PART OF IMF LOAN FOR EARTHQUAKE SURVIVORS

The State Minister responsible for the Economy, Recep Onal, stated that $144,862,000 of the emergency aid loan received from the IMF amounting to $500 million, had been used to help the earthquake survivors. Onal further added, "$31 million of this loan has been used to provide shelter and to cover the expenditure associated with the damage caused by the tragedy. Moreover, $20 million have been transferred to the various municipalities affected by the quake for Halkbank loans, a further $20 million for the emergency support programme and $8 million for essential underground services. $350 million of the above-mentioned loan is still being held in the Central Bank." /Aksam/

FIRST G-20 MEETING TO BE HELD IN BERLIN

The first meeting of the G-20 group, comprising not only the G-8 industrialized countries, but also some of their biggest export markets, will be held in Berlin on 16th December. Turkey will be represented at the gathering of the various countries' Ministers of Finance and their Central Banks' Chairpersons by the Turkish Minister of Finance, Sumer Oral. In addition, the Chairman of the Central Bank, Gazi Ercel, Treasury Undersecretary Selcuk Demiralp and the Deputy Undersecretary, Ferhat Emil, will be present at the meeting. /Aksam/

ISTANBUL STOCK EXCHANGE (IMKB) INCREASE

The speed of the rise in values on the IMKB is rapidly gaining momentum. The IMKB International 100 Index soared to 12,911 points, a gain of 1,443 points, and the shares' subsidy stood at an average of 12.59. It was stated that foreign buyers' purchases had contributed to this buoyancy, as had Minister Onal's words uttered yesterday: "Those who invest in shares are bound to make a profit." /Aksam/

OTTOMAN BANK'S DEBT IN EURO

For the first time in the world, through Dresdner Kleinwort Benson, the Ottoman Bank has exported secure bonds in Euros, depending upon export purchasers to buy them. In a statement issued by the Bank, repayments on the bonds, amounting to $100 million in revenue and which expire in five years' time, will be deferred for the first two years. /Aksam/

POSITIVE RATING FOR TURKCELL

Standard and Poor's has announced that Turkcell has transformed its credit rating from fixed to positive. In a statement issued by Standard and Poor's, Turkcell's long-term foreign exchange level - B - and Cellco Finance's "subsidised loan", standing at CCC+, which was guaranteed by Turkcell, have been approved. In addition, it was declared that the rating awarded reflected Turkcell's important position in the rapidly-improving Turkish marketplace, its strong operational performance and exceptional profit margins. /Aksam/

TURKEY ENTERS THE WAITING PERIOD

Financial evaluation institution Duff and Phelps, through their Deputy Chairman to Turkey, Prof. Selcuk Abac, have stated that the rating system provides transparency in the commercial world and, thus, makes financial transactions easier. Moreover, it enlarges loan funds. Abac said, "Turkey is entering a period of waiting, which will make significant contributions to the financial system." /Aksam/

TREASURY DOLLAR BOND ISSUE

The Treasury Undersecretariat will issue two-year bonds in American dollars; coupon interest payments are envisaged every six months. The ordinary annual interest rate on the bonds has been set at 10.25% and compound interest at 10.77%. /Aksam/

GREEK INTEREST IN TURKEY

Greek Prime Minister Kostas Simitis along with the Greek Minister of Foreign Affairs, George Papandreu, will be in Ankara during the first month of the New Year. It was revealed that Papandreu was to visit Turkey in order to sign certain mutual agreements between the two countries. Furthermore, Margaritta Papandreu, the Greek Foreign Minister's mother, will arrive in Turkey in May. Papandreu spoke to the `Ta Nea' newspaper, which is published in Athens, saying, "After my visit to Turkey, a new period will begin in terms of Turco-Greek relations. Following the dialogue which has been in progress since July, a series of bilateral accords have reached the signing stage. I had the opportunity of meeting the Turkish Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ismail Cem, in Helsinki and we reached a concensus on signing 8 or 9 agreements which have been drawn up. We also took the decision to sign half of the documents in Athens and the other half in Ankara." /Aksam/

CAKICI'S CHALLENGE

A big name in the underground world, Allattin Cakici, was extradicted to Turkey yesterday. Following his arrival by plane in Istanbul, he was handed over to a special police team and imprisoned. Cakici issued a press statement through his lawyer in which he said, "Those who have problems with me can settle accounts in the law-courts. I am ready for this." The file of documentation concerning the extradiction of Alaattin Cakici from France was approved and all the work to ensure his extradiction was completed yesterday afternoon. /Aksam/

OCALAN'S RIGHT-HAND MAN CAPTURED

Durak Tacimanoglu, who was personally trained by PKK terrorist Abdullah Ocalan, and who was responsible for planning many lethal attacks, was seized while trying to flee from Mersin to Europe. Three others were also detained. /Aksam/

