PRESIDENT DEMIREL'S BUSY AGENDA

President Suleyman Demirel had a busy agenda yesterday in Istanbul. Demirel first laid the foundation stone of a primary school and a complex comprising a sports centre, a theatre and a dormitory in Yenibosna, Istanbul. Later, he attended the opening ceremony of the Eurasia Hospital in Zeytinburnu. After completing his schedule in Istanbul, Demirel returned to Ankara at night. /Sabah/

HISTORIC DECISION TO BE GIVEN TOMORROW ON IMRALI ISLAND

The historic decision concerning the head of the PKK terrorist organization, Abdullah Ocalan, who is currently imprisoned on Imrali Island, will be given tomorrow. Last Thursday, the Chief Prosecutor of State Security Court (DGM) No.2, Turgut Okyay, began to examine the file in order to reach a final decision. The committee which has been examining the Ocalan file for the past five days will announce its decision tomorrow. /Hurriyet/

TURKEY'S PRIORITY IS TERRORISM

The Turkish and Greek Foreign Ministers will meet on 30 June in New York. At the meeting, Turkish Foreign Minister Ismail Cem will expect an answer from his Greek counterpart, George Papandreu, to his former request concerning a high-level meeting on terrorism between the two countries. Turkish Foreign Ministry officials said that Turkey was not against cooperation in the fields of tourism, the environment, smuggling and culture but terrorism was the most important item. If terrorism were solved, other issues would be easily overcome. /Milliyet/

THE US PUTS PRESSURE ON GREECE

The U.S. Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) sent reports to the Greek Public Order Ministry in which there is proof that terrorist groups which are active both in Turkey and Greece are in cooperation. According to the Greek media based on the FBI report, Kurdish terrorists are participating in acts of violence organized by the 17 November terrorist organization. Washington asked Athens to accept terrorism as the "number one national target" and suggested that the government should prepare an anti-terrorism law. /Milliyet/

WARM MESSAGE FROM PAPANDREU

Greek Foreign Minister George Papandreu said that efforts aimed at the recovery of Turco-Greek relations could continue even though the Cyprus problem has not been solved. Papandreu in a statement to the 'To Vima' newspaper remarked that relations between the two countries could not be completely remedied and added: "However, this does not mean that we will not make every effort to improve our relations with Turkey". /Hurriyet/

KECECILER ATTENDING ISLAMIC FOREIGN MINISTERS' CONFERENCE

State Minister Mehmet Kececiler went from Istanbul to Burkina Faso to attend Islamic Foreign Ministers' Conference beginning today. Kececiler will represent the Turkish government during the 26th Islamic Foreign Ministers' Conference to be held in Ovagadogou, the capital of Burkina Faso, between June 28 and July 3, 1999. /Hurriyet/

MILITARY SUMMIT WITH SYRIA

High-level military officials from Syria arrived in Gaziantep on Saturday. The Syrian delegation consisted of representatives from the Interior and Foreign Ministries and from the Syrian intelligence service, Al Muharebat. The Syrian delegation held a meeting with a Turkish delegation headed by the Second Army Commander, Gen.Aytac Yalman. During the meetings which lasted two days, developments following the agreement reached in Adana before the head of the PKK terrorist organization, Abdullah Ocalan, was expelled frtom Syria, were discussed. The Turkish delegation expressed its concern over a PKK meeting in Aleppo last week. Some PKK members gathered in Aleppo last week under the directive of Cemil Bayik, a leading figure in the PKK, and determined a new strategy. The Syrian delegation said for its part that Syria wanted to open a Consulate in Gaziantep. /Hurriyet/

REPENTANCE LAW TO BE ON THE AGENDA OF THE TGNA

The Repentance Law will be placed on the agenda of the Turkish Grand National Assembly (TGNA). The aim of the Law is to accelerate the disintegration occuring within the PKK terrorist organization. The Law is first to be discussed at the Justice Commission and later it will be offered to Parliament to be voted on. /Turkiye/

