Anadolu Agency: News in English, 99-08-24

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AA Daily

24 August 1999 Tuesday

CONTENTS

[01] TURKEY-PRESS SCAN

[02] STATEMENT OF PRIME MINISTRY CRISIS MANAGEMENT CENTER

[03] ALAKOC, CHAIRMAN OF TUPRAS EXECUTIVE BOARD: - ''FIRE AT TUPRAS OIL REFINERY WAS PUT OUT COMPLETELY, BUT COLLAPSED ROOFS FORM POTENTIAL DANGERS''

[04] SOCIAL SECURITY DRAFT LAW - YILDIRIM, DYP DEPUTY PROTESTS DISCUSSIONS BY REMAINING SILENT AT ROSTRUM - GENERAL COUNCIL APPROVES ONE MORE ARTICLE

[05] AID SHOWER TO TURKEY FROM THE U.S.

[06] HUMANITARIAN AID FROM WOODSTOCK TO EARTHQUAKE VICTIMS

[07] AMERICAN-TURKISH WOMEN'S UNION SENDS ISTANBUL 2,500 BODY BAGS

[08] THE U.S. EXPERTS: - ''THERE IS NO DANGER OF EPIDEMICS IN AFFECTED AREAS''

[09] DEMIREL'S INTERNATIONAL VISITS SCHEDULED FOR SEPTEMBER CANCELLED

[10] SOUTH KOREA SENDS HEALTH TEAM

[11] SERIFE CIMEN, MOTHER OF ISMAIL CIMEN WHO PULLED ALIVE FROM RUBBLE, PRAYS FOR WELL-BEINGS OF HER HUSBAND, AND FOUR DAUGHTERS

[12] FOREIGN TRADE STATISTICS - 12.3 BILLION U.S. DOLLARS OF GOODS EXPORTED, AND 18.2 BILLION U.S. DOLLARS OF GOODS IMPORTED IN FIRST SIX MONTHS OF 1999

[13] BULGARIA CONTINUES TO SEND AID TO TURKEY

[14] HOW CAN THE DEMOLISHED HOUSES BE REPAIRED? - CONSTRUCTION SECTOR DISCUSSES HOW CAN THE QUAKE DEVASTATED HOUSES BE CONSTRUCTED

[15] ISRAEL CONTINUES EXTENDING AID

[16] FOREIGN MINISTRY: ''NEWS REPORTS SAYING THAT ISSUES ARE TAKEN UP SECRETLY WITH GREECE, ARE IMAGINARY''

[17] TANTAN, MINISTER OF INTERIOR: ''EFFORTS OF WORLD COUNTRIES TO HELP TURKEY ARE BEYOND APPRECIATION''

[18] TURKISH-RUSSIAN RELATIONS AND QUAKE - YUCELEN, STATE MINISTER: ''ECONOMIC RELATIONS WITH RUSSIA SHOULD FURTHER BE IMPROVED IN THE COMING DAYS''

[19] FRENCH SEARCH AND RESCUE TEAM LEAVES GOLCUK - COLIN COLONEL, CHIEF OF FRENCH TEAM: ''WE ARE VERY HAPPY TO HELP''

[20] PRIME MINISTRY CRISIS ADMINISTRATION CENTER STATEMENT: ''A TOTAL OF 17, 512 BUILDINGS DAMAGED ACCORDING TO DAMAGE ASSESSMENT WORK''

[21] AID OF ISRAEL AND CZECH REPUBLIC TO TURKEY

[22] GREEK NAVAL FORCES COMMANDER DUE IN TURKEY ON WEDNESDAY

[23] MHP GROUP CONVENES - BAHCELI, LEADER OF MHP: ''OUR STATE SUCCEEDED IN NORMALIZING LIFE DESPITE THE GRAVENESS OF THE DISASTER''

[24] FOREIGN AID TO QUAKE ZONE - GREEK PARLIAMENT SENDS 12 TONNES OF MEDICINE AND MEDICAL EQUIPMENT

[25] PREMIER ECEVIT SAYS PROSECUTORS HAVE TO TAKE ACTION ABOUT CLAIMS OF ILLEGAL CONSTRUCTIONS OF POOR QUALITY

[26] PRIME MINISTER ECEVIT SPEAKS TO CNN - ''WE VERY MUCH APPRECIATE THE SENSITIVITY THAT THE WORLD PUBLIC OPINION HAS SHOWN' - ''I AM SURE, WE WILL BE ABLE TO OVERCOME THE EFFECTS OF THE EARTHQUAKE WITHIN A YEAR''

[27] HEALTH MINISTRY SAYS THERE IS NO EPIDEMICS IN THE REGIONS AND THAT QUARANTINE IS OUT OF QUESTION

[28] DERVISOGLU, NAVAL FORCES COMMANDER: ''FLEET COMMANDERSHIP HEADQUARTERS WILL BE MOVED FROM GOLCUK'' ''QUAKE DIDN'T HARM TURKISH WAR FLEET''

[29] HAND OVER CEREMONY IN NSC - PRIME MINISTER ECEVIT: ''TURKISH NATION OVERCOME PROBLEMS WHICH ARE MORE SERIOUS THAN THIS. I BELIEVE IT WILL ALSO OVERCOME THIS PROBLEM''

[30] FOREIGN MINISTRY: ''ACTING WITH RESPONSIBILITY AND MODERATION IN THIS DIFFICULT SITUATION THAT OUR NATION IS FACING, IS AN INDISPENSABLE CONDITION FOR THE SUCCESS OF EFFORTS TO HEAL THE WOUNDS OF OUR PAINS AND GRIEF''

[31] MAFICD, GENERAL DIRECTOR OF BRITISH CIVILIAN DEFENSE, EXTENDS SUPPORT TO TURKISH GOVERNMENT - MAFICD: ''BOTH BRITISH MASS-MEDIA AND THE INTERNATIONAL MASS-MEDIA HAVE TO REARRANGE THEIR ATTITUDE AND APPRECIATE THE THING THAT SHOULD BE APPRECIATED''

[32] TALKS ON BAKU-CEYHAN PROJECT START IN U.S.

[33] AMNESTY DRAFT LAW - TURK, MINISTER OF JUSTICE: ''A TOTAL OF 26 THOUSAND PEOPLE WILL MAKE USE OF AMNESTY, AND 31 THOUSAND PEOPLE WILL BENEFIT FROM REDUCTION IN PUNISHMENT''

[01] TURKEY-PRESS SCAN

HURRIYET (LIBERAL)

MIRACLE ON SEVENTH DAY
Ismail Cimen, five year old boy was pulled alive by Turkish soldiers and Israeli team on Monday, 151 hours after the disaster in Yalova's Cinarcik county.

