SIXTEENTH MEETING OF ISEDAK HELD

The 16th meeting of the Islamic Conference Organization's Economic and the Permanent Cooperation (ISEDAK) started yesterday in Istanbul's Marmara Hotel. President Ahmet Necdet Sezer, who is also the President of the ISEDAK, delivered the opening speech. State Minister and Deputy Prime Minister Devlet Bahceli was the Session Chairman of ISEDAK, during which the Secretary General of the Islamic Conference Organization (IKT), Dr. Azzeddine Laraki, said the Islamic countries could not benefit from the developing world economy. Guinea Republic's Minister of Industry and Trade, Haci Meryem Deo Balde and Katar Minister of Economy, Huseyin Kemal, also discussed the economic problems of the Islamic countries. Chairman of the Islamic Development Bank, Dr. Ahmad Mohamed Ali, said 2 billion dollars would be reserved to help finance commerce among the member countries for the year 2001. After these speeches, President Ahmet Necdet Sezer visited the exhibition which displays the latest progress of restored mosques, bridges and Islamic works. It also shows the work of the Centre for Islamic Historical Research during the last 20 years. /Hurriyet/

BALKAN SUMMIT

Prime Minister Bulent Ecevit participated in the unofficial summit of the Southeastern European Countries Cooperation Process with heads of states and governments in Skopje. During his speech Mr. Ecevit talked mainly about Yugoslavia. Stressing that Yugoslavia is at the beginning of a new future, he said all the countries in the region are ready to help the new government in Yugoslavia. Following the summit, Premier Ecevit met with the President of the host country Macedonia, Boris Traykovski, Romanian President Emil Constantinescu and Yugoslavian Head of State Voyislav Kostunica. Additionally, Mr. Ecevit met with Greek Prime Minister Kostas Simitis during the luncheon held for the leaders participating in the summit. Replying to questions posed by journalists, Mr. Ecevit said Turkey and Greece are beginning to understand each other, however, disagreements on Aegean Sea are still continuing. Greek Premier Simitis claimed the only problem with Turkey is the continental shelf case. He said despite this problem, the two countries are working together for Southeastern Europe. Mr. Simitis added that during the luncheon he spoke to Mr. Ecevit saying that Turkey's stance on the NATO exercise, from which Greece withdrew, was negative. After completing his meetings in Skopje yesterday, Mr. Ecevit returned to Ankara. /Turkiye/

KASYANOV: "TURKEY IS NOT A RIVAL, BUT A FRIEND"

Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Kasyanov stated the aim was to increase the trade volume between Turkey and Russia to 10 billion US dollars within three years. Kasyanov met with Turkish businessmen, who have business contacts in Russia, at Ciragan Palace yesterday. He said Russia was ready for new cooperations with Turkey in commerce and politics. Kasyanov added they were the candidate for the construction of Turkey's new energy power stations saying, "We consider Turkey not a rival, but a friend. During the Joint Economic Commission (KEK) meetings carried out with Russia, the Turkish side wanted the agreement signed between Turkey and Russia in 1984 envisaging the purchase of natural gas from Russia in return for Turkish goods and services, should be enacted. This agreement has not been active since 1994. In the KEK accord protocol signed with Russia, it was decided that an agreement concerning the issue will be signed during the first three months of next year. /Cumhuriyet/

MGK TO MEET TOMORROW

The National Security Council (MGK) will meet tomorrow under the direction of President Ahmet Necdet Sezer. Domestic and foreign developments will be evaluated at the meeting which will be held in the Presidential Palace starting at 9:30 a.m., the Anatolia news agency reported yesterday. The Constitutional Court will begin considering the Virtue Party's (FP) request related to 14 decrees with the power of law today, in a law suit brought up by the FP which calls for the cancellation and invalidation of 17 decrees in terms of the Authority Law. /Turkish Daily News/

GREECE FREEZES AGREEMENTS

The Greek Parliament decided to freeze the nine agreements signed with Turkey. Regarding the disagreement with Turkey which emerged during the NATO exercise, "Destined Glory-2000", the Greek Parliamentarians agreed to suspend the agreements until they were able to determine Ankara's real intent. /Turkiye/

FOREIGN MINISTER CEM IN GEORGIA

Foreign Minister Ismail Cem left for Georgia yesterday on an official visit at the invitation of Georgian Foreign Minister Irakli Mengarisvili. During Mr. Cem's meetings in Tblisi, in addition to security and energy topics, the Kars-Tblisi railway project and the opening the Cildir-Aktas border gate will be discussed. President Ahmet Necdet Sezer is expected to sign an agreement launching a joint tender for the Kars-Tblisi railway project during his visit to this country in the beginning of November. /Cumhuriyet/

