OCALAN CALLS FOR PEACE

The head of the PKK terrorist organization, Abdullah Ocalan, has asked the terrorist organization to halt its armed struggle from 1 September 1999 on and withdraw from Turkish territory. Ocalan's lawyers organized a press conference to read out Ocalan's call for peace. The message read: "Clashes and violence are the biggest obstacle in front of the improvement of human rights and democracy in Turkey. Violence which has mainly accured due to the Kurdish issue plays a basic role in this. In order to overcome the problems, the violence should be ended. For that to happen, I ask the PKK to halt its armed struggle on 1 September, 1999 and withdraw its forces to outside the borders of Turkey in order to give way to the establishment of peace. Thus, I believe that a dialogue process will start on the road to democracy. Within this I want the State, related institutions within society and authorities to support this peace process in order for it to be successful. I also want national and international institutions to cooperate." Responding a question, lawyers said Ocalan thought that such a call would contribute to finding a permanent solution to the Kurdish issue and to remove the impasse in Turkey's political system. They also added that both their client and themselves believed that the call would find a response. /Cumhuriyet-Milliyet/

OCALAN'S CALL FOR PEACE IN FOREIGN PRESS

The head of the PKK terrorist organization, Abdullah Ocalan's call made the headlines yesterday in foreign press. The British Reuters News Agency reported the news saying, 'Ocalan's call will be a test for the leadership of the PKK,' adding, "Ocalan said in court there would be blood-shed if he was executed. With his recent call, his power over the PKK will be understood." The French AFP News Agency reported: "Ocalan asked PKK members to leave Turkish territories. However, it is unclear to which country the PKK terrorists will go. Turkish officials who have objected to negotiating with the PKK, did not pay attention to the call." The American CNN TV channel said, "Ocalan's call was issued immediately after the PKK terrorists' attack on a bus carrying workers, killing six of them. However, it is unclear now whether PKK members will listen to this call or not." /Sabah/

'AMNESTY DRAFT TO BE APPROVED SOON'

Pime Minister Bulent Ecevit announced yesterday in Ankara that the Amnesty Law should be approved by Parliament before the Turkish Grand National Assembly (TGNA) goes into recess. "I believe that it would be very beneficial to legalize the Law before the Parliament's summer break. The Law has caused heightened expectations throughout society which will cause unwanted incidents. Although the TGNA's agenda is really too busy, it would be better to discuss the Law in the TGNA as soon as possible." Concerning the situation of the two Turkish soldiers who are still under arrest in Iran, Ecevit said that it was a pity that Iran has been delaying the solution of the issue. Although the Iranian Foreign Minister had promised to solve the issue, he has not yet kept his promise, noted Ecevit. Prime Minister Bulent Ecevit also evaluated the visit of the U.S. Deputy Secretary of State, Harold Koh, to the Southeastern region saying that America was Turkey's ally. He said, "Turkey's Southeastern region is an important region to which the American administration wanted to pay a visit. After completing his visit, I will receive Koh in Ankara to negotiate the problems of the regions." /Sabah/

TERRORIST ATTACK IN SILVAN

Terrorists, who opened fire on a minibus in the village of Cigdemli in Diyarbakir province, killed six people and injured nine others, reported by the Anatolian News Agency. In a statement by the correspondent from the Anatolian News Agency, the locals returning from watering tobacco in the village minibus, whose number-plate is still unknown were attacked by a group of terrorists near Cigdemli village. During the attack, Firat Esin, Mehmet Gok, Raif Uyan, Rezzak Inanc, Baris Yakaci and Ercan Yakaci were killed. Ihsan Gok, Salih Gok, Salim Gok, Sahin Gok, Hadi Esin, Filit Inanc and three other people, whose identities have not been determined yet, were wounded. A crack-down is still in progress.

