BOYCOTT ON FRANCE

The approval of the so-called Armenian genocide bill in the French Assembly Foreign Affairs Commission will deal a blow to Turco-French relations. Reportedly, the bill is expected to pass from the French Parliament due to concerns over public opinion and losing their seats in Parliament. Chairman of the Ankara Trade Chamber, Sinan Aygun, said France will be the side who loses the most. Recalling Turkey's boycott on Italian goods, Mr. Aygun said, "If the bill passes from the French Assembly, Turkey should review its trade relations with this country and French goods must be boycotted." He pointed out that there were more than 200 French firms in Turkey and Turkey's imports from France was $2.897 billion in the first ten months of the year 2000. /Turkiye/

EROGLU MEETS ECEVIT

Prime Minister of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC), Dervis Eroglu, met with Prime Minister Bulent Ecevit yesterday. During the meeting, the Premiers discussed the economic issues in the TRNC. /Turkiye/

DENKTAS' STATEMENT

President of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC), Rauf Denktas, said, "Talks cannot be made by force. We were given preconditions at the table. These should be reevaluated. The United Nations (UN) Secretary-General Kofi Annan should determine Turkey's position before sending an invitation to attend the talks. I will state the latest situation concerning our manner with a letter to Annan. I will not be in Geneva at the same time as President of the Greek-Cypriot Administration, Glafkos Klerides. If necessary, I can go to New York and meet Annan." /Aksam/

GEN. SIMSEK: "THREAT AGAINST TURKEY IS CONTINUING"

Commander of the Armed Forces Academy, Brigadier General Halil Simsek, said Turkey is trying to be divided under the guise of cultural rights, education in their own language, etc. for Turkish people with Kurdish origin, who were among the founders and formed a main part of this country. Addressing the symposium titled, "Return to the Security Understanding of the Post Cold War", Gen. Simsek said the EU wants to turn the Western Europe into a fortress with the European Security and Defence Identity (ESDI). Stressing that the fortress would not be formed only for defence, but also for possible attacks, he emphasized that the inclusion of Turkey in the ESDI was of a vital importance. Talking about threats against Turkey, Gen. Simsek said Russian's nucleur threat continues. He also pointed out the threats stemmed from the Greek and Armenian issues, and threats coming from Syria, Iran and Iraq's support for terrorism and long range missiles. /Turkiye/

GEN. SENOGUL: "INDEED, THE EU DOES NOT WANT TURKEY'S MEMBERSHIP"

War Academies Commander, Gen. Nahit Senogul, said certain European countries are prejudiced against Turkey and always take place in anti-Turkey activities. During the "ESDI, Future of the EU and NATO Relations, Effects on Turkey" symposium organized in the War Academies Command, Gen. Senogul said, "Indeed these countries are not in favour of Turkey's membership, and instead of including it in the EU, some others want Turkey to be in a close cooperation with the EU." Pointing out that Turkey is located in the world's most sensitive region, he said, "It is a high possibility that most of the crisis Europe may confront in the future will arise around Turkey. Naturally, Turkey will directly be affected from the EU Crises Prevention Operations. Therefore, it must be included in the decision making mechanisms." /Turkiye/

CEM MEETS AMBASSADORS

Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ismail Cem, gave a banquet for the Ambassadors of the European Union (EU) member countries at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs House. EU term president Swedish Ambassador to Ankara, Henrik Liljegen, Ambassadors of Germany, France, England, Austria, Ireland, Greece, Italy, Finland, Belgium and Portugal and Undersecretiars from the Holland, Spain and Denmark Embassies. According to information received from diplomatic sources, Cem expressed Turkey's uneasiness over not being invited to the meeting in Stockholm at the end of this month. The meeting includes participation by the EU member countries' and the candidate countries' national parliaments' Chairmen of Foreign Affairs Commission. It was stated that Swedish Ambassador to Turkey, Henrik Liljegen, promised Cem to examine the issue. /Cumhuriyet/