COOPERATION WITH IRAN, IRAQ AND SYRIA TO INCREASE

Action was taken to implement the Foreign Trade Undersecretary's (DTM) strategy of benefiting from the trade potential of Turkey's neighboring countries. The Foreign Economic Relations Committee (DEIK), which is within the Turkish Association of Chambers and Stock Exchanges (TOBB), is carrying out its efforts for the establishment of joint business councils with Syria, Iran and Iraq. 25 companies are needed to establish the business council. /Cumhuriyet/

TURK WANTS INTERNATIONAL COOPERATION

Minister of Justice, Hikmet Sami Turk, said no country can fight against human smuggling alone and that the States should cooperate in good will to end smuggling. Turk delivered a speech during an international conference titled "The Struggle Against Human Smuggling", organized in Rome yesterday. He said, "Many people feel a need to find safe haven for many reasons such as political and economic problems and the violation of human rights. The illegal human smuggling operations are organized by terrorists and gangs is an important financial source for them. A great number of people entered Turkey with the help of these illegal organizations. The number is 40,250 people from the end of July." /Cumhuriyet/

VICE-ADMIRAL JOHNSON IN TURKEY

The US 6th Fleet and NATO Southern Region Forces Commander, Vice-Admiral Gregory Johnson visited Turkish Naval Forces Commander Admiral Ilhami Erdil yesterday. Stressing he was in duty of the 6th Fleet Commander for only fourteen days, Mr. Johnson said he was happy to pay his first official visit to America's closest ally. Concerning the alert status at Incirlik Airbase, Mr. Johnson said they were faced with a specific threat and took necessary precautions. /Turkiye/

US DEMOCRAT PRESIDENCY CANDIDATE GORE SUPPORTS TURKEY'S INCLUSION INTO ESDI

Robert Hunter, the Defense Advisor for US Democratic Party's candidate Al Gore said they are against Turkey's exclusion from the European Security and Defense Policy(ESDP). At a press conference attended by Gore's defense and foreign policy advisors, Mr. Hunter said, "If the US continues its effective relations with the ESDP under Gore's presidency, every NATO member country should be included into the ESDP." /Milliyet/

WALL STREET JOURNAL PUBLISHES AN ARTICLE ON IMPORTANCE OF TURKEY

The American financial newspaper "The Wall Street Journal" published an article yesterday stressing the importance of Turkey from Western viewpoints and evaluating Turkish-American and Turkish-European relations. The article, titled "Clinton sided with Turkey and it's time for Europe" was written by Melik Kayral. It said President Clinton has done his best to prevent the so-called Armenian Genocide Bill from being approved by the House of Representatives. The article stated the continuous exclusion of Turkey from the EU is proof of the lack of a consistent policy by Western democracies toward Turkey.The article said, "This negative attitude affects Turkish public opinion and pushes Turkey to establish new alternative regional cooperations. /Cumhuriyet/

IMF DELEGATION IN TURKEY

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) delegation came to Ankara the day before yesterday, beginning the third round of meetings. The Chief of the IMF Turkey Desk, Carlo Cottarelli will arrive in Ankara this weekend. The delegation will meet with Turkish economic bureacrats for two weeks. The additional letter of intent prepared after the meetings is expected be discussed at the IMF Executive Board's meeting in December. /Cumhuriyet/

NEW SOLUTION FOR THE SOUTH EAST

Chairman of the Turkish Association of Young Businessmen (TUGIAD), Muharrem Yilmaz, and an accompanying delegation went to Diyarbakir to attend the meeting of the 'Process of Regional Economic Development', organized by the Association of Young Businessmen from Southeast (GUNGIAD). Yilmaz suggested the technique of 'specialised production' for the region's development, citing Switzerland as an example. Yilmaz said, "Switzerland concentrated on producing watches and became one of the richest countries in the world. We can also change Turkey's fortune through specialized production just as Switzerland has." Meanwhile, Chairman of the Executive Board of Akyil Company, Mustafa Akyil, delivered a speech to the members of TUGIAD and said the region would become a textile centre. /Hurriyet/

ORAL'S STATEMENT

In a statement to the Anatolian News Agency reporter, Minister of Energy, Sumer Oral, who is currently in Montreal to attend the G-20 meeting, said budget income targets were discussed at the leaders meeting, adding, "While implementing the program, the main target was fair income. However, inflation cannot be a part of the budget. We must decrease the inflation rate." /Aksam/

