<<>><<>><<>>_____TURKISTAN NEWSLETTER...ISSN:--1386-6265____<<>><<>><<>>
<<>><<>><<>>__________Volume:97-1:36--18--August--1997______<<>><<>><<>>
<<>><<>><<>>________Editor/Manager: Mehmet Tutuncu__________<<>><<>><<>>
<<>><<>><<>>________Co-Editors: I. Noyan Izmirli, H.Savas___<>><<>><<>>
<<>><<>><<>>________Business:S.Bogut, Y. Pursun_____________<<>><<>><<>>
<<>><<>>______Associate Editors: A.Baguirov, A. Eren, Z.Kadir__<<>><<>>
<<>><<>>________________________________________________________<<>><<>>
<<>><<>>________Editorial Board:________Dr.Robert M.Cutler______<<>><<>>
<<>><<>>________Dr.M.Gammer_____________Prof.dr.P.B.Golden______<<>><<>>
<<>><<>>________Dr.Baymirza Hayit_______Dr.H.M.Hubey____________<<>><<>>
<<>><<>>________Dr.H.Kirimli____________Dr.T.Kocaoglu___________<<>><<>>
<<>><<>>________Dr.H. Komatsu__________ Dr.H.B.Paksoy___________<<>><<>>
<<>><<>>________Dr.Nesrin Sariahmetoglu_________________________<<>><<>>
<<>><<>>________________________________________________________<<>><<>>
<<>><<>>__ Üze Tengri basmasar asra yer telinmeser, Türk bodun__<<>><<>>
<<>><<>>_____ ilining törügin kem artati, udaçi erti.___________<<>><<>>
<<>><<>>_______[From 7th. century Orkhon runic inscriptions)____<<>><<>>
<<>><<>_Reactions or subsmissions to: <turkistan-n@turkistan.org>_>><<>>
<<>><<>>_______Archives of the Turkistan Newsletter are at:_____<<>><<>>
<<>><<>>___<http://www.euronet.nl/users/sota/turkistan.htm>_____<<>><<>>
<<>><<>><<>><<>><<>><<>><<>><<>><<>><<>><<>><<>><<>><<>><<>><<>><<>><<>>
In this Edition:
#1. TURKISH PRESS REVIEW
1a. More Turks becoming German Citizens
1b. Russian Extremists hold demonstrations against Turkey
1c. Syria is afraid
1d. Azerbaijan: Turkey should become permanent member of UN Security Council
1e. Ankara denies Mubarak's claims
Turkiye
#2. Ankara renews proposal to host Afghan dialogue TURKISH DAILY NEWS - 14
August 1997
#3. Talabani in Turkey for support against 'Arabization' of N. Iraq TURKISH
DAILY NEWS - 14 August 1997
#4. INTERVIEW WITH TALABANI TURKISH DAILY NEWS - 16 August 1997
Russia/ Chechen Republic Ichkeria
#5. Moscow's New Mosque to Open in September (Sabirzyan Badretdin)
#6 .CHECHNYA: THE OLD SONG OF THE MAIN ISSUE Obshchaya Gazeta
August 14, 1997
Azerbaijan/Turkemisntan
#7. AZERBAIJAN, TURKMENISTAN CONTEST OWNERSHIP OF CASPIAN OIL
FIELD by Liz Fuller RFE/RL 13-08-1997
#8. EMEL DERGISI / EMEL JOURNAL
#9. KYRGYZ NEWS 12,13,14,15 August (Naryn Aiyp)
<<>><<>><<>><<>><<>><<>><<>><<>><<>><<>><<>><<>><<>><<>><<>><<>><<>><<>>
#1. TURKISH PRESS REVIEW
1a. MORE TURKS BECOMING GERMAN CITIZENS
Although the German authorities deny that Germany is extending
citizenship to immigrants, they cannot deny that another 250 thousand
Turkish workers who have moved to Germany are becoming German
citizens. The German Focus magazine notes that some German cities are
turning into cities of migrants. Officials however, have also warned
that dual citizenship is no longer possible. /Cumhuriyet/
1b. RUSSIAN EXTREMISTS HOLD DEMONSTRATIONS AGAINST TURKEY
A group supporting the extreme nationalist Russian Liberal
Democratic Party headed by Viladimir Jirinivski held a
demonstration in front of the Turkish Embassy in Moscow,
hindering the routine functioning of the embassy. The Anatolia
news agency said in its report that this was the fourth
demonstration in the last four weeks and the demonstrations are
being carried out with the knowledge of the Russian authorities.
1c. SYRIA IS AFRAID
The military cooperation between Turkey and Israel is being
interpreted as a threat to their own security by the other states
of the Middle East. Syria, in particular, expresses the view that
the alliance is directed against them. An article in the Wall
Street journal has the following: Syrian Head of State Hafiz Esad
is bent on implementing various strategies to prevent Israel from
entering into good relations with the oil-rich countries in the
area. Esad is also undertaking plans to have Turkey come to its
assistance in the event of a possible war with Israel. The
article stated that Syria is establishing alliances with her
eastern neighbours. /Sabah/
****
1d. Azerbaijan: Turkey should become permanent member of UN Security Council
Turkish Daily News
Ankara - Former speaker of Azerbaijan Parliament and opposition party
leader, Isa Kamber, affirmed on Friday that Turkey should be a permanent
member of the U.N..'s Security Council, the Anatolia news agency reported.
Noting the anticipated increase in membership from six to ten, under the
framework of the United Nation's new constructional reforms, Kamber said in
an interview published in his party's official gazette that, "the six
Turkic states should work for Turkey to take its place in the Council,"
Kamber said Azerbaijan could play an important role in uniting the efforts
of the Turkic nations to realize this proposal. Kamber added that even in
the case where Turkish membership is not possible, the six Turkic states
should coordinate their policies concerning the nomination of the country
that would represent Asia.
*****
1e.Ankara denies Mubarak's claims
Turkish Daily News
Ankara - Turkey officially denied claims by Egyptian President Hosni
Mubarak that Turkey and Israel have postponed a joint military exercise
scheduled to be held in the eastern Mediterranean in summer, the Foreign
Ministry announced on Friday.
