Anadolu Agency: News in English, 99-08-18

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AA Daily

18 August 1999 Wednesday

CONTENTS

[01] COUNCIL OF MINISTERS MEETING ENDS

[02] MAJOR EARTHQUAKE - PRESIDENT DEMIREL: ''WE MUST BRING LIFE BACK TO NORMAL AS SOON AS POSSIBLE''

[03] MAJOR EARTHQUAKE - PRIME MINISTRY CRISIS CENTER ANNOUNCES DEATH TOLL AS 2,011 AND NUMBER OF INJURED AS 10,764 AS OF 10.30 P.M.

[04] MAJOR EARTHQUAKE - PRIME MINISTRY CRISIS CENTER: ''PEOPLE SHOULD NOT BELIEVE RUMOURS ABOUT A SECOND EARTHQUAKE TONIGHT''

[05] MAJOR EARTHQUAKE - FOREIGN RESCUE TEAMS START ARRIVING IN ISTANBUL

[06] MEETING OF COUNCIL OF MINISTERS - CABINET DECLARES ISTANBUL, KOCAELI, SAKARYA, BURSA, YALOVA, BOLU AND ESKISEHIR AS DISASTER AREAS

[07] TURKEY-PRESS SCAN

[08] U.S. DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY TO SEND A UNIT TO TURKEY - UNIT TO DETERMINE LEVEL OF DAMAGE TO ENERGY POWER PLANTS

[09] MAJOR EARTHQUAKE - SHERIFOV, DEPUTY PREMIER OF AZERBAIJAN, TOGETHER WITH A 48-MEMBER RESCUE TEAM, INCLUDING 25 DOCTORS ARRIVE IN ISTANBUL

[10] THE U.S. SAYS TERRORIST PKK SHOULD LAY DOWN ARMS

[11] MAJOR EARTHQUAKE - ANOTHER RESCUE TEAM OF BELGIUM TO ARRIVE IN TURKEY

[12] LATEST SITUATION IN EARTHQUAKE RESCUE OPERATIONS

[13] MAJOR EARTHQUAKE - TRNC EXTENDS AID TO TURKEY

[14] EARTHQUAKE DISASTER - PARLIAMENT HAS GENERAL MEETING ABOUT EARTHQUAKE DISASTER

[15] FIRE AT TUPRAS REFINERY CONTINUES - OGUZ, GOVERNOR OF KOCAELI: ''THE FIRE, WHICH STARTED AT ONE TANK, LATER SPREADED TO THREE OTHER TANKS''

[16] QUAKE HITS ECONOMY FROM THE HEART - NEARLY 35 PERCENT OF TURKEY'S ECONOMIC PRODUCTION IS REALIZED IN ISTANBUL, KOCAELI SAKARYA, BOLU, BURSA AND ESKISEHIR, WHICH WERE MAINLY AFFECTED BY THE QUAKE

[17] PRIME MINISTRY CRISIS CENTER AT NATIONAL SECURITY COUNCIL GIVES BRIEFING TO PRESIDENT DEMIREL - PRESIDENT DEMIREL: ''RESCUING PEOPLE, TREATMENT OF INJURED PEOPLE AND MEETING THEIR URGENT DAILY NEEDS COME AMONG THE MOST IMPORTANT TARGETS''

[18] SOLDIERS WHO LOST FAMILY MEMBERS IN EARTHQUAKE ARE GIVEN 45-DAY LEAVE BY NATIONAL DEFENSE MINISTRY

[19] SCHRODER, GERMAN CHANCELLOR SENDS A MESSAGE OF CONDOLENCES TO PREMIER ECEVIT

[20] KLESTIL, AUSTRIAN PRESIDENT SENDS MESSAGE OF CONDOLENCES TO PRESIDENT DEMIREL

[21] PRIME MINISTER BULENT ECEVIT: ''THIS IS ONE OF THE MOST POWERFUL EARTHQUAKES OF HISTORY, BUT TURKISH NATION AND TURKISH STATE WILL OVERCOME THIS PROBLEM LIKE IT DID MANY TIMES IN THE PAST''

[22] TREASURY IN CONTACT WITH INTERNATIONAL INSTITUTIONS TO OVERCOME DAMAGE CAUSED BY MASSIVE EARTHQUAKE

[23] PROF. ISIKARA, PRESIDENT OF KANDILLI OBSERVATORY: ''A SIMILAR EARTHQUAKE WOULD NOT OCCUR AT THE SAME AREA FOR AT LEAST 30 YEARS''

[24] FORMER IRANIAN PRESIDENT RAFSANJANI SENDS PRESIDENT DEMIREL CONDOLENCE MESSAGE

[25] CAKMAKOGLU, MINISTER OF NATIONAL DEFENSE, SAYS 45-DAY LEAVE GIVEN TO SOLDIERS WHO LOST THEIR RELATIVES - ADMIRAL DERVISOGLU, NAVAL FORCES COMMANDER: ''THERE ARE 157 PEOPLE BENEATH DEBRIS, 113 PERSONS WERE RESCUED, BUT 32 MILITARY PERSONNEL AND THEIR FAMILIES DIED''

[26] ARTICLES THAT COVER CONTRACTORS WILL BE REMOVED FROM AMNESTY DRAFT LAW

[27] TOKUCOGLU, UNDERSECRETARY OF HEALTH MINISTRY SAYS PRIVATE HOSPITALS SHOULDN'T GET MONEY FROM QUAKE VICTIMS

[28] RESCUE TEAMS FROM VARIOUS COUNTRIES CONTINUE TO ARRIVE IN TURKEY

[29] IRAN SENDS RESCUE TEAM TO HELP EARTHQUAKE VICTIMS

[30] VARIOUS COUNTRIES SEND MESSAGES OF CONDOLENCES TO TURKEY DUE TO MASSIVE EARTHQUAKE

[31] IMF CHAIRMAN CAMDESSUS EXPRESSES DEEP SORROW OVER EARTHQUAKE DISASTER

[32] PREMIER ECEVIT WATCHES RESCUE OPERATIONS IN KOCAELI PROVINCE - ECEVIT: ''WE DO OUR BEST, HUNDREDS OF WRECKAGE WAIT TO BE REMOVED''

