COALITION TALKS BEGIN

The leaders of the Democratic left Party (DSP), Nationalist Action Party (MHP) and the Motherland Party (ANAP) came together yesterday, pledging to establish a new government by the end of the week. Meanwhile, ANAP leader Mesut Yilmaz publicly voiced opposition to a statement attributed to DSP Leader Bulent Ecevit in which it was said that the two deputy prime ministerial portfolios would go to the DSP and the MHP. Yilmaz said that his party should also be given a deputy prime minister post in the Cabinet. However, Yilmaz reiterated that he would not have any personal involvement in the government. /All papers/

DEMIREL CONGRATULATES RAU

Turkish President Suleyman Demirel congratulated Johannes Rau on his election as the President of the German Federal Republic. According to a statement issued by the Presidential Press Centre, Demirel sent a message to Rau saying: "I believe that as the Presidents of two allied countries which have assumed effective roles in the establishment of continuous peace and stability in Europe, we should closely cooperate to maintain this. I would be very pleased to receive you and your family in Turkey in the near future". /Turkiye/

NSC MEETING ON MAY 28

The National Security Council (NSC) will convene on May 28 at the Presidential Palace. During the meeting, activities by illegal fundamentalist and terrorist organizations and measures against the demonstrations expected to be held during the trial of PKK Chief Abdullah Ocalan, which will begin on May 31 on Imrali Island, will be discussed. /Aksam/

DGM DELEGATION ON IMRALI ISLAND

A delegation from Ankara's No.2 State Security Court (DGM) which will begin to try the head of the PKK terrorist organization, Abdullah Ocalan, on Imrali Island on May 31, 1999, will depart from Ankara today. The files concerning the trial have been sent to Ankara Security Office and will be sent on to Imrali Island. /Turkiye/

CEM: "EU MEMBERSHIP A GOAL, BUT NOT AN OBSESSION"

Foreign Minister Ismail Cem said yesterday that becoming a member of the EU was still a major objective in Turkey's foreign policy, but stressed that it was not 'an obsession'. Speaking at a conference devoted to the place of trade unions within Turkey-EU relations, Cem defended Turkey's policy of non-dialogue with the EU on the three issues that were put forward as conditions for Turkey's candidature -the improvement of its human rights record, relations with Greece and the resolution of the Cyprus problem. "Due to the serious stance taken by Turkey in recent months there has been a significant improvement in Turco-EU relations", Cem said. Speaking at the same conference, the head of the Turkish Workers' Union (Turk-Is), Semsi Denizer, defended the government's position vis-a-vis the EU, saying that the EU discriminated against Turkey. Denizer and other union leaders drew attention to the problems that arose for Turkish workers under the 1995 Customs Union Agreement. /All papers/

SENIOR GERMAN OFFICIAL IN ANKARA

The current President of the European Union (EU), Germany, is sending Wolfgang Ischlinger, the German Secretary of State to Turkey to deliver Minister of Foreign Affairs Joschka Fischer's message. Ischlinger will start his meetings today in Ankara; his message will be about the hope of maintaining and developing relations between Turkey and the EU. Upon being excluded from the expansion of the EU at the end of the Luxembourg Summit, Turkey announced that she would not discuss any political issue with the EU and decided to freeze her diplomatic relations with the EU. It is expected that Turkish officials will send three messages to Germany by means of Ischlinger; these are that the EU should announce Turkey as the 12th candidate for memebership, prepare a plan and determine the financial support of Turkey's full membership, in addition to not excluding Turkey from the Security and Defence Identity of Europe. /Cumhuriyet/Sabah/

IRAQ CRISIS IN US-TURCO RELATIONS

The Representative of the Kurdistan Patriotic Union at Ankara, Shazad Saib, said that Turkey would be used if Northern Iraq was employed to over-throw Saddam Hussein. Meanwhile, Turkey will follow the meetings to which she was not invited in Washington this week with great anxiety. Turkey defends the opinion that if there is a change in the administration and regime in Iraq, this ought to be achieved on the initiative of the Iraqi people. Turkey claims that a military operation in the region would have negative effects on Turkey's struggle against the PKK organization. /Cumhuriyet/

TURKEY'S REACTION TO THE NETHERLANDS

The Turkish Foreign Ministry issued a written statement yesterday concerning the Dutch attitude towards the PKK meeting in Lahey saying that terrorist activities could not be explained away as the right to freedom of expression or organizing meetings. It added, "Such an attitude is against the responsibilities of countries concerned with the struggle against terrorism. Turkey will continue her struggle against terrorism within the framework of international law. However, she will also insist that other countries change their attitude if they support or encourage terrorist activities." It is expected that the Dutch Ambassador to Ankara will be summoned today to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to receive Turkey's reaction to the Dutch attitude concerning the meeting in Lahey. /Cumhuriyet/Sabah/