NATO EXERCISE ENDS IN VARNA

The 'Cooperative Partner '99: Peace For Partnership' exercise organized by NATO in the Black Sea ended in Varna yesterday. Turkish speed-boats, mine-sweepers and the Frigate, Yavuz which actively participated in the exercise directed by Turkish Naval Staff Colonel Kadir Sadic will return to Turkey this morning. /Hurriyet/

DRUG RAIDS

During raids by police in the Bagcilar, Avcilar, Umraniye and Bahcelievler districts of Istanbul, a total of 44 kilos of heroin and 600 drugs worth 1 trillion TL were seized. Eight people were taken into custody. The Istanbul Security Chief, Hasan Ozdemir, held a press conference yesterday and informed listeners about the raids. Ozdemir remarked that 271 drug raids have been carried out by members of the Narcotics Department during the first six months of 1999 when 729 people were detained. /Aksam/

2208TH ANNIVERSARY OF TSK

The 2208th anniversary of the establishment of the Land Forces which constitute the backbone of the Turkish Armed Forces (TSK) will be celebrated today. For this reason, various ceremonies will be held today in all headquarters and institutions annexed to the Land Forces. /Aksam/

WASHINGTON IS HOPEFUL

The U.S. has declared that important progress has been obtained during the 10- day meetings in Washington between the two rival groups in Northern Iraq: Iraqi Kurdistan Democratic Party (IKDP) and Iraqi Patriotic Union of Kurdistan (IPUK). Although they couldn't reach a compromise on the two basic subjects, a U.S. official remarked to the Anatolian Agengy that the meetings were 'very well'. He added that both sides were opposing the PKK's activities in Northern Iraq. Sources also said that major problems such as the sharing-out power once they are in authority and income distribution would be debated during the meetings in Northern Iraq. /Cumhuriyet/

ITALY IS LOOKING FOR ANOTHER CRISIS WITH TURKEY

Italy, which hosted the head of the PKK terrorist organization, Abdullah Ocalan, and received a harsh reprimand from Turkey, has tried to create another crisis with Turkey. It has been claimed that Luigi Saraceni and Guiuliano Pisopia, who were Ocalan's lawyers when he was staying in Rome, wanted to come to Turkey but their demand has been rejected. According to Italian newspapers, the Italian lawyers learned the decision concerning the rejection from the Italian Embassy in Ankara. The Italian lawyers remarked that they would hold a press conference concerning this issue in Rome today. /Aksam/

GREEK-CYPRIOT POLITICIANS IN CTP COUNCIL

Politicians from the Greek-Cypriot Administration and Masis Kurkcugil, from the Freedom and Solidarity Party (ODP) in Turkey responsible for foreign relations, have attended the 17th Ordinary Council of the Republican Turkish Party (CTP) in the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC). During the Council, Mehmet Ali Talat became the CTP Chairman. /Aksam/

DENKTAS CRITICIZES WESTERN COUNTRIES

The Chairman of the main opposition Democrat Party in the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC), Serdar Denktas, said that Turkey, who extended her full support during the NATO air strikes against Yugoslavia, has been treated unjustly. He remarked that pressure on Turkey concerning Cyprus would increase in the upcoming months. Denktas stated that the US would use the IMF meetings and Baku-Ceyhan as a trump card for Cyprus; Denktas has gone to Washington to meet US officials. He stressed that the G-8 countries and international institutions which put pressure on Turkey were acting unjustly towards Turkey. He also criticized the UN which is trying to bring TRNC President Rauf Denktas and Greek-Cypriot Leader Glafkos Klerides together and said: "They say that a meeting should be held between the two sides. However, neither side is ready. It is evident that the Greek-Cypriots will again make it seem as if they were the only state on the Island and the Turkish side will pay the price for this". He added that the only lasting solution to the Cyprus problem could be achieved through a confederation as proposed by Rauf Denktas. /Aksam/