Foreign Ministry spokesman Sermet Atacanli, in his statement, quoted
President Demirel's June 4 letter to Mubarak: "The exercise of search and
rescue nature is to be held this year at a date yet to be set." Demirel's
letter also mentioned that the joint exercise to be conducted with U.S.
participation is open to any Arab country that is interested in
participating.
The statement also noted that Turkey gives great importance to its
relations with Egypt and supports development in every field of the
bilateral relations between the two countries.
Atacanli's statement also emphasized that both presidents are expected to
discuss bilateral relations and regional matters when Demirel makes an
official visit Sept. 16.
Turkish Daily News reported Turkish Foreign Ministry and military officials
denying Mubarak's claim that the exercise was cancelled on Thursday.
Thursday's article also contained official confirmation of President
Demirel's Egypt visit.
<<>><<>><<>><<>><<>><<>><<>><<>><<>><<>><<>><<>><<>><<>><<>><<>><<>><<>>
#2. Ankara renews proposal to host Afghan dialogue TURKISH DAILY NEWS - 14
August 1997
Ankara - Turkish Daily News
Turkey renewed its proposition on Wednesday to host a
conference under the auspices of U.N. in order to find a
solution to the problem in Afghanistan.
Foreign Ministry spokesman Sermet Atacanli expressed Ankara's
preparedness to help find a way to solve the conflict in
Afghanistan. Turkey's readiness to help establish a means of
resolving problems in Afghanistan was emphasized at the Foreign
Ministry's weekly press conference. "We have conveyed our
proposal to the groups with whom we have had recent contact.
This proposal is still on the table," Atacanli said.
He said Turkey is saddened by the situation that a friendly
nation such as Afghanistan is currently in, and would like to
contribute to the efforts to search for a solution.
Establishing an Afghan dialogue with Turkish support with the
aim of finding a peaceful solution was raised also at last
week's visit of the Pakistani Foreign Minister Gohar Ayup Khan.
Ankara has been hosting Gen. Rasid Dostum and his family, who
is of Uzbek origin, and warlord from northern Afghanistan for
several months now.
<<>><<>><<>><<>><<>><<>><<>><<>><<>><<>><<>><<>><<>><<>><<>><<>><<>><<>>
#3. Talabani in Turkey for support against 'Arabization' of N. Iraq
TURKISH DAILY NEWS - 14 August 1997
Local Turkmen are reportedly also concerned about
Baghdad's efforts to 'ethnically cleanse' the region
SAADET ORUC
Ankara - Turkish Daily News
Jalal Talabani, the leader of the northern Iraqi Patriotic
Union of Kurdistan (PUK), arrived in Ankara on Wednesday after
completing a long visit to Washington, where he had extensive
talks with U.S. officials.
Talabani was due to hold talks with Foreign Minister Ismail Cem
and other senior Turkish officials today on the situation in
northern Iraq.
While in the U.S. capital, Talabani expressed his concern about the
"Arabization" of northern Iraq.
He was expected to repeat the same complaint in his talks in
Ankara.
The Turkish side, on the other hand, will reportedly pressure
him to me more clear concerning his attitude towards the
outlawed Kurdistan Workers' Party, which has bases in northern
Iraq.
Ankara will also warn him against his "flirting with Iran,"
sources told the Turkish Daily News.
The other key Kurdish faction in the region, the Kurdistan
Democratic Party (KDP) lead by Massoud Barzani, has established
ties with Baghdad, which both the PUK and the Turkmen are said to
be concerned about.
A Western diplomat, who wished to remain anonymous and who
recently visited the region, confirmed the so-called
"Arabization" campaign by the Iraqi government in northern
Iraq.
A northern Iraqi source talking to the TDN claimed that
Baghdad, appeared determined this time to "ethnically cleanse"
northern Iraq and that it was implementing this campaign under
resolutions it adopted on July 6 and July 28.
Northern Iraqi opposition sources are also claiming that
Iraqi strongman Saddam Hussein has plans to bring a million
Palestinians from Lebanon and settle them in their region.
The say this will adversely affect the Kurdish-dominated
demography of the region.
The two resolutions adopted by Baghdad in July enable all
Arabs to settle in Iraq, to have Iraqi identity papers
and to acquire land on Iraqi territory.
The July 6 resolution is said to enable all Palestinian
supporters of the Iraqi Baath Party lead by Saddam Hussein to
enjoy extensive advantages in Iraq.
These resolutions are said to be "messages to the West"
relating to the exclusion of Iraq from the Middle East peace
process.
PUK and Baghdad?
Meanwhile, Davud Baghistani a Kurdish human rights activist
who is close to Kurdish political leaders in northern Iraq, told
the TDN by phone from Erbil on Wednesday that both the Iraqi
Kurdish factions were in contact with Baghdad.
"The PUK and Baghdad have been discussing a joint administration for
the cities of Kirkuk and Sinjar. The Kurdish parties are playing
all of their cards."
He added that Sheikh Jafer and Feridun Abdulkadir, both from
the PUK, met with Tariq Aziz and one of Saddam's sons in Baghdad only a few
days ago.
He maintained that the KDP was also in contact with Baghdad
at the level of the party's politburo.
Another source told the TDN that PUK leader Jalal Talabani was
working for the expansion of the United Nations imposed no-fly zone in
northern Iraq, which currently extends to the to the 36th
parallel.
Such and extension will reportedly bring the Kurdish Sorani
tribe, currently falling outside the no-fly zone, under the
protection of this arrangement.
The Sorani Kurds are said to be supporters of Jalal Talabani
and his PUK.
Local Turkmen are also said to be supporting the PUK on this
with the condition that a Turkish military force be replaced in
that region or if this is not possible for the whole region to
be demilitarized.
A senior Kurdish source maintained that former Deputy Prime
Minister and Foreign Minister Tansu Ciller had discussed this
issue with the leader of the Turkmen Front, Sinan Celebi and
Talabani during the PUK's previous visit to Ankara in January.
