SOLAR ECLIPSE

Turkey was the country in which the last solar eclipse of this millenium was best observed yesterday. Many foreigners arrived in Turkey to observe the solar eclipse. Foreign scientists said: "We had a wonderful view". Millions of people in Turkey and throughout the world were extremely interested in this historic event. US TV stations also followed the solar eclipse from Turkey; CNN and MSNBC showed the views from Diyarbakir and Amasya. /Hurriyet/

KOSOVARS RETURN HOME

Kosovars, after escaping from the Serbian massacre and arriving in Turkey, are continuing to return to their country now peace is being established. A statement issued by the Interior Ministry said that the number of Kosovars who have returned to their country reached 17,476 yesterday. There are currently 270 Kosovars in Turkey. Out of this total, 229 Kosovars are staying at the Kirklareli Gaziosmanpasha Guest House, the Anatolia News Agency reports.

REPENTANCE DRAFT LAW IN PARLIAMENT

The 'Repentance Draft Law', which foresees that if members of a terrorist organization are not involved in any activity and lay down their weapons and surrender, the courts would be lenient towards them, has been submitted to the Turkish Grand National Assembly (TGNA). According to the draft law, those who have killed or wounded security members will not be able to take advantage of the law which will remain in effect for six months. The draft law will be taken up by the Justice Commission in the upcoming days, the Anatolia News Agency reports.

IMKB PUBLISHES EURASIAN ECONOMIC BULLETIN

The Istanbul Stock Exchange (IMKB) has begun to publish the 'Eurasian Economic Bulletin'. The Bulletin which is published in Turkish once every three months examines the economic developments in Central Asian countries and gives wide coverage to projects jointly carried out by the IMKB and regional countries. The Bulletin which covers four main regions in Eurasia- the Balkans, Eastern Europe, the Middle East and Central Asia - is also on the IMKB's Internet web site, the Anatolia News Agency reports. The address is: 'www.imkb.gov.tr'.

ULUSOY RETURNS FROM MOSCOW

The Chairman of the International Carriers' Association, Saffet Ulusoy, said that transport problems between Turkey and the Russian Federation have been overcome. Ulusoy, who completed his round of talks with officials from the Transport Ministry of the Russian Federation, then returned to Turkey. Ulusoy made a statement at Istanbul's Ataturk Airport yesterday and said that an agreement was signed between the two countries and transport troubles which have been experienced since 1992 were solved with this agreement, the Anatolia News Agency reports.

IPUK: "WE WILL NOT LET PKK ENGAGE IN OPERATIONS IN OUR REGION"

The Spokesman of the Iraqi Patriotic Union of Kurdistan (IPUK), Latif Rasid, contradicted the news claiming that the IPUK was supporting the PKK terrorist organization. Rasid said that they did not want any PKK terrorists in their region. He added: "We will not let the PKK engage in violence in our region", the Anatolia News Agency reports.

ONE DAY STRIKE TOMORROW

The Council of Chairmen of the Union Platform have decided to hold a one-day strike tomorrow since the draft laws on Social Security and International Arbitration have not been withdrawn from the agenda of the Turkish Grand National Assembly (TGNA). /Hurriyet/

TAXATION DRAFT APPROVED BY GENERAL COUNCIL

The taxation draft which foresees an amendment to taxation laws was approved by the General Council of the Turkish Grand National Assembly (TGNA) yesterday. According to a recent proposal, profits from investment funds will also be exempt from taxation until the end of the year 2002. This amendment will be beneficial for the institutional investors in the Istanbul Stock Exchange (IMKB). /Hurriyet/

GARANTI BANK AGREES WITH VOLKSWAGEN

An agreement has been signed between the Dogus Group and Volkswagen Financial Services A.G. to establish a consumer financial company which will offer services for the sale of vehicles produced by the Volkswagen Group in Turkey. Granati Bank will hold 46 % of the shares of the company using a 25 million DM capital. /Hurriyet/