[33] FOREIGN MINISTER CEM: - ''WE ARE THANKFUL TO THOSE WHO SHARE OUR GRIEF'' - ''SEARCH AND RESCUE TEAMS OF 1,055 EXPERTS FROM 19 COUNTRIES, HAVE ARRIVED IN TURKEY''

[34] PRIME MINISTER ECEVIT: - ''WE MUST TAKE UNDER CONTROL THE FIRE AT TUPRAS OIL REFINERY QUICKLY''

[35] BRITAIN TO SEND FINANCIAL AID OF 500 THOUSAND POUNDS ALONG WITH SEARCH AND RESCUE TEAMS

[36] RICHARDSON, U.S. SECRETARY OF ENERGY: - ''TURKEY HAS TAKEN FURTHER STEPS IN THE BAKU-CEYHAN OIL PIPELINE PROJECT''

[37] PRIME MINISTER ECEVIT: - ''HOPEFUL DEVELOPMENTS HAVE BEEN RECORDED AT TUPRAS OIL REFINERY''

[38] KOMURA, JAPANESE FOREIGN MINISTER, IN ANKARA: - ''WE WILL COOPERATE WITH TURKEY IN A BID TO HELP THOSE WHO LOST THEIR HOMES AND RELATIVES IN THE EARTHQUAKE''

[39] AMERICAN SOLDIERS AT INCIRLIK BASE TO PARTICIPATE IN EFFORTS TO PUT OUT THE FIRE AT TUPRAS OIL REFINERY

[01] COUNCIL OF MINISTERS MEETING ENDS

Following a 2 hour 40 minute meeting, Sukru Sina Gurel, the Government Spokesman and State Minister told reporters that Istanbul, Kocaeli, Sakarya, Bursa, Bolu, Yalova, and Eskisehir were declared disaster areas. The administration chiefs of these provinces have been authorized to organize state's and private rescue operations.

[02] MAJOR EARTHQUAKE - PRESIDENT DEMIREL: ''WE MUST BRING LIFE BACK TO NORMAL AS SOON AS POSSIBLE''

Demirel, Yildirim Akbulut; the Parliament Speaker; Huseyin Kivrikoglu, the Chief of General Staff, and Atilla Attes, the Commander of Land Forces observed the damages at Golcuk Fleet Commandership. Salim Dervisoglu, the Commander of Naval Forces met Demirel and those who accompanied him.

Bulent Alpkaya, the Fleet Commander briefed Demirel about the damage caused by the quake, the continuing rescue operations and the aid given to civilians.

Alpkaya said 78 out of 278 who were trapped at the Golcuk Fleet Commandership were rescued, 18 of them died and efforts continued to save the lives of 182 people who still remain trapped under the ruins. About 460 civilians received medical treatment at the military hospital in Golcuk and later were sent to Istanbul by military ships, Alpkaya explained and also told Demirel that there was no damage in the military unit in Yalova.

Demirel said humanitarian aid will arrive to the region once the roads are cleared. Turkey received many aid offers from foreign countries as well, the President noted.

''First we must provide transportation. It was impossible to be ready for such a disaster. It is easy to rebuilt structures which collapsed, but noone can return the lost lives,'' Demirel said.

Doctors in the earthquake struck regions will take precautions to prevent any possible epidemics, Demirel also said.

[03] MAJOR EARTHQUAKE - PRIME MINISTRY CRISIS CENTER ANNOUNCES DEATH TOLL AS 2,011 AND NUMBER OF INJURED AS 10,764 AS OF 10.30 P.M.

The death toll and number of people injured by cities is as follows:

-Istanbul 215 died, 3,250 injured

-Izmit, 844 died, 2,897 injured

-Bolu 133 died,320 injured

-Bursa 10 died, 196 injured

-Eskisehir 12 died, 40 injured, 50 people remain trapped

under ruins

-Yalova 229 died, 1,431 injured

-Zonguldak 1 died, 7 injured

-Sakarya 560 died,2,600 injured

-Duzce 7 died, 23 injured, 30 people remain trapped

under ruins.

[04] MAJOR EARTHQUAKE - PRIME MINISTRY CRISIS CENTER: ''PEOPLE SHOULD NOT BELIEVE RUMOURS ABOUT A SECOND EARTHQUAKE TONIGHT''

In the written statement released by the Crisis Desk, people were told not to believe individuals with bad intentions who try to create panic intentionally and tell people to spend the night outside of their homes.

It was also noted that measures were taken against a possible gas shortage in Istanbul's Anatolian side. Tankers were allowed to pass from Fatih Sultan Mehmet bridge to transport gas to the Anatolian side of Istanbul between 12 p.m. and 6 a.m.

[05] MAJOR EARTHQUAKE - FOREIGN RESCUE TEAMS START ARRIVING IN ISTANBUL

Foreign Ministry said the rescue teams coming from Germany, Sweden, Israel, Russia, Azerbaijan, Austria and Greece, are formed by specially equipped experts and sniffer dogs which have experience in locating people who are trapped under collapsed buildings. The teams are bringing their equipments with them.

The rescue teams, after arriving in Istanbul, are being sent to other regions which suffered damage in the quake which measured 6.7 on the Richter scale.

More teams from the U.S., Britain, France, Japan, Sweden, Hungary and Bulgaria are expected to arrive in Istanbul on Tuesday night and Wednesday.

Following the disaster, Japan, Israel, Switzerland, Germany, France, Britain, Sweden, Mexico, the U.S., Azerbaijan, Georgia, Russia, Bulgaria, Greece, Egypt, Syria, United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and U.N stated that they were willing to send rescue teams as well as medical equipment to Turkey.

Foreign Ministry told these countries that Turkey needed rescue teams and sniffer dogs urgently and later would inform them about the medical equipment need.