WORKERS ARE IN THE PUBLIC SQUARES AGAIN

The Union Platform , consisting of 15 workers', officials' and retired officials' organizations, will organize sit-down protests around Turkey as from today. Yesterday,the Union Platform, protesting against the Social Security Draft Law, decided to launch sit-down protests around Turkey. The first action will be held in Ankara, Istanbul, Izmir, Kocaeli and Adana at 13:00. After the sit-in at Guvenpark, the Chairmanship Council of the Union Platform will attend the planning meetings held at 14:00 during the Turkish Grand National Assembly's plenary session. In a statement by the Union Platform, it was emphasized that only if their demands were ignored, would they use their power to halt production. Furthermore, the Union Platform, in the meeting they held yesterday, decided that they would send a letter written in order to make the members of Parliament listen to the public's voice and to make them try to meet their needs, to the TGNA. During the meeting, it was also determined that the organizations aimed to warn Parliament and that local actions would be started in order to pressurize the M.P.s in their area./Star/

ACTION FOR A DAY BY TURK-IS

The Turk-Is General Meeting determined that "they would use their power to stop manufacturing by not going to work on the 6th of August" in order to protest against the Social Security Draft Law. The General Meeting's decision was sent to the unions in a written article. In the article, it was written: "Our demands such as changing the Social Security Reform's Draft Law to find a convenient compromise to protect the rights of workers and retired officials, receiving job-protection and union protection and receiving unemployment insurance in compliance with international standards, have not been met.In addition, we have been stalled by the government and therefore we have been unable to attain our goal. Under such conditions it has become inevitable that our power to stop production has to be used." In the article, it was written that the Turk-Is General Meeting had decided to use its power to stop production by going on strike on the sixth of August for a day before debate on the acceptance of the draft law by the Turkish Grand National Assembly's plenary session. In the article, it was added: "Your union's administrative board decision, expressing that your power to stop manufacturing will be used by going on strike should be sent to Turk-Is as soon as possible in order to reach a decision on this matter and to coordinate our efforts. Your decision should arrive at Turk-Is no later than 18:00 on the 4th of August./Star/

ANKARA REACTS HARSHLY TO KOH'S WORDS

Ankara has been deeply concerned over the statements of Harold H.Koh, the U.S. Deputy Secretary of State responsible for Human Rights, who is currently paying a visit to the Southeastern Anatolian region of Turkey. The unease over Koh's statements was conveyed to the US Charge D'Affaires to Ankara, James Jeffry, by the Turkish Foreign Ministry yesterday. The Foreign Ministry stated that in a period during which significant success has been achieved in the struggle against terrorism, sensitive questions which could incite the regional people could endanger Turkey's territorial integrity. The Foreign Ministry pointed out that Koh should consider the facts of terrorism which has been experienced for nearly 15 years in Turkey in his meetings from now on. /Hurriyet/

IRAN AVOIDS SOLVING SOLDIERS' ISSUE

According to a written statement by the Iranian Embassy to Ankara, Iran is following a policy of non-intervention in the domestic issues of any foreign country. It also rejected the claims that Iran supports the PKK. The statement remarked that Iranian authorities have been making the utmost effort to release the two Turkish soldiers as soon as possible. /Sabah/

IRANIAN AMBASSADOR SUMMONED TO TURKISH FOREIGN MINISTRY

The Iranian Ambassador to Ankara, Huseyin Lavasani, was again summoned to the Turkish Foreign Ministry yesterday. This was the fourth time since the crisis which has occurred in relations between the two countries. Lavasani met the Foreign Ministry Deputy Undersecretary responsible for the Middle East, Ugur Ziyal, yesterday. Lavasani remarked that for the follow-up of the issue concerning the two Turkish soldiers who are currently being detained by Iranian officials, a 'convenient atmosphere' should be prepared. /Hurriyet/

'RED BULLETIN' ABOUT PKK MEMBERS

Ankara's State Security Court (DGM) has launched its plans to hand-over the members of the so-called Kurdish parliament-in-exile. It is announced that PKK members whose names were mentioned during the hearing of Cevat Soysal will be asked to be handed over to Turkey by the Turkish Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Furthermore, a 'Red Bulletin' will be issued concerning these PKK members in order for them to be arrested in those countries where they are still settled. / Milliyet/

TURKEY CLOSELY OBSERVES PKK IN EUROPE

The Turkish Justice Ministry has launched plans to bring Ali Matur, Abdurrahman Cadirci and Serafettin Kaya to Turkey. The names of these people were disclosed in the statements made by the PKK number-two man in Europe, Cevat Soysal, who was captured by the National Intelligence Service (MIT) in Moldova. /Turkiye/