CYPRUS MARATHON IN UN

The United Nations' (UN) Security Council will have an intensive week with arguments on Iraq, Cyprus and Kosovo. It is expected that the Security Council will consent to two separate decision plans about Cyprus tomorrow or the next day. The first of them is about expanding the UN Peace Force's mission term up to 15th December; the other will clarify that the views of the international community on Cyprus and the expectations of all sides. The Council is definitely in support of the proposals of the G-8 Summit, that is to say the holding of bilaterial meetings between the President of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus, Rauf Denktas, and Greek-Cypriot Administration Leader Glafkos Klerides in the Autumn and delegating the Secretary-General Kofi Annan, on the issue. Denktas had previously informed Annan by a letter that he did not expect any benefit to be gaining by attending the meetings under these circumstances. /Cumhuriyet/

'GECITKALE TO BE A NATO BASE'

According to the 'Simerini' newspaper published in Southern Cyprus, once a solution to the Cyprus problem is achieved, the US will try to turn Gecitkale airport in the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) and generally the whole of Cyprus into a NATO base. It was claimed in the newspaper that the US plan envisages turning Cyprus into an international mandate country. /Aksam/

THE U.S. CYPRUS PLAN

It has announced that the U.S. will be the Guarantor State for Cyprus. According to the "Europe" newspaper published in the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC), the U.S. plan for Cyprus has seven articles; one of them is the guarantorship of America for Cyprus. The plan foresees a joint foreign ministry and currency on the island but each side will have a seperate police force. Both sides will cancel all military agreements and remove their heavy weapons step by step, said the plan. /Turkiye/

GREEK INITIATIVE FOR BSEC

At the General Council Meeting of the European Union (EU), Greece started an initiative to establish a platform between the Black Sea Economic Cooperation (BSEC) organization and the EU. Athens invited EU representatives to the BSEC meeting to be held on 29 June in Selonica and that took an important step towards an institutional dialogue process with Brussels. Greece wants to expand cooperation with the EU in every field. /Turkiye/

HUSNU ONDUL APPOINTED AS IHD CHAIRMAN

Husnu Ondul has been appointed as the new Chairman of the Human Rights Association (IHD). According to a written statement issued by the IHD, General Administration Board met on Saturday in the wake of imprisoned IHD Chairman Akin Birdal's resignation. In other appointments, Nazmi Gur has been made General Secretary and Avni Kalkan will take over as Deputy General Secretary. /All papers/

KARABEY CHOSEN AS DISK'S NEW CHAIRMAN

Vahdettin Karabey has been chosen to succeed Ridvan Budak as Chairman of the Confederation of Progessive Labour Unions (DISK). Budak left his post after winning the election to Parliament as a deputy from the Democratic Left Party (DSP). /All papers/

AUTOMOTIVE EXPORTS UP BY 61 %

Automotive exports increased by 61 % and rose to 31,645 vehciles during the first five months of this year. According to Automotive Industry Association (OSD) data, automobile exports increased by 97 % during the first five months of this year when compared to the same period last year. The export of commercial vehicles increased by 26 % and reached 4,117. /Hurriyet/

SANKO IN GAP

Following the irrigation projects within the Southeastern Anatolia Project (GAP), the biggest development project in Turkey, Sanliurfa has become a centre of attraction for foreign investors. After Profilo and Oyak Holdings made significant investments in the region, Sanko Holding company, one of the largest companies in Southeastern Anatolia, has decided to set up integrated textile factories in Sanliurfa. /Hurriyet/

COUNCIL OF STATE DECISION SUPPORTS PRIVATIZATION

The Council of State's 10th Chamber refused for a second time to grant a stay of execution to the decision giving electricity production, transmission and distribution rights in the Anatolian part of Istanbul to Aktas Elektrik A.S. If the 10th Chamber's decision is appealed, the case will be turned over to the General Board of Council of State Administrational Case Chambers, the Anatolia News Agency reports.

GOVERNMENT ANNOUNCES CONSENSUS

State Minister Tunca Toskay stated prior to the weekend that the government had reached a consensus on adopting a social security reform package before Parliament's summer recess. Following his meeting with an IMF delegation headed by Turkey-Desk Chief Carlo Cottarelli, Toskay responded to questions from members of the press and said that he had discussed the Turkish economy with the IMF officials and exchanged views over how to improve public finance balances, the Anatolia News Agency reports.