[06] MEETING OF COUNCIL OF MINISTERS - CABINET DECLARES ISTANBUL, KOCAELI, SAKARYA, BURSA, YALOVA, BOLU AND ESKISEHIR AS DISASTER AREAS

Following the two-hour and 40-minute meeting of the cabinet which convened at 20:45 local time on Tuesday under the chairmanship of Prime Minister Bulent Ecevit, Sukru Sina Gurel, the Minister of State and the Government Spokesman, said that at the meeting, the Prime Minister and other ministers, who left for the region, conveyed their impressions and information about the earthquake.

Stressing that Turkey was facing an earthquake that reached the dimensions of a ''national disaster'', Gurel expressed condolences to the relatives of those who lost their lives and wished the people who were injured in the earthquake a speedy recovery.

Noting that the cabinet announced the earthquake-hit regions as disaster areas, Gurel said that the Ministry of Public Works and Settlement and the civil administration chiefs in Istanbul, Kocaeli, Sakarya, Bursa, Yalova, Bolu and Eskisehir had been authorized to mobilize all of the facilities of the state and private sector.

Pointing out that the rescue efforts and the efforts to normalize the life in the region will be carried out more effectively, Gurel said the state is determined to compensate the losses in the disaster areas as soon as possible.

Noting that Prime Ministry Crisis Desk's efforts continue but it was observed that the aid couldn't be sent to the region in time, Gurel said this failure was caused by the blocking in traffic.

Sukru Sina Gurel said the O-100 state motorway and the Anatolia motorway were closed to traffic except for the transfer of the injured people to remove this problem.

Noting that the necessary foodstuff and tents started to be sent rapidly as of Tuesday night as a result of that measure, Gurel said that the injured people will be transferred to medical centers with the helicopters of public organizations.

Stating that power, water and communication were cut in the region, Gurel said it became impossible to take effective measures to remove those problems till Tuesday night.

Pointing out that foreign rescue teams will start to arrive in Turkey as of Tuesday night, Gurel said those units will rapidly be sent to the disaster areas.

When asked whether they received estimated information about the losses in the region, Gurel said that it is impossible to determine the loss in one day.

Responding to a question about the continuing fire at the Turkish Petroleum Refinery Corp (TUPRAS), Gurel said the fire broke out early on Tuesday and become intensified through the night.

Stressing that they had a less chance to extinguish such a fire with the available opportunities, Gurel said they were in contact with foreign countries and expert units to take under control the fire.

When reminded the oil leakage from the tankers, Gurel said the fire at the TUPRAS was very serious.

State Minister and Government Spokesman Sukru Sina Gurel added that the expert units and aid of several European countries, the U.S and Japan will be sent to Tukey in the shortest time.

[07] TURKEY-PRESS SCAN

HURRIYET (LIBERAL)

FAMOUS VICTIMS OF EARTHQUAKE
Famous names became the victims of the earthquake which leveled Yalova and Golcuk. Admiral Orhan Aydin, the Commander of the Naval War Academy, lost his life when the military building in Golcuk collapsed. Sevket Yilmaz, the former Chairman of the Confederation of Turkish Labour Unions (Turk-Is), died when his summer resort in Yalova collapsed.

MILLIYET (LIBERAL)

TUPRAS BURNING IN FLAMES
The refinery is burning. People are escaping from Izmit. The region faces a serious threat. The fire which started at three tanks of TUPRAS, became intensified rapidly. The facility was evacuated due to ''emergency case''. The residents of Izmit are immigrating from the region. There is a great risk. There are tens of thousands of LPG tubes and petrol tanks in the refinery, and there are private refineries around the TUPRAS.

Sefa Sirmen, the Mayor of Izmit, said, ''the personnel abondened the facility. If the explosion starts, it can't be stopped. Not only the Izmit Gulf but also whole Marmara region would be affected negatively.''

MOURNING AT NAVAL FORCES
Many officers who spent the night at the Naval Forces facilities following the Monday's flag hand-over ceremony, were hit by the earthquake. Dead bodies of 18 personnel were recovered from the debris. A total of 145 personnel, including Admiral Orhan Aydin, the Commander of the Naval War Academy are still trapped. A total of 48 injured soldiers were taken to Istanbul with coust guard boats and helicopters.

SABAH (LIBERAL)

NATIONAL SOCCER TEAM IN MOURNING
The friendly match, which was scheduled to be played in Oslo today between Turkey and Norway, was postponed due to the earthquake. The news dropped like a bomb in the camping-site of the national team. Coach Mustafa Denizli burst into tears and the players said they did not want to play a match.

Also, the Turkish First and Second Division matches were postponed foo one week.

CUMHURIYET (LEFT)

MILITARY INSTALLATIONS COLLAPSED
Naval Forces Installations in Golcuk received a great damage in the quake which shook Turkey. Fleet installations, where there was a hand over ceremony a day ago, were levelled down to the ground by the quake. A total of 200 people, including Admiral Orhan Aydin, Naval Military College Commander, were trapped under the debris. A total of 20 soldiers, including an admiral, lost their lives.

RADIKAL (LEFT)

EXPERTS HAD WARNED
European Quake Union stated in 1996 that Istanbul's ground structure was bad and noted that Istanbul faced with the danger of a shake that will level everything to the ground. The union said 70 percent of the buildings were illegal and that there would be a catastrophe if they are not renewed once in 50 years. The possibility of death in the city in case of quake was 30 percent. The experts had said that there would be a quake in Istanbul measuring 7.5 on the Richter scale till the year 2039. According to this report, in case of a quake measuring 7.4 under these conditions, 177 buildings will collapse and more than 70,000 people will die.

TÜRKİYE (RIGHT)

BRIDGE IN SAPANCA BROKEN LIKE PASTEBOARD
The earthquake broke Arifiye connection Variant, which is 10 km from Sakarya, like a pasteboard. The Variant fell over a passenger bus. 10 people died and 25 others were wounded.

ZAMAN (CONSERVATIVE)

SEVKET YILMAZ, FORMER CHAIRMAN OF TURK-IS, DIES IN EARTHQUAKE IN YALOVA
Sevket Yilmaz, one of the founders and former Chairman of the Confederation of the Turkish Labour Unions (Turk-Is), died in Yalova in the massive earthquake which hit Turkey early on Tuesday morning.

Yilmaz was on a holiday in his summer resort in Yalova.

