Anadolu Agency: News in English, 99-08-26

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AA Daily

26 August 1999 Thursday

CONTENTS

[01] TURKEY-PRESS SCAN

[02] UN SECRETARY GENERAL ANNAN IS PLANNING TO APPOINT A NORWEGIAN DIPLOMAT AS SPECIAL REPRESENTATIVE FOR CYPRUS

[03] PARLIAMENTARY PLANNING AND BUDGET COMMISSION - COMMISSION APPROVES DRAFT LAW AUTHORIZING GOVERNMENT TO ISSUE DECREE OF COUNCIL OF MINISTERS REGARDING EARTHQUAKE DISASTER

[04] TARJA HALONEN, FOREIGN MINISTER OF FINLAND AND HANS VAN DEN BROEK, EU COMMISSION'S MEMBER WHO IS IN CHARGE OF FOREIGN RELATIONS COME TO ISTANBUL - HALONEN: ''QUAKE DISASTER IN TURKEY WAS A SHOCK FOR ALL OF US''

[05] U.S. TO SEND MILITARY TENTS TO TURKEY

[06] LETTER TO TURKISH ASSOCIATIONS FROM U.S. PRESIDENT CLINTON: ''WE ARE DETERMINED TO BRING TOGETHER DENKTAS AND CLERIDES''

[07] TALKS ON BAKU-CEYHAN PROJECT IN U.S. - BOTAS, WHICH IS FORESEEN TO CONSTRUCT PIPELINE, INTRODUCED

[08] TARJA HALONEN, EU TERM PRESIDENT AND FINNISH FOREIGN MINISTER AND HANS VAN DEN BROEK, MEMBER OF EU COMMISSION WHO IS IN CHARGE OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS MAKE OBSERVATIONS IN QUAKE HIT AREAS

[09] EXITS OF EARTHQUAKE VICTIMS - FOREIGN MINISTRY ANNOUNCES THE PROCEDURE FORESEEN FOR CITIZENS WHO WERE IN DISASTER AREA IN TIME OF EARTHQUAKE AND LOST THEIR PASSPORTS OR IDENTITY CARDS BUT LIVE ABROAD

[10] TURKISH PSYCOLOGISTS ASSOCIATIONS TO GIVE SUPPORT TO THOSE WHO ARE AFFECTED BY QUAKE DISASTER - METU TO HOUSE QUAKE SURVIVORS AT ITS DORMITORIES

[11] TURKISH-U.S. ENERGY PROJECTS

[12] MAKOVSKY, U.S. EXPERT ON TURKEY: - ''A GREAT DEAL OF ECONOMIC AID SHOULD BE PROVIDED TO TURKEY''

[13] U.S. AID TO QUAKE VICTIMS CONTINUES

[14] GERMAN CHIEF CONSULATE IN ISTANBUL SETS UP ''CONSULTANCY OFFICE'' AT ATATURK AIRPORT TO SERVE CHILDREN OF TURKISH WORKERS IN GERMANY WHO FACE DAMAGES OF QUAKE

[15] HALONEN AND BROEK MEET WITH FOREIGN MINISTER CEM

[16] HOUSING AND SETTLEMENT MINISTRY: - ''EFFORTS TO SET UP MOBILE TOILETS AND TO REPAIR DAMAGED INFRASTRUCTURE CONTINUE IN THE DISASTER ZONE''

[17] PREMIER ECEVIT RECEIVES LUGAR, U.S. SENATOR

[18] AUSTRALIAN GOVERNMENT DISCUSSES GRANTING IMMIGRATION RIGHT TO SOME OF QUAKE VICTIMS

[19] 68TH IZMIR INTERNATIONAL FAIR - TANRIKULU, INDUSTRY AND TRADE MINISTER, MEETS IRISH, TRNC AND LITHUANIAN DELEGATIONS

[20] TRNC SOS CHILDREN'S VILLAGE OPENS DOORS TO 20 QUAKE VICTIMS

[21] HEALTH MINISTRY: ''WE ARE GRATEFUL TO ALL COUNTRIES TSK, CITIZENS, HEALTH PERSONNEL, NON-GOVERNMENTAL ORGANIZATIONS, AND ALL INSTITUTIONS WHO SENT HUMANITARIAN AND MONETARY AID DUE TO QUAKE''

[22] HALONEN, FINNISH FM, AND VAN DEN BROEK, MEMBER OF EU COMMISSION, DEPARTS TURKEY

[23] EU GRANTS TWO MILLION EURO AID TO TURKEY

[24] SOUTHEASTERN EUROPE MULTI-NATIONAL PEACE FORCE - GENERAL ZORLU, COMMANDER OF FORCE, IN BULGARIA

[25] PRIME MINISTRY CRISIS COORDINATION COUNCIL TAKES MEASURES TO NORMALIZE DAILY LIFE IN DISASTER ZONE

[26] PRIME MINISTER ECEVIT: ''BROADCASTINGS ARE MADE TO DETER CITIZENS AND FOREIGN ORGANIZATIONS FROM SENDING AID'' - COMPETITION BOARD DONATES FIVE TRILLION TURKISH LIRAS TO THE ACCOUNT OPENED BY PREMIERSHIP CRISIS ADMINISTRATION CENTER

