OCALAN'S TRIAL DRAWING TO A CLOSE

The trial of the head of the PKK terrorist organization, Abdullah Ocalan, drew closer to an end yesterday with his defence lawyers concluding their final arguments. The court is expected to issue its verdict on June 29. In their closing arguments, Ocalan's defence lawyers did not answer any of the prosecutor's accusations and preferred to deliver a lengthy historical background summary of the Kurdish population and Kurdish uprisings. The lawyers also claimed that the State Security Court (DGM), which has been trying Ocalan since May 31, was an 'extraordinary' court and therefore the DGMs could not be accepted as 'objective and independent courts'. In his final statement to the court on Wednesday, Ocalan warned the court that he should not be sentenced to death. He said if he is hanged for treason, his supporters will respond with massive violence. He also appealed for a peaceful settlement to PKK terrorism. In Ankara, on the other hand, President Suleyman Demirel said that the judges would render their verdict considering the laws of the country and consulting their consciences. "People will have to abide by whatever the judges rule", he added. Demirel stressed that this judiciary process was not the end of the issue. He said: "There is still the High Court of Appeals. Then the decision will be elevated to Parliament for approval. Then comes the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR). If there are any objections to the final decision handed down by the Turkish judiciary, then the ECHR will come into the picture. The ECHR has the authority to order a temporary injunction. That is why the judgement that will be passed in the near future will not be the final ruling. This will only complete the first phase of the judicial process; then the next phase will commence". /All papers/

ECHR IS PLEASED WITH THE COURSE OF OCALAN'S TRIAL

The Head of the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR), Luzuis Wildhaber, said that they were pleased with the course of the trial of the head of the PKK terrorist organization, Abdullah Ocalan. Wildhaber added: "We have posed many questions to Turkey concerning Ocalan's trial. A dialogue has begun between us and Turkey in that context. Even though we have not received detailed answers to some of our questions, there have been some positive developments concerning this issue. I have to say that the amendment concerning the structure of the State Security Courts is a very positive development. I would like to express my thanks to the Turkish government on behalf of the ECHR". /Hurriyet/

OCALAN TRIAL IN EUROPEAN MEDIA

The British "Daily Telegraph" and "Guardian" newspapers reported that Abdullah Ocalan begged for his life. The Daily Telegraph noted that besides pleading for his life, Ocalan promised to be of service to Turkish democracy if he were not sentenced to death. He also threated Turkey with her entrance into a new violent phase if he was executed. "The Guardian" also claimed that Ocalan tried hard to save his life. The French "Liberation" newspaper reported that Abdullah Ocalan claimed that he would end the violent attacks in return for his life. During yesterday's trial Ocalan restressed his admiration for the Turkish nation and claimed that it was the best society for Kurds to live in comfort, said the paper. The Italian "La Stampa" newspaper reported that Ocalan tried hard to prevent his death. "La Republica" newspaper claimed that Ocalan's pro-Italian statements had created a crisis in Italy. /Sabah/

ECEVIT: "CIVIL SERVANT PAY HIKES TO BE DECIDED IN JULY"

Prime Minister Bulent Ecevit has announced that the rate of salary increase for civil servants and retired government employees will be determined by the middle of July. The leaders' summit held by Ecevit lasted for two hours and 25 minutes. Nationalist Action Party (MHP) Chairman and Deputy Prime Minister Devlet Bahceli, Motherland Party (ANAP) Chairman Mesut Yilmaz, Deputy Prime Minister Husamettin Ozkan, State Minister Hikmet Ulugbay and Finance Minister Sumer Oral attended the meeting. Ecevit spoke to journalists after the meeting and commented that they had discussed domestic and foreign economic developments, saying: "We were provided with detailed information about the talks with the IMF. We also talked about the tax reform, and we have reached an agreement to put an end to the complaints about the reforms". /All papers/