Dead body of Yilmaz was sent to Bursa province.

[08] U.S. DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY TO SEND A UNIT TO TURKEY - UNIT TO DETERMINE LEVEL OF DAMAGE TO ENERGY POWER PLANTS

Speaking to the American journalists following his meeting with Cumhur Ersumer, the Minister of Energy and Natural Resources, Bill Richardson, who was in Istanbul during the earthquake, said the energy problem in Istanbul reached grave dimensions.

Richardson stated that the U.S. Department of Energy was ready to extend every kind of effort to help Turkey, and to this end, the U.S. unit will work together with the Turkish officials.

[09] MAJOR EARTHQUAKE - SHERIFOV, DEPUTY PREMIER OF AZERBAIJAN, TOGETHER WITH A 48-MEMBER RESCUE TEAM, INCLUDING 25 DOCTORS ARRIVE IN ISTANBUL

Abid Sherifov, the Deputy Prime Minister of Azerbaijan, together with a 48- member rescue team including 25 doctors arrived in Istanbul early on Wednesday.

Speaking to reporters at the airport, Sherifov said the earthquake also saddened the Ajerbaijani people.

Sherifov said Ajerbaijani President Haydar Aliyev gave instructions for two thousand tons of oil aid to Turkey.

Meanwhile, Egypt, Greece, Israel, and France sent their special and expert rescue teams to Turkey.

Egypt sent tents and blankets while three doctors and various medical equipment of France reached Turkey.

Greece's rescue teams and several medical equipment arrived in Turkey with military planes.

[10] THE U.S. SAYS TERRORIST PKK SHOULD LAY DOWN ARMS

A high level official of the U.S. State Department told A.A correspondent that they will be pleased if PKK puts an end to its terrorist acts, yet that the organization failed to keep its promises which were given earlier to this end.

The official said the U.S. would welcome if PKK puts an end to its terrorist acts, adding that yet, terrorist Abdullah Ocalan, and the PKK, are known as people who fail to keep their promises.

The official said lately in the end of June they promised on the issue, yet PKK elements continued terrorist acts since that time. He said if PKK is serious on the issue it should show this by putting an end to every acts of violence.

[11] MAJOR EARTHQUAKE - ANOTHER RESCUE TEAM OF BELGIUM TO ARRIVE IN TURKEY

The Belgian Embassy in Ankara issued a statement saying another rescue team left for Turkey from Belgium.

Noting that five Belgian doctors are now working in the quake zone, the statement said the aid of the Belgian government will continue.

The Austrian Embassy in Ankara stated that two planes carrying 37 tons of urgent aid equipment, a rescue team, and sniffer dogs arrived in Istanbul.

Austrian Embassy said the unit will help efforts in Yalova.

[12] LATEST SITUATION IN EARTHQUAKE RESCUE OPERATIONS

Prime Ministry Crisis Administration Center said National Education Ministry sent three separate teams to disaster areas to turn schools and pensions to shelters where people can live in.

The Ministry also started a blood donation campaign that will last until August 20.

The Crisis Center also released information regarding the rescue operations of foreign rescue teams.

An Azerbaijani medical team of 50 personnel under the chairmanship of Deputy Prime Minsiter Abid Serifol arrived in Istanbul on Wednesday at 9 p.m.

A coordination team of 6 and a rescue team of 68 from the U.S. are expected to come at 10 a.m.

Austria sent a rescue team of 60 and a Red Cross team with 16 sniffer dogs. A rescue team of 30 from Germany already arrived and another team of 20 is expected to be in Istanbul at 1 p.m.

Sweden sent 9 technicians, 1 nurse, 3 dogs and a rescue team of 80. Another Swedish team of 100 is expected at 8 a.m. The Russian team of 100 already arrived in Turkey.

Israil is sending 6 rescue teams of which 3 of them already arrived. Three Greek teams are also coming to Istanbul on Wednesday.

Two rescue teams from Japan will arrive in Istanbul on Wednesday. No information obtained regarding the arrival date of the French team of 15.

A collapsed bridge on the highway between Kaynasli and Izmit in Sapanca region blocked the traffic. Traffic is closed in Golcuk region of Yalova- Golcuk highway is also closed because of a collapsed bridge.

D-100 road between Gebze and Dizce and the part of the Anadolu Highway between the same points have been closed to regular traffic to enable the transportation of injured people to hospitals. Alternative routs in south and north will be used for regular traffic.

As for the weather in the earthquake hit area, it will be partly cloudy and clear. The wind will blow from north and west.

The lowest and highest temperatures on Wednesday night and Thursday are as follows:

İstanbul 23 32

Sakarya 20 32

Kocaeli 21 33

Bolu 18 32

Yalova 20 33

Zonguldak 20 30

Ankara 20 34

Eskişehir 19 35

Gendarme General Commandership transported 6 rescue teams, 4 helicopters and a mobile hospital to Golcuk. Eight more tent hospitals will be sent to the region along with a GATA health team of 18.

Air Forces Commandership was charged to take photographs from the air.

Two helicopters were allocated to help to put out the Tupras fire. A C-130 plane will transport 2,500 tents to Adapazari.

Labour and Social Security Ministry is sending 5 ambulances, 5 surgeons, 5 orthopedists, 1 brain surgeon, 11 practitioner, 15 nurses to Yalova, 5 ambulances, 3 surgeons, 1 orthopedist, 15 nurses, 3 internal diseases expert to Sakarya, 4 ambulances, 3 surgeons, 2 orthopedists, 8 practitioners, 8 nurses and medicine for 4,000 people were sent to Izmit. The Ministry is also getting ready for possible demands.

60 beds at Ankara's SSK Ulus Hospital and 300 at Bursa Hospital are kept empty for the injured.

[13] MAJOR EARTHQUAKE - TRNC EXTENDS AID TO TURKEY

The TRNC Council of Ministers started a blood campaign and monetary aid to extend to Turkey and also decided to collect the two-day salaries of voluntary public employees to help Turkey.