[27] HALONEN, FINNISH FM, AND VAN DEN BROEK, MEMBER OF EU COMMISSION, DEPARTS TURKEY - HALONEN SAYS THEY HAD A BRIEF BUT VERY SATISFACTORY VISIT TO TURKEY

[28] EARTHQUAKE AND TURKEY-EU RELATIONS

[29] PRIME MINISTRY CRISIS MANAGEMENT CENTER: - ''A TOTAL OF 34,806 DAMAGED BUILDINGS WERE DETERMINED''

[30] PRESIDENT ALIEV OF AZERBAIJAN: - ''WE SHARE YOUR GRIEF''

[01] TURKEY-PRESS SCAN

HURRIYET (LIBERAL)

These residences are only 17 km away from the epicenter. Besides, there are 12-storey buildings among these residences. The Administration of Housing Estate and the Emlakkonut, a subordinate of Emlak Bank, built these residences where a total of 20 thousand people are living. During the construction, the situation of the field was taken into consideration and the most appropriate technology was used.

FINANCE MINISTER: ''THERE IS NO ANY OTHER WAY EXCEPT TAX''
Sumer Oral, the Minister of Finance, defended the additional taxes to be collected due to quake disaster, saying, ''there is no other way. We have expended efforts for days to prevent the effects on production and to prevent any burden on the low-income.''

The Chairman of the Ankara Chamber of Industry said, ''these taxes will cut voluntary donations.'' The Chairman of the Istanbul Chamber of Industry said, ''the quake tax will completely distress the economy. They will not be able to find anybody whom they will take tax next year.''

MILLIYET (LIBERAL)

SCHOOL OF CONSTRUCTION ABOUT TO COLLAPSE
Istanbul University's Faculty of Construction in Avcilar discrict where student learn construction is about to collapse. The building has been evacuated and being repaired. The faculty building had an engineering fault and repair works started in 1996 when lecturers warned about its dangers but these works were left incomplete when they were not given funds.

GOVERNMENT STEPS BACK IN CELLULAR PHONE TAX
Due to reactions, the government decided not to collect 50 million Turkish liras from cellular phone owners, a measure which it announced earlier. Instead, the subscribers will pay an additional fee of 25 percent of their receipts for ten months. Ecevit said ''people were right in their reaction''.

SABAH (LIBERAL)

THANK YOU GREECE
''The quake made us forget everything. It formed a bridge of friendship between us and Turkey,'' said Yorgo Papandreu, Greek Foreign Minister. Papandreau started two initiations: to obtain aid from EU for Turkey and to remove the Greek veto which blocks aid. Papandreu which has a lot of support from Greek people said he will do his best to help Turkey.

CUMHURIYET (LEFT)

IF THERE ARE PEOPLE STILL ALIVE...
The decision of the government to stop the rescue works and start hauling away the rubble received harsh reaction. Yavuz Onen, the Chairman of the Human Rights Foundation and the Union of Chambers of Turkish Architects and Engineers, criticized the decision to withdraw the rescue teams by ignoring the possibility of alive people under the debris, saying an understanding which ignores the life of people, is trying to remove the image.

The Central Council of Turkish Doctors' Union said alive people could be pulled out from the debris till three weeks as the human body's resistence power can show flexibility.

RADIKAL (LEFT)

MINISTER SEES REALITY
Sadi Somuncuoglu, the Minister of State, who strolled in the streets in Sakarya, was very angry when he returned to Ankara. ''Aid was left unattendant and wasted. Water is sold for one million liras and cigarette for two million liras. Even the crisis desk is in chaos. Even entering into the Governor's Office building is difficult, the Governor does not know how many tents have been erected. Aid is still not brought to slums,'' he said.

WE WILL PAY 540 TRILLION LIRAS TAX
The additional income together with the withholding tax and Value Added Tax will reach 540 trillion liras. Cellular phone subscribers will pay 25 percent additional fee.

TÜRKİYE (RIGHT)

TENT-CITIES INUNDATED
The tent-cities in Kocaeli and Adapazari are now inundated. A total of 8-10 families have to share one tent. The victims are unhappy, hopeless, and feel cold. Families expect the state to lend its helping hand, find a place to settle before the winter, and give an end to sufferings under tents.

ZAMAN (CONSERVATIVE)

HIS EXCUSE IS WORSE THAN HIS CRIME
Contractor Veli Gocer who drew people's rage when all the buildings he erected in Yalova completely collapsed in the quake said ''he was not a construction person, but a man of literature.'' ''I started this job 7-8 years ago by buying and selling buildings and I learnt the job throughout the time. But I didn't use less iron or cement than I am supposed to. I only avoided luxury in my buildings,'' he said, and also added that ''he will surrender to the justice once the quake chaos is over''.

[02] UN SECRETARY GENERAL ANNAN IS PLANNING TO APPOINT A NORWEGIAN DIPLOMAT AS SPECIAL REPRESENTATIVE FOR CYPRUS

Diplomatic sources day Egeland who was the former Foreign Minister of Norway is participating in confidence building activities as a member of Oslo Peace Researches Institute. The same sources desbribe him as an experienced diplomat.

UN Security Council has already instructed Kofi Annan to call on Rauf Denktas, President of Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus and Glafcos Klerides, leader of Greek Cypriot administration to start tete-a-tete talks. Therefore, activities regarding Cyprus is expected to increase at UN starting in September.