<<>><<>><<>><<>><<>><<>><<>><<>><<>><<>><<>><<>><<>><<>><<>><<>><<>><<>>
#4. INTERVIEW WITH TALABANI
Talabani says PUK seeks better ties with Ankara
Turkish Daily News, 16 August 1997
PUK leader says the only way to secure border to prevent PKK attacks
against Turkey is to establish peace between his group and its rival the
KDP, and to establish a broadly based government in northern Iraq which
will include Turkmens and Assyrians.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
By Ilnur Cevik / Turkish Daily News
Ankara - Jalal Talabani, the leader of the northern Iraqi Patriotic Union
of Kurdistan (PUK), said in an interview with the Turkish daily News, that
they were not pleased with the level of relations with Turkey, and were
seeking to improve their ties with Ankara further.
Denying reports that they were assisting the Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK)
in northern Iraq, Talabani said that the only way to secure Turkey's
borders against this outlawed organization was for peace to be instituted
between his PUK and its rival the northern Iraqi KurdistanDemocratic Party
(KDP).
Talabani said a broadly based government in northern Iraq, which would
include local Turkmens and Assyrians, would not only ensure Turkey's
security, but would also solve the revenue sharing problem between the PUK
and the KDP.
Talabani also denied that they were negotiating with the regime in Baghdad,
which he accused of practicing ethnic cleansing in northern Iraq.
Talabani, who was on one of his rare visits to Ankara for talks, also
touched on other issues relating to northern Iraq, and shared his thoughts
on a number of other issues including Turkish-Israeli relations and
Syrian-Iraqi relations.
The following is the interview with PUK leader Jalal Talabani:
TDN: Mam Jalal, welcome to Ankara... You have just come from Washington.
Could you tell us your impressions about how the U.S. administration sees
the problem in northern Iraq, and what they want in this area?
TALABANI: Well, first, this visit to Washington was successful in uniting
us with high level people who are policy makers. I think the Americans are
very much interested to see peace and stability in the area, and make it a
base for the Iraqi opposition, because they are insisting on ending the
Iraqi regime in Baghdad now. And they want also to help the people with the
full implementation of (UN Resolution) 986. They also want to see stability
there because they are concerned about the securing of the Turkish border.
Of course they are very much interested to prevent Iraqi and Iranian
influence in Iraqi Kurdistan. They want to play a very serious role, with
the help of the United Kingdom and Turkey, to end this conflict between the
KDP and the PUK. They are preparing a meeting in Washington between the
representatives of the PUK and the KDP, and then to come back to Ankara for
talks for continuing the Ankara process.
TDN: How does the U.S. administration view current developments in northern
Iraq?
TALABANI: They were very much interested to see the ceasefire going on, to
prevent any kind of Iraqi intervention, to prevent any kind of Iraqi
invasion in the future, and they told us very frankly that they will never
permit the Erbil invasion to be repeated again. They also think that we and
the KDP must cooperate to solve all our problems for a new regional
administration, for new and free elections and to solve the revenues issue.
TDN: Do you expect any progress after your talks in Ankara?
TALABANI: I was really impressed with meeting with Mr. Ismail Cem. He is a
very nice and clever man. I think he could understand our problems. After
my talks here, and my conversation Washington, I am more optimistic and I
think there will be real steps forward to solve these problems.
TDN: How do you see relations between PUK and KDP developing these days?
TALABANI: These are not good and I think it needs much efforts to improve
them in order to change this climate. There is a tension. There is an
explosive situation, and I think we must do our best to improve this for a
peaceful solution for the problems in Iraqi Kurdistan.
TDN: Do you see that any kind of rapprochement between the PUK and the
Baghdad administration will help the northern Iraqi situation?
TDN: Well, between the PUK and the Baghdad government there is still not
any kind of negotiation. It was some kind of contacts. They want us to send
a delegation to them. We asked them to send a delegation to us. We didn't
agree about who will take the initiative to send the delegations. We, as
you know, are not against dialogue. But we have to know if they want some
new things such as the democratization of the country, about Kurdish
rights, about ending this policy of ethnic cleansing which they started in
Kirkuk and Harake by deporting Kurds and Turkmens from these two towns
--which cannot help any kind of negotiation between us and the Iraqi
government.
TDN: Did you raise this issue in Washington also?
TALABANI: Yes. One of the main issues which I raised was this. And I even
talked to Mr. Koffi Annan, the Secretary General of the United Nations, and
the permanent representatives, the British ambassador -- who is the
president of the Security Council -- the American ambassador, who promised
us to prevent this policy.
TDN: Did you discuss this with Mr. Ismail Cem?
TALABANI: I mentioned it. I told him what I raised in Washington, including
this.
TDN: What did the Turkish side say?
TALABANI: There was no direct comment on this problem. Reallythey said that
they are studying carefully what I have said, and he (Ismail Cem) is
studying this with his staff, because you know he is new, and then I think
there will be a positive response.
TDN: You told us that you were impressed with Mr. Ismail Cem. Are you also
satisfied with the way Turkish - PUK relations are developing?
TALABANI: No. I am not very well satisfied. I think there must be more
steps for relations with Turkey. We want to have very good relations but we
are not very much satisfied with the postponing and delaying of the peace
process in Ankara. These are very important things. We were expecting more
steps from our brothers in Turkey towards improving the relations, and we
hope that our relation will be improving.
But I think we now have a good understanding with our brothers here, and
they are convinced now, as today I understood, that we are not against
them. We are not working to support their enemies.They have heard some
rumors, but I think they are not believing these.
TDN: You have always said the PUK does not support the PKK and does not
allow them to operate in northern Iraq. What do you foresee, how do you
think the PKK can be stopped in northern Iraq?
TALABANI: I think the best way is by not fighting. We think the best way is
for the U.K. the U.S.A. and Turkeyto help the reconciliation in Iraqi
Kurdistan, so that thePUK, and the KDP again will be united in one regional
government, and this regional government must be very wide, must represent
all parties, our Turkmen brothers included, our Assyrian brothers included.
And this regional government will be able to impose peace and stability in
the area and to secure the border of Turkey, which is the right of the
Turkish government to ask us, and our duty to secure the border for them.
But I think this will happen not through fighting, but through a political
solution of the problems in Iraqi Kurdistan.
TDN: And how do you think the financial problems will be solved for Iraqi
Kurdistan?
TALABANI: I think the best way is to have all revenues from all places
gathered and put in a bank and not shared by the PUK or the KDP but given
under the control of the regional government, which will be able to spend
it for the interests and needs of the people. For rebuilding our
infrastructure, for paying salaries, for helping the families of those who
have been murdered, for education, for schools.