FOUR TERRORISTS KILLED

During operations held in the rural areas of Mus, a group of terrorists were encountered near the village of Derecik. Three terrorists were killed after the terrorists responded to the "surrender" warning by opening fire. In Ercek, in Van Province, a clash occured between two terrorists, wanting to buy food from a grocery store in the town and security forces; one of the terrorists was killed and the other escaped. /Star/

CLINTON: "BARZANI AND TALABANI REACHED A CONSENSUS"

US President Bill Clinton said yesterday that the Kurdistan Democratic Party (KDP) and the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan (PUK) have reached a consensus against the PKK terrorist organization in Northern Iraq. Clinton quoted a recent Iraqi report sent to the US Congress which stated that they would work with the opposition in order to change the regime in Baghdad. Clinton also listed the Turcomans while he was talking about the minorities in northern Iraq. Clinton recalled that the KDP and PUK delegations had held meetings in June in Washington and said that the delegations had discussed the new steps to be taken as part of the Washington Agreement. Clinton stressed that a consensus had been reached on a series of confidence-building measures. Clinton added that the fight against the PKK terrorist organization also had its place in the measures. /Hurriyet/

ARBITRATION SUMMIT IN TGNA

Meetings concerning the Arbitration Law resumed yesterday through the initiatives of the Prime Minister Bulent Ecevit. Deputy Prime Ministers Husamettin Ozkan and Cumhur Ersumer, Justice Minister Hikmet Sami Turk, the Acting Chairman of the Nationalist Action Party (MHP) Group, Omer Izgi, the Acting Chairman of the Virtue Party (FP) Group, Bulent Arinc and Amasya Deputy from the True Path Party (DYP) Ahmet Iyimaya held a two-hour meeting yesterday. Following the meeting, Ersumer issued a statement saying: "I would like to express that all parties are in agreement concerning the enactment of the Arbitration Law. We are discussing the issue of how we will implement the Law. We hope that we will also reach a consensus on its implementation as soon as possible". /Hurriyet/

PRIME MIMISTER MEETS PRIVATE SECTOR REPRESENTATIVES

Yesterday, Prime Minister Bulent Ecevit received the Chairwoman of the Economic Development Foundation (IKV), Meral Gezgin Eris, the Chairman of the Turkish Industrialists' and Businessmen's Association (TUSIAD), Erkut Yucaoglu, a member of the Foreign Relations Committee, Sarik Tara, and businessmen Rahmi Koc, all of whom visited German Chancellor Gerhard Schroder in Bonn a while ago. Meral G. Eris said after the meeting that they had briefed the Prime Minister concerning their recent visit to Bonn. Later they visited State Minister and Deputy Prime Minister Husamettin Ozkan. /Sabah/

NEW MISSILES FOR TURKEY

According to the American 'Defense News' magazine, Turkey and Israel are about to reach an agreement on Popeye-2 type missiles to be produced in Turkey. The magazine claimed that, during President Suleyman Demirel's recent visit to Israel, Turkish and Israeli delegations had widely discussed the issue. The same source announced that Turkey would invest $ 300 million in the Popeye-2 missiles and fix them to F-16 aircraft. On the other hand, it is claimed that America will accept the sale of AGM-142 missiles to Greece, which she had rejected a while ago stating that 'the region is very sensitive'. However, now, if the Popeye-2 missiles are produced in Turkey, this will accelerate the export of AGM-142 missiles to Greece. Additionally, the magazine reported on the uneasiness of the U.S. administration concerning the transfer of high-tech missiles to the region while tension still exists in the region. /Milliyet-Sabah/

LETTER TO CLINTON ON CYPRUS ISSUE

The Turkish lobby in the U.S. has sent a letter to President Bill Clinton declaring, "The recognition of a dual political administration on the Island is the only way towards a solution to the issue." Criticizing the Greek-Cypriot administration, the letter stated that this administration has followed a policy which has deepened the 'lack of confidence' between the two societies. It added: "The Cyprus issue can only be solved when the Greek-Cypriot administration understands the facts. This administration should accept that there are two societies on Cyprus and they will only be able to live together under the same confederation, which will ensure equal rights and privileges to both of them." /Milliyet/