AKBANK GETS $150 MLN SYNDICATED LOAN

Akbank, one of Turkey's leading commercial banks, said it signed an agreement for a $150 million syndicated loan with a group of European, American and Japanese banks. It added that the one-year loan carried an interest rate of 0.55 basis points above the London Interbank Borrowing Rate or LIBOR. /All papers/

SOCIAL SECURITY REFORM PACKAGE

The six-minister subcommittee working on a social security reform plan will hold its second meeting tomorrow to further view the bill aimed at enhancing the social security structure in Turkey, the Anatolia News Agency reports.

CUBAN DELEGATION TO VISIT TOBB

A nine-member delegation including the officials at the Cuban Chamber of Commerce and Ministry of Foreign Trade and several commercial organizations will visit the Union of Turkish Chambers and Commodity Exchanges (TOBB) on June 30, the Anatolia News Agency reports. Jesus Perez Othon, the Cuban Minister of Light Industry, will stage a conference on 'Cuban economy, persepectives and business opportunities' to the Turkish businessmen during the visit.

DRAFT LAW ON SO-CALLED ARMENIAN GENOCIDE

The draft law on so-called genocide on Armenians, which is tried to be adopted by the House of Representatives as a result of initiatives of the circles against Turkey failed to achieve a success in the current legislative term, the Anatolia News Agency reports.

MBS-ACTUATE COOPERATION

The Turkish MBS Data Processing Services Company has signed a cooperation agreement with world leader Actuate Corporation. According to the agreement, MBS will market, sell, set up systems, provide training in the use of the system, and provide consultation services to Actuate Corp. /Sabah/

EUREKA MEETING IN ISTANBUL

The 7th Eureka Meeting will begin tomorrow in Istanbul. During the meeting, attended by European Ministers of Education, education, the problems of young people and problems in basic education will be discussed. The European Union (EU) Representative responsible for Cultural and Educational Affairs will also attend the meeting. /Turkiye/

OBSTACLE FOR FOREIGN CAPITAL INVESTMENT TO BE REMOVED

Studies on the International Arbitration Council which will enable international investors to apply to the International Courts regarding their foreign investments in Turkey have been completed. If the draft bill prepared by the Minister of Energy and Natural Resources is approved by Parliament, an international arbitration arrangement will be made in the Privatization and "Build-Operate-Transfer" Laws. Therefore, the greatest obstacle in front of international investments, especially in the energy and transport sectors, will be lifted. /Turkiye/

CHINESE PRODUCTIONS IN TURKEY

The "Chinese Art House and Market" was opened in Istanbul. The Beijing Trade Chamber Chairman, Yoa Wand, and the Chinese Consul late to Istanbul, Li Binghong, opened the Market where traditional Chinese handicrafts, ceramics and china are to be sold. /Aksam/

"CAPITAL MARKET LAW SHOULD BE PREPARED"

The Chairman of the Banks' Union and the General Director of Isbank, Ersin Ozince, said that the whole financial system should be reformed. He added that capital market law which was still in the queue for discussions at the Turkish Grand National Assembly should be legalized as soon as possible. Ozince stressed that Turkey should attain an international financial system and capital market principles and that the privatization process should be rapidly continued. /Sabah/

EXCAVATIONS IN METROPOLIS

Exacavations in Metropolis, an ancient city in the Torbali district of Izmir, resumed yesterday. During the excavations which have been carried out since 1992 with the support of the Philip Morris/Sabanci companies, many historic works of art have been brought to light to date. The excavations are headed by Prof.Recep Meric, a lecturer at the September 9 (Dokuz Eylul) University in Izmir. /Aksam/

RESTORATION OF BODRUM CITY WALLS

The first part of the restoration project of Bodrum's Old City Walls, sponsored by the Turkcell and Ericsson companies, has been completed. Officials announced that $ 650,000 has been spent up to now. The second part of the project comprising the Ottoman Tower and the city walls around it is beginning. The restoration project of the city walls around the ancient city of Halicarnassos will be completed within five years. /Sabah/

VAKIFBANK CONTRIBUTION TO TOURISM

Vakifbank announced that it would offer 30 million DM to the tourism sector. General Director of the Bank Altan Kocer said that they would give at least 500,000 DM to each firm. The term of the credit will be one year and re-payments will be met by companies' service revenues. Meanwhile, in ith a new development, Vakifbank is offering a travel credit of $ 500 per person over a one-year term. /Milliyet/