''A medical team will be formed to be sent to Turkey and a blood campaign will be started. Medical equipments like medicine, serum and vaccination will be provided. Accounts will be opened in various banks for the help of TRNC people to Turkey,'' TRNC Prime Minister Dervis Eroglu said.

[14] EARTHQUAKE DISASTER - PARLIAMENT HAS GENERAL MEETING ABOUT EARTHQUAKE DISASTER

Parliament General Council had a general meeting about the quake disaster on Wednesday.

Kose called on people to donate blood and also announced that MHP deputies would donate 500 million Turkish liras to earthquake sufferers.

Cevat Ayhan who spoke on behalf of the Virtue Party (FP) said this earthquake was very different than those happened in Dinar and Erzincan. Ayhan stressed that rehabilitation works were very important following such a bad disaster. ''People would be devastated if we don't do rehabilitation after this disaster,'' he said.

Sancar Sait from Democratic Left Party (DSP) said Turkey must see what was made wrong in order to avoid reoccuring of such a disaster. ''Otherwise the press will deal with this disaster for some time and then it will be forgotten,'' Sait stated and asked that the day earthquake happened should be declared as national mourning day.

Ahat Andican, the Istanbul deputy of Motherland Party (ANAP) pointed out that all the means of public must be sent to the earthquake struck region. The Parliament must prepare the legal infrastructure for urbanization and constructions on the fault line, he added. This regulation can be covered by Local Administrations Draft Law, he said.

All party groups announced that they would submit a proposal to open a Parliamentary Investigation about the earthquake.

[15] FIRE AT TUPRAS REFINERY CONTINUES - OGUZ, GOVERNOR OF KOCAELI: ''THE FIRE, WHICH STARTED AT ONE TANK, LATER SPREADED TO THREE OTHER TANKS''

Staging a press conference, Governor Oguz said there are 30 giant tanks at the TUPRAS, adding that the fire started in one of those tanks following the earthquake, and later it spreaded to three other tanks.

Noting that the settlements in five kilometres away from the area were all evacuated, Oguz said, ''TUPRAS should not be considered as a single area. Around the TUPRAS, there are many large and small filling stations producing flammable and combustible substances. If the fire is not extinguished, it may spread to these facilities. And this may lead to a new disaster in Izmit.''

[16] QUAKE HITS ECONOMY FROM THE HEART - NEARLY 35 PERCENT OF TURKEY'S ECONOMIC PRODUCTION IS REALIZED IN ISTANBUL, KOCAELI SAKARYA, BOLU, BURSA AND ESKISEHIR, WHICH WERE MAINLY AFFECTED BY THE QUAKE

Although clear figures are not revealed about the damages in industry investments, when important share of these provinces within Gross Domestic Product (GDP) taken into consideration, it creates the concern that effects of the quake on Turkish economy may be in larger dimensions.

According to the data of State Statics Institude (DIE) published lately in 1997 as of the provinces, Istanbul realizes 22.5 percent of GDP.

Kocaeli, the epicenter of the quake, comes the fourth in GDP with a 4.6 percent share.

According to the data, 3.9 percent of GDP is realized in Bursa in 1997, 1.1 percent in Eskisehir.

The 53.9 percent of contribution of Kocaeli to GDP as of 1997 stremmed from the activities of industry sector.

In parallel to the industry investments, population in seven provinces in question is very much.

According to the results of census in 1997, Istanbul's population is 9.057.747 million, Bursa's is 1.946.327, Kocaeli's 1.170.546, Sakarya's 732.414, Eskisehir's 658.991, Bolu's population is 553.841 and Yalova's is 162.190.
Total population of these provinces is 22.73 percent of Turkey's population as of 1997.

[17] PRIME MINISTRY CRISIS CENTER AT NATIONAL SECURITY COUNCIL GIVES BRIEFING TO PRESIDENT DEMIREL - PRESIDENT DEMIREL: ''RESCUING PEOPLE, TREATMENT OF INJURED PEOPLE AND MEETING THEIR URGENT DAILY NEEDS COME AMONG THE MOST IMPORTANT TARGETS''

President Demirel pointed out that the most important target is to rescue people, transfer wounded people to hospitals and give medical treatment to them and meet their urgent daily needs.

''We will overcome this dreadful disaster without causing panic,'' said Demirel addressing the opening of the briefing.

''People are in pain in the places shook by the quake. They are also impatient and emotional. They want everything to be done urgently. Those who serve the people are under great pressure in fact public works and reconstruction which will later be undertaken are the easiest part of the issue. This requires source. We will be able to rescue our people who are trapped beneath debris and we will search for ways to normalize the life. We have to implement the measures taken as soon as possible,'' said President Demirel.

President Demirel said that he will make some evaluations after listening to the briefing that will be given to him by the Crisis Center.

High ranking officials of the concerned ministries also attended the briefing.

After the briefing which lasted for 40 minutes, President Demirel left the crisis center after meeting with ministers who attended the meeting for 10 minutes.

[18] SOLDIERS WHO LOST FAMILY MEMBERS IN EARTHQUAKE ARE GIVEN 45-DAY LEAVE BY NATIONAL DEFENSE MINISTRY

Salim Dervisoglu, the Commander of Naval Forces who will retire on August 30 paid a visit to Sabahattin Cakmakoglu, the Minister of National Defense to say goodbye to him.

During Dervisoglu's visit, Cakmakoglu stated that soldiers who lost family members in the earthquake disaster would be given a 45 day leave.

The recruitment of new soldiers have been also delayed until November.

[19] SCHRODER, GERMAN CHANCELLOR SENDS A MESSAGE OF CONDOLENCES TO PREMIER ECEVIT

The German Embassy in Ankara said that Schroder expressed his sorrow and condolences over the earthquake in his message to Ecevit.

Fischer said in his message to Cem that they share the pain of those who lost their relatives in the massive quake, adding the German Technical Assistance Institution is ready to help the Turkish government on behalf of the German federal government.

[20] KLESTIL, AUSTRIAN PRESIDENT SENDS MESSAGE OF CONDOLENCES TO PRESIDENT DEMIREL

The Austrian Embassy in Ankara released a statement noting that Klestil said in his message that he was shocked by the earthquake which killed many people and which caused unmeasurable material damage in Turkey.

