These are some of the major headlines and their brief stories in Turkey's press on February 17, 2002. The Anadolu Agency does not verify these stories and does not vouch for their accuracy.
HURRIYET (LIBERAL)
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TURKISH SOLDIERS ARRIVE IN KABUL
The first part of Turkish troops arrived in Afghan capital Kabul with a C-130 cargo plane to join the International Security Assistance Force (ISAF). Turkish soldiers, the sons of modern and secular Republic of Turkey founded by Great Leader Mustafa Kemay Ataturk, will provide peace and security in Afghanistan which was dragged into darkness by Taliban regime.
LPG TANK IN A FACTORY IN KAGITHANE EXPLODES
Liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) tank in a factory in Kagithane district of Istanbul exploded, injuring 12 people. LPG tank in the four-storey factory manufacturing carburetors exploded at about 06:00 a.m. on Saturday. The injured people were rushed to nearby hospitals for medical treatment. Two of them have been in critical condition. The explosion caused the factory building to collapse partially. Windows in nearby buildings were shattered in the explosion.
FOGG: ''KURDISH PEOPLE SUFFERED MUCH BECAUSE OF OCALAN''
European Union (EU) Representative in Turkey Karen Fogg said that Abdullah Ocalan, the head of terrorist organization PKK, was the person who harmed Kurdish people most. She stressed that Ocalan was also responsible for the conditions in the region.
MILLIYET (LIBERAL)
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U.S. AND ISRAELI WAR PLANES DUE IN KONYA
Three military exercises will be held in central Konya province which was claimed to be used together with Incirlik Air Base in southern province of Adana in a possible operation against Iraq. U.S. and Israeli war planes will participate in these exercises to be held in April, June and October. The Netherlands and Germany will also participate in the second military exercise.
GOVERNMENT ENTERS A CRITICAL PERIOD
The coalition government that is planning to put into practice short term commitments for the European Union (EU) till March 19, 2002, has entered a critical period. State Minister and Deputy Prime Minister Mesut Yilmaz, the leader of the Motherland Party (ANAP), will meet with chairmen of relevant parliamentary commissions, deputy chairmen of political parties having seats at the parliament and with relevant deputies. Yilmaz is also scheduled to meet with representatives of non-governmental organizations and universities. Later, drafts will be given their final shape, and submitted to parliament.
HIGH-LEVEL U.S. OFFICIALS DUE IN TURKEY
U.S. Deputy Secretary of Defense Paul Wolfowitz, and General Richard Myers, the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, will pay a visit to Turkey at the end of March of 2002. Meanwhile, U.S. Vice President Dick Cheney will come to Ankara within framework of his tour to Middle Eastern countries in March. During contacts of Cheney, Wolfowitz and Myers in Turkey, issues of Iraq, the Middle East and defense cooperation between Turkey and the United States are expected to be taken up.
SABAH (LIBERAL)
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ANOTHER PICASSO PAINTING CONFISCATED IN USAK
A painting which is believed to have been painted by worldwide famous painter Picasso, was confiscated in southeastern province of Usak. Acting on a tip-off, security forces launched an operation in Usak. They confiscated the painting and detained seven people.
U.S. EXPERT WARNS EUROPE AGAINST PKK
Prominent news agency Associated Press transmitted a news sory saying, ''PKK with a history of ruthless guerrilla attacks is abandoning the
name it has used for 24 years in the hope of shedding its bloody image and transforming into a legitimate political force.'' The AP quoted Michael Radu, a U.S. terrorism expert with the Philadelphia-based Foreign Policy Research Institute, as saying, ''the PKK is the old PKK with a different tactic. Ocalan is a much more effective public-relations strategist than Turkey, and he is telling Europe how nice his organization is.''
SECOND CONSTITUTIONAL REFORM IS ON THE WAY
The Parliamentary Inter-parties Compromise Commission will debate the second constitutional reform package following the upcoming religious holiday. The package envisages important amendments to some articles of the Constitution like abolition of State Security Courts (DGMs).