TURKEY BEATS GERMANY IN BASKETBALL

In the second leg of the European Basketball Championship, Turkey beat Germany 63 to 55 yesterday. Both teams worked hard during the match; however, at the end of the match Turkish team was victorious. Erman Kunter, Coach to the Turkish Basketball Team, said that Turkey had grasped a great opportunity to go to Paris. He added, "We should also beat the Czech team and then win our next match to go to Paris, where we will obtain more victories." Turkey will play their last match in the second leg of the Chamnpionship against the Czech National Team today in Le Mans. /Sabah-Milliyet/

TURKEY TAKES SIX GOLD MEDALS

Turkey took six gold, seven silver and 10 bronze medals in the Balkan Yachting Championships in Mamaia, Romania, the Anatolia News Agency reports.

"GREATEST SPORTSMEN OF 20TH CENTURY"

Naim Suleymanoglu, the Turkish Olympic and World Champ, was given his award in the "Greatest Sportmen of the 20th Century" ceremony organized by the World Sports Writers' Union (AIPS) to mark the 75th anniversary of foundation of the Union, in the Hungarian capital Budapest on Saturday, reported the Anatolia News Agency. Addressing the ceremomy, Suleymanoglu said, "I will represent my country in the Sydny Olympic Games in the best way, and become the Olympic Champion for the forth time. After the ceremony, the Hungarian Speaker of Parliament, Janos Adler hosted a dinner in honour of the sportsmen of the century.

54th BALKAN ATHLETICS CHAMPIONSHIPS BEGIN

The 54th Balkan Athletics Championships began in Istanbul on Saturday. Nearly 400 athletes from nine countries are participating in the championships. In the first day competitions, Turkey took two gold, two silver and six bronze medals.

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

GERMANY ANTICIPATES VIOLENCE -BY ENIS BERBEROGLU (HURRIYET)

Columnist Enis Berberoglu writes on the probable developments following the sentence to be passed on Ocalan. A summary of his column is as follows: "One does not have to be an astrologer to guess the outcome of the trial of Ocalan. However, instead of preparing for its social, political results and even those concerning security, we are losing time in needless discussions. Germany who hosts the largest Kurd population in Europe has for a long time been thinking about the future of Ocalan and the PKK. Ernst Uhrlau, who was the coordinator of all German Secret Intelligence Services, voiced his guesses on the probable PKK actions both in Germany and Turkey in an interview published in 'Suddeutsche Zeitung' on June 11. According to Uhrlau, the PKK will follow different methods for Turkey and Europe. "The PKK is following two different strategies. It is in favour of politicization in Europe, and is therefore making every effort as a political organization to achieve a solution. That is why it has suspended militant actions such as the occupation of Embassies. They do not want to draw any adverse reactions." Despite this strategy in Europe, Uhrlau does not believe the PKK will abandon violence in Turkey. "At the moment, the military wing of the PKK has weakened. However they may be expected to launch attacks using urban guerillas. " Ernst Uhrlau believes that at present the PKK doesn't feel confident. The important thing for the high-level leaders is not to harm Ocalan who keeps the organization together. The quarrels over leadership will start after Oclaan's fate becomes certain. If Ocalan is executed, he will be declared a martyr. If he is left alive, there may be those in the organization who will opt for a political solution abandoning their weapons. Iı is interesting to see that Uhrlau's analysis which is based on concrete data, also reflect Germany's expectations concerning the region... Germany has followed a policy of double standards from the first day the PKK began to be organized on her territory... She did not hesitate to send her secret service chiefs and politicians to Abdullah Ocalan to stop the violence in Germany. However, she did not see the violence in Turkey, which resulted in the deaths of thousands of innocent people, as significant saying they were due to a lack of democracy in the country. The message which can be read between the lines of Uhrlau's statements is important. If Ocalan is executed and he is replaced by a friendly leader who is not in favour of violent actions such as Kani Yilmaz, Berlin will welcome this new organization and may even cooperate with it."