TOURS TO TURKEY

Turkish tourism companies active in Europe have initiated new plans against those circles which are trying to damage Turkish tourism by finding an excuse for PKK activities in Turkey. Oger Tours, one of the biggest tourism companies in Germany, has prepared a 'advertising campaign for Turkey' for German tourists who want to come to Turkey during the tourist season in the year 2000. Oger Tours had already hosted 300 German tour operators at the Palm Beach Holiday Village in Manavgat, Antalya. /Hurriyet/

BRITAIN PRAISES TURKEY

The British author, Dr.Andrew Mango, who said that arbitration would accelerate foreign capital influx to Turkey, added: "Turkish companies which are active abroad can easily participate in tenders because these countries have adopted international arbitration. Now, Turkey should also provide this legal advantage to foreign companies". The BBC TV channel broadcast the discussions on international arbitration in Turkey and Dr.Mango's views on this issue. The Head of the Turco-British Chamber of Trade, Ady Warington, recalled that the British Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) had included Turkey in the 11 most important developing markets in the world a few months ago. /Hurriyet/

ANDERSON INSULTS ATATURK

A renowned Australian journalist, Gerrade Anderson, has claimed that Ataturk was a dictator. Anderson's insults concerning the founder of the Republic of Turkey, Mustafa Kemal Ataturk, were published in the 'Financial Revue' newspaper. /Hurriyet/

DEATH PENALTY FOR CEVAT SOYSAL

The Chief Prosecutor of Ankara's State Security Court (DGM), Nuh Mete Yuksel, has launched a trial against the PKK's number-two man in Europe, Cevat Soysal, who was captured in Moldova by the Turkish National Intelligence Service (MIT), in accordance with the 125th Article of the Turkish Penal Code (TCK), which foresees the death penalty for 'treason'. /Hurriyet/

GALATASARAY BEATS RAPID WIEN

Galatasaray football team beat Rapid Wien in Austria yesterday, 3-0. Thus, Galatasaray has gained an important opportunity in the Champions League. The Technical Director of Galatasaray, Fatih Terim, said following the match that Galatasaray had shown its strength to the whole of Europe. /Hurriyet/

AGENDA OF CLINTON-ECEVIT MEETING

Prime Minister Bulent Ecevit will pay an official visit to the US on September 28. It is reported that five significant issues to be discussed during a meeting between Ecevit and the US President Bill Clinton will be: Cyprus, Human Rights, Weapons Transfer, the Turkish Economy and Energy. /Milliyet/

PROPOSALS TO FIVE FIRMS

It is reported that in a tender concerning the attack and tactical reconnaissance helicopters needed by the Turkish Armed Forces (TSK) a letter for 'the best and final proposal demand' was given to five firms on August 5, 1999. A statement issued by the Turkish Aerospace Industry (TAI) said that the five firms -Agusta, Bell, Boeing, Eurocopter and Kamov-A - should present their best and final proposals before September 30, 1999. /Aksam/

256 IMMIGRANTS CAPTURED IN VAN

Two hundred and fifty six immigrants who attempted to enter Turkey illegally from the Iranian border were captured by security forces in Van. Five immigrants were Iranians while 251 were Iraqis. The immigrants were later sent to the Van Security Office. /Aksam/

DENIZER'S MURDERER IN PRISON

Cengiz Balik, who killed the General Secretary of the Turkish Trade Unions Federation (Turk-Is) and the Chairman of the General Mining-Labour Union (GMIS), Semsi Denizer, was sent to prison in the Inebolu district of Kastamonu yesterday. Engin Girin, who is allegedly involved in the murder, was also sent to the same prison. /Aksam/

SIX PKK MEMBERS ARRESTED

Six people, allegedly supporters of the PKK terrorist organization, were arrested in Bingol yesterday. Meanwhile, 130 roots of Indian hemp were seized during an operation carried out by the gendarmerie in Konya. One person was taken into custody regarding the incident. /Turkiye/

CONFLICT IN CAUCASUS

Turkey has been observing the conflicts in the Caucasus with concern and calls for an end to the conflicts as soon as possible and the re-establishment of stability in the region, the Anatolia News Agency reports. A Foreign Ministry statement said that Turkey has been watching the conflicts which have increased recently on the border between Dagestan and Chechnya and the problems resulting from the conflicts with concern. The statement said, "We hope the conflicts and violence which are harming regional peace and security will end in the shortest possible time and stability, which is already very fragile in the region, will be re-established before it leads to deeper wounds".

