KIVRIKOGLU ATTENDS NATO COMMANDERS' MEETING

Chief of General Staff Huseyin Kivrikoglu attended the Military Committee meeting of NATO in Brussels. During the meeting recent developments in the NATO operations in Kosovo were evaluated. At the end of the meeting NATO commanders thanked Kivrikoglu due to the historical mission that the Turkish soldiers were undertaking in Kosovo. /Aksam/

US PRAISES ECEVIT

A US high-level official said that despite some differences concerning the issues of Cyprus and Northern Iraq, they were satisfied with the policies of Prime Minister Bulent Ecevit. The US official stressed the image of an 'honest politician' which is presented by Ecevit and noted that even though Ecevit was in power, he was the first Prime Minister who had not implemented 'an election economy'. /Hurriyet/

TURKISH NOTE TO D'ALEMA

The Italian Ambassador to Ankara was summoned to the Turkish Foreign Ministry yesterday due to the statements made by the Italian Prime Minister Massimo D'Alema aimed against Turkey's territorial integrity. The Foreign Ministry handed a note to Ambassador Massimiliano Bandini, which included Ankara's reaction to D'Alema's statements. A statement issued by the Turkish Foreign Ministry said that D'Alema had shown by his statements that he was insistent on not realizing the truth concerning Turkey. The statement added that since the current Italian government has been in power, it has constantly been making mistakes in its relations with Turkey. /Hurriyet/

NATO MEDAL FOR TURKISH PILOTS

Twenty-two Turkish pilots from the 182nd Fleet who have returned to Turkey from Italy will be presented with NATO's 'High-Performance' medal and rosettes. Since the beginning of the strikes on March 24, 1998, in Kosovo against the Serbs, the Diyarbakir 182nd Fleet has flown for 611 hours. It was also decided by NATO Headquarters in Brussels that a special shield will also be presented to the Turkish Fleet. The decision to award the medals has been taken with the approval of NATO Secretary-General Javier Solana and NATO Chief Commander Gen.Wesley Clark. Meanwhile, due to the success of the Turkish Fleet in their contribution to NATO's air strikes, the Turkish Armed Forces (TSK) will also present them with a Great Encouragement and Self-Sacrifice Medal. /Hurriyet/

OPERATIONS AGAINST PKK IN NORTHERN IRAQ

Operations by the Turkish Armed Forces against PKK terrorist camps in Haftanin, Pirbela, Sinat and Hakurk in Northern Iraq are on-going. It is reported that the Kurdish Army newly established by the Leader of the Kurdistan Democratic Party (KDP), Mesut Barzani, is also supporting the operations being carried out by the TSK. /Cumhuriyet/

EU POSTPONES CYPRUS DEBATE

The European Parliament (EP) has postponed its discussions of Greek Cypriot Administrations's application for membership of the European Union. Meanwhile, President of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) Rauf Denktas received officials from the Finnish Foreign Ministry telling them that the EP's decision would certainly not change the position of the TRNC and Turkey. He added that both parties in the Cyprus dispute should be carefully listened to in order to achieve success through the international efforts to find a solution to the Cyprus issue. /Hurriyet/

TURKEY LEASES TWO MILITARY TRANSPORT PLANES TO JORDAN

The Turkish Air Force is leasing two CASA CN-235 light transport planes to the Jordanian Air Force. An agreement was signed on Thursday between Turkish and Jordanian Air Force Chiefs, General Ilhan Kilic and General Mohammed Khair Abebneh, at Air Force Headquarters in Ankara. During the signing ceremony, General Kilic said that he hoped the protocol would serve in maintaining regional peace. The protocol also stipulates the transfer of 27 types of military equipment as well as a one-month training programme to be provided to 23 Jordanian ground personnel and four pilots by the Turkish military. /Cumhuriyet/

DEMIREL, "WE SHOULD USE OUR RICH TOURISM POTENTIAL"