AGREEMENT FOR ELECTRICITY IMPORT FROM RUSSIA

An electricity purchase agreement was signed with Russia and Georgia. Electricity transfers will begin from the two countries in 10 days. The agreement was finalized during Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Kasyanov's official visit to Turkey three days ago. According to the agreement Russia and Georgia will sell 100 million Kw/h electricity to Turkey. Mr. Kasyanov, at a meeting with the businessmen in Istanbul, said they aim to increase the trade volume between Russia and Turkey, currently $3 billion, to $10 billion thanks to natural gas exports. /Milliyet/

EXIMBANK DIRECTOR BECOMES DEPUTY CHAIRMAN OF BERNE UNION

The Union of International Export Credit and Investment Insurance Institutions "Berne Union" held its 57th General Council meeting Oct.16-20 in Amsterdam. During the meeting, the General Director of the Turkish Eximbank, Ahmet Kilicoglu, was elected Deputy Chairman of the Berne Union. The aim of the Union is to establish a cooperative environment enhancing the quality of service by export financing institutions. /Milliyet/

SUSPENSION-BRIDGE OPENED IN KAZAKHSTAN

The huge suspension-bridge on the Irtis River in Kazakhstan, built by Alarko Group and the Japanese IHI Company, was opened for service. The steel suspension-bridge was opened by the President of Kazakhstan, Nursultan Nazarbayev. This suspension-bridge consists of viaducts, linking roads, three railways, two highways and four pedestrian passages. /Aksam/

ATATURK'S ACTUAL MAUSOLEUM TO BE OPENED TO VISITORS

The portion of Ataturk's Maosoleum, in which Ataturk's body was laid and closed to public entrance, will be tranformed into a museum and opened to visitors. The 4280 books Ataturk has read, will be in the museum and open for visitors use. /Milliyet/

NEW ZEALAND MINISTER IS AN ADMIRER OF ATATURK

New Zealand Agricultural and Trade Negotiations Minister Jim Sutton, in Turkey to attend the meeting of the Turkish-New Zealand Joint Economic Commission, said the fate of the two countries intersected in 1915 in Canakkale. He said the friendly words by Ataturk for the Anzak Soldiers was the starting point of the good relations between the two countries. /Milliyet/

NATIONAL DAY OF KAZAKHSTAN CELEBRATED

The national day of Kazakhstan was celebrated during a reception at the Hilton Hotel yesterday. General Secretary of Presidency, Kemal Nehrozoglu, his Advisor Tacan Ildem, Press Spokesman Metin Yalman, the former President Suleyman Demirel, Minister of National Defence, Sabahattin Cakmakoglu, Undersecretary of Minister of Foreign Affairs, Faruk Logoglu and many other deputies and diplomats attended the reception. /Cumhuriyet/

NET HOLDING INVESTS IN CHINA AND CZECH REPUBLIC

Net Holding will open a carpet factory in China and a jewellry shop in Czech Republic. The Net Group estimates a revenue worth $150 million in 2000 and $375 million in 2004 from its carpet and jewellry business. /Sabah/

TWO MORE RAMSTORES IN KAZAKHSTAN

Migros Turk is increasing its investment in Kazakhstan with two new Ramstore shops. Following the attraction the Ramstore Shopping Centre received last year, the second Ramstore opened in the capital, Astana yesterday. The Governor of Astana, Turkish Ambassador to Astana, Cinar Aldemir, Ministers and other officials attended the opening ceremony of the store. The President of Kazakhstan, Nursultan Nazarbayev and other Ministers also visited Ramstore, which will open its third shop in Kazakhstan on October 28. The number of shops opened by Migros Turk abroad reached 16, including the new Ramstores in Kazakhstan. /Hurriyet/

AWARD FOR KARAGOZ

Master of Karagoz, Mustafa Mutlu, received the Award of Success and the Festival Medal during the 55th International Puppet and Shadow Theatre Festival, organized in Moldovia. Mustafa Mutlu represented Turkey during the festival. Also attending the festival were Ukraine, Romania, Moldova, France, Germany, Lithuania and Russia. /Aksam/

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

KASYANOV'S VISIT BY FIKRET BILA (MILLIYET)