A MEETING ON TURKEY IN ITALY

Under the auspices of the U.S. Foreign Policy Institution (EPA), a conference entitled "Turkey: Problems and Opportunities on the Edge of the 21st Century" will be organized at the Rockefeller Foundation Conference Hall by Como Lake in the northern region of Italy, reported the Anatolian News Agency. General Secretary of the Ari Group, Emine Cagin, announced that the Conference will be held on 3-5 August. She added that the General Coordinator of the Ari Group, Kemal Koprulu, will deliver a speech at the Conference on solutions to the political problems in Turkey. Cagan noted that a 12-member Turkish delegation consisting of diplomats, members of the press and scientists will also attend the meeting. /Cumhuriyet/

PROMOTION OF EFES DARK BEER IN AFRICA

Efes Pilsen, one of the companies affiliated to the Anadolu Group, has chosen Africa in which to promote its dark beer, Efes Dark. The Marketing Director for Efes Dark, Zafer Berkman, stated that they had organized an advertising campaign and a competition called 'safari in Kenya' in order to promote Efes Dark to more people. Berkman said: "Efes Dark is a different beer due to its colour and taste". A couple who won the competition organized by Efes Pilsen has gone to Kenya on safari. /Hurriyet/

STOCK MARKET INVESTORS NOT TO PAY TAXES UNTIL 2002

According to the draft taxation law presented to the Turkish Grand National Assembly (TGNA) yesterday, Stock Market investors will not pay taxes until the end of the year 2002. Investors who have held shares for at least three months will be exempted from taxes until 2002. The draft will be discussed by the Planning and Budgetary Commission tomorrow. /Hurriyet/

COTTON PRODUCTION IN GAP REGION

The General Director of the Cukobirlik Union, Abdulkadir Uslu, said that cotton production in the Southeastern Anatolia Project (GAP) region is greater than in the Cukurova region. He added that the GAP region would greatly contribute to the Turkish economy with its output. After irrigation had started, the variety of agricultural products had been increased a lot, said Uslu adding that GAP was the pride of Turkey. /Cumhuriyet/

TREASURY ISSUES BONDS WORTH 209 TRILLION TL

The Treasury issued bonds worth 208.8 trillion TL with an average compound interest of 95.59 % during its first tender in August. Sales worth 82 trillion TL were made to public institutions with the average interest. The reypayment of the bonds will be on August 23, 2000. /Hurriyet/

FT COMMENTS ON TURKISH ECONOMY

The 'Financial Times', a leading newspaper among business circles in the West, said in its recent issue that Turkey was planning to achieve economic investments which it has been postponing for many years. It added: "The Turkish Government aims to reduce the inflation rate to 10 % before the year 2002. Plans are wide-ranging, including privatization and agricultural subsidies. There are some question marks that a coalition government can achieve these. However, the Turkish Government, which is determined to see its plans concerning the salaries of the civil servants and the banking reform to fruition, has made a good start". The FT suggested that there were two tests for the Turkish Government in the upcoming days. It stressed that the social security reform and the arbitration law would be the indicators for the future of the Turkish economy. /Hurriyet/

NATURAL GAS IN SAH SEA

Within the guidelines of the oil exploration project currently underway in the Sah Sea, in Azerbaijan's Southern Caspian Sea in which the Turkish Petroleum Joint Stock Company (TPAO) is involved, a great deal of natural gas has been found. The Acting General Director of the TPAO, Osman Demirag, said: "Samples taken from the first well show that there is a large reservoir of natural gas there". /Turkiye/

BAKU-CEYHAN PIPELINE PROJECT

Turkish and Azerbaijani working groups are meeting in Ankara today under the auspices of the plan which envisages the carrying of Azerbaijani oil through the Baku-Ceyhan pipeline. According to informed sources, high-level officials from the operating consortium (AIOC) will also attend the meetings of the working groups. Following the meetings held in Ankara at the end of June, the Azerbaijani working group and the consortium members had left Turkey to seek financial support complying with the Turkish proposals. During the meetings in Ankara it is expected to determine a place and date for a comprehensive agreement in addition to reach a consensus on Turkey's guarantorship concerning the cost of the pipeline. /All papers/