President Suleyman Demirel, in a statement he made for Tourism Week, said that tourism was not only an important source of income but also a peaceful way of gathering together the peoples of the world and to promote cultural interaction, the Anatolia News Agency reported. Demirel added that Turkey had a high tourism potential due to its rich natural beauty, culture and history. These factors, in addition to the hospitality of the Turkish people, make the country a unique haven for tourists, said Demirel adding, "In order to improve the tourism sector, priority should be given to the fields that need to be ameliorated. The infrastructure of tourism centres should be reorganized and transportation should be improved." Prime Minister Bulent Ecevit, who also released a statement during the week stated, "We should win the hearts of the tourists who visit our country and increase our strength internationally."

VOTING AT ATATURK AIRPORT

In ballot boxes at Istanbul's Ataturk Airport, Turkey's biggest port of entry, approximately 7,000 votes have been cast. Only those Turkish nationals who have been living abroad for six months or more are permitted to cast their votes in any of the 12 ballot boxes placed throughout the International Terminal at Ataturk Airport. It is expected that the number will increase to 9,000 by Election Day on April 18. /Cumhuriyet/

PRODUCTION INCREASES

According to a statement issued by the State Institute of Statistics (DIE), the level of utilization of the manufacturing industry's capacity was 75.7 % in March. This has increased by 3.5 % compared to February when the capacity used in the industrial sector was 72.2 %. /Hurriyet/

SABANCI-DUPONT JOINT VENTURE

The Turkish Sabanci Corporation has undertaken a joint venture with the DuPont Polyester Company based in the United States to develop, produce and sell polyester filament, staples, resins and related products in markets throughout Europe, the Middle East and Africa. The joint venture is expected to begin operations in the fourth quarter, pending final corporate and regulatory approval. Sabanci and DuPont will be equal partners in the joint venture, which expects to reap revenues of $ 1 billion annually and will employ approximately 4,500 people. The Headquarters of the joint venture will be in the Netherlands. /Sabah/All papers/

TURKISH EXPERTS TO JOIN IMF

The Central Bank Chairman, Gazi Ercel, announced that two experts from the Turkish Central Bank will be present at International Monetary Fund (IMF) delegation talks in Tajikistan and Uzbekistan in April. Ercel noted that Adnan Eken from the Central Bank's Research Section will be involved in the IMF's visit to Uzbekistan and Y. Bora Enhos of the Central Bank's Banking Section will visit Turkmenistan as part of the IMF delegation. Ercel pointed out that the two experts are not IMF staff but rather work for the Central Bank. /Turkiye/

IRRIGATION MULTIPLIES FARMING REVENUES

The Regional Director of the Southeastern Anatolia Project (GAP), Erkan Alemdaroglu, said that the "value added tax" generated by the Sanliurfa and Harran plains has reached $ 1 billion during the last four years since the irrigation of farm lands began. Alemdaroglu told the Anatolia News Agency that once irrigation channels had been put into service in 1994 the agricultural production capacity of the Sanliurfa and Harran plains multipled. In 1995, 20,000 hectares began to be irrigated, increasing this year to 100,000 hectares, said Alemdaroglu adding, "When the GAP project is finished, the amount of income generated will be $ 17 billion. In the agricultural sector alone 2,046,000 jobs will be created."

EXPORTS FROM GAP REGION

Exports of industrial products from the Southeastern Anatolia Project (GAP) region in the first three months of 1999 increased by 84.3 % to $22.9 million, the Anatolia News Agency reports.