Klestil pointed out that Austria is ready to extend all kinds of aids to Turkey.

The Austrian Embassy noted that Austria will send another transportation plane in addition to the three aid-planes which have been already sent.

[21] PRIME MINISTER BULENT ECEVIT: ''THIS IS ONE OF THE MOST POWERFUL EARTHQUAKES OF HISTORY, BUT TURKISH NATION AND TURKISH STATE WILL OVERCOME THIS PROBLEM LIKE IT DID MANY TIMES IN THE PAST''

Ecevit told reporters at Ankara's Esenboga Airport that the biggest problem was the blocked traffic at some highways. The telephone lines were down in Yalova, Golcuk, Sakarya, and Kocaeli and this causes serious problems too, he said.

The Prime Minister pointed out that the Ministers Council decided to limit the traffic in some sensitive areas during their meeting on Tuesday.

''Only rescue vehicles will be allowed. Other vehicles will not be allowed for some time. The government is doing its share and aid started to come from foreign countries and it seems like it will continue. However, the transportation problem creates serious problems. I hope this problem will be overcome as of today,'' he said.

Ecevit said telephone conversations were conducted with difficulty or sometimes it was totally cut off when he visited the earthquake struck regions on Tuesday, but this situation was partly improved since Tuesday night.

The Ministers Council declared the regions which suffered the worst damage as disaster areas to be able to take certain measures more easily.

Speaking about the Tupras fire, Ecevit said this was a very dangerous situation and continued: ''Some of the measures that could be taken carry some risks. I will go to Kocaeli and talk to the Governor and Tupras authorities. As you know this was a very powerful earthquake, measuring over 7 by Richter scale. This is one of the most powerful earthquakes of history. But Turkish nation and Turkish State were able to overcome many problems in the past. I know that our people are ready to give any kind of material and moral support. Many countries also promised to send help. Some of these teams already are on the way. Although it will be difficult, I hope these wounds will be healed,'' he stated.

Prime Minister Ecevit, responding to a question on contractors' faults in damaged buildings, said some buildings were not inspected as they were supposed to be and measures should be taken to prevent this. However, he added that some buildings which were sturdily built also collapsed.

''But,'' he added, ''the Naval Forces building in Golcuk must have been built very carefully by our Armed Forces but they suffered the worst damage. I mean it is not only because of contractors' fault, there are other factors too. Very strong bridges became unpassable. It is impossible to drive a car on roads in Golcuk. The problem has one more than one dimension. Of course we know that there are corruptions in some constructions but it is not right to blame all contractors. Turkish contractors have a respectable place in the world and have great accomplishments. But like in every profession, there are those who act irresponsibly. The price of such irresponsible behaviour is very heavy on our people. We will definitely take the necessary measures against this,'' Ecevit said.

[22] TREASURY IN CONTACT WITH INTERNATIONAL INSTITUTIONS TO OVERCOME DAMAGE CAUSED BY MASSIVE EARTHQUAKE

The Treasury released a statement noting that a part of the source provided by the World Bank for the flood disaster in Western Black Sea region and the quake that shook Adana last year, will be used to remove the effects of the quake.

The statement pointed out that at the first stage 41.5 million dollars of the source is ready to use. A delegation of the World Bank is expected to visit the quake area to determine the necessary aid and finance.

Meanwhile, an agreement was reached with the Social Development Fund of the Council of Europe which had earlier given credits to Turkey for natural disasters, to provide financial assistance to Turkey.

[23] PROF. ISIKARA, PRESIDENT OF KANDILLI OBSERVATORY: ''A SIMILAR EARTHQUAKE WOULD NOT OCCUR AT THE SAME AREA FOR AT LEAST 30 YEARS''

Responding to questions of the A.A correspondent, Prof. Isikara defined the claims of another massive earthquake in 72 hours as ''prophecy'' and said it was impossible to have a similar earthquake at the same fault line. ''An earthquake with the same magnitude would not occur at least for 30 years,'' he said.

Responding to speculations of the earthquake's magnitude, Isikara stressed that the measurements made by both the Kandilli Observatory and the U.S experts were correct. The U.S. experts announced the magnitude of the quake as 7.8 by evaluating the ''surface waves''. The Kandilli Observatory, on the hand announced it as 6.7 by evaluating it according to ''time'' right after the earthquake hit. Prof. Isikara also noted that the observatory measured its magnitude as 7.4 after ''field observations''.

[24] FORMER IRANIAN PRESIDENT RAFSANJANI SENDS PRESIDENT DEMIREL CONDOLENCE MESSAGE

IRNA said Rafsancani sent condolences to Turkish nation and government and implored God's strength upon all who are grieving.

Iranian Red Crescent told A.A that their aid equipments were ready and would soon be sent.

President Mohammed Khatami also sent a condolence message to Demirel on Tuesday and said Iran was ready to send any kind of humanitarian aid.

[25] CAKMAKOGLU, MINISTER OF NATIONAL DEFENSE, SAYS 45-DAY LEAVE GIVEN TO SOLDIERS WHO LOST THEIR RELATIVES - ADMIRAL DERVISOGLU, NAVAL FORCES COMMANDER: ''THERE ARE 157 PEOPLE BENEATH DEBRIS, 113 PERSONS WERE RESCUED, BUT 32 MILITARY PERSONNEL AND THEIR FAMILIES DIED''

Sabahattin Cakmakoglu, the National Defense Minister paid a farewell visit to Admiral Salim Dervisoglu, the Commander of Naval Forces who will retire on August 30.

Cakmakoglu pointed out that the Turkish Armed Forces launch efforts to rescue people.

Admiral Dervisoglu said that the military installations in Golcuk were damaged by the natural disaster and they are trying to remove this damage.

Noting that there are 157 people beneath the debris in Golcuk and 113 people were rescued alive, Dervisoglu pointed out that 32 military personnel and their families died.

Responding to a question, Dervisoglu said that the building of a military recreation facility was in bad position and there were at least 100 people under the debris.

''Our ships were not damaged, the ship crew continues to remove the debris, '' he said responding to a question.