ISLAMIC COMMUNITY TALKS RELIGIOUS SCHOOLS

Imam-Hatip religious schools and the headscarf issue were the main topics of debate at the meeting of the Islamic Community's National View organization (IGMG) based in Cologne, Germany, the Anatolia News Agency reports. Speaking at the IGMG's fifth General Convention in Cologne, the General Secretary of the Organization, Sabri Erbakan, said that despite the February 28 decisions of the National Security Council (NSC) recommending an eight-year period of basic education in Turkey, they have come to the final stage of their project offerring Imam-Hatip classes on the Internet. The headscarf dispute, which reached a peak when newly-elected Virtue Party (FP) Deputy Merve Kavakci came to the new Parliament's swearing-in ceremony, was also among the topics. Erbakan said that the dispute has caused a reaction among very religious Muslims living abroad. Former Justice Minister Sevket Kazan also took part in the IGMG convention.

SWISS MODEL FOR CYPRUS

The US and Britain are getting close to the confederation model which Turkey and the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) have proposed as an example of a solution to the Cyprus issue for years. America and England are preparing a new constitution based on the Swiss and Canadian confederations. According to reliable sources Bill Clinton's administration will begin a wide-ranging scope of initiatives to solve the Cypus issue. Late in October the administration plans to bring the TRNC President, Rauf Denktas, and his Greek-Cypriot counterpart, Glafkos Klerides, under the umbrella of the United Nations (UN) to propose a path towards a solution. It is expected that the agenda of the meeting will include the distribution of land and the number of troops on the island. It has been discovered that the new constitution has been prepared by Britain's Special Envoy to Cyprus, David Hannay, with the contribution of US diplomats. /Hurriyet/

PKK ATTACKS MILITARY CAMP

During a conflict between Turkish security forces and members of the PKK terrorist organization in the Catak district of Van yesterday, one terrorist was killed while one soldier died and two others were wounded. Officials remarked that a search for the terrorists was in progress, the Anatolia News Agency reports. Meanwhile, one soldier died and 26 others were wounded when PKK terrorists fired a rocket at a military camp set up near the Southeastern Anatolian town of Semdinli. Following the overnight attack, security forces have widened the scope of their operations.

10 PKK MEMBERS CAPTURED IN HATAY

As a result of an interrogation carried out concerning a bomb explosion which had wounded seven soldiers and four citizens in the Dortyol district of Hatay, 10 members of the PKK terrorist organization have been captured. These PKK members were later sent to the Republican Prosecutor's Office in Dortyol. /Turkiye/

`SEAWOLF-99' ON JUNE 1

Seawolf-99, one of the manoeuvres planned to be carried out by the Turkish Naval Forces in 1999, will be held in the Marmara Sea, the Aegean and the Eastern Mediterranean between June 1-25, 1999, a written statement from the General Secretariat of General Staff said. Observers will witness the exercise in the Antalya Gulf on June 11. /Turkiye/

EUROPEAN GENDAMERIES IN TURKEY

A meeting of the 'Sub-Commission for the Hiring and Training of Personnel' will be held today in Ankara. During the meeting, discussion items will be determined by the member countries of the European Gendarmeries' Union. The meeting will be hosted by the Turkish Gendarmerie General Command and will end on May 28. /Turkiye/

DEMIREL ATTENDS THE 226TH ANNIVERSARY OF ITU

President Suleyman Demirel attended the 22th Anniversary of Istanbul Technical University (ITU) on the Macka Campus of the University. In his speech at the ceremony Demirel said that ITU graduates made a great contribution to Turkey's reconstruction after the War of Independence. He added that Turkey ought to be developed in line with the civilized world. After attending some opening and foundation-laying ceremonies in Istanbul, Demirel will return tommorrow to Ankara. /Cumhuriyet/

BSEC TO SHORE UP BLACK SEA SECURITY

The first meeting of the Black Sea Economic Cooperation's (BSEC) 'Cooperation in the Struggle Against Organized Crime' working party has convened in Belek, Antalya, the Anatolia News Agency reports. Police Chief Necati Bilican, speaking to reporters at a press conference, explained the aim of BSEC and its many projects. He said: "The original aim of the BSEC project was to turn the Black Sea into a sea of peace, stability and welfare". Bilican also provided information on 15 members of the 'Sirinler Gang' who were taken into custody in Mersin following a police operation. Bilican remarked that this gang was even bigger than the 'Soylemezler Gang'. Bilican said that police have uncovered some of the gang's links to terrorist organizations and its involvement in several criminal schemes including drug smuggling, murder and hijacking. Bilican concluded by explaining that hand grenades and guns had been found when the 15 were apprehended.