STFA TAPS OIL WELLS IN UAE

The Turkish company, STFA, one of the leading institutions which taps oil wells throughout the world, will tap oil wells in a region including Abu Dabi in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). The project which began in July 1999 will be delivered in July 2000. The STFA will tap a total of 60 oil wells in various locations during this period. /Turkiye/

ONE MORE SOLUTION TO ENERGY PROBLEM

The financial package for the Erzurum-Imranli Natural Gas Pipeline Project, one of the most important projects which will solve the problem of Turkey's natural gas requirements, has been put into effect. The project taken on by the ALARKO Group consists of four stages and will be implemented at the end of the year 2000 in order to bring Turkmen oil to Turkey via Iran. /Turkiye/

ARMENIAN PROPOSAL REJECTED

A proposal presented by Robert Andrews, a deputy from the Democrat Party who is also a member of the Armenian lobby in Washington, to the US House of Representatives has not been approved. The proposal suggests that the US should blockade all US finance for the Baku-Ceyhan pipeline project until a solution to the Karabakh problem is attained. /Turkiye/

TURKISH FIRM'S GREAT SUCCESS

The initial foundation of the Rrogozina-Elbasan Highway, the construction of which was assumed by a Turkish firm, was laid by the Albanian President Recep Meydani and Turkish State Minister Sadi Somuncuoglu yesterday. Somuncuoglu said during the foundation-laying ceremony that the highway project, a part of the Balkan Highway, would further strengthen relations between the two countries. The construction of the highway will be completed in 24 months' time. /Turkiye/

12 NEW MEMBERS FOR THE COURT OF ACCOUNT

As a result of a secret ballot held among the 24 candidates determined by the Turkish Parliament's Planning and Budgetary Commission yesterday, 12 new members of the Court of Account were elected. These new members are: Ali Karamazakcadik, Aytek Kushan, Esref Surucu, Suleyman Ozturk, Hasan Fehmi Ezber, Feramiz Durmusoglu, Ismail Benhur, Mehmet Donmez, Omer Faruk Oztoprak, Ahmet Dal, Suleyman Topallar and Ilker Agca. /Turkiye/

HEROIN SEIZED

One ton of acid hydrate, worth 1.5 trillion TL, used in the production of heroin was seized at Samsun Port yesterday. One person was taken into custody regarding the incident. /Turkiye/

ALKAN HOSPITAL BECOMES AN AHA MEMBER

The Alkan Hospital based in Cankaya, Ankara, has become a member of the American Hospital Association (AHA). Thus, the Alkan Hospital is the first and only Turkish hospital to achieve AHA membership. /Aksam/

TURKISH AIRLINES' BARCELONA FLIGHTS ARE BEGINNING

Turkish Airlines' Barcelona flights are starting on 16th of August, reported by the Anatolian News Agency. In a statement by Turkish Airlines, their non-stop round-trips to Barcelona will be on Mondays, Thursdays and Saturdays. In this case, Turkish Airlines' aircraft setting out at 10:25 from Istanbul, will arrive in Barcelona at 13:10 local time. Those aircraft setting out from Barcelona at 14:45 local time will arrive in Istanbul at 19:05. It was also reported that the return ticket for Istanbul-Barcelona would cost 299 USD, Istanbul-Barcelona (one-way) and Madrid-Istanbul (return) would cost 335 USD, in order to promote the Barcelona line.

ISKENDER TO AMERICA

The Iskenderoglu Family, the owner of the renowned Turkish kebab chain, 'Iskender', will also open branches in Istanbul, Ankara and the US. The registered brandname 'Iskender Kebab' will be distributed through the franchise system. /Aksam/

IMPORTANT DAY FOR BESIKTAS AND TRABZONSPOR

In the second round of the Champions League, Besiktas football team will meet the Israeli team, Hapoel Haifa, this evening. The score of the first match in Istanbul was 1-1. Trabzonspor will play with the German Hamburg team today as part of the Intertoto Cup. The score of the first match in Trabzon was 2-2. /Aksam/

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

OCALAN'S CALL.... -BY OKTAY EKSI (HURRIYET)