Noting that 24,000 people are living in the garrison, Dervisoglu said that they help these people and the civilian people who come to the garrison as it is safe.

[26] ARTICLES THAT COVER CONTRACTORS WILL BE REMOVED FROM AMNESTY DRAFT LAW

Beyhan Aslan, the Motherland Party (ANAP) Group Acting Speaker said Articles 552, 553, and 554 which are about contractors will be removed from the draft law.

''We will exclude those articles by submitting proposals while the draft law is discussed at the commission,'' Aslan said.

Aslan also added that they would ask to increase the punishments given to contractors who build weak buildings by a law proposal.

[27] TOKUCOGLU, UNDERSECRETARY OF HEALTH MINISTRY SAYS PRIVATE HOSPITALS SHOULDN'T GET MONEY FROM QUAKE VICTIMS

Tokucoglu told A.A correspondent that in urgent cases, the medical treatment of patients who are victims of the earthquake should be free of charge.

Tokcuoglu said that if private hospitals demand money from citizens, the latter should give the names of these hospitals to health institutions.

[28] RESCUE TEAMS FROM VARIOUS COUNTRIES CONTINUE TO ARRIVE IN TURKEY

Greece, on the other hand, sent two firefighting planes and airlifted chemical foam by one helicopter and three planes to extinguish the blaze at Tupras oil refinery.

Greek fire extinguishing teams went to Kocaeli by a helicopter assigned by Turkish Airlines under the instruction of Prime Ministry to observe the fire.

Following observations, the Greek teams will proceed to Tupras oil refinery to put out the fire with other firefighter planes which are waiting at Yesilkoy Military Airport.

[29] IRAN SENDS RESCUE TEAM TO HELP EARTHQUAKE VICTIMS

Hamidi Zare from Iranian Embassy said his country felt deep grief over the quake which struck Turkey and implored God's strength for those who lost their loved ones in the quake.

''We are ready to do any kind of help for the Turkish nation. Iranian Red Crescent contacted its Turkish counterpart and sent a technical team to Turkey,'' he said.

Zare who also mentioned the fire at Tupras oil refinery, stated that Iran was waiting for a reply from Turkish authorities to send fire fighting teams.

Zare also reminded that Iranian President Mohammed Khatami and Iranian Foreign Minister Kemal Harrazi sent condolence messages to their Turkish counterparts.

[30] VARIOUS COUNTRIES SEND MESSAGES OF CONDOLENCES TO TURKEY DUE TO MASSIVE EARTHQUAKE

Kiro Gligorov, the Macedonian President and Ljubco Georgievski, the Macedonian Premier sent telegrams to Turkey expressing their sorrow and condolences over the massive earthquake.

The Macedonian Embassy released a statement saying that the Macedonian ministries of foreign affairs, finance and health sent aid to earthquake victims.

Meanwhile Jose Maria Aznar, the Spanish Prime Minister and Abel Matutes, the Spanish Foreign Minister conveyed their condolences to Turkish officials.

Kim Jong-Il, the South Korean Prime Minister sent a message of condolences to Premier Bulent Ecevit.

The South Korean Embassy in Ankara said that the South Korean government sent 70,000 dollars on Tuesday to be used in rescue operations and rehabilitation of quake victims.

[31] IMF CHAIRMAN CAMDESSUS EXPRESSES DEEP SORROW OVER EARTHQUAKE DISASTER

Camdessus, in his written message, stated that the Turkish government displayed considerable improvement in the privatization and social security reform and proved that it could overcome economic problems. ''The government must know that IMF is ready to give any kind of help. My thoughts and prayers are with Turkish people who lost their everything,'' Camdessus said.

[32] PREMIER ECEVIT WATCHES RESCUE OPERATIONS IN KOCAELI PROVINCE - ECEVIT: ''WE DO OUR BEST, HUNDREDS OF WRECKAGE WAIT TO BE REMOVED''

Noting that there is no lack of health personnel and medical equipment, Ecevit said that hundreds of wreckage wait to be removed.

Memduh Oguz, the governor of Kocaeli province informed Premier Bulent Ecevit about the rescue operations at the crisis center of the province.

Ecevit watched the rescue operations together with local administrators after the briefing. Ecevit talked with Sahin Sonmez, a citizen who was a retired officer while watching the rescue operations carried out in an apartment house in Kocabas street. Sonmez told Ecevit that there are 7-8 persons beneath the debris and he could hear their voices.

Another citizen, who lost his relatives, said that only volunteers attend the rescue operations, adding ''please send us a winch.''

Upon these complaints, Governor Koksal said that the sniffer dogs which were brought to Turkey by German and Russian teams will be sent to this region. Koksal told Ecevit that ''winches operate in 50 places, but there is not any here, we will provide it.''

Ecevit later visited Izmit State Hospital and got information from Metin Comlekcioglu, the head doctor about the health of patients.

Premier Ecevit said ''get well soon'' to all patients in the hospital. When a relative of one wounded person said that ''they didn't even send a sledgehammer to the region,'' Premier Ecevit said ''we do our best, but as you know there is the problem of transportation in highways.''

Another citizen in the wreckage area where Premier Ecevit watched the rescue operations, told Ecevit that ''they didn't even bring one glass of water'' critizing the local administrators.

Responding to questions of journalists, Premier Ecevit said that the problems of the earthquake are very serious as the quake was one of the most serious quakes of the human history.

Noting that friendly countries send aid to Turkey and they are pleased to hear that Greece will also send rescue team to Turkey, Ecevit said that ''we will have trouble for a period of time in communication.''

Stressing that the state has mobilized all of its possibilities to heal the wounds of the quake, Premier Ecevit stated that ''our task is difficult, but our state and nation do their best.''

Responding to a question, Premier said that there is no clear news regarding the fire that continues in Turkish Petroleum Refineries Corp (TUPRAS) refinery in Izmit.

Premier Ecevit concluded his observations and proceeded to Istanbul.

Meanwhile, Erol Cakır, the governor of Istanbul said that there is no problem of equipment in the rescue operations carried out in Istanbul.