TURKMEN NATURAL GAS TO FLOW TO TURKEY IN 2002

The pipeline which is to carry Turkmen natural gas to Turkey and Europe through the Caspian Sea is expected to be put into operation in 2002. The pricing problem was solved in an agreement signed by Energy and Natural Resources Minister Ziya Aktas and Turkmen President Saparmurat Turkmenbasi last Friday. According to the agreement, a flexible pricing mechanism will be implemented. Initially, 5 billion cubic metres of natural gas will flow to Turkey annually, although the planned capacity of the pipeline would allow it to carry a volume of 30 billion cubic metres per year. Once the pipeline begins operating at full capacity, Turkey plans to use 16 billion metres of the natural gas for its own use and to export the remaining 14 billion to Central and Southern Europe. /Aksam/

IRAQI CRUDE OIL TO KICK-START SOUTHEASTERN ECONOMY

Crude oil from Iraq will start to flow to Turkey on June 1 to compensate Turkish businessmen for only outstanding debts owed to them. According to the Anatolia News Agency, Iraq owes 49 Turkish firms a total of $81 million. The plan will allow Iraq to pay off its debts by exporting crude oil in Turkish container lorries beginning on May 29.

TRADE DEFICIT SHRINKS

According to the State Institute of Statistics (DIE), Turkey exported goods and services worth approximately $6.04 billion and imported goods and services worth $7.87 billion in the period from January to March. As a result of a 30.6 % drop in imports, the foreign trade deficit shrank by 60.2 %, falling to $1.83 billion, and the ratio of exports to imports increased from 59.4 % to 76.7 %. Turkey's exports to EU countries increased by 1.4 % in the January-March period, reaching approximately $3.3 billion. By comparison, Turkey's exports to European Free Trade Agreement (EFTA) countries increased by 12.7 % from $89.6 million to $101 million during the same period. Exports to African countries increased by 21.1 % over the January-March period. /All papers/

HUGE PROJECT FROM TEAS

The General Directorate of the Turkish Electricity Production and Transmission A.S. (TEAS) has decided to renew computer systems at the five important electricity-generating plants. TEAS General Directorate will renew an important part of the system which will ensure the connection of five energy control centres in Ankara, Istanbul, Adapazari, Carsamba and Keban with other substations over the next two years. Following the overhaul, the transmission of electricity from power-generating plants to substations will be greatly facilitated. /Turkiye/

DRUG OPERATION IN SIVEREK

In the Siverek district of Sanliurfa, nearly 4.5 million Indian hemps were seized yesterday by members of Siverek Security Office's Narcotic Department. Three people were taken into custody regarding the incident, the Anatolia News Agency reports.

58 TRILLION TL TO CONSTRUCT VILLAGE ROADS

It is reported that the General Directorate of Village Services constructed 15,755 kilometres of village roads last year. The General Director of Village Services, Guner Saygili, said that the Village Services had invested 58.6 trillion TL in 1998 and they aimed to invest a total of 35 trillion TL in village services during the first half of 1999. /Turkiye/

YARN EXPORTS FROM GAP

Yarn worth $57.171 million was exported from the Southeastern Anatolia Project (GAP) region during the January-April 1999 period, with an increase of 67.9 %. During the same period last year, yarn exports totalled $34.031 million. Thus, the share of yarn exports within total exports rose from 19.6 % to 31.3 % this year. /Turkiye/

ARCELIK-KOREA PARTNERSHIP

Arcelik, part of the Koc Group, has set up a corporation with Korean LG Electronics Inc. in order to produce air conditioning units. The corporation is being set up in Kocaleli, Gebze under the name of "Arcelik-LG Air condition Industry and Trade Corp." Both Arcelik and LG Electronics Inc. have a 50 % share in the new firm. /Hurriyet/

TURKSOY MEETING IN BISHKEK

The 12th Meeting of the Permanent Council of the Turkish Culture and Arts Joint Administration (TURKSOY) will start tommorrow in Bishkek. Culture Ministers from Turkey, Azerbaijan, Kazakhistan, Kyrgyzistan, Uzbekistan, Turkmenistan, the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus, Baskurdistan, Tataristan, and the Independent Republics of Hakasya and Tiva will attend the meeting. At the meeting, which aims to construct a fellowship between the Turkish-Speaking Republics and Societies through cultural activities, TURKSOY's plan of action will be determined.