TDN: Now you are a regional expert. You are not only a person who is well
informed about Iraq and northern Iraq, but you have travelled widely in the
area. You have contacts with Iran and the whole area. How do you see the
new developments in Iran, the new president?
TALABANI: As you mentioned, I have always had good relations with Syria,
Iran especially. These last years we have normalized our relations with the
Islamic Republic of Iran. But the election of Khatemi is a very important
development in Iran, he was elected by a majority. I do not know him
personally. I have not had the honour of meeting him yet. But as I can
foresee he is a very moderate man. He was open minded in his campaign. He
talked a lot about the freedom of the Iranians and about the Kurds also. In
his speech in Serender, which is the capital of the province of Iranian
Kurds, he talked very positively about the Kurds. He got the majority votes
of the Kurds in Iran. I am expecting good developments. As you said he
wants to end tension with the neighbors of Iran, all states of the world. I
am looking forward to seeing him successful.
TDN: Was this situation raised in Washington?
TALABANI: Yes. They asked me. I told them my attitude as I told you now.
TDN: What do you say about this rapprochementbetween Iraq and Syria?
TALABANI: I think as neighboring countries, they cannot remain forever
boycotting each other. I am looking at it as something positive. I think
that Syria and Iraq both have a need to normalize relations. Also the
obstacles in the way of this peace process between Syria and Israel is
pushing Syria to have such a kind of a relation with Iraq. But I don't
think it will be a kind of strategic relation or alliance between these two
countries. Because both have different problems among them. It is very
difficult to reunite them.
TDN: Many Arab countries are against Turkey's growing relations with
Israel. How do you see this situation?
TALABANI: Now, I think if you look from Arab eyes at the relation between
Israel and Turkey, I think they must be worried about this. Because Turkey
is a moslem country they want to see Turkey on their side, especially now
when the peace process is not going well. And for that of course they will
be worried when they see the military relations between Turkey and Israel.
TDN: In Washington you saw many officials. What is their attitude towards
Turkey?
TALABANI: Always they are looking on Turkey as a big friend. As a big ally.
And they are understanding the importance of Turkey for NATO and for the
U.S.They want to see Turkey enjoying democracy, peace and stability in the
area.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
<<>><<>><<>><<>><<>><<>><<>><<>><<>><<>><<>><<>><<>><<>><<>><<>><<>><<>>
#5. Moscow's New Mosque to Open in September
From: SabirzyanB@aol.com
Date: Thu, 14 Aug 1997 22:46:20 -0400 (EDT)
Subject: Moscow's New Mosque to Open in September
The ceremonial opening of Moscow's new Memorial Mosque will take place on the
Poklonnaya Mountain in the Victory Park Complex on September 6, 1997 at 10
a.m.
The mosque, Moscow's fifth, was built in memory of Moslems who died during
World War II.
Among people who are expected to be present during the ceremonies are
Moscow's mayor Luzhkov, members of the Russian government, heads of
diplomatic missions of Arabic and Moslem states, and delegations from other
countries.
Chairman of the Board of Muftis of Russia, sheikh Ravil Gainutdin, will make
the opening address.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
>From the home page of Russia's Moslem Religious Administration:
http://www.mos.ru/~eldar/islam/
<<>><<>><<>><<>><<>><<>><<>><<>><<>><<>><<>><<>><<>><<>><<>><<>><<>><<>>
#6 .CHECHNYA: THE OLD SONG OF THE MAIN ISSUE
Obshchaya Gazeta August 14, 1997
Two Presidents Continue Their Struggle for Status, Oil Pipe-Line and Money
By Maria Eismont
One of these days the Chechen president Aslan Maskhadov
intends to arrive in Moscow for signing the "full-scale treaty
which provides for the establishment of diplomatic relations
between Russia and Chechnya" which has been drafted by the
Chechen side. The details of the treaty are kept in secret and
are known only to Russian Security Council Secretary Ivan
Rybkin who has recently returned from Grozny.
In a telephone conversation, the author of the new
Chechen initiative, Vice Premier Movladi Udugov, assured the
Novaya Gazeta observer that "Rybkin did not react negatively"
to the Grozny proposals. However, Rybkin himself, talking with
journalists that same day, doubted the need of any new
large-scale treaties with Chechnya. He diplomatically remarked
that "now there are the necessary agreements and other legal
documents for building a normal life in the republic for the
next two-three years." He proposed that it would be better now
to pay attention to economic matters.
The Russian authorities believe that the treaty of peace,
signed by Boris Yeltsin and Aslan Maskhadov, is a sufficient
political concession to the Chechen side and that the new
demands on the part of the Grozny authorities are nothing but
the tactics of excessive preliminary terms; every time,
speaking about new political concessions on the part of
Russia, the Chechens actually ask to give them money.
Apparently sharing this point of view, Rybkin supposed that
the task of "using this money is more important than of
signing new documents." He added that "the aid from the
Russian budget to Chechnya to a value of 1.27 trillion
roubles, even if sequestered, will amount to no less than 800
billion, the payment of pensions and allowances is not
included in this sum."
However, the Chechen leaders insist on the importance of
the political recognition of Chechnya's independence. Speaking
about the new draft treaty, Movladi Udugov said that from a
certain point of view it is advantageous for Russia:
"The objective reality is that Russia is gradually
leaving the Transcaucasia," he said to the Obshchaya Gazeta
observer. "The Russian military contingent in this region is
being replaced by the military presence of the UN or NATO
troops. In view of this, Russia will hardly be able in the
near future to defend its interests in the Caucasus.
Therefore, it needs a strong partner whose role could be
played today only by independent Chechnya. Russia must help us
enter the world community, and then Chechnya will help Russia
in its policy in the Caucasus and the Transcaucasia and will
also represent its interests in the countries of the Islamic
world. There are two ways of the further Russian-Chechen
relations: either partnership relations and mutual assistance
between two independent states or confrontation. The former is
undoubtedly more advantageous for Russia."
There is a certain grain of truth in Udugov's words: the
federal centre is interested in Chechnya first of all as a
region the transport ways in which connect Russia with the
Transcaucasia. Apart from that, the Grozny authorities have
agreed to the use of the Chechen section of the
Baku--Novorossiisk oil pipe-line.