MOSES MEETS CEM

The US, an important factor pressing for a solution to the Cyprus issue, wanted Turkey and the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) to continue proximity talks. US President Bill Clinton's Special Representative to Cyprus, Alfred Moses, held contacts in Ankara. He stated that he brought new ideas to the Turkish officials for a solution to the Cyprus issue, saying the proximity talks was the best technique. The meeting of the Turkish-TRNC Partnership Council will be held in Ankara today. Moses met the Turkish Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ismail Cem, yesterday and held a press conference after the meeting. He said to the press, "During the tours of farewell, my aim is to ensure the continuation of the proximity talks by the parties under the control of the United Nations (BM)." When the issue of the Greek-Cypriot Administration's membership to the European Union (EU), Moses said the US did not want a united Cyprus to become an EU member. Meanwhile, the President of the TRNC, Rauf Denktas, currently in Ankara attending the meeting of the Turkish-TRNC Partnership Council, met with the Turkish State Minister Sukru Sina Gurel and then with Prime Minister Bulent Ecevit. Eroglu said an 'improved basis' was necessary for the continuation of the proximity talks. Eroglu recalled Moses' contacts in Cyprus and Turkey and added, "However, I cannot say that there is an improved basis yet." /Cumhuriyet/

YILMAZ'S STATEMENT

Motherland Party (ANAP) leader and the State Minister, Mesut Yilmaz, who attended the Eueopean Democratic Union (EDU) party leaders' 20th conference, said, "Turkey supports the expansion of the European Union (EU) and hopes this will cover the continent. If Europe wants to be the global actor, it should include Turkey inthe EU. Turkey should be treated more sensitively than the other candidate countries concerning the expansion of the EU. Turkey is a secular country and that's why it can set an example and can prevent the spread of conversation in the region. With EU membership for Turkey, the EU will be more active both in the Caucasus and the Middle East. The claims that there will be a flood of workers from Turkey to the EU countries are not based on concrete facts. The dynamism in Europe will increase with the membership of Turkey to the EU. Turkey is the country whose economy is growing most rapidly in the world's free market economy." Meanwhile, a proclamation entitled 'Berlin Announcement' was announced during the meeting. In this report, it was pointed out that the EDU had been supporting the expansion of Europe and that all the member parties defend the freedom of people. /Aksam/

PEARSON MEETS CILLER

True Path Party (DYP) leader Tansu Ciller received US Ambassador to Turkey, Robert Pearson, at the General Center of the DYP. Pearson said he had met with Ciller as part of a courtesy visit that he pays to the political party leaders. He added, "I can find the opportunity to exchange opinions concerning how we can strenghten the agenda and future of Turkey." Meanwhile, Ciller said, "There has been a friendship between Turkey and the US for many years. Within this framework, we hope the traditional links between the two countries will continue and strengthen, though the policies that will be put forward by the new President Bush are not yet certain." /Aksam/

KOC'S STATEMENT

The reactions to the French Assembly's Commission of Foreign Affairs acceptance of the so-called Armenian genocide continue. Deputy Chairman of the Executive Board of Turkish Association of Industrialists and Businessmen (TUSIAD), Mustafa Koc, said, "It is necessary to solve the problem of the so-called Armenian genocide completely and thus, not to create a burden for the future generation. The issue should be investigated objectively. Meanwhile, the Turkish Grand National Assembly (TGNA) delegation is in Paris currently to prevent the bill's passage. It will be voted next week at the General Council Session in France. The delegation met with the Chairman of the Assembly's Chairman of the Commission of Foreign Affairs. The delegation expressed the uneasiness of the Turkish public concerning the so-called Armenian genocide bill and pointed out that acceptance of the bill would damage the mutual relations between Ankara and Paris. /Cumhuriyet/

US DEFENSE SECRETARY SUPPORTS TURKEY'S CLAIMS ON ESDI

US Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld said Washington supports Turkey on European Security and Cooperation Identity (ESDI) issue. Mr. Rumsfeld said NATO has proven to be a successful military alliance. He said regarding the ESDI, "any kind of opinion or establishment damaging the unity and integrity cannot be regarded as sensible." Rumsfeld said the missile defense system George W.Bush put forth as pre-election promise would protect friends and allies of the US. /Hurriyet/