ECEVIT TO GO FIRST TO MOSCOW

Prime Minister Bulent Ecevit, after his visit to the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) on 20th July, will pay a visit to the Russian Federation as his first visit abroad. Ecevit had had an invitation for an official visit from both the Russian Federation and the U.S. on the day the vote of confidence was received from the Turkish Grand National Assembly (TGNA). The Russian visit was planned for the second half of August. The last high level contact between the two countries was in December 1997 when the Russian Prime Minister, Victor Chernomyrdin, visited Turkey. Chernomyrdin and the Prime Minister of the time Mesut Yilmaz had signed 10 agreements and protocols in order to improve the commercial relations. Now Russian and Turkish diplomats are engaged in work on the agreements which will be signed by Bulent Ecevit and the new Prime Minister of the Russian Federation, Sergey Stepasin, to regulate economic relations between the two countries where the trading volume is currently about 7 billion dollars. Ecevit is planning to strengthen his hand during the meetings with the Washington administration, by placing the Russian visit before his U.S. visit. It is highly likely that the U.S. visit will take place in September; democratization and human rights, Turco-Greek issues and Iraq are expected to be the main points on the agenda of the meetings. /Cumhuriyet/

DENKTAS: "NO ONE CAN PULL OUR EAR AND FORCE US INTO TALKS"

The President of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC), Rauf Denktas, could not be forced to accept the resumption of the Cyprus peace talks unless the status of the two sides on the island were clarified. In a letter to UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan, Denktas underlined that as long as the Greek-Cypriot side was considered the 'sole legitimate government' on the island and the Turkish-Cypriot people as a 'community' demanding some rights from that government, there could no Cyprus settlement. Explaining how inconvenient the G-8 call for the 'unconditional resumption of Cyprus talks' was with respect to the peace process on the island, Denktas said a meeting between himself and Greek-Cypriot Leader Glafkos Klerides 'is not possible at this stage'. "The EU was once the grave- digger for the negotiations, the same failure awaits the G-8", he said. "No one can pull my ear and force me to sit at the negotiation table. You have neither the right nor the authority to do that", Denktas wrote in his letter to Annan, who had declared in a report to the UN Security Council on Wednesday that he would heed the call of the G-8 and invite Denktas and Clerides for Cyprus peace talks later this year. /All papers/

ECEVIT TO ATTEND JULY 20 CELEBRATIONS

Prime Minister Bulent Ecevit accompanied by several Cabinet Members will be attending the anniversary celebrations on July 20 of the 1974 Turkish intervention on Cyprus. Ecevit will be accompanied by a large delegation on his visit to the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC). During the visit, TRNC President Rauf Denktas, Prime Minister Dervis Eroglu, and the Turkish delegation headed by Ecevit will discuss all aspects of integration between the two countries, as well as the G-8 resolution concerning the Cyprus problem and the UN Secretary-General's appeal for the 'unconditional resumption' of talks between the two sides on the island under UN auspices. At the end of the visit, Denktas and Ecevit are expected to hold a joint press conference. /All papers/

TGNA'S CYPRUS DECLARATION

The Turkish Grand National Assembly (TGNA) is about to issue a declaration concerning Cyprus on the occasion of the 25th anniversary of the Cyprus Peace Operation. This proposal, which has been placed onto the agenda of the TGNA Foreign Affairs' Commission, is being viewed positively by Turkish Foreign Minister Ismail Cem and Commission Chairman Kamran Inan. The proposal adopted states that Turkey will issue significant declarations concerning Cyprus to all countries especially to the G-8 countries on the occasion of the 25th anniversary of the Cyprus Peace Operation. /Hurriyet/

BARON JACOBS: "TURKEY CAN BE A GOOD PARTNER WITH EUROPE"

The Head of the European Industrialists' and Employers' Confederations' Union, Baron Georges Jacobs, stated that Turkey could be a good partner with Europe. Baron Georges Jacobs visited Turkish President Suleyman Demirel together with the head of the Executive Board of the Turkish Industrialists' and Businessmen's Association (TUSIAD), Erkut Yucaoglu, yesterday. Jacobs said: "The point that Turkey has reached is very influential. Furthermore, the potential in her textile sector is very attractive. Therefore, you can be a very good partner with Europe and Turkish business circles may become a part of Europe and European trade in order to develop. Moreover, we can further improve our trade with the Balkans and Asia via this country, which we have trusted in". /Hurriyet/

IMF CONTINUES MEETINGS IN ANKARA

The International Monetary Fund delegation headed by Carlo Cottarelli met Halkbank Chairman Yenal Ansen yesterday in Ankara. During the meeting Ansen informed the IMF delegation about their studies to be conducted during 1999. Later, the delegation was received by the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Husnu Yusuf Gokalp. During the meeting Gokalp explained the present situation of the Turkish agriculture sector. The IMF delegation also met the Minister of Social Security and Labour, Yasar Okuyan. After the meeting Okuyan said that he had informed Carlo Cottarelli and the delegation accompanying him about the Social Security Reform package being prepared by their government. Okuyan pointed out that the reform package would be expected to come into force before the Turkish Grand National Assembly (TGNA) goes into recess. /Turkiye/Sabah/