Too little time now remains for settling the last details
and confirming the guarantees of the Chechen authorities to
ensure the protection of the oil pipe-line. By the end of
August and beginning of September it is planned to blow
through the pipe-line and then start pumping the "early oil"
through it. In such a short period it is impossible,
fortunately for Russia, to put into operation the unfinished
oil pipe-line going through Georgia. However, unfortunately
for the federal authorities, it is impossible now to build
anew an alternative pipe-line bypassing Chechnya, as some
politicians propose.
Understanding Moscow's impatience, the Chechen rulers are
demanding new political concessions. The problem of the
pipe-line can be solved in a short period of time only by the
two presidents during their personal meeting. As a
"supplement" to the pipe-line, Maskhadov will offer Boris
Yeltsin a new draft treaty which creates a certain discomfort
in the Kremlin.
However, the situation in which Maskhadov has found
himself now can hardly be called enviable. On the one hand, he
bears the responsibility to Russia and the world community for
the still unresolved problem of hostages; on the other hand,
the people embittered and ruined by the war expect from their
president the immediate solution of the issue concerning the
status of the republic, its financing and protection from
crime.
Though the efforts of the Grozny authorities for signing
a number of treaties with Russian and getting money from it
have been successful to a certain extent, but the problem of
establishing order in Chechnya, despite the goodwill of the
heads of the power structures, still remains unsettled, just
as after the presidential elections.
Love of freedom, inherent in Chechens, manifests itself
not only in their aspiration to live in an independent state,
but also in their unwillingness to be subordinate to anybody.
The strong-arm rule in this case will hardly lead to positive
results. The Chechen people, nervous after the war and armed
to a man, may interpret the tough measures by the republican
authorities for demilitarisation as another split in the once
united military leadership.
That is why Raduyev's units are still armed, call
themselves an army and even organise parades from time to
time, and the name of a certain field commander who trades in
hostages, despite Maskhadov's threats, is not known to anybody
up to this time.
It is obvious that while Presidents Yeltsin and Maskhadov
are trying to resolve the problem of Chechnya's juridical
status, the republic is more and more getting out of Russia's
legal space de facto.
<<>><<>><<>><<>><<>><<>><<>><<>><<>><<>><<>><<>><<>><<>><<>><<>><<>><<>>
#7. AZERBAIJAN, TURKMENISTAN CONTEST OWNERSHIP OF CASPIAN OIL
FIELD by Liz Fuller RFE/RL 13-08-1997
by Liz Fuller
A major diplomatic row was triggered by the 4 July signing of
an agreement between the Russian oil companies Rosneft and LUKoil
and Azerbaijani's state oil company SOCAR on jointly exploring and
developing a Caspian offshore oil field known as Kyapaz. Involved in
that row are the Russian Federation, Azerbaijan, and Turkmenistan.
Their differences spotlight the ongoing dispute over the legal status
of the Caspian Sea and the ownership rights to the millions of tons of
hydrocarbons that lie beneath it.
The five states with a Caspian coastline (Russia, Kazakhstan,
Turkmenistan, Azerbaijan, and Iran) have been at loggerheads for
the past three years over whether that body of water should be
legally defined as a sea or a lake. The question arose in September
1994, when Azerbaijan signed a multi-billion dollar contract with a
consortium of Western oil companies plus Russia's LUKoil to exploit
the Chirag and Azeri fields and the deep-water section of the
Gyuneshli field. The Russian Foreign Ministry immediately declared
the contract invalid and called for its annulment on the grounds that
it contravened a treaty concluded between the USSR and Iran in
1940 on the joint use of the Caspian's resources.
Russia and Iran continue to insist that the Caspian is a salt-
water lake and that therefore, under international law, its various
resources -- whether sturgeon or oil and natural gas -- may be
exploited only on the basis of an agreement concluded by all littoral
states. Kazakhstan and Azerbaijan, for their part, argue that the
Caspian is a sea and should therefore be divided into national sectors
that each country has the right to exploit as it pleases. (Such a right
is included in the 1995 Azerbaijani Constitution.)
Turkmenistan had initially subscribed to the Kazakh-
Azerbaijani view but, as of late fall1996, espoused the Russian-
Iranian argument. In November 1996, Russia modified its position by
proposing that the Caspian be divided into zones. Each littoral state
would have the exclusive use of resources within its territorial
waters, which would be extended from 10 to 45 miles. Resources
beyond that point would be jointly used by all five countries. Iran
and Turkmenistan approved that proposal.
Early this year, however, Turkmenistan again switched tack. In
an interview with the "Financial Times" in January, Turkmen
President Saparmurad Niyazov claimed that the Azeri and Chirag
fields lie in the Turkmen sector of the Caspian. Azerbaijan's Foreign
Minister Hasan Hasanov refuted that claim, saying that in 1970 the
USSR Foreign Ministry had divided up the Soviet sector of the
Caspian between Russia, Kazakhstan, Turkmenistan, and Azerbaijan.
He also said that maps showing the respective sectors proved that
Niyazov's claim to the Azeri and Chirag fields were unjustified.
Russian Foreign Ministry officials likewise rejected Niyazov's
argument -- but on the grounds that no claims to individual fields
could be made until an agreement had been reached on the legal
status of the Caspian.
The Turkmen leadership immediately protested the signing of
the Russian-Azerbaijani agreement on Kyapaz. On 5 July, Turkmen
Foreign Minister Boris Shikhmuradov issued a statement contesting
Azerbaijan's ownership of the field, which is located some 180
kilometers east of Baku and only 100 kilometers from the coast of
Turkmenistan, and demanding the annulment of the agreement. Two
days later, Shikhmuradov proposed creating an Azerbaijani-Turkmen
commission to formalize the dividing line between the two countries'
respective national sectors. Russian government spokesman Igor
Shabdurasulov downplayed the dispute, arguing that the agreement
was "purely commercial" and that therefore the Russian government
was under no obligation to take any action.