SOCIAL SECURITY REFORM -BY FIKRET BILA (MILLIYET)

Columnist Fikret Bila comments on the Social Security Reform Bill which has been completed. A summary of his column is as follows: "Minister of Labour and Social Security Yasar Okuyan has completed the the Social Security Reform Bill after serious studies on the matter. As the information which leaked to the public during the studies was controversial everyone was puzzled. How will the workers and civil servants retire, and how will they receive their pension? To get an answer to these two questions we interviewed the Minister himself. For those who will start working in the year 2000 the system will be: Workers and civil servants will retire under the same conditions. Both men and women will have the right to retire at the same age. The retirement age will be 62 for both men and women, the work term needed for the right of retirement will be 30 years. The retirement pension will be 60% for those who have served for 30 years. For every year over this the rate will be increased by a point, and for every year less it will be decreased by a point. To give an example, we can say that a person who has served for 31 years will have a pension rate of 61%. Those who have reached the age of retirement but did not complete the required number of years will lose a percentage point in their pension. That is to say, a person who has worked for 29 years but has reached the age of retirement will receive a pension of 59%. In calculating the pension of those who will start work in the year 2000, the average of their overall wages will be taken into consideration. This is to avoid the employers showing minimum wages for years and only revealing the workers' true wages before retirement. Thus, workers could pressurize their employers to show their true wages thinking of their retirement. For those who have 10 years or less before to go their retirement these conditions will not apply. To protect the gained rights, the transfer will be achieved in stages. The increase in the pension will be arranged according to inflation every month. The monthly increases in the Consumer Price Index will be reflected in the pension. For those who will start work in the year 2000, the Social Security Reform is based on the implementation of social security in Europe. Financial balance accounts are made for the life-span after retirement. This has been taken into consideration during these studies on the reform bill. At present, the State is paying a pension to women and men almost for as many years as they have worked. With the new arrangement this will be changed but due to the progress in health technology it is believed that life expectancy will increase. We hope this new arrangement will be beneficial!"

SPECIAL KOSOVO

CEM TO VISIT NEW YORK

Foreign Minister Ismail Cem will arrive in the US early next week to attend the meeting of the 'Secretary-General's Kosovo Friends' group which was formed by Kofi Annan, the UN Secretary-General, the Anatolia News Agency reports. Turkey was included in the Group, which will convene in New York on June 30.

TURKEY SENDS LARGE AMOUNT OF AID TO KOSOVO

A delegation headed by Ambassador Sukru Tufan, the coordinator responsible for the humanitarian aid effort to Kosovo, entered Kosovo two days ago from the Blace border gate of Macedonia. The convoy comprising vehicles from the Red Crescent (Kizilay) and one truck with two trailers full of foodstuff and medicine were welcomed by people living in Prizren, where many Turkish citizens reside. The delegation will proceed to Pristina today. /Hurriyet/

3,820 KOSOVAR REFUGEES LEAVE TURKEY

Kosovar refugees began to return to their country after peace was achieved in Kosovo. A total of 3,820 Kosovar refugees including 520 from the Gaziosmanpasha Refugee Camp have returned to their country. Officials stated that there were currently 7,142 Kosovar refugees in Kirklareli and added: "Yesterday, 25 Kosovar refugees departed from Turkey". /Hurriyet/

UN KOSOVO INTERIM ADMINISTRATION FORMED

The 'UN Kosovo Interim Administration' which will pioneer in administrative and economic reconstruction of Kosovo, was formed, and an advisory committee under the name of 'Secretary General's Kosovo Friends' including Turkey will be established for making consultations about the implementation of the decisions concerning the region, the Anatolia News Agency reports.

TURKISH SOLDIERS TO MAMUSA

People of Mamusa, Kosovo are looking out for the arrival of Turkish soldiers in their township. They believe that Turkish soldiers will guarantee their safety. They also look to Turkey as the guarantee of their future. Kosovars originated from Turkey want Turkey to defend their rights such as education in the Turkish language and freedom of worship. Now, they are afraid of being pressurized by the Serbian administration and await Turkey's contribution. /Milliyet/

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