CUMHURIYET (LEFT)
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OCALAN ALERT IN SOUTHEASTERN ANATOLIA REGION
Tight security measures were taken in Southeastern Anatolia to prevent a possible incident on the third anniversary of capture of Abdullah Ocalan, the head of the terrorist organization PKK, on February 16, 1999. Supporters of Ocalan and PKK held street demonstrations. Security forces intervened in these demonstrations and detained 60 people.
U.S. CONGRESSMEN IN TURKEY
Culture Minister Istemihan Talay hosted a luncheon in honor of members of the U.S. House of Representatives' United States-Turkey Interparliamentary Friendship Group at Istanbul's Topkapi Palace Museum. Noting that the congressmen would proceed to Ankara on Sunday to start holding contacts, Talay noted, ''there are sound and friendly ties between Turkey and the United States. These ties have always been confirmed in cooperation and joint policies of two friendly and allied countries. Our guests will try to form a Turkey Working Group at the U.S. Congress. We are pleased to host these congress. I believe that their visit to Turkey would contribute to further improvement of relations between Turkey and the United States.'' Congressmen Robert Wexler, Kay Granger, Tom Granger, James Moran and Cliff Stearns will start its official programme on Monday by coming together with State Minister Tunca Toskay at breakfast. The delegation will proceed to Incirlik Air Base in southern province of Adana. On Tuesday, members of the delegation will be given a briefing at the General Staff. Later, they will be received by President Ahmet Necdet Sezer and Prime Minister Bulent Ecevit.
RADIKAL (LEFT)
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EU'S PLAN FOR TURKEY: RAPID NEGOTIATIONS AFTER 2004
European Union (EU) Commissioner Guenter Verheugen said that 10 out of 13 candidate countries would become a full member of the union till 2004, and added that they had been working on a plan to accelerate Turkey's membership process. Verheugen noted that Turkey should be ready for a rapid negotiation plan.
SECURITY FORCES IMPOUND 115 KG OF HEROIN IN ISTANBUL
Security forces impounded 115 kg of heroin in an operation in Istanbul, and captured 10 people including a foreigner. Acting on a tip-off, security forces revealed that a considerable amount of heroin would be sent from Istanbul to Europe. Security forces stopped and searched a passenger bus near Bagcilar district of Istanbul, and confiscated 101 kg of heroin. They captured eight people including a foreigner. It was revealed that two members of the illicit drug trafficking network were waiting for the bus with 14 kg of heroin. They were captured and the drug was impounded. Security forces said that the heroin which was brought in from Iran, would be put up for sale in Germany.
TURKIYE (RIGHT)
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RED NIGHT
Fenerbahce won the derby 1-0 against Galatasaray, which had topped the agenda for days and defined as ''match of the year'' while referee Ali Aydin sent off four Galatasaray players in the second half of the derby. Fenerbahce's goal was scored in the first half by Rapaic while the events started in the second half. The referee red carded defender Emre who blocked Rapaic and sent off midfielder Batista who hit Serhat's face with his head. Also Hasan Sas was sent off in this position who wanted to hold Serhat. Referee Aydin also red carded captain Bulent who clapped for his decision. And Galatasaray were down to seven men and completed the game with seven men.
AKTAS DE FACTO OVER
The Energy and Natural Resources Ministry said that Aktas company could not distribute electricity and make trade in the mentioned areas following transfer of its facilities.
ZAMAN (CONSERVATIVE)
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OUR CITIES UNDER SERIOUS HAZARD
The danger of existence of gas stations, LPG filling stations and industrial factories in city-centers was once again revealed with yesterday's calamity in Istanbul. The LPG tank in a factory producing automobile radiators exploded at 6 a.m. The five-storey factory building collapsed in the explosion which was felt two-kilometer away. Eleven people were injured in the explosion which caused damage to many buildings including three schools.
''WE PRAY FOR SEZER FOR 800 TIMES A YEAR''
Jewish community's leader Bensiyon Pinto said that they had been performing sermons in every wedding ceremony and every religious holiday and on every Saturday for the President of the Turkish state for 510 years. ''We pray for Mr. Ahmet Necdet Sezer for maybe 700-800 times in each synagogue,'' he said.