In late July, however, when Azerbaijani President Heidar Aliev
was being lionized in Washington, Russian Deputy Prime Minister
Valerii Serov met with the Turkmen leadership in Ashgabat. On his
return to Moscow, Serov informed Niyazov that the Kyapaz contract
would be annulled. The Russian Foreign Ministry issued a statement
confirming the annulment on 5 August. Two days later in the
Kremlin, Russian President Boris Yeltsin told Niyazov that the signing
of the agreement had been a "mistake" on the part of the Russian oil
companies involved. He also said that neither he nor the Russian
government had known of the planned deal beforehand. (Russian
First Deputy Prime Minister Boris Nemtsov, however, had been
present at the negotiations that preceded the signing ceremony.)
By thwarting the proposed joint venture, Russia not only
mollified its potential ally Niyazov but also succeeded in
embarrassing Aliev, whom it suspects of conspiring with the U.S. to
undercut Russia's influence in the Caspian. Azerbaijani Prime
Minister Artur Rasi-Zade conceded in early August that his country
does not claim "exclusive" ownership of Kyapaz, given that deposit
lies on the border between the Azerbaijani and Turkmen sectors. He
also proposed that its reserves (estimated at 50 million metric tons)
be exploited by both Azerbaijan and Turkmenistan. Ashgabat has not
yet commented on that offer.
<<>><<>><<>><<>><<>><<>><<>><<>><<>><<>><<>><<>><<>><<>><<>><<>><<>><<>>
#8. EMEL DERGISI / Journal "EMEL"
From: Kemal Altintas <kemala@ug.bcc.bilkent.edu.tr>
To: turkistan-l@turkistan.org
I would like to introduce you the journal "EMEL".
As you all know from SOTA Page, Emel is a bimonthly journal published in
Ankara with the great effort of Dr.Hakan Kirimli. It has been published
for a long time (more than half a century).
The articles in Emel are related to social and political aspects of
Crimean Tatars and the historical background of the nation. There is also
a section related to Crimean Tatar literature and one to introduce the
villages in Turkey established by Tatars and in which they live. The final
section is the news related to Crimea.
I would like you to see the journal under SOTA Page(if you havent done
it yet). We will be glad to hearing your comments and offers in order to
improve our journal. If you send us (particularly me) any news you see in
any source (written or online), i will be happy to pass them to Dr. Hakan
Kirimli.
the URL adress of Emel is:
<http://www.euronet.nl/users/sota/krimtatar.html>
<<>><<>><<>><<>><<>><<>><<>><<>><<>><<>><<>><<>><<>><<>><<>><<>><<>><<>>
#9. KYRGYZ NEWS 12,13,14,15 August (Naryn Aiyp)
KYRGYZ NEWS - 12 AUGUST 1997, TUESDAY
1. Mirbek Koilubayev, official from the Defense ministry, announced in Bishkek
today that there were no reason to relocate Kyrgyz peacekeeping unit in
Tajikistan. Adylbek Kadyrbekov, chairman of the parliamentarian Defense
committee, announced on 12 August that Kyrgyzstan would not send additional
peacekeepers to neighboring Tajikistan. Foreign ministry press service
announced in bishkek today that the Ministry would express its attitude to the
last developments in Tajikistan later. No statement has been made on situation
in Tajikistan neither by Kyrgyz government no by president administration.
President Askar Akayev has been on vacation since 4 August.
About 300 Kyrgyz peacekeepers are in Tajikistan, along the Tajik-Afghan
frontier, now. Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan and Uzbekistan are forming a Central
Asian peacekeeping batallion and its first exercises will be held on Kazakh
and Uzbek terrirtories in September.
2. Supreme Court considered the case of Yrysbek Omurzakov, journalist with the
independent Res Publica weekly, today. Procurator General office has appealed
to the Supreme Ciurt, demanding to overturn the verdict, taken by the
municipal court of Bishkek on 10 June. Supreme Court rejected the appeal
today.
Omurzakov was accused of insulting and libeling Mikhail Paryshkura, manager of
the Frunze plant in Bishkek, in his article, published on 14 January.
Omurzakov was arrested on 24 March and trial against him was held in Lenin
district court on 19-21 May. Procurator demanded 3-year imprisonment for him,
but the court could not prove hid guilty and the case was sent for
re-investigation. However, Omurzakov was released only on 10 June, after
municipal court's special decision, spending 79 days in custody.
Omurzakov wrote on the corruption in the Frunze plant, espacially about
privatization of the factory costel. His report was based on the letter,
signed by 108 inhabitatnts of the hostel. London based Amnesty International
named him as Prisoner of Consciense.
Omurzakov was accused of insulting President Akayev and was sentenced to 2
years of suspended imprisonment in 1996.
3. Prime minister Apas Joumagulov visited today the pharmaceutical factory in
Bishkek, being built with the help from Pakistan. Factory will be put into
operation in October.
4. Spokesman for the Russian embassy in Bishkek, Igor Tynko, announced in
Bishkek today that prime minister Viktor Chernomyrdin's visit to Kyrgyzstan
had been postponed again and is set for the end of August now. It is the 4th
postponement of the visit, initially set for June.
5. Niyazaly Bekbergenov from the Human Rights Committee of Kyrgyzstan, told
our correspondent Bishkek today that the Committee had collected about 1,500
signatures for recall of some members of Parliament, who had been accused of
corruption. According to Bekbergenov, Central Electoral Commission told the
Commitee that it needed at least 9,000 signatures to begin any action against
deputies.
According to the Law on elections, it needs 1,200 signatures for recall member
of parliament.
6. Deputy chairman of the National Bank, Emil Abdumanapov, announced in
Bishkek today that redenomination of the Russian rouble would have no
influence on Kyrgyzstan. However, rate of rouble to Kyrgyz som has been
decreased since 4 August, when redenomination was announced in Moscow.
7. Felix Kulov, security minister, announced in Bishkek today that a new
Institude on National Security should be formed in Kyrgyzstan on the base of
the Bishkek Militia College. According to Kulov, quality of the Kyrgyz
juridical specialists is very low now and juridical departments of the several
institutes in Kyrgyzstan should be united in the new institute.
8. Rukhaniyat International Association, based in Bishkek, announced on 12
August, that its prize "For strengthening friendship and cooperation between
nations" is awarded to President Askar Akayev. Rukhaniyat's different prizes
have been given recently to Nursultan Nazarbayev, Kazakh president; Islam
Karimov, Uzbek president; Ali Akbar Hashemi Rafsanjani, former Iranian
president; Tansu Ciller, former Turkish prime minister.