CARGO VESSEL GOES AGROUND IN US

A Turkish cargo vessel called 'Inanc' went aground in Georgia, the US, yesterday. Savannah port which was closed to shipping due to the incident was later reopened. Officials said that an investigation into the issue was underway, the Anatolia News Agency reports.

RICHARDSON TO VISIT TURKEY

The US Secretary of Energy, Bill Richardson, will be in Istanbul on August 16 as the first leg of his visit, consisting also of Azerbaijan and Turkmenistan, concerning the Caspian energy projects. American energy officials remarked that Richardson, who is expected to be received by Turkish President Suleyman Demirel, will meet high-level Turkish officials and discuss the recent developments in the Baku-Ceyhan oil pipeline project and Caspian natural gas issues, the Anatolia News Agency reports. Richardson will visit Azerbaijan on August 17 and then Turkmenistan on August 18.

NETAS IN AFRICA

A Turkish company, Netas, has signed an agreement worth $4 million in Nigeria. According to a statement issued by the Netas Northern Electric Telecommunications Company, the project which includes the guarantee of Proximity family products will enable the capacity of the wireless communications network to increase, the Anatolia News Agency reports.

TURCO-KAZAKH VISA EXEMPTION AGREEMENT

According to a visa exemption agreement signed between Turkey and Kazakhstan, for those visits which will last more than a month, Turkish citizens who wish to go to Kazakhstan should obtain a visa from the Kazakh Embassy in Ankara or the Kazakh Consulate-General in Istanbul. A statement issued by the Foreign Ministry said that according to the agreement signed between the two countries on March 2, 1992, Turkish citizens who go to Kazakhstan for a period of less than a month are not required to obtain a visa.

PAYMENTS BALANCE

According to the balance of payments in Turkey, there was a surplus of $205 million in the balance of current accounts during the January-May period this year. A statement issued by the Central Bank said that there was a deficit of $1.487 billion in the balance of current accounts during the January-May period of 1998, the Anatolia News Agency reports. The actual foreign capital influx increased by 150 % during the first five months of this year when compared to the same period last year.

103 IMMIGRANTS CAPTURED

One hundred and three immigrants who attempted illegally to cross from Turkey to Greece were captured in Edirne yesterday. Officials said that two immigrants were Romanian, 43 were Iraqi, 55 were Pakistani and three were from Bangladesh. These immigrants were later sent to the Edirne Security Office in order to be deported, the Anatolia News Agency reports.

IKDP WANTS PKK TO LEAVE NORTHERN IRAQ

The Iraqi Kurdistan Democratic Party (IKDP) wants the PKK terrorist organization to leave Northern Iraq. According to the British BBC TV channel, a IKDP spokesman said: "They are trying to further demolish our region. The PKK has been a source of instability and a threat of danger". The IKDP Representative to Ankara, Safin Diyazi, stated that they hoped that PKK members would leave Turkey and lay down their weapons and said: "The PKK has killed many people in our region. It set many houses and vilages ablaze. I hope that they are sincere in their ceasefire proposal. However, this does not mean that they can use our territories as a base in their attacks against Turkish security forces". The PKK terrorist organization previously announced that PKK members would leave Turkey as of September 1 and made a ceasefire proposal to IKDP peshmergas as part of this deal, the Anatolia News Agency reports.

'SPACE CAMP TURKEY' TO BE OPENED IN 2000

Preparations concerning the 'Space Camp Turkey' to be opened in June 2000 within the structure of the Aegean Free Region (ESBAS) are on-going, the Anatolia News Agency reports. A written statement issued by ESBAS said that 'Space Camp Turkey' will provide opportunities for the new generation in the field of education. The statement added that the camp was the first in the Middle East and Northern Europe and the seventh throughout the world. The statement pointed out that a cocktail party would be held to advertise the camp in the Aegean Free Region on August 13.