THANKS TO THE WORLD
National Security Council (MGK), during its meeting on Monday, sent thank you messages to all countries which shared our grief, and came for help. People applauded German, Hungarian, Austrian and Japanese rescue teams at Ataturk Airport while they were returning to their countries.

MILLIYET (LIBERAL)

ISMAIL RESCUED ALIVE 146 HOURS AFTER EARTHQUAKE
Ismail Cimen, a four-year old boy, was rescued alive 146 hours after the last week's massive earthquake, in Cinarcik county of Yalova province. Turkish and Israeli search and rescue teams discovered him under the rubble, and launched a joint effort to rescue the boy alive. The boy whose identity could not be determined, was sent to Istanbul by a helicopter for medical treatment.

SABAH (LIBERAL)

Sergio Piazzi, Head of the European Desk at the U.N. office for Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), told a news briefing that the request had been received from Ankara on Sunday night.

TURKEY GRATEFUL TO YOU
Turkey is grateful to all search and rescue teams who rushed to Turkey as soon as they heard that a devastating earthquake hit Marmara region last week. Please do not take into consideration statements of Osman Durmus, Health Minister. Hundreds of survivors have been rescued alive as a result of your self-sacrifice, your efforts, and your respect for humanity. Overall Turkish people will remember you with blessings.

CUMHURIYET (LEFT)

CALL FOR RESIGNATION TO OSMAN DURMUS
When Turkey receives a deluge of aid from the world, Health Minister Osman Durmus who turned down Greek, and Armenian aid, rose an outrage among non- governmental organizations, and Republican People's Party (CHP). People started faxing messages, and asked him to resign. Bekir Yurdagul, CHP General Deputy Secretary, asked President Demirel, and Prime Minister Ecevit to discharge Durmus from his position.

RADIKAL (LEFT)

NSC: ''WE WILL HEAL OUR WOUNDS ALTOGETHER''
The efforts, works, and activities carried out in the wake of the last week's devastaging earthquake, the measures which have been taken up until now, and the measures that have to be taken, were discussed at the meeting of the National Security Council (NSC).

The NSC isseud a statement saying, ''the importance and necessity of the rapid and effective use of local and foreign aid, and the cooperation of the state, and the nation with all their facilities to normalize the life by removing the destruction and damage caused by the calamity which deeply harmed every individual of our nation, have been taken up at the meeting.''

TÜRKİYE (RIGHT)

CHILDREN AND ELDERLY PEOPLE TO BE TAKEN UNDER PROTECTION
Sadettin Tantan, the Interior Minister, sent circulars to governorships of Istanbul, Sakarya, Kocaeli, Bursa, Yalova, and Bolu provinces, and ordered to take under protection children and elderly people who lost relatives in the last week's devastating earthquake.

In the circular sent by the Interior Ministry Crisis Management Center on behalf of Tantan, it was requested to take under protection children without parents, and to provide shelters for elderly people who lost their relatives in retirement homes.

ZAMAN (CONSERVATIVE)

TURKEY ASKS FOR 45 THOUSAND BODY BAGS
Figures which were expected but not announced publicly started to gain certainity. Sergio Piazzi, President of UN Humanitarian Affairs European Desk said Turkey asked U.N.'s help to provide 45,000 body bags. Piazzi, last Friday in Geneva, had stated that the death toll could climb to 40, 000.

JUDGES AND PROSECUTORS TO WORK
The judicial recession ended in seven regions which were declared as disaster areas. Judges and prosecutors who are in charge in these areas, will start to work in 3 days. Higher Council convened under the chairmanship of Justice Minister, Hikmet Sami Turk.

[02] STATEMENT OF PRIME MINISTRY CRISIS MANAGEMENT CENTER

In addition to the previous aids, foodstuff, detergent, and medical supplies have been sent to affected areas from Bartin, Mus, Konya, Sivas, Icel, Kayseri, Aksaray and Kutahya provinces.

A container was dispatched to Yalova province to be used as the Financial Office building which was demolished in the earthquake.

Provincial Financial Office in Sakarya has moved to another building.

An urgent relief fund of 100 billion Turkish Liras has been allocated to the affected areas.

While 105 portable toilets have been ordered, preparations are continuing to obtain canvas and plastic cover to Yalova province.

A total of 48 cranes, 55 excavators, 40 compressors, 52 loaders, 88 generators, 15 crushers, 139 dumper trucks, and 320 other machineries have been sent to affected areas so far.

Meanwhile, education and entertainment facilities in the affected region, and in neighbouring provinces, were evacuated, and prepared for the earthquake victims.

The government has decided to purchase urgently 150 ambulances. All necessary measures have been taken to prevent any kind of failure in telephone lines due to bad weather conditions in the region.

As the works are underway to hinder sea pollution caused by the fire at the TUPRAS oil refinery, nearly 1,000 rubbish bags are ready to be dispatched to the affected areas.

Damage assessment works in the schools have been accelerated in the region.

A total of 3,805 beds, and 44 ambulances are being kept ready in hospitals in the surrounding provinces.

Meanwhile, 59 of 2,059 injured people who were taken to hospitals in Istanbul, Ankara, Zonguldak, Bolu, Bandirma and Canakkale provinces for medical treatment, lost their lives.

As the humanitarian aid from all over the world flows to the affected areas, the U.S. stated that she will dispatch 3,500 tents to earthquake zone.

The Netherlands pledged to send a financial aid worth of 2 million 500 thousand U.S. dollars, Ireland has provided financial aid worth of 500 thousand U.S. dollars, and Cuba has sent 100 thousand U.S. dollars for the earthquake victims.

[03] ALAKOC, CHAIRMAN OF TUPRAS EXECUTIVE BOARD: - ''FIRE AT TUPRAS OIL REFINERY WAS PUT OUT COMPLETELY, BUT COLLAPSED ROOFS FORM POTENTIAL DANGERS''

Alakoc, in a written statement he released following the Executive Board meeting, said they discussed the consequences of the quake disaster in management, logistic, administrational and financial fields.

''Until this potantial danger is completely removed, the emergency situation will continue in our refinery. We planned to end the emergency situation on September 1, Wednesday,'' he explained.

The damage assesment works have started, and will be completed until August 31, Tuesday, Alakoc said.

Transfer pumps at tank fields were given electricity, and the oil demand of Turkish Electricity Institution (TEK) was met.

Among the 1,513 personnel of TUPRAS, 13 of them lost their lives in the quake, and they have not heard from 24 others. ''An expert team which came from Istanbul Technical Universtiy on Sunday made observations at our General Directorate building, and our apartment blocks where our staff lives in. At the end of these observations, it was observed that, except for a few minor repairs, normal working, and life conditions were back at these places. At this stage, the transportation of our personnel to work place have been provided other than a few discrepancies,'' Alakoc continued.