BAYAR, "PRIVATIZATION MAY BE ACCELERATED AFTER THE ELECTIONS"

Chairman of the Privatization Board Ugur Bayar said that the future of privatization would be determined by the new government, to be established after the elections. Bayar added that privatization required self-sacrifice and that it was difficult for governments to require that from their nation. He pointed out that long-lasting powerful governments would more easily obtain pleasing results from privatization. /Sabah/

THOMSON BANK WATCH PRAISES DENIZBANK

One of the leading rating institutions, Thomson Bank Watch, has given Denizbank IC-B/C, a high credibility indicator. A written statement made by Denizbank noted that the rating decided on by Thomson Bank Watch has shown their trust in the strong administration of Denizbank even though it was established only one-and-a-half years ago, and in its control systems and advanced technology. /Hurriyet/

GREEK POLICEMAN WOUNDS TURKISH CREW MEMBER

A Greek policeman, Athanasios Papahristos, who was safeguarding the house of a Turkish diplomat wounded a Turkish crew member, Deniz Sarioglu, in his leg. During the incident which occurred in Athens two days ago, the Turkish crew member was wounded by bullets from the gun of the Greek policeman. According to the press, the automatic gun accidentally fired. Officials from the Turkish Embassy in Athens noted that an investigation into the incident was underway with the cooperation of Greek police. Meanwhile, officials from Athens Security Office expressed their regret over the incident and said that they were ready to exert every effort to help the wounded Turkish crew member. /Cumhuriyet/

TWO TERRORISTS KILLED IN TOKAT

During the operations by the Turkish Security Forces against terrorists in the Eastern regions of Turkey, two terrorists were killed yesterday in the Turhal district of Tokat. Military officials announced that the terrorists had launched a bomb atack on a military vehicle at the end of which seven soldiers had been wounded. It was also noted that the terrorists were members of the outlawed TIKKO organization. /Turkiye/

US CITY CAPITAL COMPANY TO MAKE A FILM ON ATATURK

The US City Capital company will make a film from a book named 'O Sarisin Kurt' (That Blond Wolf) which was written by Atilla Ilhan, a famous Turkish author and poet, and which covers a part of the life of Mustafa Kemal Ataturk, the founder of the Republic of Turkey, the Anatolia News Agency reports. Some part of the income from the film will be given as a support to the Kosovar refugees.

TURKISH SPICES IN FRANCE

The General Director of Kayseri Kent Spices, Osman Bayrak said they had exported 29 different Turkish spices to France. Bayrak added that the total weight of the export came to 4,500 kilograms. He noted that famous French restaurants and hotels required Turkish spices. /Aksam/

68TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE TURKISH HISTORY INSTITUTE

President Suleyman Demirel and Prime Minister Bulent Ecevit celebrated the 68th anniversary of the establishment of the Turkish History Institute. Demirel pointed out that history was the inseparable part of a nation's personality. Demirel noted that Turkish history has pointed to great splendour, tolerance and civilization. /Cumhuriyet/

EUROPEAN VOLLEYBALL CONFEDERATION PRAISES TURKEY

European Volleyball Confederation (CEV) praised Turkey due to the matches played in the European Cup Winners Tournament Final Four on March 13-14 in Bursa in the Marmara region, the Anatolia News Agency reports. Sending a letter, CEV congratulated the Volleyball Federation for the perfect organization which ended with the championship of Eczacibasi, a Turkish Volleyball team.

TARKAN IN GERMANY'S TOP-10 LIST

Renowned Turkish pop singer Tarkan has managed to get into the 'Top-10' in Germany. According to the French AFP, Tarkan's song 'Simarik' is at number eight in the German charts. This song had previously been at number three in France and at the top of the charts in Belgium. /Hurriyet/

SUCCESS OF TURKISH YATCHMEN

Turkish sportsmen won two gold, two silver and tow bronze medals in the European Cup Laser Class Championship which was held in France, reported the Anatolia News Agency. According to information provided by the Yatching Federation, six Turkish yatchmen won medals in two categories, including Laser 4,7 and Laser Radial.