Erol Cakır invited businessmen to send business vehicles to be used in rescue operations and added that winches and other vehicles will be sent to Adapazarı, Kocaeli, Yalova and Golcuk from Yenikapı, Eminonu and Eskihisar ports at 22.00 local time.

[33] FOREIGN MINISTER CEM: - ''WE ARE THANKFUL TO THOSE WHO SHARE OUR GRIEF'' - ''SEARCH AND RESCUE TEAMS OF 1,055 EXPERTS FROM 19 COUNTRIES, HAVE ARRIVED IN TURKEY''

Cem noted that the foreign teams were welcomed by the Foreign Ministry officials at the Ataturk Airport in Istanbul, and then, they have been sent to the devastated areas.

Stressing that fire-extinguisher planes which were sent to Turkey from Greece and Canada, have also arrived in Turkey, Cem pointed out that these planes are being kept ready in Izmit province.

Cem recalled that Norwegian fire-extinguisher helicopters will leave for Turkey, adding that the U.S. Air Base in Incirlik in southern Adana province will also send several planes to participate in efforts to put out the fires.

Meanwhile, German and French technical teams are making observations in Tupras refinery which caught fire in the wake of the Tuesday's devastating earthquake.

Referring to the countries which offered humanitarian aid by sending messages, Cem said, ''We are thankful to those who share our grief in such a disaster. We are grateful to those who assisted us with their thougts, prayers, spritual and material support.''

[34] PRIME MINISTER ECEVIT: - ''WE MUST TAKE UNDER CONTROL THE FIRE AT TUPRAS OIL REFINERY QUICKLY''

Responding to questions of journalists at the Ataturk Airport, Ecevit said that the efforts are continuing in a bid to quell the fire.

Pointing out that Greek and Canadian teams have taken action to drop fire- retardant chemicals onto the fire, Ecevit told reporters, ''There are many factories in the county. We must take under control the fire before it spreads to nearby gas tanks and factories, otherwise it will be catastrophic for the region.''

Ecevit also noted that doctors and other medical staff have arrived in the affected areas.

[35] BRITAIN TO SEND FINANCIAL AID OF 500 THOUSAND POUNDS ALONG WITH SEARCH AND RESCUE TEAMS

Releasing a statement, the British Embassy in Ankara stressed that 40 experts from the International Rescuers' Union and from fire brigade services, will arrive in Turkey soon to participate in the search and rescue operations.

Meanwhile Queen Elizabeth sent a message to President Suleyman Demirel, and expressed deep sorrow over the earthquake disaster which claimed thousands of lives.

British Prime Minister Tony Blair and Robin Cook, the British Secretary of Foreign Affairs, also sent messages of condolences to their Turkish counterparts Bulent Ecevit and Ismail Cem.

[36] RICHARDSON, U.S. SECRETARY OF ENERGY: - ''TURKEY HAS TAKEN FURTHER STEPS IN THE BAKU-CEYHAN OIL PIPELINE PROJECT''

Addressing a press conference after his meeting with Azeri President Haydar Aliev, Richardson stressed that they have reached a concensus of opinion with President Suleyman Demirel and President Aliev.

Noting that Turkey is ready to hold talks about the financial problems, Richardson pointed out that the U.S. Administration wants the Baku-Ceyhan oil pipeline project to become operational as soon as possible.

Recalling that the countries in Caspian region are interested in the the Baku-Ceyhan oil pipeline project closely, Richardson added that these countries can transport their oil into world markets via Turkey.

[37] PRIME MINISTER ECEVIT: - ''HOPEFUL DEVELOPMENTS HAVE BEEN RECORDED AT TUPRAS OIL REFINERY''

Addressing journalists, Ecevit stressed, ''We must take under control the fire before it spreads to nearby gas tanks and factories, otherwise it will be catastrophic for the region, but there are technical difficulties.''

Ecevit said that the search and rescue operations are continuing in the affected areas with the participation of foreign teams.

Noting that transportation problem have been solved partially,

Ecevit told reporters, ''there are factors making difficult to overcome this problem. Bridges collapsed, and highways were damaged in the earthquake.''

[38] KOMURA, JAPANESE FOREIGN MINISTER, IN ANKARA: - ''WE WILL COOPERATE WITH TURKEY IN A BID TO HELP THOSE WHO LOST THEIR HOMES AND RELATIVES IN THE EARTHQUAKE''

Addressing a press conference at the Esenboga Airport, Komura expressed his condolences over the deaths of thousands of people.

Komura stressed that the Japanese government is determined to cooperate with Turkey in a bid to help those who lost tneir homes and relatives in the earthquake.

Recalling that the first group of Japanese search and rescue team have arrived in Turkey early today, Komura told the reporters that the second team is expected to arrive soon.

Noting that the Japanese government has decided to send Turkey an urgent aid worth of 1 million U.S. dollars, Komura underlined that Japanese people share Turkish people's grief.

Komura is scheduled to come together with Prime Minister Bulent Ecevit, and Ismail Cem, Foreign Minister, tomorrow.

During Komura's visit to Turkey, several financial agreements are expected to be signed.

[39] AMERICAN SOLDIERS AT INCIRLIK BASE TO PARTICIPATE IN EFFORTS TO PUT OUT THE FIRE AT TUPRAS OIL REFINERY

Addressing a press conference, Leavy quoted President Bill Clinton as saying that the U.S. will do whatever necessary to help Turkey to heal her wounds.

Recalling that a search and rescue team, five sniffer dogs, five trucks, and necessary equipment have been sent to Turkey, Leavy told reporters that their works are continuing in coordination with the U.S. Embassy in Ankara, and with the officials of Pentagon.

Meanwhile, James Rubin, Spokesman of the U.S. State Department, said that the American soldiers at the U.S. Air Base in Incirlik have offered to participate in works to quell the fire at the oil refinery in Izmit province.

Recalling that the U.S. officials attended a meeting today in Ankara under chairmanship of the United Nations, Rubin underlined that the U.S. Army will do its utmost in cordination with the Turkish government.

Rubin also added that at the NATO meeting which was held in Brussels, the issue of sending aid to Turkey was taken up.

A.A

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