'TURKEY WILL BE NAME FOR DEVELOPMENT AND IMPROVEMENT'

Minister of Public Works and Housing Koray Aydin said that their government would do their best to leave the next generation a better world. In his press conference yesterday, Koray noted that Turkey had the necessary knowledge, human power and understanding to develop and become powerful. He added that, in line with this development, new highways should be constructed to meet Turkey's requirements. Aydin declared that the highways will be privatized soon. The Minister noted that the necessary maintenance of the highways could not be done properly; through privatization that would be possible. The Istanbul-Ankara Highway will be of priority. An automatic passing system will be in place on Fatih Sultan Mehmet Bridge; later it will be applied to all highways. /Cumhuriyet-Turkiye/

SOMUNCUOGLU RETURNS HOME

State Minister Sadi Somuncuoglu returned home yesterday after compeleting his round of talks in Bosnia-Herzegovina. Regarding his visit Somuncuoglu said that Turkish firms had completed the reconstruction of Fonica's Medical Rehabilitation Centre and houses in Dobrinja which were damaged during the war, before time and at a very low price. He added they had already begun the construction of 87 houses. Somuncuoglu noted that Turkey had donated $ 20 million to Bosnia-Herzegovina in line with the agreement signed between the two countries in 1996. Some part of the donation would be invested to set up new working areas and some of it would be used for the re-construction of the Mostar Bridge, said Somuncuoglu. However, he pointed out that Turkish firms would not compete in construction bids for the reconstruction of Bosnia-Herzegovina to be opened within the scope of $ 5 billion worth of aid from the European Union (EU). He is of the opinion that the EU should re-evaluate its principle which prevents free competition./Turkiye/

FOREIGN EXCHANGE RESERVES UP

Central Bank foreign exchange reserves increased by $17 million between June 11 and 18. According to Central Bank data, foreign exchange reserves, which were $21.636 billion on June 11, rose to $21.653 on June 18. Meanwhile, international reserves increased by $224 million according to data dated June 4 and reached $33.191 billion. /Hurriyet/

FIGHT AGAINST MONEY-LAUNDERING IN TRNC

The government of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) has rolled up its sleeves in order to fight money-laundering and has prepared a draft law to this effect. The draft law, which has been placed onto the agenda of the Assembly's Sub-Committee and is expected to be enacted in the upcoming months, envisages a 15-year prison sentence for those who are engaged in money-laundering. /Hurriyet/

THE POWER OF TURKISH ARMED FORCES IS INCREASING

One of the projects aimed at decreasing the dependence of the Turkish Defence Industry on foreign countries will be implemented in the near future. A bid which envisages the production of the 'Bremze' system in Turkey is in its final stage. This system has been launched in order to meet the requirements of the Turkish Air Force and provides for the testing of aircraft engine performances on the ground. With this project, the testing of aircraft belonging to the Turkish Air Force, which were previously sent to the US, Germany and France for this purpose, will be carried out in Turkey. Thus, the efficiency of the Air Force will be increased and Turkey will save a great deal of money. /Aksam/

MINE KILLS A PKK MEMBER

A member of the PKK terrorist organization who stepped on a mine laid on the Amanos Mountains died yesterday. Two security officials were also wounded. The PKK member, Rasim Kayra, was previously captured by security officials in Adana. He was later taken to Sen Mahmut Plateau in the Dortyol district of Hatay to show security forces a shelter used by PKK terrorists there. The two wounded security officials were taken to hospital. /Aksam/

FORESTRY MINISTER ANNOUNCES MEASURES AGAINST FOREST FIRES

Forestry Minister Nami Cagan has issued a circular in which he requests that all measures necessary be taken to prevent forest fires, the Anatolia News Agency reports. Cagan sent the circular to all organizations affiliated with the Ministry, and he plans to hold a meeting with all high-level administrators that will cover the annual fight against forest fires.

TURCO-BULGARIAN JOINT REGIONAL MEETING

A meeting of the Turco-Bulgarian Joint Regional Border Commission, which convenes once in every six month in accordance with the agreements between Turkey and Bulgaria, was held at the protocol building in the Kapikule Border Gate in Edirne yesterday, the Anatolia News Agency reports.