JONES: "TURKISH MEDIA IS VERY DYNAMIC"

The US Consul to Adana, Stuart E. Jones, announced that they would organize a conference on "American Press Usage and Ethics" on 9 June in Adana, reported the Anatolia News Agency. Jones noted that the aim of the Conference is to improve cooperation with the Turkish media which was very dynamic. Pointing out that the Conference would be organized by Cukurova Journalists' Union, the US Consulate in Adana and the Press and Culture Centre of the American Embassy at Cukurova University, Jones said that the main problems that journalists had been experiencing in Turkey would also be discussed at the meeting.

ISRAEL OFFERS TO FIND FUNDS FOR JOINT PROJECTS

Israeli companies have offered their Turkish counterparts business opportunities in Kyrgyzstan, Azerbaijan and Uzbekistan through the Foreign Economic Relations Board (DEIK), said the Chairman of the Turco-Israeli Business Council, Ekrem Esat Guvendiren, the Anatolia News Agency reports. A three-day visit to Israel for inspection purposes was completed on Monday by the Istanbul Trade Chamber (ITO). The Turkish delegation held talks with Israeli Industry and Trade Minister Natan Sharansky and Tel Aviv Mayor Ron Huldai. Guvendiren spoke to reporters at a press conference. He said that Israel has offered to acquire the funding for joint projects between Turkey and Israel, especially for those countries in Central Asia. The legal groundwork for economic cooperation between Turkey and Israel has been set down and the opportunity to do business in third countries has emerged, said Istanbul Governor Erol Cakir. /All papers/

YAPI KREDI AUTHORIZES 10 BANKS

Yapi Kredi Bank has authorized 10 foreign banks for a syndication credit worth $150 million. In November 1998, Yapi Kredi arranged a syndication credit worth $160 million. Many international financial institutions were interested in this credit last year. /Aksam/

TUBITAK CONTINUES INNOVATION

A group of Turkish scientists from the Turkish Scientific and Technological Research Institute (TUBITAK) has developed an original machine that automatically finds any sort of defects in texture during the production process. The operating principles and the structure of the `Automatic Defect-Finding Machine', which is equipped with a hi-tech laser scanner and optical electronic sensors, were designed originally for use in the textile sector. The prototype machine has already been exhibited at national fairs and due to intense international interest in this innovation, it will be exhibited at the 13th Expo International Textile Machines Fair which will be organized between June 1-10 in Paris. /Aksam/

A TOTAL OF 273 FOREIGNERS CAPTURED

Gendarmerie officials captured in the last three days a total of 273 foreigners, who tried to cross the Turkish-Greek border illegally and escape to Greece, the Anatolia News Agency reports.

RED CRESCENT SENDS HUMANITARIAN AID TO BANGLADESH

The Red Crescent sent yesterday 60 tons of humanitarian aid to Bangladesh. The Directorate General of Red Crescent issued a statement saying that 24 tons of humanitarian aid was sent to Bangladesh by two military planes on March 2-3, the Anatolia News Agency reports.

BLACK SEA TOURISM

The preparations for the 1999 tourism season in the Eastern Black Sea have been completed. Volkan Canioglu, the Head of Trabzon Provincial Tourism Office, declared that they would organize an opening ceremony on 30 May; already every measure is in place to ensure a successful tourism season in 1999. He added that mountain and plateau tourism were seen as being of great significance this year and that they had increased the number of tourist faclities in the region. /Cumhuriyet/

A TOURIST TRIP FOR FOREIGN AMBASSADORS IN ANKARA

The Turkish Ministry of Foreign Affairs will organize a leisure trip for foreign Ambassadors in Ankara. According to the Ministry the trip will start on 28 May in Antalya and both tourist sites and historic places will be visited. It is reported that Foreign Ministry Undersecretary Korkmaz Haktanir will also go on the trip. /Sabah/

"DO NOT DAMAGE HASANKEYF"