[03] PARLIAMENTARY PLANNING AND BUDGET COMMISSION - COMMISSION APPROVES DRAFT LAW AUTHORIZING GOVERNMENT TO ISSUE DECREE OF COUNCIL OF MINISTERS REGARDING EARTHQUAKE DISASTER

In accordance with the bill, the Council of Ministers can issue decree for three months to determine the measures against natural disasters, to meet the losses caused by these disasters, to establish new settlement areas, to arrange public works, tenders, contracting and counselling services and to protect cultural and natural riches.

The Council of Ministers, in time of emergency and crisis, can also bring into force several decrees for three months regarding the function and effective use of the current funds, arrangement in economic issues, establishment of an insurance system to meet the losses casued by a natural disaster and changes in organic and fundamental law.

[04] TARJA HALONEN, FOREIGN MINISTER OF FINLAND AND HANS VAN DEN BROEK, EU COMMISSION'S MEMBER WHO IS IN CHARGE OF FOREIGN RELATIONS COME TO ISTANBUL - HALONEN: ''QUAKE DISASTER IN TURKEY WAS A SHOCK FOR ALL OF US''

Halonen and Hans Van Den Broek, EU Commission's member who is in charge of Foreign Relations came to Istanbul on Wednesday night. They were met by Gultekin Under, Istanbul Deputy Governor and Foreign Ministry officials at Istanbul's Ataturk Airport.

Halonen told reporters at the airport that they were very saddened by the quake disaster in Turkey.

Halonen and Van Den Broek, after visiting the disaster area, will proceed to Ankara and will meet with Prime Minister Bulent Ecevit and Foreign Minister Ismail Cem.

Van Den Broek stated that they were in Turkey to express their grief and feelings of solidarity to Turkish authorities. He said they wanted to discuss with them what could be done.

Halonen and Van Den Broek will organize a press meeting before they leave Turkey.

[05] U.S. TO SEND MILITARY TENTS TO TURKEY

The first of the these three vessels namely ''Jhon T. Bobo'', ''Matej Kocak'' and ''Obregon'' is expected to arrive at Derince seaport early on Thursday. Jhon T. Bobo is carrying supporting equipment and material.

Matej Kocak and Obregon are expected to arrive at Derince seaport until August 30. These vessels will carry military equipment and cargo freight.

[06] LETTER TO TURKISH ASSOCIATIONS FROM U.S. PRESIDENT CLINTON: ''WE ARE DETERMINED TO BRING TOGETHER DENKTAS AND CLERIDES''

Mara Rudman, a high level official from U.S. National Security Council answered, on behalf of President Clinton, the letter sent by American- Turkish Associations Assembly (ATAA) and Federation of American Turkish Associations (FATA) regarding the Cyprus issue. The letter said the U.S. was determined to find a solution which will satisfy the basic demands of both sides. A just and long-lasting solution can be brought to Cyprus problem through contacts between two sides, the letter said.

Tom Weston who was apppointed as Cyprus Coordinator of the U.S. Ministry of Foreign Affairs will visit Cyprus in early September and also stop by Greece and Turkey to have consultations, it was also noted.

The letter which was sent on behalf of U.S. President Clinton pointed out that the emptied position of Richard Holbrooke who was appointed as the UN Permanent Representative will soon be filled. Diplomatic sources in Washington D.C. say Alfred Moses, former Romanian Ambassador could be appointed as Cyprus Special Representative to fill Holbrooke's position.

The letter also stressed that the U.S. President was extremely saddened by the quake that hit Turkey and added that he was ready to do his best to ease Turkey's pain.

ATAA and FATA, in their letter to the U.S. President, had said a just solution in Cyprus was possible if the political equality of the two societies and confederation basics offered by Denktas are accepted.

[07] TALKS ON BAKU-CEYHAN PROJECT IN U.S. - BOTAS, WHICH IS FORESEEN TO CONSTRUCT PIPELINE, INTRODUCED

Metin Aral, the Deputy Undersecretary of the Energy and Natural Resources Ministry who leads the Turkish delegation, told the A.A correspondent that the opportunities and capabilities of the BOTAS' projects were explained in detail during their two-day contacts at the World Bank, American Eximbank, and the concerned financial organizations of the U.S. government.

Noting that the talks focused on especially the role of BOTAS, Aral said all of the concerned sides accepted the construction of the pipeline by BOTAS, and the meetings were held in a positive atmosphere.

[08] TARJA HALONEN, EU TERM PRESIDENT AND FINNISH FOREIGN MINISTER AND HANS VAN DEN BROEK, MEMBER OF EU COMMISSION WHO IS IN CHARGE OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS MAKE OBSERVATIONS IN QUAKE HIT AREAS

Halonen and Broek visited the Crisis Desk of Avcilar Municipality and got information from Avcilar Mayor Mustafa Degirmenci about the death toll and material damage that occured after the quake. Later they answered the question of reporters.

When asked what the EU's approach would be towards Turkey following this quake which will have grave economical consequences, Halonen said, ''the EU and other member countries are always ready to help in such a tragedy.''

Turkey must be given more help, Halonen stated and noted that quake survivors will have housing problem with the winter approaching. Turkish economy must be given help for reconstruction, she added.