FIRST TURKISH PROGRAMME ON RUSSIAN TV

For the first time, a Turkish programme has begun broadcasting on one of the Russian television channels. In a statement issued by the `Perspective: Eurasian Cooperation' newspaper, the programme `Perspective TV' will be broadcast once a fortnight on Moscow-1. During the programme, Turco-Russian relations will be discussed and tourism, trade, cultural and political relations will be depicted. /Aksam/

MESSAGE OF CONDOLENCE FROM DEMIREL TO CROATIA

The burial service of President Franjo Tudjman of Croatia, who died at the age of 77 last week in Zagreb, was organized yesterday. The Croatian people said farewell to the `father of their nation', who achieved their independence in 1991. President Demirel, as the representative of Turkey, together with UN representative to Bosnia and representative of the UN Secretary-General, Kofi Annan, Jacques Klein, and many Ministers and Ambassadors, attended the ceremony. President Demirel stated that President Tudjman would be commemorated for his contributions to the establishment of stability in the region and the role he played in this. President Demirel delivered his message of condolence to Croatia on behalf of the Turkish people. /Aksam/

WARNING FROM TURKEY

Stressing that the military operations being carried out by the Russian Federation against Chechnya were "very dangerous and contrary to all feelings of humanity", Foreign Minister Ismail Cem warned that the situation may get worse. Yesterday, during his press conference, Minister Cem first summed up the Chechen issue. He said, "There is no meaning in assuming the whole of the general public to be terrorists and, therefore, to target them. We accept that kind of threat as being against the whole of humanity." Cem pointed out that those events in Chechnya might also effect Georgia negatively. /Cumhuriyet/

SUICIDE BOMBER DETAINED

Cimen Isik, a PKK militant, who had been trained in suicide bombing before being sent to Istanbul, along with Yasin Adirbelli, her assistant, was detained by Istanbul's No. 4 State Security Court. /Cumhuriyet/

SHIELD FOR GEA

Search and rescue team GEA, established by the New High Hill Culture Centre in the aftermath of the quake, was awarded by the President of Taiwan with a shield to show the Taiwanese people's gratitude. The team had taken part in the rescue efforts following the earthquake in Taiwan. /Cumhuriyet/

TURKEY'S REACTION TO ESDI

Turkey has reacted to her exclusion from the Europe Security and Defence Identity (ESDI). According to a statement issued by the Foreign Ministry, the ESDI report which was approved at the Helsinki Summit was far from meeting Turkey's expectations. Meanwhile, Foreign Minister Ismail Cem is going to Brussels to attend the NATO Foreign Ministers' meeting. Cem will once more put forward Turkey's proposals concerning her place in the decision-making mechanism. /Cumhuriyet/

NATIONAL DOCUMENTARY COMPETITION

Within the scope of the 'Ankara International Film Festival` a National Documentary Film Competition will be organised. The films will be evaluated in two categories: professional and student. The final application date is Feb. 11th, 2000. /Cumhuriyet/

CAKMAKOGLU RECEIVES TALLA

National Defence Minister Sabahattin Cakmakoglu received the Hungarian Air Forces' Commander, Major-General Istvan Talla, yesterday. Cakmakoglu stated that there were no political problems between Turkey and Hungary and recalled that these two countries were both EU candidates, adding that relations between Turkey and Hungary had now become more important. Major-General Talla said for his part that since Turkey has been a NATO ally for many years, Hungary wants to share Turkey's experience in this field, the Anatolia News Agency reports.

CLINTON'S RELIGIOUS ADVISER IN TURKEY

The US International Religious Freedom Institution's Representative, Ambassador Robert A.Seiple arrived in Turkey to attend meetings on religious freedom. Seiple will meet officials from non-governmental organizations, religious groups and members of the Parliament before leaving Turkey on December 16. Seiple is also the Adviser to the US President and the Secretary of State on freedom of religion. /Hurriyet/

THE PATH TOWARDS FULL MEMBERSHIP

Initially, a delegation from the EU Commission will come to Turkey for discussions with officials from the Turkish Foreign Ministry. Regulations current in Turkey will be deliberated during this meeting. In the meantime, 330 million Euros will be granted to Turkey. All laws and regulations in Turkey will be harmonized with those in EU countries. Every improvement in Turkey will be registered by the EU and a report will be drawn up. According to the results obtained at the end of this process, full membership negotiations will begin with Turkey. Meanwhile, it is reported that if Turkey abides by the criteria of EU countries, the dynamic structure of the Turkish economy will be boosted and leave the other EU candidates far behind. Turkey's Gross National Product (GNP), worth $204 billion, is $57 billion more than that in Poland. Following the beginning of the candidacy process, financial assistance will be received from the EU, which has committed itself to lend $2.5 billion to Turkey. /Hurriyet-Sabah/