An article by Justin Huggle in The Independent newspaper has the title "A Dam will Damage Life". The article said that despite the fact that the dam to be constructed at Hasankeyf will create employment opportunities and the government will pay compensation to the families who will be forced to leave their homes, regional people reject the dam. "It is unbelievable that Turkey would damage such an important historic site as Hasankeyf. Turkey claims that Hasankeyf is the cradle of Macedonian civilization, so how can she damage such an important part of her historical assets? It is known that the region is the only place which belonged to the Middle Century in Anatolia," said the article. /Hurriyet/

ORDER OF MERIT FOR VIDAS

The Foreign Ministry has awarded an order of merit to Dr.Albert de Vidas, the Head of the Association of American Jewish Friends of Turks, and the editor of the Erensia Seferdi magazine, for his lobyying contributions on behalf of Turkey. During a ceremony held in the Consulate-General in New York, Consul-General Fuat Tanlay presented him with the medal on behalf of Turkish Foreign Minister Ismail Cem. /Turkiye/

TULIP EXPORTS TO EUROPE

Two different kinds of tulip grown in Adiyaman are being exported especially to the Netherlands and then will be exported to many other European countries. "Fritillaria Persica" known as the "Adiyaman tulip" and "Fritillaaria Imperialls" known as "Crying Bride" which is red in colour are mostly being exported. Officials reported that both kinds of tulips are grown in a natural environment and are an income source for the people of the region. /Cumhuriyet/

TUYGAN GIVES A BANQUET IN PATRIACH'S HONOUR

The Turkish Ambassador to Athens, Ali Tuygan, gave a banquet in honour of Istanbul Fener Greek-Cypriot Orthodox Patriach Bartalomeos two days ago. Ambassador Tuygan is also participating in the meetings between the Patriach and Greek officials. Bartalomeos met the US Ambassador to Athens, Nicholas Burns, the previous day. /Aksam/

MT.NEMRUT TO BE SAVED

Restoration has begun on the 'Eighth Wonder of the World', Mt.Nemrut, which sits in the Adiyaman district of Kahta, the Anatolia News Agency reports. Nemrut is listed by UNESCO as a World Cultural Heritage site. The restoration project is expected to be completed in five years.

2ND ESKISEHIR INTERNATIONAL CINEMA DAYS

The 2nd Eskisehir International Cinema Days began yesterday in Eskisehir with the film "Rose" by American director Frank Patterson. New generation, new trends in cinema, both classical and new examples of French cinematography and discussion pannels on problems in the cinema sector are some of the things to do and see at the Festival. There are films from France, the US, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Belgium and Iran. The festival will end on 31 May. /Cumhuriyet/

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

FINALLY THE GOVERNMENT WILL BE FORMED - BY YILMAZ OZTUNA

(TURKIYE) Columnist Yilmaz Oztuna expounds on the recent developments concerning the formation of a government and the problems facing it. A summary of his column is as follows: "If there are no new delays, the government will be formed this week. It will be a coalition government of the Democratic Left Party(DSP)- the Nationalist Action Party(MHP) and the Motherland Party(ANAP). It will be one of the most important governments in our history of democracy. It is a coalition which the nation wants to see in power, expects much from, and has the support of the public... This government will work for a year. It will be renewed after the Presidential Election. The renewal will show how successful the government has been. There may be minor changes or it might be changed radically. A radical change in the government would show that it has not fulfilled our expectations. Therefore, the leaders of these three parties will take the utmost care not to make any mistakes and to achieve what is expected of them. The leader who makes a mistake, is satisfied with the status quo and does not try to improve the situation will be the loser in the next Election. Certainly, a tripartite coalition is harder than a coalition between two parties. ANAP which is the third partner in the coalition has to be able to stress that it will be an element of balance between the other two parties. Such a stance could be of great help to ANAP. Legal and constitutional amendments and the administration of economic and social affairs have to carried out decisively and swiftly. Concrete results have to be seen soon. People are tired of promises. Unfortunately, the 21st term of the Turkish Grand National Assembly (TGNA) opened to an unexpected surprise and thus lost some prestige. This should be remedied as soon as possible. The TGNA is the highest organ of the Turkish State and the office where the national will unconditionally expresses itself. The unison shown by the coalition parties in immediately taking up Constitutional amendments will please the public and improve the image of the TGNA. This government will demonstrate if the rule of more than one party will be possible and positive in Turkey where our experience of coalitions is not satisfactory. So God help Mr. Ecevit, Mr. Bahceli and Mr. Yilmaz!"