Halonen and Broek will have contacts with Prime Minister Ecevit and Foreign Minister Ismail Cem.

Halonen reminded that all countries, including Greece, gave a helping hand to Turkey and added that she hoped the solidarity atmosphere formed between the two countries would create a base for future cooperation.

Halonen and Van Den Broek later took off from Ataturk Airport at 9.40 a.m. to go to Ankara.

[09] EXITS OF EARTHQUAKE VICTIMS - FOREIGN MINISTRY ANNOUNCES THE PROCEDURE FORESEEN FOR CITIZENS WHO WERE IN DISASTER AREA IN TIME OF EARTHQUAKE AND LOST THEIR PASSPORTS OR IDENTITY CARDS BUT LIVE ABROAD

The Foreign Ministry, in its announcement, said it prepared lists of names for the Turkish citizens most of whom are living in Germany.

Noting that those lists will be deemed valid in place of passports within the framework of consensus reached between the Ministries of Foreign and Interior, the announcement said this will enable the Turkish citizens to easily exit Turkey and return to their homes in Germany.

The Foreign Ministry said Germany stated that she will accept these lists as valid for this implementation.

[10] TURKISH PSYCOLOGISTS ASSOCIATIONS TO GIVE SUPPORT TO THOSE WHO ARE AFFECTED BY QUAKE DISASTER - METU TO HOUSE QUAKE SURVIVORS AT ITS DORMITORIES

Teams of 10, consisted of lecturers from various universities and psycologists from Ankara, Izmir, and Istanbul, left for the disaster areas.

The Middle East Technical University (METU) also opened the doors of its dormitories to quake survivors. METU will give priority to children and young adults who lost their families and houses, as well as those who suffer minor injuries. First, a group of 40 people will be brought to Ankara by METU's buses from disaster areas to be placed in dormitories.

[11] TURKISH-U.S. ENERGY PROJECTS

Mark Parris, the U.S. Ambassador to Ankara; Kenneth Mayers, the Advisor of the Senator; Dogan Altinbilek, the General Director of State Water Works (DSI); Gokhan Yardim, the General Director of Pipeline Oil Transportation Inc (BOTAS); and Mustafa Mendilcioglu, the General Director of Energy Works also attended the meeting which lasted almost one hour.

The joint projects of Turkey and the U.S. and the natural gas pipelines were discussed at the meeting.

Senator Lugar noted that the support of the U.S. Senate to the joint projects of Turkey and the U.S. will continue while Minister Cumhur Ersumer expressed his pleasure over the meeting and the support extended by the U.S. Senate.

[12] MAKOVSKY, U.S. EXPERT ON TURKEY: - ''A GREAT DEAL OF ECONOMIC AID SHOULD BE PROVIDED TO TURKEY''

Makovsky, the expert of The Washington Institute, drew the attention that Turkey's situation which occured following the quake has a risk to be ''exploited religiously'' by some circles and noted that Western aid to Turkey should be in a big amount because of this risk.

Makovsky added that it is for the benefit of the western world to help Turkey in this hard time because Turkey is a very important country.

Meanwhile, the Israeli circles said that they fear that some fundamentalist movements can gain power in Turkey after the quake and that the western world should help Turkey; adding that Israel is helping Turkey at this hard time.

[13] U.S. AID TO QUAKE VICTIMS CONTINUES

Yavuz Vural Atilla, the Chairman of California Turkish-American Union, said that the aid they collected reached 60,000 U.S. dollars.

The Turkish Chief Consulate in Chicago said that the aid they collected until today reached 50,000 U.S. dollars.

The aid team which was set up by Mehmet Ali Guzeldere, a famous Turkish businessman in Chicago, held contacts with many U.S. companies. Within this framework, a representative of the Walgreens supermarket chain, went to the Turkish Chief Consulate in Chicago with Guzeldere and granted 10,000 U.S. dollars for the survivors of the quake.

Guzeldere said that they are holding observations in the companies which produce prefabricated huts in Chicago and that he and Turkey's Chief Consul in Chicago also visited the companies which produce tents; adding that they think of sending some tents to Turkey.

[14] GERMAN CHIEF CONSULATE IN ISTANBUL SETS UP ''CONSULTANCY OFFICE'' AT ATATURK AIRPORT TO SERVE CHILDREN OF TURKISH WORKERS IN GERMANY WHO FACE DAMAGES OF QUAKE

Jurgen Hoffmann, the chief of the office which was set up in the International Flight Terminal of the Ataturk Airport, gave information about the efforts of the office.

Hoffmann said that the office was set up to serve the children under 16 who have close relatives in Germany and who suffered the damages of the quake on the instruction of the German government.

Emphasizing that they are providing any kind of facilities to these children, including giving German visa, Hoffmann noted that the similar facilities are provided for the procedures of the other Turkish citizens in the German consulates in Turkey.

Stressing that the consultancy office will continue to serve the Turkish people for a long time, Hoffmann stated that the office fulfilled the procedures of thirteen children yesterday and that these children were sent to Germany.

[15] HALONEN AND BROEK MEET WITH FOREIGN MINISTER CEM

Speaking before the interdelegationary talks, Foreign Minister Cem said he was pleased to see Halonen and Van den Broek in Turkey and thanked for their attitude which shared the sorrows of victims of the quake and due to the aid they extended.