TURKEY AND SUDAN SIGN JOINT DECLARATION TO BOOST TIES

Turkey and Sudan on Wednesday signed a joint declaration aimed at improving both economic and political relations. Foreign Minister Ismail Cem and his Sudanese counterpart, Mustafa Osman Ismail, signed on declaration. Mr. Cem said Turkey and Sudan have a great potential for developing bilateral relations, but due to a lack of effective cooperation this potential has not been developed thus far. Cem said Turkey sees Sudan as an important partner in its African policy. Cem said Turkey's contribution to the economic development of Sudan would be great, and he called upon Turkish businessmen to invest in Sudan. /Turkish Daily News/

RP TRIAL AT EUROPEAN COURT OF HUMAN RIGHTS

The European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) will hear the opening arguments by the Welfare Party (RP) on January 16 regarding their complaints. The ECHR previously decided to examine the application of the RP concerning the Human Rights Accord's 10th Article on the right to establish and organize political party, 9th Article on the freedom of faith, and the 11th Article on the freedom of expression. However, the ECHR did not accept the application concerning the 6th Article on the right to a fair trial. /Cumhuriyet/

OECD: "ADJUSTMENT SHOULD BE MADE IN THE ECONOMIC PROGRAM"

The Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) said important adjustments should be made in the macroeconomic parameters of the disinflation program, especially after the fluctuations in the banking sector. It stated the extensive economic program estimated 4.9 % growth rate in 2001. The report prepared by the OECD said the program will be successful if the burden of the disinflation program was shouldered equally by all parties within the society. The report said Turkey should build the confidence of the financial circles by making rapid progress in strengthening the banking sector and in reaching the privatization targets. /Milliyet/

TOBB: 'THE EU DOES NOT KEEP ITS PROMISE'

Turkish Chambers and Stock Exchanges Association (TOBB) Chairman Fuat Miras, said the European Union (EU) did not keep its promise concerning financial aid to Turkey. Miras issued a statement in Frankfurt, Germany, and recalled that Turkey was provided a candidacy status with conditions equal to the other candidate countries during the Helsinki Summit. Miras added, "When compared to the things ensured for the other candidate countries, it is hard to talk about 'equal conditions' for Turkey. The EU also could not keep its promise concerning the financial aid." /Cumhuriyet/

IMF DELEGATION IN TURKEY

As a part of the fifth review, an IMF delegation headed by the Chief of Turkish Desk, Carlo Cottarelli, will arrive in Ankara today. During their one-week visit, the delegation members will discuss the urgent precautions in the scope of $7.5-billion Supplementary Reserve Facility (SRF) and privatization program to be applied this year. The delegation is expected to implement more than 30 economic precautions. /Turkiye/

SWEDEN PLEASED WITH TURKISH TRADE

France's European Union presidency expired and Sweden assumed the position on January 1. Sweden, which will serve as EU president for the next term, is Turkey's 7th biggest trade partner. While the trade capacity between the two countries exceeded $1 billion in 2000, the foreign trade volume was slanted against of Turkey. According to data from 2000, while the total export of Turkey to Sweden is $145.8 million, Swedish exports to Turkey exceeded $1.184 million. Today, 350 Swedish companies are active in Turkey. Ishak Alaton, who is the Chairman of Turkish-Swedish Business Council affiliated with the Foreign Economic Relations Council (DEIK), stated that Turkey was a good trade partner for Sweden, and noted that Sweden wants to increase its trade with Turkey. /Turkish Daily News/

STFA: THE FIRST TURKISH CONTRACTOR IN ALGERIAN

The STFA Tunnel Joint Stock Company and Cosider partnership won the Lakhadara-Bouria De L'Autoroute for 47 million dollars project. 7 international companies, including mostly Italian partnership companies, attended the project bidding. The loan was ensured by the European Investment Bank. Cosider, a partner of the STFA in the bidding process, is working as a state company in Algaria. The project is envisaged to be finished in 30 days. /Aksam/