All financial transactions of TUPRAS have been done at Izmir refinery so far, but starting from now, all monetary transactions will be dealt with at General Directorate, he said.

Insurance procedures of TUPRAS refinery will be completed on August 31, Tuesday.

[04] SOCIAL SECURITY DRAFT LAW - YILDIRIM, DYP DEPUTY PROTESTS DISCUSSIONS BY REMAINING SILENT AT ROSTRUM - GENERAL COUNCIL APPROVES ONE MORE ARTICLE

''People are asking for a solution to this diaster and you are trying to raise the retirement age by passing the Social Security Draft Law. Come to your senses,'' Yildirim said angrily. The DYP deputy who had four more minutes to speak prefered to say nothing and remained silent during his remaining time.

Murat Sokmenoglu, Parliament Acting Chairman who was running the meeting said Yildirim violated Article 65 of the Parliament regulations and spoiled Parliament's functioning.

Turan Guven and Saffet Arikan Beduk, DYP Group Acting Chairmen objected Sokmenoglu and stated that the speaker could use his time as he wished and that he prefered to remain silent due to his respect to people.

Sokmenoglu responded by saying ''the Parliament did not witness such a protest in its 75 years of history''. One must have the permission of the Chairmanship Council to be able to pause in memory of quake victims.

Yildirim stressed that his act was not a process but he merely ''used his right to remain silent due to his respect to people''.

Avni Dogan, Virtue Party (FP) deputy from Kahramanmaras described these discussions as ''disrespectful'' after such a disaster. Recalling Osman Durmus, Health Minister's claims of Turkey's not needing medicine, Dogan said ''the Minister is a disaster''. ''We neither blame the government nor the state, but nobody has the right to turn down help from those who give a helping hand,'' he stated.

Article of the Social Security Draft Law which defines the conditions of old age pensions of those who work private in agriculture was accepted at the Parliament's General Council.

According to this article, the person, in order to benefit from old age pension, must apply in writing and he must have paid all his debts and premiums by this date. Women must be 58 and men must be 60 years old and they must have paid premiums for 25 years to benefit from old age pension. Also, women who are 60 and men who are 62 years old will get partial pensions if they paid premiums for a period of 15 years.

[05] AID SHOWER TO TURKEY FROM THE U.S.

American-Turkish Council (ATC) which has many member companies which does business with Turkey, called on its members to send aid through aid organizations. Jennifer Snyder from ATC told the A.A correspondent that Mobil donated 100,000 U.S. dollars, General Dynamics 50,000 U.S. dollars, Boeing transported aid equipment to Turkey for free and many other companies made donations of varying amounts.

The Jewish Community Center in Dallas announced that they would lead the efforts in Texas and turn this weekend's art festival to a assistance activity for quake victims.

Some Muslim institutions in Washington, D.C. are collecting donations for quake victims also. Adventist Church gathered thousands of dollars of donations during last weekend's ceremony.

The Salvation Army, a Christian institution, started works to erect a tent city in Turkey and Turkish-American Association collected donations over 20, 000 U.S. in Minnesota.

American Red Cross organization collected millions of dollars in the campaigns it started.

U.S. President Bill Clinton asked American people last weekend to help quake victims in Turkey.

Officials from the U.S. Embassy in Turkey, on the other hand, stated that the efforts must now focus on those who lost their homes in the quake and setting up tents. They also added that they were in contact with many American firms to this end.

[06] HUMANITARIAN AID FROM WOODSTOCK TO EARTHQUAKE VICTIMS

The U.S. Fox television channel said that the 200 thousand U.S. dollars will be used to purchase medicine, and medical supplies.

Stressing that the main factor of the Woodstock festival is to bring thousands of people together, the organizers of the festival noted that it is an important task for them to help people who lost their homes, and relatives in the earthquake disaster to this end.

The most prominent names of the rock and soul music singers, and music bands including James Brown, Alanis Morrissette, Sheryl Crow and Metallica, had participated in this year's festival which was held to commemorate the first concert in 1969.

[07] AMERICAN-TURKISH WOMEN'S UNION SENDS ISTANBUL 2,500 BODY BAGS

The donations they collected also rose beyond 10,000 U.S. dollars, they said.

American-Turkish Women's Union also sent four bags of pain killers, 20 bags of bandage, 20 bags of syringes, 100,000 surgery gloves, and 9,000 masks to Turkey.

An American citizen, Scott Wilson will give a concert on Thursday night in New York where he will play an instrument he invented.

Wilson will donate the concert's income to quake survivors.

[08] THE U.S. EXPERTS: - ''THERE IS NO DANGER OF EPIDEMICS IN AFFECTED AREAS''

Addressing a programme at the PBS Television Channel, Dr. Claude de Ville, an expert from the WHO, said that there are thousands of dead bodies remained under toppled buildings, but epidemics cannot spread from dead bodies.

De Ville noted that a patient suffering from cholera, is more dangerous from the dead bodies.

Dr. Claude de Ville criticised mass burial of dead bodies, saying that such a practice is against the human rights, on the other hand, spreading white lime powder on graves is completely useless, because white lime powder is not disinfectant.

Dr. Joelle Tanguy from the Medecins Sans Frontieres, stressed that those who have been pulled alive from rubble, cannot be considered as recovered.

He added that kidney failure can be the worst health risk of these survivors.

Noting that Turkey has suffered from several organization faults in the aftermath of the massive earthquake, the experts underlined that it would be unfair to further criticize the government, and added that any preparation cannot be adequate against such a major disaster.

[09] DEMIREL'S INTERNATIONAL VISITS SCHEDULED FOR SEPTEMBER CANCELLED

Visits of Polish and Czech Republic's Presidents to Turkey and Demirel's visit to Kazakhstan have been postponed to a later date on which will be agreed.

President Demirel will also be represented by another authority at Baltic Sea-Black Sea Cooperation Summit which will be organized in Yalta.

[10] SOUTH KOREA SENDS HEALTH TEAM

Releasing a statement, the South Korean Embassy in Ankara said that the team, including 7 doctors, 1 pharmacist, and 4 technical staff, is expected to arrive in Istanbul later on Wednesday.

Recalling that South Korea had sent a search and rescue team of 17 experts, the statement added that the team had participated in efforts to reach people who were trapped beneath rubble, in Golcuk county of Kocaeli province till August 21.

Pointing out that South Korean Red Cross has donated 50 thousand Swiss Franc to the Red Crescent, the statement also added that they will maintain aids in a bid to help Turkey to heal her wounds.