Cem said they will discuss how cooperation reached between Turkey, EU, and EU Commission, can be further improved concerning the quake disaster.

Tarja Halonen, Finnish Foreign Minister, expressed deep sorrow over the quake disaster which struck Turkey and noted that both the EU and 15 EU member countries separately extended aid to meet the needs of victims of quake.

Noting that the aid will continue, Halonen said no country can be prepared against such a great disaster, noting that cooperative work and cooperation are required to this end.

Pointing out that they planned what kind of aid they could sent from the very first moments of the quake, Halonen said the aid should continue.

Halonen said the quake affected a large area and that the region should be re-structured, Halonen recalled that all EU member countries together or individually sent aid and that Greece was one of them.

Van den Broek, EU Commission member, said he shared the views of Halonen and noted that the Commision took action from the very first day of the quake.

Hans van den Broek pointed out that their visit to Turkey would be useful to express their sorrow over the quake disaster from the first hand and to show the friendship and devotion of EU to Turkey.

[16] HOUSING AND SETTLEMENT MINISTRY: - ''EFFORTS TO SET UP MOBILE TOILETS AND TO REPAIR DAMAGED INFRASTRUCTURE CONTINUE IN THE DISASTER ZONE''

The officials of the Housing and Settlement Ministry said that the Ministry continues to send the teams and equipment needed in the disaster area.

The officials noted that the Ministry continues to determine the suitable places for settlement to construct prefabricated houses and that the damage assessment works are underway in the region.

The officials stated that the Ministry launched technical and technological revision works concerning the measures to be taken in the engineering field.

Noting that the efforts of preparing drafts for the planning of the cities which are resistant to the quake in the Northern Anatolia Fault Line continue, the officials stressed that the macro planning works and applications for Istanbul will also be started.

The officials added that the highways and bridges are reopened to traffic.

[17] PREMIER ECEVIT RECEIVES LUGAR, U.S. SENATOR

Speaking to the journalists after the meeting, Lugar said that he came to Turkey to express the sorrow that his country feels due to the quake and to convey the solidarity and friendly feelings of the U.S.

Emphasizing that he is affected by the solidarity and the fortitude of the Turkish nation against this big disaster, Lugar noted that both the U.S. government and the U.S. nation are carrying out efforts to help Turkey and that within this framework, the U.S. aid to Turkey will continue.

Stressing that they discussed the visit of Ecevit to the U.S. which is planned to be held in the end of September, Lugar stated that the preparations for this visit continue and that they want to carry out joint efforts with Ecevit's government from now on.

When asked whether or not the U.S. hospital ship named ''USS Kearserge'' which is anchored in Golcuk county accepts patients, Lugar said that he has not enough information about this issue.

Responding a question on whether or not U.S. warship named ''George Washington'' will come to Turkey, Lugar said that he has not enough information about this issue, either.

Later, Lugar met with Devlet Bahceli, Deputy Prime Minister and the State Minister.

[18] AUSTRALIAN GOVERNMENT DISCUSSES GRANTING IMMIGRATION RIGHT TO SOME OF QUAKE VICTIMS

The Australian Turkish Organizations Council officially applied to the federal government and asked that Australia should help the survivors of the quake.

The Council demanded three points from the federal government. These demands are Australia's permitting the quake victims settling in the houses of their relatives living in Australia, Australia's granting immigration right to a group of survivors, and Australia's facilitating the procedures for the Turkish families living in Australia which want to adopt the children who lost their parents in the quake disaster.

The Turkish families living in Australia apply to the Turkish consulates in Melbourne and Sydney and the Turkish Embassy in Canberra to shelter the children who are lost their relatives and houses in the quake.

Meanwhile, the New South Wales Turkish Culture Association collected 28,000 dollar and granted this money to the quake victims.

The SBS state radio said that the amount of the donation collected by the campaign carried out by the Turkish service of the radio reached 1.7 million dollars.

[19] 68TH IZMIR INTERNATIONAL FAIR - TANRIKULU, INDUSTRY AND TRADE MINISTER, MEETS IRISH, TRNC AND LITHUANIAN DELEGATIONS

The bilateral contacts which are held within the scope of Izmir International Fair are limited this year due to the quake disaster. The economic and commercial relations and the quake disaster were the issues discussed in the contacts with Irish, TRNC and Lithuanian delegations.

Tanrikulu who is hosting the Izmir International Fair, said that this fair creates an ideal situation to continue the commercial and cultural relations with the foreign countries.

Emphasizing that they will only have some official contacts this year due to the quake disaster, Tanrikulu note that he told the Irish, TRNC and Lithuanian delegations that he wishes the improvement of the trading volume and economic cooperation.

Noel Davern, Irish State Minister, said that they feel very sad about the quake disaster and that they will do their best to help Turkey; adding that they came to the Izmir Fair to improve the relations with Turkish people.

Mehmet Bayram, TRNC Economy and Finance Minister, said that they are participating in the Izmir International Fair for 25 years and that the fair has a significant contribution for the TRNC economy.

V. Grusauskas, Lithuanian Deputy Agriculture Minister, said that the agriculture and electronical industry is at an improved level in Lithuania and that they aim at increasing the cooperation with Turkey.