TURCO-IRANIAN RELATIONS

Foreign Ministry Deputy Spokesman Sermet Atacanli said that the Turco-Iranian Supreme Security Commission meeting was held in a positive atmosphere and a positive result was expected. Atacanli held his weekly press conference yesterday and stated that the understanding, cooperation and goodwill displayed by the two countries would positively affect the result of the meetings. Atacanli pointed out that Turkish Foreign Minister Ismail Cem had phoned his Iranian counterpart Kemal Harazzi and expressed his thanks following the release of the two Turkish soldiers detained by Iran, the Anatolia News Agency reports.

NATURAL GAS PIPELINE IN CANAKKALE

Preparations for a natural gas pipeline in Canakkale will begin on August 15, the Anatolia News Agency reports. Officials said that ntaural gas pipes brought from Germany to the port of Bandirma had been delivered and the construction of the pipeline, which will cost $6.5 million, would be completed within eight months. The length of the pipeline will be 135 kilometres.

ATACANLI: "OCALAN'S CALL IS NOT WORTH COMMENTING ON"

Foreign Ministry Deputy Spokesman Sermet Atacanli held his weekly press conference yesterday and stated that the call made by the head of the PKK terrorist organization, Abdullah Ocalan, was not worth commenting on. He added that on the other hand, Turkey was sensitive concerning the balance in Northern Iraq and remarked that Turkey would do whatever was necessary according to developments in the situation, the Anatolia News Agency reports. Atacanli also pointed out that strict measures had already been taken on the border in order to prevent the penetration of PKK terrorists into Northern Iraq.

SYRIAN MINISTER VISITS CAKIR

Syria's Tourism Minister, Danho Dawoud, invited by Turkey's Tourism Minister, Erkan Mumcu, visited the Governor of Istanbul Erol Cakir in his office. Dawoud came to Turkey to attend "the 4th Term Tourism Joint Commission Meeting". Vali Cakir briefed the guest on Istanbul. Cakir, stating that the city's tourism income was 2.5 million dollars last year, said, "We wish that the border between us will not be one that separates but one that joins." Minister Dawoud, pointing out the need for cooperation for firm relationships to be established between two countries, said that cooperation was necessary in every field in order to attain common goals. /Cumhuriyet/

KURE MOUNTAINS BECOME NATIONAL PARK

Forestry Minister Nami Cagan annonced the Kure Mountains as a National Park. Cagan, organizing a press conference in Pinarbasi, in the province of Kastamonu, described the natural and cultural values of Kure Mountains as the common heritage of the world. The "Association for Saving the Natural World"'s Assistant to the General President, Hulya Gurguzel, described the Kure Mountains and the area around it as one of the most important areas that represents Turkey's natural richness. /Cumhuriyet/

COMPLETED STUDY

The development of the infrastructure for the social security reform plan, which is expected to reduce the $5.5 billion annual social security deficit, has been concluded with the completion of a research project called Study B. According to Study B, which examines the financial structures of Turkey's three social security institutions, the social security reform plan can be successful only if health and retirement systems are separated, a system of premium collection is strengtehened, and full automation is established in registration and inspection.

TURNOVER IN THE AUTOMOTIVE SECTOR TOTALS $9.5 BILLION

According to a survey report entitled 'Situation in the Turkish and the World Automotive Sector' prepared as part of the Global Markets by the Foreign Trade Undersecretariat (DTM), the turnover in the Turkish automotive sector, which employs 70,000 people, is $9.5 billion. The sector has the capacity to produce 815,000 vehicles every year. /Sabah/

A GROUP FROM STATE OPERA AND BALLET GENERAL DIRECTORATE IN CROATIA

A seven-person group consisting of artists from the General Directorate of the State Opera and Ballet wil go to Croatia to attend the Dubrovnik Summer Festival. The group which will take part in the Festival as part of the cultural activities established between Turkey and Croatia will perform a programme consisting of compositions of both Turkish and universal pieces of music on August 16. The Dubrovnik Summer Festival began on July 10, the Anatolia News Agency reports.