TARKAN TO STAGE CONCERT AT KREMLIN

The noted Turkish pop-music singer Tarkan will stage a concert at Kremlin on July 1. Prior to the concert, there were many posters on the streets of Moscow. It is reported that many famous Russian artists will be invited to the concert. /Hurriyet/

DIYARBAKIR'S HISTORICAL ASSETS

Historical assets in Diyarbakir will be restored. Diyarbakir Municipality has called on UNESCO (the UN Education, Science and Culture Organization) and the World Churches' Union to provide aid for the restoration of seven historic churches within the ancient walls of Diyarbakir. /Hurriyet/

7TH INTERNATIONAL KAHTA KOMMAGENE FESTILVAL

The 7th International Kahta Kommagene Festival will start today in Gaziantep. Many cultural and sports activities will be organized during the Festival, the Anatolia News Agency reports.

GILDING EXHIBITION IN BERLIN

Turkish gilding artist Naciye Subasi has opened an exhibition stand at the International Handicrafts'99 Fair in Berlin. Subasi exhibited 23 pieces of her works of art applied on paper and wood in the classical style. She also uses gold in her gliding. Subasi has already had four exhibitions abroad. /Turkiye/

1998-1999 EDUCATION YEAR TO END TODAY

The 10-month education period of the 1998-1999 academic year will end today. Almost 1.5 million primary, secondary and high school students will start their holiday which will last until the next academic year of 1999-2000. /Sabah/

NUROL TO APPLY FOR MALAYSIAN ARMOURED VEHICLE TENDER

The Turkish Nurol Corporation has been in tough tender negotiations with Malaysia concerning the production of armoured vehicles at a total cost of $ 350 million. Nurol, which has met all the ground system requirements of the Turkish Armed Forces, aims to produce the famous American M-8-type tanks for Malaysia. Representatives of the corporation announced that their aim is to become the largest defence industry player in the world. /Sabah/

ARCELIK TO SELL TECHNOLOGY TO THE WORLD

Arcelik Technology Systems (ARTESIS), which was established to produce global technology and export it to the world, will present world markets with the MQM - the machine failure fixing system - and MCM - the early warning machine failure system - both of which are produced by Turkish scientists. General Director of ARTESIS Ahmet Duyar said that the MQM was aimed at a $ 25 million market. He added that they have been conducting negotiations with 11 firms from around the world within the scope of franchising and an European firm had already used the MQM system. "We aim to enter the European market. In 2009 our target is to reach a revenue of at least $ 60 million," noted Duyar. /Sabah/

TURKEY IN WORLD FINANCIAL COMPETITION LIST

Turkey is 29th among 47 countries in the World Competitiveness Yearbook. In determining competitive power, which is an important factor in entering international markets, the capital cost and the situation of the share certificate market and banking system are used. /Sabah/

'TURKEY MAKES A GIANT LEAP FORWARD IN HUMAN RIGHTS'

Baki Ilkin, the Turkish Ambassador to Washington D.C., said on Thursday that Turkey, which has realized new arrangement in the State Security Courts (DGMs), is making giant leap forwards in the human rights and will continue to make new reforms in human rights, reported the Anatolian News Agency. Addressing a press conference to the members of the press in the Turkish Embassy, Ilkin noted the government of Turkey would make new changes on Ant-Terrorism Law and will improve the freedom of expression. Concerning NATO operations against Yugoslavia, Ilkin emphasized that Turkey supported NATO air strikes, sheltered 17,600 refugees within her territory and that she set up camp-sites in Macedonia and Albania. She will also send a thousand soldiers to the International Peace Force deployed in Kosovo.

EXPORTS FROM GAP

Thread worth $ 69.4 million were exported from the Southeastern Anatolia Project (GAP) region in the first five months of 1999, reported the Anatolia News Agency. The figures of the Southeastern Anatolia Textile and Raw Materials Exporters' Union indicated that the exports of thread increased by 30.8 % in the first five months when compared with the figures of the same period of 1998.