Meanwhile, the Aegean Region Chamber of Industry (EBSO) hosted a group including the South African, Egyptian and Tunisian delegations and the representatives of the countries which are the members of the Black Sea Economic Cooperation (BSEC).

[20] TRNC SOS CHILDREN'S VILLAGE OPENS DOORS TO 20 QUAKE VICTIMS

Visiting Rauf Denktas, the TRNC President, Nami noted that they can shelter ten children aged between three and thirteen and ten teenagers aged between thirteen and nineteen in their village.

Nami stated that the SOS Children's Village is an international institute and that the conditions of their village is suitable for this aim.

Denktas defined the proposal of SOS Children's Village as ''the most meaningful, the most valuable, and the most necessary aid.''

Denktas said that TRNC people continue to help the quake victims with sensitivity, adding that the Businessmen's Association granted 27,000 U.S. dollars to the survivors of the quake.

[21] HEALTH MINISTRY: ''WE ARE GRATEFUL TO ALL COUNTRIES TSK, CITIZENS, HEALTH PERSONNEL, NON-GOVERNMENTAL ORGANIZATIONS, AND ALL INSTITUTIONS WHO SENT HUMANITARIAN AND MONETARY AID DUE TO QUAKE''

Health Minister Crisis Center statement pointed out that efforts are under way to heal the wounds of the disaster and to take required precautions to prevent spreading of a possible contagious disease.

The statement said Health Ministry sent ambulances and emergency aid teams to the region since the first hours of the quake, and noted that they cooperated with Turkish Armed Forces (TSK) the same same and formed an air bridge to tranfer the injured to various hospitals.

It said 154 experts, 116 general practitioners, 197 nurses, and 80 health officials are assigned in the quake region, adding that the health personnel, medicial equipment, serum, vaccine, and medicine were sent to the region immediately after the quake.

The statement said the hospitals set up by foreign in the region are as follows:

''Sakarya: French mobile hospital, Isreali mobile Hospital, Egyptian mobile hospital, Japanese policlinic, Canada mobile hospital.

Yalova-Cinarcik (Greek relief team with tents)

Kocaeli: Spanish mobile hospital, U.S. mobile hospital, German mobile hospital, French mobile hospital, Yarica group, Russian policlinic, Norwegian mobile hospital, Romanian policlinic, Belgian team.

The statement pointed out that medical aid equipment coming from various international institutions and foreign countries were tranferred to the regions hit by the quake.

''We also appreciate UNFPA, UNICEF, Germany, the U.S., Austria, Azerbaijan, Bahrein, Bangladesh, Belgium, United Arab Emirates, Bulgaria, Algeria, Czech Republic, Denmark, Morrocco, France, Georgia, Croatia, the Netherlands, Britain, Spain, Switzerland, Italy, Japan, Canada, Kazakhstan, Kyrgzstan, Kuwait, Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC), Egypt, Moldova, Norway, Uzbekistan, Poland, Portugual, Romania, Russia, Chili, Tunusia, Turkmenistan, Ukraine, and Greece and various voluntary institutions and people from these countries who sent hospitals, health teams, humanitarian aid following the quake disaster,'' the statement said.

[22] HALONEN, FINNISH FM, AND VAN DEN BROEK, MEMBER OF EU COMMISSION, DEPARTS TURKEY

Staging a press conference at the Esenboga Airport of Ankara prior to their departure, Halonen said that they decided to increase the cooperation between Turkey and the EU to ease the pains of the quake disaster during their contacts with the Turkish officials.

Halonen noted that within this framework, they will be in contact with Ismail Cem, the Foreign Minister, from now on.

Van Den Broek said that they witnessed the solidarity of the Turkish people during this short visit to Turkey and that the members of the EU have a consensus to help Turkey in this hard time.

[23] EU GRANTS TWO MILLION EURO AID TO TURKEY

The commission provided an aid worth of two million euros to Turkey early this week.

The EU sources said that the EU Commission will continue to give two million euros to Turkey from the Humanitarian Aid Fund.

The sources noted that they set up ''an action plan to support Turkey'' and that within this framework, they will provide a large scale support with the consent of the Council; adding that they will provide aid not only for the first aid but for the reconstruction.

Meanwhile, the aid sent by the EU will be used to meet the tent, covering, medicine, dispensary, water purification, and food needs of the disaster zone.

[24] SOUTHEASTERN EUROPE MULTI-NATIONAL PEACE FORCE - GENERAL ZORLU, COMMANDER OF FORCE, IN BULGARIA

Zorlu visited the preparations in the headquarters which is foreseen to start its facilities on August 31, 1999.

The Southeastern Anatolia Defense Ministers decided to set up this peace force in their meeting held on January 12, 1999 in Athens. The place of the headquarters of the peace force will change every four years and the commander of the peace force will change every two years.

Turkey, Bulgaria, Greece, Italy, Macedonia, Albania, and Romania will each participate in this regional peace force with 35-member military staff.

The military representatives of these countries are expected to arrive in Bulgaria on September 8, 1999.

The Bulgarian Defense Ministry Press Center told A.A correspondent that Turkish Armed Forces will participate in the regional peace force with military technical experts, an artillery unit and an intelligence unit.