[11] SERIFE CIMEN, MOTHER OF ISMAIL CIMEN WHO PULLED ALIVE FROM RUBBLE, PRAYS FOR WELL-BEINGS OF HER HUSBAND, AND FOUR DAUGHTERS

Serife Cimen who has been rescued alive, and taken under medical treatment in the Uludag Hospital, was a resident of a apartment block which was constructed by Veli Gocer.

Stressing that they spent all their savings to purchase a flat, Cimen told the A.A correspondent that she had strived to get out of the collapsed building for hours.

When she was informed about her son's health condition, Cimen burst into tears saying, ''I hope that my husband and four daughters are also alive. I am praying for their well-beings. One of my daughters was married, she was residing in Ciftlikkoy with her husband.''

[12] FOREIGN TRADE STATISTICS - 12.3 BILLION U.S. DOLLARS OF GOODS EXPORTED, AND 18.2 BILLION U.S. DOLLARS OF GOODS IMPORTED IN FIRST SIX MONTHS OF 1999

The exports decreased by 7.1 percent compared to same period last year while the decrease in imports reached 21.9 percent.

The State Institute of Statistics (DIE) said that in parallel to the six- month decrease in imports, the foreign trade deficit dropped 41.5 percent to 5 billion 838 million U.S. dollars, and the rate of exports meeting imports increased from 57.2 percent to 68 percent.

The realizations in foreign trade figures as of May 1998 and 1999 according to the DIE data are as follows: (million U.S. dollars)

. JUNE Difference JAN-JUNE Difference

. 1998 1999 (percent) 1998 1999 (percent)

. ------- ------- ------- ------- ------- ------
Exports 2,261.7 1,961.9 -13.3 13,332.1 12,382.0 -7.1

Imports 4,167.4 3,510.1 -15.8 23,320.2 18,220.1 -21.9

Deficit -1,905.7 -1,548.2 -18.8 -9,988.1 -5,838.0 -41.5

Rate of

Meeting (%) 54.3 55.9 57.2 68.0</PRE>

[13] BULGARIA CONTINUES TO SEND AID TO TURKEY

Bulgarian Embassy in Ankara said that another crowded medical team came to Istanbul from Bulgaria on Monday. The Bulgarian medical team which visited Kartal hospital in Istanbul, brought necessary equipment for hemodialysis, a minibus for 20 persons, and an ambulance.

The statement noted that two lorries carrying humanitarian aid are expected to arrive in Istanbul on Tuesday listing the aids sent by Bulgaria to Turkey till today as follows:

''-A rescue team composed of nine persons and four dogs started their operation in Adapazarı province on August 18.

-Nine fire extinguisher vehicles together with its crew of 33 persons were in Turkey between 18-22 August to put out the fire in Turkish Petroleum Refineries Corp. (TUPRAS) refinery in Izmit.

-Two medical teams composed of 13 doctors started to serve persons in Izmit province on August 19.

-Five civil defense teams composed of 42 persons, 15 vehicles, and three generators came to Turkey on August 20 and started its rescue operations in Yalova.

-Five teams composed of 45 persons and 15 vehicles started to work in Adapazarı on August 21.

-Another rescue team which came to Turkey on August 21 and composed of eight persons, started to work with their Austrian colleagues in Yalova.''

[14] HOW CAN THE DEMOLISHED HOUSES BE REPAIRED? - CONSTRUCTION SECTOR DISCUSSES HOW CAN THE QUAKE DEVASTATED HOUSES BE CONSTRUCTED

Oguz Soydan, Chairman of Turkey City Cooperatives Center Union (TURKKENT), told A.A correspondent that sheltering problems of victims of quake who became homeless formed an important problem, pointing out that construction of buildings should start after shifting of the rubble and after issuing of the building inventory.

Noting that lack of houses which will appear after the quake, would be high, Soydan said, ''yet, Turkey may overcome this problem within a year. It has the power to do this.''

Soydan said healthy and strong houses that are resistant to quake should be constructed in place of the buildings which collapsed, adding that Turkey will start constructing new buildings by taking lessons from this sorrowful experience.

Soydan said it would not be true to say that the buildings collapsed because of the mistakes of the constructors, and added that ''houses in Turkey are constructed by the state, cooperatives, constructors and by the owners of the houses. An organization to this end may help overcoming this problem. Yet, the question how these buildings collapsed can not be directed to one element. The system has defects as a whole. There is not any controlling mechanism.''

Soydan pointed out that the state should undertake organization of the construction of new houses, yet called on cooperation with the cooperatives union. Soydan said, ''prefabricated houses'' can be constructed yet that they should make use of construction technologies.

Soydan said Turkey from now on will investigate the issues ''basement research'', ''fault line'' and ''quake resistant building''.

[15] ISRAEL CONTINUES EXTENDING AID

It was reported that David Levi, Israeli Foreign Minister, specially designated Eitan Bentsur, Israeli Foreign Ministry Undersecretary, to coordinate the aid that will be provided to Turkey.

Israeli Embassy in Ankara said Undersecretary Bentsur met with other high level officials of Israeli Foreign Ministry and determined a series of measures to increase the rate of aid. According to the statement, main measures are listed as:

-Assignment of two cargo planes to transport medicine and medical equipment,

-Cooperating with Bezeg, the Israeli telecommunication company, for the renewal of telecommunication networks in Turkey,

-Cooperation of Agriculture Ministries of the two countries to ferry the aid through sea ways,

-Technical aid to overcome the damages in rural areas,

-Arranging special seminars by the related organizations of the two countries concerning the problems which the victims of the quake will meet,

-Contacting with the Jewish organizations which are all around the world and meeting the needs of Turkish people which need help.

[16] FOREIGN MINISTRY: ''NEWS REPORTS SAYING THAT ISSUES ARE TAKEN UP SECRETLY WITH GREECE, ARE IMAGINARY''

A written statement of the Ministry said the allegations which appeared in several newspapers and televisions, attributing to Greek press, that EU issues are discussed secretly with Greece, are imaginary.

The statement recalled that Turkish and Greek foreign ministries, under an agreement which they reached in New York on June 30, initiated dialogue covering the fields of tourism, environment, culture, regional cooperation, organized crime, drug trafficking, illegal immigration, and terrorism.

The statement pointed out that this contact continues with the meetings of the committees which are assigned to search for cooperation facilities in the field of activities in question.

FM statement said, ''allegations saying that a secret diplomacy is being carried out between Turkey and Greece are totally imaginary. Thus, news reports saying that Turkey had commitments and gave various guarantees to this end are also imaginary.''