TAI TO PRODUCE AIRPLANES

The Turkish Aviation and Space Industry (TAI) is implementing a project to produce A-400M passenger aircraft. In partnership with the AMC company, TAI will acquire the know-how to build the Airbus. This project will be the first Turkish aviation industry take part. /Milliyet/

FOREIGN EXCHANCE RESERVES INCREASES BY $5.5 BILLION

The Central Bank foreign exchange reserves increased by $5.5 billion between Dec.26-Jan.5. The total forex reserves of private banks and financial institutions increased by $853 million reaching $16.6 billion. The total forex and gold reserves in Turkey are $37.6 billion with a $964 million increase for the same period. /Star/

PERSONNEL IN JUSTICE DEPARTMENT TO RECEIVE TRAINING

A bill to establish a "Justice Academy" for traning supplementary personnel working in the administrative and judicial services was accepted by the TGNA's Justice Commission. According to the bill, the justice personnel will receive pre-service and in-service training. The Academy will have the financial, administrative and scientific autonomy and will be attached to the Justice Ministry. /Star/

LOCAL PRESS SUMMIT IN IZMIR

The Independent Communication Network (BIA) conference will be held tomorrow in Izmir. The conference aims to establish a cooperation and consolidation environment for local radios and, TV channels, and newspapers. More than 100 local press representaives, free-lance journalists and academicians will participate in the conference./Milliyet/

TURCO-GREEK ENGINEERING SEMINAR

A joint seminar with the subject of 'Evaluating the Earthquake Damage in Buildings and Mending-Strengthening' was organized by the Turkish Chambers of Architectures and Engineers Association's (TMMOB) Chamber of Civil Engineers's Branch in Istanbul and the Greek Technical Chambers. The seminar will continue for two days at Bogazici University. /Cumhuriyet/

JAPANESE EARTHQUAKE EXPERTS IN SAKARYA

The Director of Japanese Ibaura Technology Institute, Prof. Tsuneo Okada, was in Adapazari to study the area, and stated that implementation of the 1988 law for seismic building codes was effective to prevent future damage. A delegation of three people from the World Institution of Seismic Security investigatied the permanent housing areas. Prof. Tsuneo Okada said, "We got positive impressions from our 3 day investigations. We wanted to see the works carried out in the region and what sorts of measures were taken against earthquakes." Meanwhile, the World Institution of Seismic Security, Prof. Tsunea Katayama said, "Each district has different problems. It is a good thing that new houses were not built in same manner as the houses which collapsed." /Cumhuriyet/

TUSIAD'S EVALUATION

The Turkish Industrialists and Businessmen Association (TUSIAD) announced a report entitled 'International Competition Strategies: Biotechnology". The report stated the biotechnology market was becoming widespread. The report added, "When this rapid growth is considered, the countries with the technology-based industries will grow more rapidly. The biotechnology companies and the economic growth created by them, cover a market amounting to 63 billion US dollars for the year 2000. It is estimated that this figure will reach 151 billion US dollars by the year 2008. The biotechnology market in Turkey was 960 million US dollars as of 1999, and there is the potential to reach nearly 4.5-8.5 billion US dollars by the year 2010." Deputy Chairman of the Executive Board of TUSIAD, Mustafa Koc, said Turkey should not be exluded from biotechnology, which will mark the 21st century. /Cumhuriyet/

2000: YEAR OF RECORDS IN AUTOMATIVE

The Turkish automative sector reached records production and sales numbers, Chairman of the Executive Board of the Association of Automative Industry (OSD), Ali Ihsan Ilkbahar, gave information on the statistical information concerning the activities for the year 2000. He said, "The automative production increased from 325,000 to 468,000, with an increase of 44%. For the first time in Turkey vehicle exports reached 104,000." /Cumhuriyet/