TURKISH CHILD HELPS VICTIMS

Cem Aytacli (11), the son of Cengiz Aytacli who has been living in London for 30 years, has issued a CD in Britain to the survivors of the earthquakes in Turkey and in Greece. Together with his nine friends, Cem sings the song 'I Believe in Father Christmas'. The young singer's CD is receiving great interest in Britain. /Hurriyet/

HUMAN RIGHTS COUNCIL

The Human Rights Advisory Commission and Human Rights Council annexed to the Prime Ministry, will be established as part of the Human Rights Coordinatory Supreme Council headed by State Minister responsible for Human Rights Mehmet Ali Irtemcelik. During a meeting attended by the Undersecretaries of the Ministries of the Interior, Foreign Affairs, Justice, National Education and Health tomorrow, the establishment of an organization similar to the Human Rights National Advisory Commission in France will be discussed. The Human Rights Advisory Commission is envisaged to establish a connection between the State and non-governmental organizations. /Milliyet/

FOREIGN PRESS CELEBRATES TURKEY'S EU CANDIDACY

Foreign newspapers have devoted wide coverage to Turkey's EU candidacy. The newspapers pointed out how this historic decision will make a significant positive contribution to the Greek economy as well. The British 'Daily Telegraph' newspaper said that the discussions over Turkey's location which have been in progress for 200 years, have ended with this decision. The Belgian 'Le Soir' newspaper stated that the new Millennium has already started for Turkey. The French paper 'Liberation' said that the EU had given out a signal that it did not exclude any country from the opportunity of massive expansion by granting EU candidacy status to Turkey. /Milliyet/

YUCAOGLU: EU MEMBERSHIP WILL BE THE DRIVING FORCE

Turkish Industrialists' and Businessmen's Association (TUSIAD) chairman Erkut Yucaoglu has evaluated the outcome of the Helsinki Summit in a statement. Yucaoglu declared that Turkey's EU membership process would be the driving force behind establishing her democratic standards. /Turkiye/

IKV: OUR ENTRANCE TO THE EU WILL BE EARLIER THAN EXPECTED

The Economic Development Foundation (IKV) has issued a written statement in which it was said that now Turkey's official membership nomination has been announced, Turkey, en route to the EU, "will do far better than expected." It was also underlined that "it will become a full member faster and in a more extensive manner". /Turkiye/

CHIRAC SENDS LETTER TO DEMIREL

French President Jacques Chirac has sent a letter to Turkish President Suleyman Demirel congratulating him on Turkey's acceptance as an EU full-member candidate. In his letter Chirac said that the EU, in accepting Turkey as a nominee, has offered its fraternal hand to Turkey. Chirac added that during the procedures for full membership of the EU, France will accompany Turkey respectfully and in friendship. /Turkiye/

GUARANTEE ON CYPRUS

Turkish Prime Minister Bulent Ecevit and Minister of Foreign Affairs Ismail Cem have given their guarantees on the Cyprus issue. Ecevit stressed that Turkey's stance towards Cyprus will not alter in the case of a conflict over the presidency or national sovereignty of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC). Ecevit declared, "The continuation of the TRNC's sovereignty has become a sure condition for Turkey's security." Cem sharply criticized the EU for giving the green light to the Greek-Cypriot Administration's membership at the Helsinki Summit, saying "The EU has promoted the Greek-Cypriot community. I am afraid that the possibility of a common point on which the two parties on Cyprus could have agreed has receded into the distance." Cem told a news conference that any change to Turkey's policy concerning Cyprus was impossible. /Turkiye/

CEM TO GO TO BRUSSELS

Turkish Minister of Foreign Affairs Ismail Cem is leaving for Brussels in order to attend the latest NATO meetings on December 15-16. /Turkiye/

TURKEY'S EU MEMBERSHIP TO BE DISCUSSED IN NATIONAL ASSEMBLY

Prime Minister Bulent Ecevit will brief politicians on Turkey's EU membership bid during a Turkish Grand National Assembly plenary session. Following Ecevit's briefing, there will be a general meeting in which MPs from the various political parties will have the chance to offer their comments on the subject. /Turkiye/

UN SUBMITS TO KLERIDES

It is understood that the UN is tending towards adding certain statements desired by Greek-Cypriot Administration Leader Glafkos Klerides and opposed by the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC). Among these articles, the Greek-Cypriot Administration is described as the "Greek government" on Cyprus. Furthermore, concepts such as "one sovereignty, one international identity and one citizenship" have been written in. This draft is expected to be accepted on Dec. 15. /Turkiye/