[17] TANTAN, MINISTER OF INTERIOR: ''EFFORTS OF WORLD COUNTRIES TO HELP TURKEY ARE BEYOND APPRECIATION''

Tantan said in his message that he thanked to world countries who sent teams to Turkey to rescue those trapped under rubbles and offered other kinds of help, adding their efforts were beyond appreciation.

Meanwhile, the Ministry of Interior evacuated holiday and training camps of public institutions to be used as residential places by earthquake sufferers. Besides committees were established under the leadership of deputy governors in provinces devastated by the quake to determine those earthquake victims who will take shelter in these installations.

[18] TURKISH-RUSSIAN RELATIONS AND QUAKE - YUCELEN, STATE MINISTER: ''ECONOMIC RELATIONS WITH RUSSIA SHOULD FURTHER BE IMPROVED IN THE COMING DAYS''

Yucelen received Alexander Lebedev, the Russian Ambassador to Turkey the same day.

Recalling that Russia sent a team to Turkey immediately after the massive earthquake that hit Turkey last Tuesday as a good neighbour, Yucelen said that the Russian Federation is one of the biggest economic partners of Turkey, adding that he also wishes to have closer economic cooperation with Russia as being the Co-President of the Turkish-Russian Joint Economic Commission.

''Mr. Ambassador's visiting us to discuss the measures that should be taken for economic cooperation is very important,'' Yucelen added.

Alexander Lebedev, the Russian Ambassador, said in his part that Russia had sent a rescue team and four fire planes to fight with the fire in Turkish Petrolueum Refineries Corp. (TUPRAS) refinery in Izmit, adding ''we will also make cooperation in the future to overcome the negative results of the quake.''

[19] FRENCH SEARCH AND RESCUE TEAM LEAVES GOLCUK - COLIN COLONEL, CHIEF OF FRENCH TEAM: ''WE ARE VERY HAPPY TO HELP''

French Colonel Colin Colonel, the chief of the French team composed of voluntary firemen told A.A correspondent that they participated in rescue operations with 61 persons and six sniffer dogs and pulled out six persons from rubbles.

Colonel said that they wanted to come to Turkey on the first day after the quake, but they could reach the quake region last Thursday as they had difficulty in forming the team. Noting that the other French team composed of military units which was in Yalova, reached the region earlier, Colonel said that this unit rescued 10 persons from debris.

Stressing that France has been sending teams to such kind of disasters all over the world for 10 years, Colonel added that ''we are experienced and we think that the team which will do search-rescue operation has to be active, with dogs and should be fully equipped. We trained our teams in line with these principles. Survival of 16 persons by the two French teams is a great success.''

Pointing out that many countries want to benefit from the experiences of France, Colonel said that ''we know that countries like Turkey which are open to disasters don't have other choices. We are very happy to help you. This is a great country. Reconstruction will be carried out in a short period of time and wounds will be healed.''

Colonel added that they see such an earthquake disaster for the first time.

[20] PRIME MINISTRY CRISIS ADMINISTRATION CENTER STATEMENT: ''A TOTAL OF 17, 512 BUILDINGS DAMAGED ACCORDING TO DAMAGE ASSESSMENT WORK''

A statement of Premiership Crisis Administration Center related with the quake which shook Marmara province said immobile and mobile communications systems are active and that there was no damaged communications equipment in provincial centers.

A new telephone and fax installation, having eight lines, was set up for the newly established Izmit Coordination Regional Crisis Administration Center. Izmit Harbour Chairmanship naval wireless was repaired and activated.

New orders will be given to renew communications systems in rural areas of quake region. New measures will be taken to prevent bottleneck in generators that provide energy to Telekom centers.

The statement pointed out that all roads in and outside the disaster region were open to traffic, adding that breakdowns, which appeared on Haydarpasa- Ankara railway line after the quake, were repaired and opened to transportation. It was also reported that there was no harbour that was out of service.

The statement said 222 work machines of General Directorate of Highways and Disaster Affairs work in the region, and listed the other efforts as follows:

''A total of 78 various vehicles work in transportation. Maintenance and Reparation works of Village Affairs continue on village roads.''

Efforts to set up tent sites in disaster region continue, a total of 27,021 tents were set up in the region so far. A total of 22 camp trailers, 908 caravans, and social facilities having 5,200 bed capacity were opened to the settlement of the victims of the quake.

Assessment works to find an appropriate place for prefabricated houses continue. Construction of prefabricated houses, which is thought as a short term solution for the victims of quake, will start soon.

The statement said 25 portable and 2 mobile kitchens give service in the region and noted that there was not foodstuff shortage in the region.

A total of 14 mobile hospitals and six fully-equipped hospitals work in full capacity in the region, and that there was no medicine and medical equipment shortage, the statement said.

It said ''277 ambulances work in the region. Disinfectants were sprayed in the region and water was chlorated against infection diseases. Required efforts are under way against epidemics.'' Also, four mobile veterinary clinics give service in the region.

The statement pointed out that a total of 1983 public personnel who came from other regions work in the region.

A total of 2526 people from various foreign countries participated in rescue and research efforts.

According to the statement 35 officers, 95 non-commissioned officers, 54 soldiers from the Turkish Armed Forces and 202 people from the families of military personnel died in the quake. A total of 38 officers, 82 non- commissioned officers, 6 expert soldiers, 130 soldiers and 665 people from the families of military personnel were injured at the quake. There are currently 123 military personnel under the debris.

Meanwhile, it was reported that 1864 people were treated in military hospitals and treatment of 781 others still continue.

Eight brigades, four regiments, five provincial Gendarme Commandership, four Batallions, five Gendarme Batallion work as rescue teams, four mobile surgical hospitals, five health teams composed of 45 people, 17 planes, 17 helicopters, and 11 work machines belonging to the Turkish Armed Forces are assigned in the region.

Several equipments provided by Turkish Armed Forces are as follows:

''1000 tents, 7,000 blankets, 55,000 portable rations, six field ovens, four shower units, four coolers, 220 plastic water barrels, 5,200 boots, 15, 000 gloves, 30,000 body bags, 68,000 breads, 45 tonnes of dry stored food, 18 field kitchens, two cloth washing units, three mobile morgues, 5,700 work suits, 10,000 masks, medicine and other equipment.

A total of 12,990 personnel of Turkish Armed Forces worked in Kocaeli, 6, 007 in Sakarya, 15,534 in Istanbul, 1613 in Bolu, 14,619 in Golcuk, 3,090 in Yalova.

The statement also said heavy shower is expected in the disaster region. The temperatures in the provinces will be as follows:

''Kocaeli (24 degrees), Sakarya (25 degrees), Bursa (25 degrees), Istanbul (27 degrees), Yalova (26 degrees), Zonguldak (22 degrees).''