9. International conference of trade-unions of the CIS will be held in
Kyrgyzstan on 19-20 August. Representatives of the 8 CIS-member countries will
take part. Problems of integration will be discussed.
KYRGYZ NEWS - 13 AUGUST 1997, WEDNESDAY
1. President press service announced in Bishkek today that President Askar
Akayev had signed a decree, appointing Kamil Bayalinov as Kyrgyz ambassador to
Slovakia. Bayalinov is an ambassador to Austria, Czech Republic and Hungary
and Kyrgyz representative in the International organizations, based in Vienna,
now.
Bayalinov is a journalist, he was a Kyrgyz correspondent for Russian
Komsomolskaya Pravda daily, Moskovskiye Novosty weekly for a long time.
Bayalinov served as Akayev's press secretary in 1995-1996.
2. Solemn meeting, devoted to the laying of the foundation of a special
village for the orphans and homeless children, was held in Bishkek today.
Village will be built by the SOS-Kinder International Foundation, based in
Austria. There will be 14 two-storeyed houses in it and the Foundation will
spend about $3 million for it. President of the Foundation, Helmut Kutin,
attended today's stone-laying ceremony in Bishkek.
3. Government press service announced in Bishkek today that Kyrgyz-Japanese
economical commission will hold its next meeting in Bishkek in September.
Representatives of about 100 Japanese companies will take part and building of
the refinery plants and refuelling stations in Kyrgyzstan will be main topics
of the discussion.
Also, giving of the second half of the 240-million-dollar loan to Kyrgyzstan
from Japan will be discussed.
4. According to the covernment press service, International conference 'Great
Silk Road and Tourism' will be held in Bishkek on 2-5 September. International
Tourism Organization and UNDP are sponsoring the conference.
5. Official from the Muftiyat (Muslim Board) of Kyrgyzstan told our
correspondent in Bishkek today that a special commission has sertified mosques
and imams of the districts in the Naryn and Issyk-Kul regions since 1 August.
11 imams in Naryn and 17 imams in the Issyk-Kul regions have been found not
corresponded to the standards. Commission has revised activity of the 182
imams.
6. Spokeswoman for the Ministry of education, science and culture told our
correspondent in Bishkek today that a conference, devoted to the preparings to
the new school-year would be held in Bishkek next week. Teachers and officials
from all regions and districts are invited. Vice prime minister, Mira
Jangaracheva, will hold the conference.
There are 1,888 schools in the country now.
KYRGYZ NEWS - 14 AUGUST 1997, THURSDAY
1. Government press service announced in Bishkek today that Kazakh prime
minister, Akejan Kalegeldin, would not come to Bishkek tomorrow, on 15 August,
as had been planned before. Kazakh governmental delegation will be led by
Omurzak Shukeev, vice prime minister and minister of economics & trade.
Delegation includes leaders of the water resources , energetics, transport and
communications ministries.
Prime ministers of Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan and Uzbekistan met in Almaty on 7
August and it was agreed that Kazakh PM will visit Bishkek on 15 August to
discuss problems, not resolved at the Almaty meeting. Kyrgyz and Kazakh
authorities could not agree on common use of highways and power lines.
Kazakhstan has imposed recently a custom tax of $1,200 to every Kyrgyz truck,
going through the Kazakh territory, and due to it, it is difficult for Kyrgyz
farmers to deliver their agricultural products to the Russian regions in
Siberia. Kyrgyz President Askar Akayev visited Almaty early this year (to sign
agreement on "eternal friendship") and agreed with president Nursultan
Nazarbayev that up to 300,000 Kyrgyz trucks could go through Kazakh territory
without of charge in a year. Also, Kazakhstan does not pay Kyrgyzstan for
electrical power timely.
However, Kyrgyz agriculture minister, Joumakadyr Akineev, announced on 11
August that Kazakhstan had agreed to pay for water from reservoirs on the
Kyrgyz territory.
2. Committee of State Property announced in Bishkek today that 92 enterprises
in the country are insolvent now. Decision on bankruptcy of 61 of them had
been made and they would be sold soon. Among them are machine-building plant
in Issyk-Ata, brick-yards in Naryn and Talas, textile factories in Batken and
Orlovka and others.
However, 28 enterprises in the country have improved their activity recently
and raised 19.3-million-som profit (about $1.1 million). Among them are
Aichurek Trade House in Bishkek, dairy-farm in Tokmok, shugar-refinery in Kant
and others.
3. Yrysbek Omurzakov, journalist for the independent Res Publica weekly, told
our correspondent in Bishkek today that he was invited to the prosecutor
office of the Lenin district in Bishkek on 13 August and was warned. He was
accused of organizing public opinion and pressing on the law-enforcing
organizations.
Omurzakov's case is under investigation now. He was accused of insulting
factory manager in Bishkek in an article, published last January and was
arrested in March. Trial against him, held in the district court in May, could
not prove his guilty, but he was released only after the decision by municipal
court in June, spending 79 days in custody. Prosecutor office had appealed to
the Supreme court, demanding to overturn the miniscipsl court's decision, but
Supreme court rejected it on 12 nAugust and sent the case for
re-investigation.
4. Earthquake occured in Kyrgyzstan last night. It was 6-point-strong by
Richter scale in the epicenter, situated among mountains on the frontier
between Kyrgyzstan and Kazakhstan, Seismology Institute in Bishkek announced
today. Station in the village of Keng-Suu, Issyk-Kul region, registered
4-point shock. No damage and no casualties reported.
KYRGYZ NEWS - 15 AUGUST 1997, FRIDAY
1. Kyrgyz and Kazakh governmental delegations held a meeting in Bishkek today.
Kyrgyz prime minister Apas Jouimagulov took part. Kazakh delegation was led by
vice prime minister Omurzak Shukeev and included deputy foreign minister,
deputy minister of energetics & natural resources, president of the Kazakh
nuclear energy state company and others. According to the Kyrgyz government
press service, 6 subjects had been discussed and agreement on only one of them
was signed.
Kyrgyz and Kazakh governments had agreed to establish joint venture company on
developing Kazakh uranium at the Kara-Balta mining complex in Kyrgyzstan.