[25] PRIME MINISTRY CRISIS COORDINATION COUNCIL TAKES MEASURES TO NORMALIZE DAILY LIFE IN DISASTER ZONE

The Prime Ministry Crisis Coordination Council evaluated the situation following the quake disaster in its yesterday's meeting.

The Prime Ministry Press Center statement said that the Council made a general evaluation of the status quo following the quake disaster and that the Council discussed the measures to be taken to solve the possible problems.

The statement listed the short term measures to be taken in the disaster zone:

- The transitory settlement is targeted to be provided before the winter. To this end, the prior and urgent settlement of the citizens will be provided by the prefabricated huts constructed in the region by the domestic and foreign sources.

The monetary aid which is started to be collected after the quake is allocated for the construction of settlements for the quake victims.

The state assessed the fields of the Treasury and the suitable forestry fields to construct transitory settlement and that the efforts to determine whether or not these fields are suitable for construction and to provide the infrastructural services continue.

-Besides the tent-sites which are set up, the state will meet the tent needs of the people.

-The donations which are granted in Turkey and in the foreign countries by some aid campaigns, are collected in the account opened in Ankara Central Branch of the Ziraat Bankasi. The donation accounts will be audited by a delegation including the Prime Ministry inspectors, Finance inspectors and the authorized inspectors of the banks. The report of this delegation will be made public. The money collected in these accounts will be used for the transitory and permanent residence of the quake victims within the framework of the regulations concerning the disasters. The monetary aid collected by the figures as of August 25, 1999 evening are as follows: 18.7 trillion Turkish liras, 4.399.741 German marks and 1.636.102 U.S. dollars. Nearly 50 million U.S. dollars collected in the various foreign countries started to reach Turkey.

- The public opinion will be informed about humanitarian aid collected in Turkey.

- An archive including the films shot in the rubble will be prepared and the efforts to shift the rubble and the damage assessment works will be completed, then.

- The albums including the photographs of the unidentified people who had to be buried will be prepared.

- The electricity which is given at 90 percent will be given 100 percent as soon as possible.

- The efforts to spray disinfectants to prevent the epidemics and the present environmental problems will be concluded as soon as possible.

- The measures to start the education year will be taken and the students will be given pyschologic rehabilitation.

- The measures to prevent the black marketing, plunder and similar incidents will be taken and the region will be taken under control.

- The measures which will start the production in the industrial installations and the workplaces will be taken in the shortes time.

[26] PRIME MINISTER ECEVIT: ''BROADCASTINGS ARE MADE TO DETER CITIZENS AND FOREIGN ORGANIZATIONS FROM SENDING AID'' - COMPETITION BOARD DONATES FIVE TRILLION TURKISH LIRAS TO THE ACCOUNT OPENED BY PREMIERSHIP CRISIS ADMINISTRATION CENTER

Ecevit received Taner Muftuoglu, Competition Board Chairman. and Kemal Erol, the Deputy Chairman.

Addressing the meeting. Muftuoglu said Competition Board convened on August 25, and discussed what could be done to heal the wounds. He said they donated five trillion Turkish liras to a bank account opened by Premiership Crisis Administration Center, adding that their contribution will continue.

Muftuoglu wished the country to overcome this catastrophe soon, the economy to be enlivened, and healing of the wounds of the citizens.

Prime Minister Ecevit said the donation was meaningful for them, adding that ''because, recently several broadcastings appear to deter our citizens and foreign organizations from extending aid to Turkey, and to the victims of the quake. For example they say ''we don't thrust on government and the state. We are not sure where this aid will go.''

Ecevit said they also blame the Red Crescent very seriously. ''Every institution may have some defects. If necessary the allegations may be investigated after these sorrowful days.''

Ecevit said a very important private institution of a foreign country announced that it suspended a great amount of donation as it was about to send.

Ecevit noted that ''such deterring broadcastings are upsetting at a time when we are passing through a hard period as we are in need of solidarity in national, and international level. Donation of Competition Board is a consolation for us in such an atmosphere.''

A journalist expressed his concerns that a source which will be provided under ''Quake Tax'' may be used in several other fields instead of healing the wounds, and when asked his evaluations to this end, Ecevit said the issue has a social, and economic dimension.

''The social dimension is the required social aids required for the victims of the quake who lost their houses and jobs. This is very important. Construction of temporary and permanent houses is also very important. Besides, enlivening economy is a great obligation as economy was passing through narrow straits. The sources which we will obtain with the changes in tax arrangements will be used to transparently to enliven economy, contribute to the victims of quake, and to meet urgent and humanitarian needs of them. Nobody has the right to feel suspicious about this. Trying to bring the nation and the state against each other can not be forgiven'' Ecevit said.

Ecevit also said there were many false reports which said Turkish Armed Forces did not contribute to the rescue efforts, adding that ''I am the witness. TSK launched efforts from the first day of the quake. Today, more than 60,000 TSK personnel contribute to humanitarian aid efforts.''

Responding to another question Ecevit said there was required technology in Turkey for the construction of prefabricated houses, and noted that several friendly countries will also contribute to this campaign with prefabricated houses.

[27] HALONEN, FINNISH FM, AND VAN DEN BROEK, MEMBER OF EU COMMISSION, DEPARTS TURKEY - HALONEN SAYS THEY HAD A BRIEF BUT VERY SATISFACTORY VISIT TO TURKEY

Halonen and Hans Van den Broek, the member of the European Union (EU) Commission responsible for foreign affairs, staged a press conference at the Esenboga Airport of Ankara prior to their departure.