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

WHO IS RESPONSIBLE FOR IT? - BY SEDAT SERTOGLU (SABAH)

Serdat Sertoglu, a columnist in the `Sabah' daily, reflects on Turkey's response to the Kosovo question and the recent developments in the Baku-Ceyhan pipeline project. Sertoglu writes: "Who is responsible for the blood and suffering in the centre of Europe? I know you will say `Milosevic'. Of course, but on the other hand, NATO has been unable to understand how Milosevic misled NATO on intervening in Kosovo for a year. How could NATO not realize this? Those who have been closely scrutinizing the Balkans were able to perceive Milosevic's real goal, `ethnic cleansing', a year ago. Perhaps NATO also perceived it but it could not agree on what measures should be taken against that situation. Even now, the NATO members are unable to agree on the `land operation'. However, Turkey is quite calm. She is just doing what should be done as a member of NATO. She is neither a hawk nor a dove here. Her attitude towards the humanitarian aspect of the question is also quite positive. She accepts refugees perfectly reasonably and provides aid to refugee camps in Macedonia and Albania as well. Yet a totally unexpected problem has appeared. `Due to Greece's manipulation', a faction within the Kosovo Liberation Army has given up the idea of independence, emphasizing democratic rights instead. Thus, the possibility of `division' among Kosovars occurs. In response to that, Turkey brings a very important Albanian figure from Brussels to Ankara. He stays in Ankara for half a day and then returns to Europe. In this way, Turkey a very important step has been taken against the Greek plan. Greece has been trying hard to increase her influence over the Balkans; in particular she wants to be influential in Albania and Macedonia. Now she strives to win the loyalty of those Kosovar Albanians; nonetheless, Ankara has been quite sensitive to Greek aspirations in the region. Consequently, then, Turkey's relationship with Albania and Macedonia should be improved to the level of her ties with Romania and Bulgaria. As to the recent developments in the Turkmen Natural Gas Project and the Baku-Ceyhan Pipeline Project which will convey Caspian Oil to the Mediterranean via Turkey, currently it can hardly be stated that both projects have reached an ultimate conclusion. The Consortium which will provide funds for the Baku-Ceyhan pipeline is waiting, for they will not give even a penny before the amount of oil to be conveyed through the pipeline has been determined. On the other hand, PSG which has been engaged to construct the Turkmen Natural Gas Pipeline rejects any thought of beginning the construction before a `buy or pay' agreement has been signed with Turkey. If that agreement is made, CSFB, the financial consultants the PSG, will try to resolve the financial dimension of the project which will cost between 2.5 or 3 billion dollars. On the other hand, Russia has also put forward a project concerning Turkman natural gas and Turkmenistan currently vacillates between the two. Therefore, the new government which will be formed after the Elections must take up these issues seriously. We demand that the new government pursue the interests of Turkey, not those of the holding companies."

TURKEY'S GOOD LUCK AND BAD LUCK -BY DOGAN HEPER (MILLIYET)

Dogan Heper, a columnist for the daily 'Milliyet' newspaper, says the following in his article today: "Turkey's greatness is better considered with regard to foreign events. Turkey's strength as a regional power becomes evident in every incident. 'From the Adriatic to the Wall of China' is not words alone; Turkish is spoken in Bulgaria, in Western Thrace in Greece, in Bosnia and in Macedonia. Those Albanians who migrate from Kosovo to Kirklareli or to Macedonia also speak Turkish. Turkey is a great State. Its cultural and historical effect can be seen from the Adriatic to the Wall of China; it is a peaceful influence, both humanitarian and spiritual. Whereas the Balkan people were free to practice their religion and the Balkans were highly-developed during the Ottoman period, now people in this region are slaughtering each other. Many young people are being killed. Families are collapsing. 1.2 million out of 20 million people in Kosovo have escaped from the region. NATO was unable to prevent this. Ethnic-cleansing is on-going. Those who said, 'we do not want to see any trace of Turks or Muslims', should be ashamed. The West which said, 'We do not permit a Muslim state to be established in the Balkans and in Europe', should be ashamed. Those who said 'the European Union is a Christian Club', Turkey has no place here' should be ashamed."

OLD ISSUES