Kazakhstan will own 65% of its shares, Kyrgyzstan will have 35%. Kyrgyz and
Kazakh sides could not agree on the issue on common use of highways on their
territories. It was decided to negotiate it in Almaty in a month.
2. President of the Kara-Balta comlex (about 30 km far from Bishkek), Jalgap
Kazakbayev, told our correspondent after the meeting that, according to the
agreement, his coomplex will develope 450 metric tons of Kazakh uranium
yearly. Kazakbayev says the Complex is able to develope up to 2,000 tons of
uranium a year.
Kara-Balta uranium complex had been built during the soviet period and early
in the 1990s was turned to gold industry, because Kyrgyz uranium deposits had
been exhausted. First agreement on cooperation between Kazakhstan and
Kyrgyzstan in this area was reached early this year, when Askar Akayev visited
Almaty.
3. Bakirdin Sartkaziyev, president of the Kyrgyz State Energetics Company
(Kyrgyzenergoholding), told our correspondent in Bishkek after the
negotiations that 4 subjects on energetics had been discussed at the meeting:
- Common building of the Kambar-Ata hydro power station
on the Naryn river,
- Common use of the electrical power lines,
- Payment for water from the reservoirs on the Kyrgyz territory,
- Payment for the electric power from Kyrgyzstan.
According to Sartkaziyev, no one from these 4 problems had been resolved.
Bishkek declares that Kazakhstan owes Kyrgyzstan $23 million for electric
power supply, Kazakhstan denies. Next round of negotiations will be held in
Almaty in September.
Bishkek announced early this year that Ukraine also ows Kyrgyzstan about $20
million for electric power, but Kyiv denies too.
4. About 20 people picketted the building of the Belarus embassy in Bishkek
today. Among them were journalists from Kyrgyz and Russian media, based in
Kyrgyzstan. Demonstartors demanded to release Russian journalists Pavel
Sheremet and Dmitry Zavadsky, detained in Belarus on 26 July. Embassy security
began to disperse demonstration by force, but then an official came out and
received a petition. According to him, all embassy top officials are on
vacation now.
5. Official from the Turkish embassy in Bishkek told our correspondent in
Bishkek today that the embassy had sent protest notes to Kyrgyz president
Askar Akayev and PM Apas Joumagulov. On 9 August, Ramazan Ozturk, Turkish
journalist with the prominent Sabah daily, did not alowed to enter Kyrgyzstan
and had to go back from the Manas airport in Bishkek.
Custom post at the Manas airport is guarded by Russian frontier-guarders.
Ramazan Ozturk had been announced as persona non grata in Russia after his
covering Chechen war in 1994-1996. No Kyrgyz official has made any statement
on it yet. Leonid Sumarokov, spokesman for the Russian border guard service in
Kyrgyzstan, told our correspondent in Bishkek today that an official statement
would be made later.
Paris based Reporters Sans Frontier sent a protest letter on the case to
Kyrgyz President Askar Akayev on 14 August.
6. Parliament press service announced in Bishkek today that MPs Turdakun
Usubaliyev and Isa Tokoyev would take part in the International conference in
Tashkent, Uzbekistan, organized by the OSCE. "Regianal Security and Problems
of Central Asia, Caucasus" conference will be held in Tashkent on 23-24
August.
7. PM Joumagulov received in Bishkek today IMF mission, led by Sammi Jidda.
Use of the $45-million IMF loan for implementing of the economical reforms in
Kyrgyzstan was discussed and a special memorandum on it was signed during the
meeting. IMF took a decision on the loan on 27 March, 1997.
8. Official from the Muftiyat (Moslem Board) of Kyrgyzstan told our
correspondent in Bishkek today that the second stage of revision of the
activity of the local mosques and their heads (imams) would begin on 19
August. Revision will finish in September.
<<>><<>><<>><<>><<>><<>><<>><<>><<>><<>><<>><<>><<>><<>><<>><<>><<>><<>>
TURKISTAN-N (TN) is an electronic newsletter whose purpose is to report
on the "Land of the Turks". By the use of the word "Turkistan" we mean,
in general, lands where Turkic peoples live, without any geographical
restriction and without specific reference to Central Asia or political
boundaries. TN reports on all the the Turkic peoples from Kyrgyz, Kazaks,
and Uzbek to Anatolian and Thracian Turks, but also about much less known
Turkish/Turkic peoples like the Gagauz, Tuvinians, or Yakuts. TN was
established on 9 May 1997 as an initiative of S.O.T.A. Book reviews,
commentaries, articles, and letters from the readers can also be published
in TN. At this moment, TN has at this moment more than 1200 subscribers.
<<>><<>><<>><<>><<>><<>><<>><<>><<>><<>><<>><<>><<>><<>><<>><<>><<>><<>>
<<>> To subscribe: send to <majordomo@turkistan.org> the message
<<>> subscribe Turkistan-N
<<>> To unsubscribe: send to <majordomo@turkistan.org> the message
<<>> unsubscribe Turkistan-N
<<>><<>><<>><<>><<>><<>><<>><<>><<>><<>><<>><<>><<>><<>><<>><<>><<>><<>>
<<>> Send your questions and contributions to:
<<>> owner-turkistan-N@turkistan.org>
<<>>
<<>> Articles from Turkistan-N may be distributed without explicit
<<>> permission if credit is given to Turkistan-N and S.O.T.A.
>Research Centre for Turkestan, Azerbaijan, Crimea, Caucasus and Siberia<
<<>> S.O.T.A., P.O. Box 9642, 2003 LP Haarlem, The Netherlands
<<>><<>><<>><<>><<>><<>><<>><<>><<>><<>><<>><<>><<>><<>><<>><<>><<>><<>>
<<>><<>> e-mail: <mtutuncu@turkiye.net> or <sota@euronet.nl>
<<>><<>> Turkish World Home :<http://www.turkiye.net/sota/sota.html>
<<>> Crimean Tatars Home: <http://www.euronet.nl/users/sota/krimtatar.html>
<<>> Turkistan-N Archives: <http://www.euronet.nl/users/sota/turkistan.htm>
<<>><<>><<>><<>><<>><<>><<>><<>><<>><<>><<>><<>><<>><<>><<>><<>><<>><<>>