THE CONSTRUCTION OF FIRST POWER PLANT TO BEGIN

The ENKA Holding and American InterGen Company will lay the foundation of the Aliaga Natural gas power plant. The plant will produce 31.4 Kw/h totalling $2.2 billion Jan.20. /Sabah/

TOURISM REVENUES REACHES TO $8 BILLION

According to the figures of the Central Bank tourism revenues reached $6.8 billion January-October period in 2000. The revenues increased by 50 % compared to 1999. /Hurriyet/

TURKEY MAJOR CEMENT PRODUCER IN EUROPE

"Turkey is a leading cement producer with an annual 35 million tons produced," said Nuh Cimento A.S.'s General Coordinator Atalay Sahinoglu. He said there are 40 factories in Turkey with 60 million tons of production capacity. /Turkish Daily News/

TURKSAT 2A IN SPACE

Minister of Transport, Enis Oksuz, said the launching of the TURKSAT 2A satellite to the space was very important for both Turkey and the region. He said the satellite would help promote of regional cultures and encourage regional peace. Turksat 2A was lauched the day before yesterday. $1.5-billion in income is expected from the satellite. /Turkiye/

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

CONTROVERSIES OVER CYPRUS POLICY BY EROL MANISALI (CUMHURIYET)

Columnist Erol Manisali comments Turkish policy regarding Cyprus. A summary of his column is as follows: "A special relationship, concerning mainly economic issues which indirectly affect political and security fields, is being formed between Turkey and the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus. A de facto situation was created when the Greek-Cypriots attacked Turkish-Cypriots in 1963 and 1964 abolishing all basis to ensure equality and a balance between Turkish and Greek Cypriots, and for the rights and control of Turkey and Greece over the island. The UN adopted resolutions which supported Greek-Cypriots rule over the whole island and recognized the illegal Greek-Cypriot Administration as the Cyprus Republic. Turkey prevented the Greek-Cypriot and mainland Greece's attacks supported by the West which intended to annex the island to Greece and expel Turks from the Island in 1974. Turkey intervened exercising its guarantorship right and settled Turks in a secure area. This settlement was later ratified by an agreement between Denktas and Makarios. The European Union has step-by-step taken into consideration the membership application of the Greek-Cypriots made in 1990, as of 1993. Thus, the EU has changed all parameters. Even UN Secretary General Perez de Cuellar reacted to the decision of the EU. When the EU signed the Customs Union Agreement with Turkey in 1995, it opened the doors for the Greek-Cypriot Administration, as it had received concessions from the Ankara Government. The EU also put forth the Cyprus condition when it accepted Turkey's candidacy at the Helsinki Summit in December 1999. Furthermore, it placed the Cyprus condition among its political criteria in the Accession Partnership Document presented in November 2000. On the other hand Turkey, while approving the tying of relations with the EU to the Cyprus condition, followed policies contrary to these ties. The National Security Council opposed the decisions approved by the Government on 6 March 1995 and Demirel-Denktas declaration was issued on 28 December 1995. During the 1996-1999 electoral term TGNA accepted decisions declaring Turkey's policy on the Cyprus issue which were contrary to the demands of the EU. Between 1990 and 2000, with the beginning of the new world order, the EU increased its impositions, exploiting certain weaknesses. In 1993, the EU declared that it will initiate negotiations with the Greek-Cypriots as the representative of the Cyprus government, in violation of the 1959-1960 international agreements. It turned a blind eye to the strategic and military cooperation between Greece and the Greek-Cypriots. The EU continually sold sophisticated weapons to the Greek-Cypriots and began to use the Cyprus issue as tool for blackmail. This policy, in no way harmful to Brussels, brought many advantages to the EU. With a European force to being established in the near future, they would like to deploy this force in Cyprus which is of strategic importance. This is especially important for Germany, France and Italy. They are preparing pretexts not to take Turkey into the EU by saying that it is not leaving Cyprus to the Union. Thus, they will have forced Turkey to follow an isolationist policy secluded within Anatolia and to withdraw from the region, still waiting on the doorstep of the EU for admittance."

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