OTTOMAN MILITARY BAND AND ADOB IN VIENNA

On January 18, the Turkish Ottoman Military Band and the Ankara State Opera and Ballet Orchestra will enthrall audiences in Vienna, the accepted centre of classical music. The concert will be staged to mark the 700th anniversary of the establishment of the Ottoman State. The Ministry of Culture's Classic Turkish Music Group and ADOB will perform supreme examples of classic Turkish music as well as outstanding pieces by composers who were influenced by this music. /Cumhuriyet/

TURKEY TO DONATE MILITARY EQUIPMENT TO KYRGYZSTAN

At a press conference in Bishkek, State Minister Abdulhaluk Cay announced that Turkey would donate $210,000 worth of military equipment to Krygyzstan. Cay stated that the military equipment would be delivered to Krygyzstan in two plane-loads, enough equipment for 3,000 soldiers. /All papers/

TRAVEL AGENCIES FORESEE $3-4 BILLION IN EXTRA REVENUE FROM EU CANDIDACY

Turkish travel agancies have said that Turkey's income from tourism will increase by $3-4 billion due to the European Union decision last Friday to grant Turkey the status of candidate for full EU membership. "The tourism industry will benefit the most from Turkey's new status," said Başaran Ulusoy, chairman of the Turkish Association of Travel Agencies (TURSAB). /All papers/

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

THE ROAD TO EUROPE BY TAHA AKYOL (MILLIYET)

Columnist Taha Akyol praises the present Turkish government and the Prime Minister on their performance in Helsinki. A summary of his column is as follows: "Turkey has to benefit from the current Goverment and the Government has to put to good use the conjuncture it has grasped. The words of the Prime Minister on "democratization" and "shortening the road to full-membership" are promising. It is pleasing to see him talk clearly of "tightening belts" for two more years. As the Council of Ministers was debating the draft from Helsinki, State Minister Irtemcelik said that there was nothing in the text which should be of concern to Turkey. However, if Turkey does not have the will to comply with EU standards she ought to reject the draft. He added that if Turkey accepted the draft and did not comply with its conditions she would be the subject of many harsh words. Irtemcelik is an experienced diplomat. He played an important role in accepting the offer of candidacy at Helsinki. His words shed light on Turkey's future. Turkey has to bring its economy up to EU standards, and therefore needs to apply austere measures so as to comply with the Copenhagen criteria and to diminish the role of the State in the economy through privatization. Those who are benefitting from the economic resources in the hands of the State, will certainly oppose these reforms. The political criteria of Copenhagen are expressed in the concepts of human rights and democracy. In short it is the reduction of State intervention in social matters, bringing it down to the level of that in Europe; legal and constitutional reforms are required for this purpose. Those who stand to lose the power, authority and ability to intervene in society in the name of the State will oppose these refoems. The organization of a human rights summit by Irtemcelik inviting both the Islamic Mazlum Der and Human Rights Association has pleased the West and been instrumental in the positive decision taken at the Helsinki Summit. The Government led by Prime Minister Ecevit, comprising of the Democratic Left Party, Nationalist Action Party and the Motherland Party should be determined and strong in order to achieve the reforms needed for full-membership."

TURKEY'S DEBT TO THE EU BY MUHARREM SARIKAYA (HURRIYET)

Columnist Muharrem Sarikaya comments on the acceptance of Turkey's candidacy at the Helsinki Summit and the Cyprus question. A summary of his column is as follows: "Is the article concerning the Greek-Cypriot Administration in the final communique issued after the Helsinki Summit a cause for concern for the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus? The State Minister responsible for the EU, Mehmet Ali Irtemcelik, replied to this question by saying that he could not understand such an approach on Cyprus, as this would exclude Turkey from any solution. He added that the President of the TRNC, Rauf Denktas, may take such a view as he stands at the focal point of the problem. However, such an approach on Turkey's part would be incorrect and would show a great lack of self-confidence. Irtemcelik stated that the EU, for the first time, was applying pressure on both parties. It does not say to the Greek-Cypriot Administration that it will grant them full-membership rights after the completion of the negotiations. The message is that if no solution is found to the Cyprus question before then, she may have to wait. No-one can deny Turkey's role in the Cyprus issue. In the case of such an event, Turkey sides with integration with the TRNC. The tension on Cyprus is easing with every passing day through the concentrated efforts of Prime Minister Ecevit, State Ministers Sukru Sina Gurel, Mehmet Ali Irtemcelik and Foreign Minister Ismail Cem Ipekci. In another development, the TGNA Deputy Speaker Nejat Arseven, the Chairman of the Inter-parties' Concessional Commission , has stated that the Commission was trying to reach a concensus through compromise and that a common will was apparent concerning the amendment of the Constitution. He added that all the parties agreed on amending the Constitution as far as possible. For the negotiations to begin before the end of the decade, this statement of Arseven is of the utmost importance. "

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