The statement added that 1370 aftershocks occured in the disaster region since the massive earthquake which shook western Turkey.

[21] AID OF ISRAEL AND CZECH REPUBLIC TO TURKEY

A statement of Israeli Embassy pointed out that an aid plane, under the chairmanship of Haim Divon, Undersecretary of Israeli Foreign Ministry responsible for international cooperation and Representative of Macabi Health Institute, will come to Istanbul on Wednesday.

The statement said El-Al plane will bring 30 tonnes of medicine and medical equipment worth of 400,000 U.S. dollars.

Meanwhile, a statement of Czech Republic Embassy said a field hospital having 20-bed capacity, was on the way, adding that the hospital which will be set up in Karamursel region, was tranferred to Turkey from its assignment region in northern parts of Albania.

The hospital will serve with 31 personnel at the first stage, but the existing personnel is planned to be increased to 80.

The statement said three separate Czech search and rescue teams are currently in the quake region, and that two Czech chemical substance experts served in Tupras.

[22] GREEK NAVAL FORCES COMMANDER DUE IN TURKEY ON WEDNESDAY

Greek Admiral Ionnidis, who will also participate in the hand over ceremony of the Naval Forces Commandership on August 26, will leave Turkey on August 29.

The visit of the Greek Naval Commander to Turkey will be the first one between the naval forces of the two countries at this level for a long time.

[23] MHP GROUP CONVENES - BAHCELI, LEADER OF MHP: ''OUR STATE SUCCEEDED IN NORMALIZING LIFE DESPITE THE GRAVENESS OF THE DISASTER''

Addressing his party group meeting, Bahceli mentioned about the quake disaster experienced in Marmara region and the efforts to normalize life there.

Bahceli said the roads which were blocked, were immediately opened to traffic, telephone communication was provided, and that there was no serious interruption in health services.

''Efforts are under way in the disaster region to overcome problems in water and sewer systems. Our citizens, who are victims of the quake, will be transferred to prefabricated houses from the tent sites and later be transferred to normal houses'' Bahceli said.

MHP leader pointed out that electric energy can be given to any industry installation whichever wants, adding that internal and external trade and money markets are normalized, adding that they have taken all required precautions to prevent economy from entering a crisis atmosphere.

Bahceli said their efforts are under way to declare these provinces as regions which have priority in development, and noted that they have called on insurance organizations to compensate the loses of the people. ''In short, we are doing our best to revive social and economic life'' he added.

Noting that many settlement units in Turkey had been set up in active fault lines with the negligence and ignorance of centuries, Bahceli said controlling mechanism failed to operate in house construction.

''Of course, I am not trying to create such kind of discussions at a time when deep sorrows of the quake are still in our hearts, yet it should be known that the responsibles should account for this sorrow and suffering'' Bahceli said.

Bahceli said Turkish nation exhibited an example of solidarity and helped each other in this hard day.

[24] FOREIGN AID TO QUAKE ZONE - GREEK PARLIAMENT SENDS 12 TONNES OF MEDICINE AND MEDICAL EQUIPMENT

A statement of Greek Embassy in Ankara pointed out that a cargo plane loaded with 12 tonnes of medicine and medicial equipment, arrived at Istanbul on Tuesday. It also said that the aid was collected with the initiatives of Greek Parliament.

The statement said the aid was sent upon the proposal of Turkish authorities and after the correspondence of Parliament Speaker Yildirim Akbulut and Greek Parliament Speaker Apostolos Kaklamanis. The statement said six doctor-deputies arrived in Turkey to visit the quake region.

The Greek deputies will meet with Erol Cakir, Istanbul Governor on Tuesday.

Meanwhile, it was also reported that Dimitris Avramopulos, Athens Mayor, will come to Istanbul on Wednesday by a private plane and meet with Ali Mufit Gurtuna, Istanbul Mayor, to inform about the aid equipment which Athens municipality has collected so far.

Meanwhile, a statement of Egyptian Embassy in Ankara said Mehdi Fathalla, Egypt's Ambassador to Ankara, will visit quake region on Wednesday and assess urgent needs of the victims of quake.

The statement also listed the aid which Egypt provided following the massive quake and noted that 30 doctors, together with 190-people rescue team, arrived in the region within this framework.

It has been reported that Egypt has sent two fully-equipped field hospitals, having 140 bed capacity, to Sakarya region, a health clinic to Serdivan region, five ambulances, a tent site that will shelter 500 people, six ovens having the capacity to produce 9,000 breads per day, six generators, 10 tonnes of medicine and six tonnes of disinfectants.

[25] PREMIER ECEVIT SAYS PROSECUTORS HAVE TO TAKE ACTION ABOUT CLAIMS OF ILLEGAL CONSTRUCTIONS OF POOR QUALITY

Responding to questions of journalists who asked ''do you think of launching an administrative investigation about the claims regarding contractors, Premier Ecevit said that ''investigation can't be launched by the political authority. Prosecutors and the other concerned institutions have to take action about this issue. We think of taking new measures to prevent the repetition of such incidents in the future. Besides necessary observations are made in buildings which are claimed to be constructed illegally and which are weak against the threat of earthquake.''

When asked about the news claiming that he warned Osman Durmus, the Health Minister in the cabinet meeting due to the latter's statements, Ecevit said that ''I didn't warn him in the cabinet, we had earlier spoken. He had said in good will that there was no need for some kind of aid, but other kinds of aid should have to be sent. This was an observation based on figures. I told him that the Foreign Ministry had to inform the countries sending aid to us about this issue. In this respect there is no problem.''

Noting that the medical services were carried out very well in the region devastated by the earthquake, Ecevit said that ''Mr. Minister has also contributed to that.''

[26] PRIME MINISTER ECEVIT SPEAKS TO CNN - ''WE VERY MUCH APPRECIATE THE SENSITIVITY THAT THE WORLD PUBLIC OPINION HAS SHOWN' - ''I AM SURE, WE WILL BE ABLE TO OVERCOME THE EFFECTS OF THE EARTHQUAKE WITHIN A YEAR''

Ecevit told CNN that this was one of the worst disasters of human history in the world and certainly in Turkey.

'But the international solidarity that we have witnessed has to some degree elevated our psychology, and we particularly appreciate President Clinton's personal involvement in repeated calls for aid to Turkey, Ecevit added.

The participation of of specialists and workers from the world for rescue efforts has been much appreciated, Ecevit said.

Pointing out the telecommunications were completely cut off for at least two days in the three provinces which are badly hit, that is, Kocaeli, Yalova, and Sakarya, and transportation was handicapped because the bridges, the roads, and the highways were destroyed, Ecevit said that's why, rescue work could not be started for two days after the earthquake with the exeption of Istanbul.