Columnist Oktay Eksi comments on the call made by Ocalan to the international community and the Turkish general public. A summary of his column is as follows: "Yesterday, Ocalan's lawyers revealed a declaration by Ocalan to the Turkish general public and the international community during a press conference.Ocalan called on the members of the PKK to end their armed struggle and to work for peace outside the borders of the country. He states the reason for this call as his belief in the development of a new stage towards a democratic solution through dialogue and compromise. It should be noted that this in fact is a concession of defeat by Ocalan. However, we should not forget that Ocalan has on numerous occasions given the impression that he was a man seeking peace. He called for unilateral cease-fires for tactical reasons. The Turkish general public is fed up with these calls. Therefore, to attribute any importance to this call without knowing if it is sincere or will be instrumental in reaching a result would be imprudent. However, there are some differences in the call made yesterday. He calls on them to stop the armed conflict as of September 1st. If the PKK continues its armed struggle after this date, it will be seen that Ocalan's words are not heeded anymore. Then, it would show that Ocalan has lost all his influence not only in the eyes of the public but also on the fighters in the mountains. On the other hand, if this call bears some fruit,a situation which Turkey has to consider arises. It would be wise to evaluate this opportunity. The call has several interesting aspects. For example, Ocalan does not call on the members of the PKK to stop fighting and surrender. He calls on them not to fight with arms anymore. This leaves the PKK as a potential threat. Ocalan may find this satisfactory, but no-one will accept it. Nevertheless, there is a statement in the call which is true. This is: "The atmosphere of conflict and violence in Turkey constitute a barrier in front of the development of human rights and democracy. Violence, mainly stemming from the Kurdish problem, is playing a major role in this." In fact, terrorism is the main obstacle facing Turkey in improving her democracy. Since the person who is primarily responsible for this fact accepts the situation, the possibility of lifting this barrier is growing stronger.

A NEW OPPORTUNITY -BY GUNGOR MENGI (SABAH)

Columnist Gungor Mengi writes on the call to halt the violence made by Ocalan. A summary of his column is as follows: "Ocalan has called on the PKK to stop its armed struggle as of September 1st, and to go abroad. In his message revealed through his lawyers, Ocalan stated that an atmosphere of conflict and violence formed an obstacle to any improvement in human rights and democratization and said, "The violence has to be ended to overcome this impasse." It is not convincing for someone who has dedicated his life to terrorism and has already been sentenced to death to express hopes for a dialogue or a compromise. However, it should not be altogether ignored. What is important for the country is to eradicate terrorism and leave nothing as an excusefor exploitation from both within and abroad. If Ocalan is going to contribute to that, let him... The chief of the PKK terrorist organization does not deny that the crimes he has committed deserve captial punishment. He is clutching at straws by creating a new mission: "Life for Peace". It is highly doubtful if the PKK will heed his call since the ambushes and attacks by the PKK have gone on despite his statements to the contrary. It has revealed the intentions of the present gang leaders to provoke the process which will lead Ocalan to execution. However, an opportunity has arisen with Ocalan's call to accelerate the division within the organization and it should be used. In fact, this statement is a bargaining chip directed at saving his own life. If carefully read, the message does not say, "put down your weapons and surrender". It says, "stop violence and go abroad". In other words, he calls on them to cross over to Iran and Iraq and wait for his orders. Therefore, his call is far from satisfactory... However, this opportunity should be used to pass the Penitence Law and to leave Ocalan under obligation to call on his men to use this opportunity. Nothing is more impotant than human life and our right to live in peace and calm."

INTERNATIONAL ARBITRATION -BY IZZET SEDES (AKSAM)

Columnist Izzet Sedes discusses international arbitration in his column. A summary of his column is as follows: "Some politicians and authors are preferring to close to the world instead of opening up on the threshold of the 21st century, in a period of globalization. International arbitration which has been accepted by all modern countries and even in Russia, is being opposed and they are likened to capitulations. Throughout the world 52 countries recognize international arbitration. Recently France amended her Constitution for this purpose. The problem is, people who are opposed globalization and foreign capital, are against international arbitration. Economic development can only be achieved through this. If we do not accept international arbitration, foreign capital inflow into the country will not be enough to meet our need." END

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