Union, during the meeting issues concerning the independence of the judgement and lawyers will be discussed. /Cumhuriyet/

ESDI ON THE AGENDA

The EU Council held its monthly meeting in Brussels yesterday. During the meeting, the situation in the Western Balkans, European Security and Defence Identity (ESDI) and relations with the Mediterrenean countries were mainly discussed. Meanwhile, Turkey suggests that an Advisory Council should be established at the level of '15+6' regarding EU member countries and non-EU member countries (Poland, Hungary, the Czech Republic, Turkey, Iceland, Norway). /All papers/

AYTEKIN IN KENYA

The Minister of the Environment, Fevzi Aytekin, went to Kenya yesterday to attend the UN Biological Diversity Meeting. Aytekin held a press conference at Istanbul's Ataturk Airport prior to his departure and said that he would exchange views concerning the bio-technological issues. /Cumhuriyet/

TURKISH DOCTOR'S SUCCESS

Assistant Associate Professor, Mehmet Tuncay Duruoz, who is a lecturer at the Department of the Physical Medical and Rehabilitation at the Medical Faculty of Celal Bayar University, received the 'Award For Young Researcher' in France and became among the most 13 successful young researchers in the world. Duruoz not only received his award during the international meeting that was held between 4 and 7 May in Toulouse, but also explained his research to a number of rheumatology experts from various countries. Besides Duruoz, 12 other doctors from France, Italy, Peru, Thailand, Spain, Hungary, Yugoslavia, Russia, Holland and England were deemed worthy of this award. /Milliyet/

CAKIROGLU RECEIVES THE AWARD OF 'CONCERNED CITIZEN' IN HOLLAND

Nurdan Cakiroglu, who lives in the city of Zwijndrecht in Holland, was deemed worthy of the award of 'concerned citizen' at the Local Heroes Festival, which is being organized every year by the Municipality of The Hague. This award is given to those who can attract the attention of the country's public opinion with his/her local efforts, who can change the agenda and who can perform useful activities for the society. Cakiroglu, who is 36 years old, attracted the attentions with her work in the area of inner-family violence in Holland's society and the pressure that is put on women. /Turkiye/

PHILOSOPHERS IN ISTANBUL

Bogazici University will host the 'International Philosophy Colloquium' on May 29-30. Many German, Italian and French philosophers will have the opportunity to meet in Istanbul. /Cumhuriyet/

TURKISH TOURISTS TO FLOW TO GREECE

It is expected that the islands of Greece will be crowded with thousands of Turkish tourists. 'Ta Nea' daily wrote that the number of Turkish tourists who visit Rhodos Island is expected to surpass 3,000 soon and that they were also expecting Istankoy and Midilli islands to be crowded with the Turkish tourists. 'Ta Nea' daily added that one Turkish tourists' economic contribution to the region which he/she visited was equal to that of other 200 tourists and this newspaper described the Turkish tourists as the best customers in the sector. /Aksam/

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

AEGEAN ARMY BY GUNGOR MENGI (STAR)

Columnist Gungor Mengi writes on the proposal made by the Chief Advisor to the Prime Minister, Guven Erkaya regarding the abolishment of the Aegean Army. "Prime Minister's Chief Advisor Guven Erkaya's proposal on the abolishment of the Aegean Army did not generate much enthusiasm in Athens. At this stage, Greece considers the proposal as mere speculation and awaits its implementation. That is to say, it expects us to take the first step and then they will see what they are willing to do about it. The Aegean Army was formed in 1975 when Greece first mentioned its intentions to extend the limits of its territorial waters in the Aegean to 12 miles. As the extension of territorial waters closed the Aegean to Turkey, it had stated that this would be regarded as 'casus belli'. Retired Admiral Guven Erkaya believes that Greece does not have any such intentions at present. Therefore, abolishing the Aegean Army which does not have any function today, may create a warmer climate between the two countries and help in solving their problems and supporting the process of Turkey's admittance to the EU. It is a relief to believe in the good-will of the opposite side but is not sufficient to take steps from which there can be no return. Turkey did not form this Army out of the blue. Greece first armed the islands in violation of the agreements closed the air space over them, and then expressed its intentions to close the Aegean to Turkey. Lifting this decision unilaterally, and abolishing the Aegean army would mean to say that Turkey is taking responsibility for the tension in the Aegean and retreating from its stance. Would not Greece accept this concession and expect other concessions to follow in other issues? This proposal can only be carried out if the the gains achieved in return are guaranteed. That is to say, the abolishing of Turkey's Aegean Army and commitment by Greece not to extend the limits of its territorial waters to 12 miles should be announced at the same time. It should be recalled that the humiliation of unilateral concession and the national anger resulting from it can harm peace more than an impasse."

THREE THEORIES BY SAHIN ALPAY (MILLIYET)

Columnist Sahin Alpay writes on the recent developments in Turkey. A summary of his column is as follows: "Turkey has gone through interesting developments during the last year. At first, the three-partite Coalition Government formed following the 18 April 1999 Election did not inspire much hopes. It was expected that the Government would not last long and be insufficient in dealing with the gigantic problems facing Turkey. However, during the last year the Government has performed well. Among the milestones of this performance is the economic stability programme. The success of this programme is of vital importance for achieving Turkey's EU membership and in solving all our problems. Among other milestones are the capture of the separatist terrorist organization leader Abdullah Ocalan, and the announcement by the PKK that it has abandoned terrorist and separatist policies. The warming in the EU relations which began with the letter Prime Minister Ecevit sent to German Chancellor Gerhard Schroeder, acceptance of Turkey's candidacy status, the improvement in relations with Greece following the earthquakes occurring in both countries can all be cited as positive points. In 'Political Society' the most important development observed last year is the result of the Virtue Party's congress. Wlith this congress, the Virtue Party has taken a step forward becoming an Islamic Democrat Party. The most important development concerning non-governmental organizations was the solidarity seen after the 17 August earthquake and the mobilization to help those affected. The last development which prepared Turkey to become a full-democracy was the election of a jurist who had called on the TGNA to respect human rights issues and democracy as the tenth President of the Republic. Certainly there are many issues which cast shadows on this picture. However, it is also certain that the future looks bright and promising. There are three theories as to how the three partite government could achieve all its aims and they are: 1- The desire of the Turkish people for peace and calm, getting rich in a democratic environment forces Ankara toward renewal. 2- Opening up to the world in all fields pushes the Turkish economy and politics to adopt modern standards of civilization. 3- The preference for a stable Turkey by the Western countries will encourage modernization and democratization efforts. Another theory is that all three theories are valid."

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