BALKAN FOOTBALL: YOUTH CHAMPIONSHIP

The group matches of the Balkans' Under-21s Football Championship ended on August 10. Macedonia beat Bulgaria 1-0 and Turkey became the leader of the A group by drawing with Yugoslavia 2-2 in her last match. Greece beat Romania 4-2 in her last match and became the leader of the B group. The Turkish and Greek football teams will play in the Final today, the Anatolia News Agency reports.

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

ECLIPSE: DEATH -BY YALCIN DOGAN

Yalcin Dogan is a columnist on the daily Milliyet newspaper. This is an article by him published in Milliyet: There is no need to be worried and excited because it is possible to watch the solar eclipse over the next 150 million years. The moon moves away from the world a few cm each year. It means that the moon's shadow on the world will be smaller during the solar eclipse. However, this growing distance will stop the solar eclipse in 150 million years' time. So, there is no need to be worried. We should not forget that there are some famous people for whom watching the solar eclipse cost a lot. Among them are the most successful scientists; for example, Galileo and Newton's eyes suffered damage while watching the solar eclipse. Moreover, the Byzantium Emperor Konstantin VII was blinded. In 1912, a total of 3,000 and in 1970, 145 people lost their sight. Scientists are also investigating the effects of the solar eclipse on human psychology and consciousness. For example, during an eclipse the the number of traffic accidents increases. During the eclipse, the Peruvian people run in the streets as if they have been set on fire; the Ghanaian people dance and the people in Iraq perform the namaz. People collapse in various places and the process in which they lose their conscious gets longer. Some scientists even compare this effect with death. This information is not new. The ancient Greeks discovered its effect on people and the Babylon civilization discovers the technical reason for the eclipse. Today, it is possible to justify its great echoes with its being the last solar eclipse of the century. However, the eclipse can be observed in any place in the world in every two years. No matter it occurs in out-of-the-way places. The distance between the world and the sun is 400 times more than the distance between the world and the moon. The diameter of the moon is 400 times smaller than the diameter of the sun. As a result, the moon and the sun seems to be almost the same size due to their being bigger than the world. Again for the same reason when the moon takes its place between the sun and the world, the shadow on the world takes the shape of a crescent. In seconds, just like the full moon, the moon covers the sun completely and the world becomes dark. In the solar system, not only the sun, but also 100 million stars light the world. However, among these 100 million stars those that find themselves between the sun and the world do not create the same effect. Einstein put the stars' movement around the solar system into mathmetics in 1916 for the first time. In his relativity theory all these calculations are present. All these calculations and effects become concrete in one spectacle: in seconds, the world becomes dark and is powerless to stop it. Peoople are fascinated by the darkness and sometimes by the light. Nevertheless, we are always for the light...

OCALAN IS DELIGHTED -BY EMIN PAZARCI (AKSAM)

Emin Pazarci, a columnist in the daily 'Aksam' newspaper, says the following in his article today: "The head of the PKK terrorist organization, Abdullah Ocalan, is again on the headlines of the newspapers. We read another statement made by Ocalan every day. First, he says something and then he waits for the reactions. Later, he makes an evaluation and speaks again. He is very pleased with his situation. No one is asking him 'What are doing?'. He was not that much pleasant even he was in Italy. He has no fear of death any more. He is under strict protection. He is taking advantage of every opportunity. Ocalan said that if the State wants the weapons to be laid down, it should carry out its conditions. Turkey should take steps, he added. He is still trying to bargain. There is no change in the PKK. Only the tactic is different now. Ocalan is running after the same goal. He still regards the Turkish State as 'an enemy' which should sit at the negotiation table. Ocalan is the murderer of many people. He has staged a bloody war against Turkey for long years. He damaged our economy. He always cooperated with our enemies. However, now he is talking and we are in silence. It is enough. I hope that the judicial process will end as soon as possible".

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