Halonen said that they were accompanied by the representatives of the Economic Cooperation Organization (ECO) and the European Investment Bank.

Emphasizing the aim of their visit as to show Turkey that the EU is beside Turkey in her hardest time, Halonen noted that they met with the local officials in Avcilar district of Istanbul and with Premier Bulent Ecevit Foreign Minister Ismail Cem in Ankara.

Stressing that they discussed the ways to help the survivors, the measures to be taken to protect the survivors from the winter and the reconstruction of the settlements which were hit by the quake, Halonen stated that 15 EU countries, especially Greece, provided efficient aid to Turkey.

Halonen stressed that the EU member country Foreign Ministers will discuss cooperation with Turkey in the meeting which will be held in Finland two weeks later.

Van Den Broek said that he was effected by the solidarity of the Turkish people in helping the survivors and that they will try to provide the aid of the Netherlands.

Stating that the EU countries want to send aid to Turkey, Van Den Broek noted that they discussed how to coordinate the aid which will be sent to Turkey in their contacts with Cem and Ecevit.

Noting that all the countries can be ready for such a big disaster, Van Den Broek pointed out the difficulty in organizing the aid in the region.

Emphasizing that the EU countries will discuss supporting Turkey to prevent Turkey's budget being negatively affected from this disaster, Van Den Broek stated that they appreciate the efforts of the Turkish non-governmental organizations and that the non-governmental organizations carry importance in overcoming such disasters.

Pointing out that the EU countries had a compromise to help Turkey, a friendly and partner country, Van Den Broek stressed that he observed the positive stance of Greece in his meeting with Greek Foreign Minister.

Van Den Broek said that the EU granted two million euros at the first stage and that it granted another two million euros today to meet the basic needs; adding that the EU Commission thinks of granting 25 or 30 million euros for the rehabilitation facilities.

Van Den Broek noted that this issue will be discussed by the Eu countries and that the aid process will continue.

[28] EARTHQUAKE AND TURKEY-EU RELATIONS

The Foreign Ministry sources told the A.A correspondant that Turkish officials have submitted a two-page list of urgent needs including tents, and medical supplies, to Halonen and Broek.

Diplomatic sources stressed that Turkey visit of Halonen and Broek has three major targets.

The first target was to prove that the EU is in solidarity with Turkey.

The same sources stressed that the EU experts have to make observations in the disaster area to determine the necessary aid, adding that Turkey visit of Halonen and Broek was very useful within this framework.

The third target was to launch initiatives which EU could not launched adequately during crisis in Bosnia and Kosovo.

The same sources noted, ''EU was insufficient in Bosnia. They were better organized in Kosovo. Now, within framework of these experiences, a good organization should be made to take an international action.''

Meanwhile, it was reported that dialogue which started between Turkey and the EU following the earthquake disaster, will continue in coming days with mutual visits.

European technical experts are expected to come to Turkey to make observations in the disaster area. Turkey will be in coordination with the EU in construction of prefabricated houses in the affected areas.

Meanwhile, Ismail Cem, Foreign Minister, will pay official visits to France, and Britain at the end of this month.

Cem's contacts are expected to focus on the earthquake disaster.

[29] PRIME MINISTRY CRISIS MANAGEMENT CENTER: - ''A TOTAL OF 34,806 DAMAGED BUILDINGS WERE DETERMINED''

Officials at the Prime Ministry Crisis Center told the A.A correspondant that 26,234 of these buildings were badly damaged in the quake.

Recalling that search and rescue works, efforts to haul away the rubble, health and funeral services, communication, transportation, damage assesment works, and public services continue in the disaster region, the officials said that the death toll, and the number of injured people have not changed for the last three hours.

Regional crisis desks have been established to coordinate all activities in the affected area.

A total of 2,500 survivors have been provided shelters.

In the disaster area, 20 mobile hospitals are giving health service.

The National Education Ministry plans to establish prefabricated schools, and playing-tents to cheer young victims of quake.

Meanwhile, two truckloads of blankets which were sent by Syrian government arrived in Turkey.

[30] PRESIDENT ALIEV OF AZERBAIJAN: - ''WE SHARE YOUR GRIEF''

President Aliev received Kadri Ecvet Tezcan, Turkish Ambassador to Azerbaijan, earlier today.

Addressing the meeting, Aliev wished quick recovery for those who were injured in the disaster.

Aliev also expressed condolences, and implored God's strength upon all who are grieving.

Describing Turkey as a powerful country, President Aliev said that Turkey will heal the wounds soon.

Aliev said, ''Collapsed buildings can be constructed again, but we will feel the grief of those who lost their relatives, in our hearts.''

Stressing that Azerbaijan will do her utmost to assist Turkey, Aliev underlined that friendly relations between the two countries, are never- ending.

President Aliev emphasized that the Azeri search and rescue team and the fire-extinguisher team, which strived to assits Turkey, are the signes of friendship and fraternity between Turkey and Azerbaijan.

Meanwhile, Tezcan thanked President Aliev, and the Azeri people for their contribution on behalf of the Turkish government, and all Turkish people.

A.A

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