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

THE WORDS OF THREE EXPERTS ON TERRORISM -BY FERAI TINC (HURRIYET)

Columnist Ferai Tinc is relates the statements of three US experts on terrorism. A summary of her column is as follows: "The Istanbul Hilton was the scene of an interesting meeting. Three US experts on terrorism were explaining their views on terrorism in the 21st century, the PKK, and the Ocalan trial. One of the experts participating in the conference, organized jointly by the Turkish Economic and Social Studies Foundation (TESEV) and American-Turkish Associations' Assembly, came from the Pentagon. One of the other two is Professor Jonah Alexander who has been following developments in Turkey since the 1960s. Dr. Michael Radu is famous for his studies concerning terrorist organizations in Latin America, Africa and Asia. All the experts agreed on the point that terrorism was losing its political characteristic. Probst described the threat of terror thus: "In the past terrorism had a political motive. In the 21st century religious or non-religious sects and their leaders will take its place. " The leaders of these groups would disseminate their messages to the masses through the Internet, find supporters, develop action plans and implement them. Therefore, terrorism is no longer a local threat. It is an international threat and there should be cooperation among all countries against it. Those in power are abandoning their Cold War tools one by one. Only those who try to use the same tools or are being used as tools are aware that this era is over. Three scenarios were put forward concerning the Ocalan affair. According to the first scenario, Ocalan is sentenced to capital punishment and executed. Then violence would increase but, what is more important Ocalan would become a hero and PKK would enjoy political gains. The second scenario is that, inspite of the sentence of capital punishment, Ocalan is not executed in line with the general tendency. At that point, bargaining to free Ocalan would flare up; the pressure would increase. The last scenario is that Ocalan reveals all that he knows, his relations, secret proposals, bargains and in short displays the real face of the PKK. He may have done this behind closed doors, but it is not enough. He has to tell all that he knows in front of Turkey and the international public. In that case, his sentence is not carried out but he loses his importance as a political figurehead. This scenario seems the most suitable one in view of Turkey's interests. However, for this scenario, we have to take the risk of Ocalan's telling all. The road to this passes through in showing the responsibility of holding Turkey's interests to be more dear than any other consideration."

THE CONDITION OF NO PRECONDITION -BY SAMI KOHEN (MILLIYET)

Columnist Sami Kohen comments on the latest developments concerning Cyprus. A summary of his column is as follows: "The UN Secretary-General implemented the instructions of the G-8 group concerning Cyprus sooner than expected. Kofi Annan declared his support for the G-8 initiative and added that he was ready to call Turkish and Greek-Cypriot leaders to 'a process of comprehensive negotiations with no pre-conditions attached'. The following expression in the statement of the Secretary-General's report which he presented to the Security Council is most striking: "Even though the present status quo may seem suitable for some, the lack of a solution continues to be source of tension and instability. The sides have nothing to gain by waiting. The younger generation on both sides have earned the right to live in peace and prosperity." This statement is line with the suggestions made openly or implied by the G-8 group, particularly the US and the UK. It seems certain that the UN and its Secretary-General are determined to start a new negotiation process for Cyprus when they are aware that the Turkish side will not sit at the table with conditions presented as if there were no conditions attached. At first, the plan initiated by the G-8 and adopted by the UN may seem rational and constructive. Western diplomats always give the negotiation processes concerning the Middle East, Northern Ireland and Bosnia-Herzegovina as examples and ask why there should not be such a process for Cyprus too? However, they are forgetting one point. In recent years, many negotiation processes have been started concerning Cyprus. None of them was successful. There are those who may think that despite these failures, there is no harm in trying a new tack. The G-8 launched its idea with this consideration in mind. To make it more attractive they suggested that two leaders should sit around a table to discuss their problems with no pre-conditions. It could be said that the Turkish side may be more helpful at the start of the process, if she keeps her views 'reserved', and proves that she is not escaping from a negotiation and so tries to find out the real intentions of the other side. If no agreement is reached, she may leave the table. In that case no one can blame the Turkish side for being uncompromising. However, Ankara and Denktas are not of that opinion. The Turkish side views the G-8 plan and the call of the UN as 'camouflage'. In the words of an official, the purpose is to impose a plan for a solution, prepared behind closed doors, after having the two sides sit around a table with no pre-conditions attached. This plan does not take into consideration the Turkish views on equal sovereignty nor a confederation formed by two states. Basically the solution envisaged is that of a unitary state with a federal structure which would accept the sovereignty of the Greek-Cypriots. Such a solution has been left far behind by the Turkish-Cypriots. A solution and a negotiation process which do not take the new facts and parameters into account is not acceptable for the Turkish side. Denktas explained his views on the matter to Kofi Annan in a letter he sent to the UN Secretary-General. According to the TRNC President it is not possible to start a negotiation process before determining how, and with what status, everyone should sit at the table. The failures of the earlier processes mostly stemmed from this. Can this be regarded as a pre-condition? Maybe, but is not the suggestion by the G-8 there should be no pre-conditions a condition in itself directed against the Turkish side?