IMPRESSIONS ON THE CHP - BY OKTAY EKSI (HURRIYET)

Oktay Eksi, a columnist for the `Hurriyet' daily, reflects on the possible developments following the election of Altan Oymen as the Chairman of the Republican People's Party (CHP), which suffered a resounding defeat in the April 18 Election. Eksi writes: "Altan Oymen has a `hard' task to do in the full meaning of the word. I do not mean that his experienced, eloquent rivals during the CHP Extraordinary Congress will continue to challenge him in his future political career. True, he will face such problems. Yet what I want to emphasize is quite a different issue. Even during the first hours of of his Chairmanship, Oymen was faced with a `trick' perpetrated against him from within the party: the `masters' of the `congress game' distributed to the delegates their own list of people to take on Party Assembly membership as if it were the original list of the new Chairman, and thereby obtained the majority of the votes of the party delegates. Consequently, then, there are certain circles within the CHP which are striving to impede Oymen during his mission even after his election. Unless Oymen succeeds in eliminating their influence within the CHP, he will not be able to accomplish his goals. On the other hand, there is a more important problem for the CHP. In February, among other parties, we also visited the CHP Headquarters in order to submit a set of propositions prepared by the `Press Council' to be included in the Election Manifesto of the CHP. However, we observed that, contrary to other party officials' warm approach towards us, there was a general air of reluctance in the CHP. It was as if we were not visiting a political party which aimed to win the Election but were in a bureaucratic department where every citizen entering the building was considered a new cause of `drudgery'. Yesterday, we paid another visit to the CHP. There were only a police official responsible for the `security' of the party and a lady who is the Chairman's secretary in the Headquarters building. True, it is right after the election, many of the party officials have resigned and the new ones have not taken office yet. However, where are those who are loyal to the party without expecting any office or title for themselves, where are those who identify themselves with the CHP? Thus, Altan Oymen can only succeed if he manages to bring those real CHP advocates back to the party. Yet it is really a `hard' task to do." * * * *

SPECIAL KOSOVO

TURKISH AIRCRAFT IN NATO OPERATION

It is reported that Turkish aircraft flew 36 hours of operational sorties yesterday during the Kosovo airstrikes. According to the Office of the Chief of General Staff, NATO aircraft made 480 attacks between 23-24 May. Turkish F-16 aircraft taking off from Italy's Ghedi Airbase have flown 1,566 hours-worth of sorties since the beginning of the operation. Over the last 24 hours food, water, medical equipment and miscellaneous items have been ferried twice to Albania and 11 times to Macedonia. Since the begining of the NATO airstrikes in Kosovo, Turkey has supplied 4,666 tons of food and water, 1,520 items of medical equipment, 2,624 tons tent and 4,727 tons of miscellaneous items to the region. Meanwhile, the 182nd and 191st Turkish squadrons have become the favourite of the NATO operations. Since the beginning of airstrikes, Turkish squadrons have turned down no mission and Turkish pilots have undertaken every mission with great success. /Sabah/

TURKEY GIVES PERMISSION FOR 74 AIRCRAFT

Turkey has given permission to NATO to post 74 aircraft to Balikesir, Corlu and Bandirma airbases; 16 of the 74 aircraft will be Turkish F-16s and two of them will be airborne tankers. The Chief of the General Staff, General Huseyin Kivrikoglu will go to Balikesir 9th Main Air Base to oversee the recent preparations. /Cumhuriyet/

NATO TO OPEN SEA BASE IN TURKEY

It is reported that NATO will set up a sea base in Turkey in case war breaks out in the Middle East and regions close to the Middle East. To this end, some military officials from NATO have visited Iskenderun and Mersin to find a suitable area for the base. The military delegation comprising Danish and French military officials inspected to Mersin and Iskenderun Harbours last week in order to obtain information concerning the railway, road and air links to the harbours. /Cumhuriyet/

NATO TARGETS SERB ELECTRICITY

Serbia's state-run electric company pleaded with customers to be patient yesterday as NATO began the third month of its air campaign by again pounding power plants and leaving many cities in darkness. Although Western leaders said they believed the air strikes were boosting pressure on Yugoslav President Slobodan Milosevic to withdraw from the embattled Kosovo province, the refugee crisis there worsened. /All papers/

16,524 KOSOVARS IN TURKEY

The number of Kosovar refugees who have arrived in Turkey has increased to 16,524. According to the Minister of Interior Affair's written statement 7,484 refugees have arrived in Turkey through the Corlu bordergate, 7,085 of them through the Kapikule bordergate and 1,955 have arrived in Istanbul. It is added that 7,179 of the 16,524 Kosovars are being hosted in the Gaziosmanpasa refugee camp in Kirklareli.

OLD ISSUES