Columnist Fikret Bila writes on Turco-Russian relations.A summary of his column is as follows: "Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Kasyanov's visit to Turkey is considered to be an indication of warmer relations between Ankara and Moscow. The first sign of this development is a message Mr.Kasyanov brought from Russian Head of State Vladimir Putin to President Ahmet Necdet Sezer. Mr.Putin conveyed his reply to President Sezer's invitation to visit Turkey. He expressed pleasure over the invitation and stated that he would like to come to Ankara. Mr.Putin has given instructions to begin preparations for the visit. President Sezer stated that Mr.Putin's visit to Turkey will be the first visit by a Head of State and Turkey will welcome him with pleasure. Apart from delivering these messages, Mr. Kasyanov's visit is concentrated on energy issues. Energy and Natural Resources Minister Cumhur Ersumer said that they have been wrongly criticised on the Blue Stream issue. He added that he had gone with Mr.Kasyanov to Samsun. They had seen that Turkey was rapidly completing its part of the construction."When Mr. Kasyanov saw that 400km.s of pipeline were laid down he was impressed. The Russians are completing the construction of the pipeline above the ground. The Italians will lay down the pipelines underwater. There will be no delays. The pipeline will begin working in the fall of 2001." About the shortage of electricity and demands from Russia, Ersumer said Kasyanov himself had proposed to sell more electricity to Turkey. Ersumer stated, "We are receiving Russian electricity over Georgia. We can purchase 100 million kilowatt hours per month, however their lines are not suited for this. They can transfer 40 million kilowatt hours per month through Armenia. However, this also poses a political problem. Therefore, I replied that this is a matter for the Government to decide and I cannot give an immediate answer to him. Armenia will not sell us electricity but only transport Russian electricity." When asked if Turkey would have to suffer regular power cuts during the winter months, Ersumer, said that at the moment the needs of the country could be met. If there was no unexpected decline in the amount of water or a sudden drop in the weather temperature there may not be any power cuts. However, he added, they were preparing for the worst and taking measures. He believes that if the conditions did not change, Turkey could manage the winter without any power cuts."

GENOCIDE AND TURKS BY TOKTAMIS ATES (CUMHURIYET)

Columnist Toktamis Ates comments on the recent claims of genocide. A summary of his column is as follows: "For years, the same scenario is played over and over.You must be as tired of the issue as I am. However, as there those who never tire of the issue and continue their efforts to bring the issue forward, I feel obliged to write on the matter. The detention of a few hundred prominent Armenians on 24 April 1915 in the Ottoman Empire and the 'deportation' law implemented in the ensuing days regarding those Armenians cooperating with the Russian armies in Eastern Anatolia to the South of the country indeed led to tragic events and the deaths of hundreds of thousands of Armenians from different causes. As this cannot be condoned, it is nothing to be ashamed of . Similarly, the tragedies experienced as a consequence of the deportation law is no different than the tragedies suffered by all. The main reason Armenians in the US and France bring up this issue over and over again is not for vengeance, rather the efforts are approve by the older generations who fear losing their identity and by new generations searching for their identity. However, it is not possible to understand their hostility towards us. True, hundreds of thousands have died during that migration. However, these deaths were not due to genocide - an attempt to try to terminate a race. The administrators of the day may be accused of violence and even treason, but genocide is not a crime which can be attributed to them. To talk of genocide would be highly unfair. We cannot just shrug our shoulders and say that if genocide occurred it was during the Ottoman Empire and therefore does not concern us. Those who want genocide accepted as fact today, will use this lie against Turkey tomorrow which may even lead to demands of land and compensation. In times of war such things happen. For example, during the Second World War, although there was no possibility of uprising by citizens of Japanese descent, the US put them in concentration camps. When this is mentioned, the US answers it has accepted its mistake and apologized and if Turkey also accept that you have committed genocide and apologized to the Armenians, no problem will be left. Although we repeatedly say that why cannot we accept a crime we have not committed no one listens to us. The worst genocide of recent past occurred in Germany. Millions and millions of people were murdered by inhuman methods because they were Jewish. This was a genocide. A similar plan was to be enacted against the barbarian races of the East. The actions against the Poles, and Slavs reached up to a point. But the tides of war changed and these plans could not be enacted. When we mention this Germany says it has accepted its fault and apologized. When he was Prime Minister, Willy Brandt laid a wreath at the unknown soldier monument in Warsaw and apologized to Poland. In fact, the Germans are trying to make the world forget this genocide and the violence they perpetrated. Germans claim that they are not the first nation to commit genocide and try to prove other genocides. They have established foundations to this purpose and allocated huge amounts of money to them. The first issue they have laid their hands upon is the deportation of the Armenians. Neither the conditions of war are taken into consideration, nor the Russian Tsar's declaration of Armenians on his territory as the greatest enemy while he sent arms to Armenians in the Ottoman Empire. The numbers of the victims are exaggerated and the purpose of Germany is to say that it is not the only ones guilty of the crime. "

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