SPECIAL KOSOVO

SOLANA THANKS TURKEY

The NATO European Allied Commander, Wesley Clark, and Secretary-General Javier Solana went to Pristina yesterday. Solana made a statement saying that Turkish soldiers, like other units sent by NATO member countries to Kosovo, would be deployed in the region and thanked Turkey for its contributions to humanitarian aid for Kosovo and to the NATO strikes. The Commander of the International Peacekeeping Force (K-FOR) deployed in Kosovo, British General Michael Jackson, stated that he would discuss the issue of the arrival of soldiers with Turkish military officials. /Aksam/

KOSOVAR REFUGEES RETURN TO THEIR COUNTRY

Kosovar refugees who have taken shelter in Turkey as a result of ethnic cleansing campaign in Kosovo continued to return to Kosovo on Wednesday. A total of 1,200 Kosovar refugees left Turkey from the Edirne-Kapikule border gate since June 19, 1999, the Anatolia News Agency reports.

'KOSOVO BRIEFING'

The Office of the General Staff held a briefing yesterday concerning the Kosovo Operations in Yugoslavia. Major-General Ethem Erdagli, the Head of the Planning and Deployment Department of the Office of the Chief of General Staff, said that the NATO air strikes against Yugoslavia had reached their target. He added that during the operations, the Turkish administration and the Turkish Armed Forces had cooperated with NATO; however, he added, some NATO member countries, particularly Greece, held a been in negative attitude towards the NATO airstrikes. "Greece did not permit Turkish squadron to pass through its lands. This attitude was a failure for the Alliance," noted Erdagli adding that Turkish aircraft had hit 100 % of their targets during the airstrikes. Concerning the Turkish Peace Force, which will depart on 30 June for Kosovo, Erdagli said that the expenditure of the squadron will be met by the national budget and the squadron will be attached to German units. Meanwhile, it was announced that 10 Turkish F-16 aircrafts based launched at Italy's Ghedi Airbase will return home step by step. According to the plan, the first six F-16s will come back to Turkey tomorrow. The other four will return within the next week. Also, 15 American F-16s have already flown back to their base in America. /Sabah/

NATO'S SHAME -BY EMIN PAZARCI (AKSAM)

Emin Pazarci, a columnist in the daily 'Aksam' newspaper, says the following in his article today: "Why were Turkish soldiers so late in arriving Kosovo? This question was voiced at the 'Kosovo Operation Briefing' at the Office of General Staff yesterday. The Head of the General Staff's Planning Department, Major General Ethem Erdagi, said: 'Despite all our attempts, Greece has refused to allow the passage of Turkish soldiers across its land'. He added: 'In the end, it was decided that Turkish soldiers would pass through Bulgaria. An agreement was reached between NATO and Bulgaria on June 18. We expect that tomorrow (today) the decision concerning the passage of Turkish soldiers will have been approved by the Bulgarian Parliament'. According to Erdagi, the Turkish unit will depart from Turkey for Kosovo next week. The deployment will continue for two weeks. Turkey is again faced with the Greek obstacle. The Greek stance is normal; Greece has not acted any differently in previous incidents. There is nothing strange to be found in this. The basic concern should be the NATO stance towards Greece. Greece has been a problem since the beginning of the Kosovo crisis; Greece has sided with Serbia; Greece has encouraged Milosevic with its statements. Greece, as a NATO member, tried to blockade NATO. It closed its airspace and said: 'You cannot use our airspace'. And Greece did not open its airspace until the end of NATO air strikes against Yugoslavia. NATO didn't say to Greece: 'What are you doing? You are a member of NATO'. NATO has emposed no sanctions on Greece. If Greece had opened its airspace, the NATO operation would have cost much much less. Why has NATO acted this way towards Greece? The answer is simple: 'There are domestic political issues to take into consideration. These domestic political issues prevented the US from acting harshly against Greece, because there will be an election in the US in the near future. Nearly 3 million Greeks will cast their votes. The US administration did not want to perform an action that would disturb Greece, and, consequently, NATO has been damaged".

OLD ISSUES