Responding to a question that there are still complaints, even anger against the government for the disorganization, Ecevit said,

''It is a difficult task for any country in the world. It was not confined to one city, one province, but a large area.''

Pointing out that the heavy rainfall was also negatively affected the efforts yesterday, Ecevit said they were building tent cities for now. Ecevit added that they would need hundreds of thousands of bungalows, and they were consulting with the countries who can provide temporary bungalows.

When asked it was difficult to cope with this dimension of disaster for any country, but it was known that Turkey is on the earthquake zone, Ecevit pointed out that the security forces, the police, the military, and the local administrations were also badly hit by this disastrous earthquake.

Ecevit said, ''with the participation for rescue works from other countries, we have achieved a lot, but of course there are still a lot to do.''

When asked if Turkey will be ready if it happens again, Ecevit said, ''we will certainly drive lessons from the experience of this disaster. Unfortunately, this region happens to be the region most prone to earthquakes because of its long fault lines which I understand similar to Andreas fault line in the U.S. We will certainly benefit from the experiences. We certainly have to take more strict measures against shabby buildings and construction. We have already started taking certain measures to that extent.''

When he was asked that the damage of the earthquake is about 20-25 billion dollars, and if a special earthquake tax is being considered, Ecevit said, ''we are about to submit a bill to the parliament to augment the financial resources that are necessary to cope with the after effects of the earthquake, and we also rely on international solidarity.''

Stating that Turkish economy was passing through narrow straits on the eve of this disasters, and now the economic problems have been increased, Ecevit said that he believed in the potential of Turkish and Turkey. ''Actually, we will be able to dynamize the economy within a short period, '' he said.

When asked if they did not lose the confidence of people, Ecevit said, ''No, some of the Turkish media have been drawing a too pessimistic picture. Of course, people have the right to complain, but this is a natural disaster. Mistakes have been made in the past in regard to the unefficient control of constructions, etc. And we are determined as a government to take the necessary steps.''

''Turkish people had a natural tendency for solidarity before such events. They don't loose faith,'' Ecevit said.

Stating that they decided that there is no need for declaring a state of emergency, on martial law, Ecevit said, ''there is a great harmony between civilian administration and the military, and this is continuing.''

Responding to a question if he had thought of resignation, Ecevit said, ''no, there had been certain mistakes in the long years before this event, and we are going to remedy that. The government is working in great harmony although it is a coalition government. At this moment, important legislations are being discused in the parliament. We do not want to disrupt the state mechanism.''

Responding to a question if Turkey is a different county after the earthquake, Ecevit said, ''no, as I said, I have great faith in the potentials of Turkish people, and on the Turkish entrepreneurs. Although our economy was passing through a narrow strait before this unfortunate event, this country has great potentials. I am sure, we will be able to overcome the effects of the earthquake within a year.''

When the host of the CNN program said friends of Turkey were urging for bringing a peaceful end to the problem with the PKK, and if the current situation can create an opportunity for this, Ecevit said that certain foreign countries and some politicians in some of the western countries were supporting the terrorist organization PKK. If they cease the support they are given to the terrorist organization which is trying to separate Turkey, the problem will be evacuated by itself, he said, adding that ''it is an unnatural development sponsored from other countries.''

Ecevit added that there could be no connection with the PKK and this disaster.

''We have been trying to establish good relations with all countries in the world. In recent years, we have become very active in our region, in the Middle East, Central Asia, Caucasia, and Balkans. We have been extending our relations with Russia, Asian countries, the U.S., Latin American countries, and African countries, etc. We have been opening to the world extensively. It will be very wrong to try to establish a link between the general policies of Turkey and the separatist terrorism,'' Ecevit said.

Responding a question concerning Turkey's future, Ecevit said, ''we have been able to cope with much worst situations throughout the history, so I have no doubts about the future of Turkey.''

[27] HEALTH MINISTRY SAYS THERE IS NO EPIDEMICS IN THE REGIONS AND THAT QUARANTINE IS OUT OF QUESTION

Officials of the Health Ministry pointed out that there was no disorganization in services in the quake region. Noting that 40 teams of five-persons, composed of experts in infectious diseases, environment and food health, added chlorine to water to prevent spread of infectious diseases.

It was also reported that Health Ministry will set up health tent sites to serve to people. Brochures, related with cleanness of water and environment, will be distributed to citizens in quake region and broadcastings will be made from televisions.

Officials stressed that there was no need in the region for tetanus vaccine as 50,000 dose vaccine, donated by France, arrived in the region.

Meanwhile Ankara Health Directorate statement said a total of 1676 injured people were brought to various hospitals in Ankara. It said 817 of them are still under treatment, adding that 113 of them could not be rescued.

[28] DERVISOGLU, NAVAL FORCES COMMANDER: ''FLEET COMMANDERSHIP HEADQUARTERS WILL BE MOVED FROM GOLCUK'' ''QUAKE DIDN'T HARM TURKISH WAR FLEET''

Admiral Dervisoglu told a private television channel that the half of headquarters building of Golcuk Main Base Commandership collapsed and the shipyard was damaged seriously.

Noting that the infrastructure has to be repaired, Admiral Dervisoglu pointed out that they have been thinking about the status of Golcuk for a long time.

''How should our command structure, deployment and assignment of ships be? The Black Sea, Aegean and Mediterranean are under control. The status of Golcuk will be re-evaluated. Maybe its functions including logistics and training operations can be restricted. The shipyard can be turned into repairment shipyard. We also decided that the Pendik Shipyard can undertake the function of constructing ships,'' said Dervisoglu, underlining the fact that the earthquake didn't damage the Turkish war fleet.

''I think that the Turkish Armed Forces was not late in taking action regarding the massive earthquake. This is not war, the Turkish Armed Forces is here for war. Even if you collect all air forces of the world and if you use atom bomb, no such damage can be seen. This is worse than war. We have 292 deads, 237 injured, 35 of our personnel are under debris and we can't have any information about 2,796 others.'' Dervisoglu added that they think their personnel whom they don't have any information about are probably with their families who suffer from the massive earthquake.

[29] HAND OVER CEREMONY IN NSC - PRIME MINISTER ECEVIT: ''TURKISH NATION OVERCOME PROBLEMS WHICH ARE MORE SERIOUS THAN THIS. I BELIEVE IT WILL ALSO OVERCOME THIS PROBLEM''

Addressing the hand-over ceremony of the National Security Council (NSC) General Secretariat, Ecevit said the nation mourns due to the quake, adding that Turkey mourned for the gravest natural disaster in its history.

Ecevit said his main consolation was his belief that the wounds will be healed by all organs of the state with civilian, military, and private sector.

''In my interview in CNN dark possibilities on the future of Turkey were discussed. I have also told there: Turkish Nation has overcome graver problems. It could overcome the problems with solidarity. I absolutely believe that this will also be overcome'' Ecevit said.

Prime Minister Ecevit thanked to the Turkish Armed Forces (TSK) due to their efforts exerted after quake disaster, and noted that TSK rushed to help victims of quake although there was also damage in Fleet Commandership in Golcuk.

Ecevit said flood disaster added to the quake disaster and noted that ''we will not give up. I believe that Turkish nation will show the solidarity it has shown against all difficulties and dangers. Thus, I look at the future of Turkey with hope. I wish God will protect our nation and all humanity from such disasters.''

Ecevit in his speech thanked to Gen. Ergin Celasin due to his services in NSC General Secretariat. Ecevit also wished success to Celasin in his new assignement.

Ecevit wished success to Gen. Cumhur Asparuk, NSC General Secretariat, who was appointed as NSC Secretary General.

Noting that civilian and military flank in NSC worked together and found solutions to the problems of the country, Ecevit said providing internal and external security was an important duty.

Ecevit said ''internal and external security problem may become severe if solution can not be found to economic and social problems in time. Economic and social problems can not be separated from the security problems.''

Noting that coordination and harmonization were provided in internal and external security with the efforts of NSC, Ecevit said ''NSC is the leading guarantee of national unity and secular democratic republic.''

Ecevit said NSC General Secretariat contributed a lot to the determination of short and long term national strategies, adding that this was seen in healing of the wounds in this quake disaster.

[30] FOREIGN MINISTRY: ''ACTING WITH RESPONSIBILITY AND MODERATION IN THIS DIFFICULT SITUATION THAT OUR NATION IS FACING, IS AN INDISPENSABLE CONDITION FOR THE SUCCESS OF EFFORTS TO HEAL THE WOUNDS OF OUR PAINS AND GRIEF''

The Foreign Ministry issued a statement saying, ''it is announced that we will welcome the supply of the requirements that we determine and issue with lists.''

Noting that the extension of the efforts and works of foreign aid teams was determined according to the course of their activities, the statement said, ''acting with responsibility and moderation in this difficult situation that our nation is facing, is an indispensable condition for the success of efforts to heal the wounds of our pains and grief. With this respect, whatever the reason is, putting forward allegations and baseless news about foreign countries and organizations will have a nagative effect, and first of all, it will be in contradiction with the positive feelings of our nation against the ones who help them.''

Thanking to all countries, who rushed to Turkey to support and lend their helping hands to stand to the consequences of the quake disaster, the statement said, ''our appreciative nation will always mention with gratitude this warm and tender solidarity shown by the foreign countries and organizations. We hope that this solidarity, which exalted all of us, will continue.''

[31] MAFICD, GENERAL DIRECTOR OF BRITISH CIVILIAN DEFENSE, EXTENDS SUPPORT TO TURKISH GOVERNMENT - MAFICD: ''BOTH BRITISH MASS-MEDIA AND THE INTERNATIONAL MASS-MEDIA HAVE TO REARRANGE THEIR ATTITUDE AND APPRECIATE THE THING THAT SHOULD BE APPRECIATED''

Maficd, in his press release, recalled that the British civilian defense helped the Turkish officials in the search and rescue works in Yalova and Golcuk, stating that their teams have been working in that area since the first day of the quake.

Noting that they receive first-hand information about the efforts of the Turkish government and local administrations to replace the chaos in Istanbul and its surroundings with a new order, Maficd said, ''both the British mass-media and the international mass-media have to rearrange their attitude and appreciate the thing that should be appreciated in this latest urgent situation in Turkey.''

Stressing that the ''negative and ignorant'' criticisms to which also they witnessed, harm not only the Turkish government but also the efforts of people to heal their wounds, Maficd said, ''in many cases, the criticisms made by the survivors of the earthquake were inappropriate. However, the worse and traumatic conditions they faced for 24 hours are taken into consideration, this can be shown understanding. While the efforts are being carried out by the minimum equipments, our officials who are working there together with the survivors and the voluntary people welcomed this.''

Pointing out that they expect the reports on the Turkish government's works to be more positive and humanist in coming days, Maficd said that they were ready to express their opinions under the light of their experience concerning that calamity, if there are mass-media organizations which want to bring this issue further.

[32] TALKS ON BAKU-CEYHAN PROJECT START IN U.S.

Turkey is represented by a delegation including the Pipeline Oil Transportation Inc (BOTAS) and Treasury Undersecretariat officials led by Metin Aral, the Deputy Undersecretary of the Energy and Natural Resources Ministry. The talks will continue till Thursday.

The Turkish delegation, together with other delegations, will hıld contacts at the World Bank, the U.S. Department of Energy, the U.S. Eximbank and other government departments, and will meet with John Wolf, the U.S. President's Special Representative for Caspian basin energy sources.

During the talks, the final financial offers of the Turkish side for the construction of the pipeline will be evaluated and the Turkish proposal for the construction to be undertaken by BOTAS.

The issue of whether or not the financial problems caused by the earthquake that devastated northwestern Turkey will affect the Baku-Ceyhan project is expected to be discussed in detail.

Turkey, in her last proposals, estimated that the pipeline will cost 2.7 billion U.S. dollars and she mentioned that she was capable meeting the expenditures over than this amount.

[33] AMNESTY DRAFT LAW - TURK, MINISTER OF JUSTICE: ''A TOTAL OF 26 THOUSAND PEOPLE WILL MAKE USE OF AMNESTY, AND 31 THOUSAND PEOPLE WILL BENEFIT FROM REDUCTION IN PUNISHMENT''

The Constitutional Commission, which discussed the bill as the ''secondary commission'', decided that the draft law is appropriate to the Constitution.

Justice Minister Turk said there are almost 70 thousand prisoners and sentenced at the prisons, and those people except 10,201 prisoners, who committed terrorist crimes, will benefit from the amnesty.

The Commission adopted the proposal foreseeing the exclusion of the contractors, technical staff and other concerned personnel, and the people who abstained from taking measures to prevent the negative effects of earthquake, from the scope of the amnesty. The proposal will be submitted to the Justice Commission.

The proposal foreseeing the exclusion of the people who committed ''torture'' crimes from the scope of the bill will also be presented to the Justice Commission.

The Constitutional Commission also adopted the proposal which gives the right of ''refusing the amnesty'' to the people who request their ''acquittal''.

The amnesty draft law will be discussed by the Justice Commission on Wednesday.

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