Anadolu Agency: News in English, 99-08-31

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AA Daily

31 August 1999 Tuesday

CONTENTS

[01] TURKEY-PRESS SCAN

[02] ITALIAN NATIONAL ASSISTANCE CONFEDERATION: - ''ITALY SHOULD HELP TURKEY IMMEDIATELY''

[03] TURKEY CONDEMNS ARSON ATTEMPT AT HALA SULTAN SHRINE

[04] PRIME MINISTRY CRISIS MANAGEMENT CENTER ANNOUNCES DEATH TOLL AS 14,202

[05] UNICEF ASSISTS YOUNG VICTIMS OF QUAKE

[06] CONCERT IN WESTERN THRACE TO HELP QUAKE VICTIMS

[07] A RELIGIOUS CEREMONY TAKES PLACE IN KREUZBERG COUNTY OF BERLIN FOR THOSE WHO LOST THEIR LIVES IN QUAKE DISASTER

[08] ALBRIGHT DUE IN TURKEY ON SUNDAY

[09] TRNC FOREIGN AND DEFENSE MINISTRIES CONDEMN ARSON ATTEMPT AT HALA SULTAN SHRINE

[10] AKINCI, DEPUTY PRIME MINISTER OF TRNC, DUE TO NORWAY

[11] PRIME MINISTRY CRISIS MANAGEMENT CENTER: - ''IRAQI GOVERNMENT STATED THAT IT IS READY TO SEND AID WORTH OF 10 MILLION U.S. DOLLARS''

[12] BAYAR, DIRECTOR OF PRIVATIZATION ADMINISTRATION : - ''CEASING PRIVATIZATION INITIATIVES IS OUT OF QUESTION''

[13] BAYAR, DIRECTOR OF PRIVATIZATION ADMINISTRATION : ''STATE HAS TO WITHDRAW FROM ECONOMIC ACTIVITIES, RETURN TO ITS FUNDAMENTAL DUTIES AND SHOW ITS EXISTANCE WHEN NECESSARY''

[14] GROWTH RATE AND GNP - DIE ANNOUNCES GROWTH RATE IN SECOND THREE-MONTH PERIOD OF 1999 AS MINUS 3.4 PERCENT - RECESSION IN FIRST SIX MONTHS IS 5.8 PERCENT

[15] ITALIAN MERLONI COMPANY TO CONSTRUCT PREFABRICATED HUTS IN DISASTER REGION

[16] PRESIDENT DEMIREL RECEIVES CILLER, DYP LEADER: - CILLER: ''WE REQUESTED PRESIDENT TO VETO AMNESTY LAW''

[17] FM CEM IN FRANCE - CEM MEETS CHIRAC, FRENCH PRESIDENT - CHIRAC SAYS EU HAS TO INDICATE IT IS IN SOLIDARITY WITH TURKEY IN HELSINKI SUMMIT

[18] FERHADI, IRANIAN HEALTH MINISTER, VISITS DURMUS, HEALTH MINISTER

[19] LAND FORCES COMMANDERSHIP HOLDS A BRIEFING ABOUT EFFORTS CARRIED OUT IN DISASTER REGION - 2014 CITIZENS PULLED ALIVE AND 3799 DEAD BODIES RECOVERED FROM DEBRIS BY MILITARY PERSONNEL

[20] COUNCIL OF MINISTERS DISCUSS EARTHQUAKE DISASTER - GUREL, STATE MINISTER AND GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN: ''VARIOUS LAWS WILL BE REVIEWED IN LINE WITH THIS DISASTER AND THEIR DEFICIENCIES WILL BE OVERCOME''

[21] COUNCIL OF MINISTERS DISCUSSES EARTHQUAKE DISASTER - GOVERNORS AUTHORIZED TO DETERMINE STARTING DATE OF SCHOOLS - A SYSTEM TO BE FOUNDED AMONG CONCERNED ORGANS OF STATE TO PROVIDE CONTINUOUS COMMUNICATION

[22] PRESIDENT DEMIREL RECEIVES FERHADI, IRANIAN HEALTH MINISTER

[23] OIL DONATED BY IRAQ TO TURKEY STARTED TO BE PUMPED TO KIRIKKALE REFINERY - DANIS, DIRECTOR GENERAL OF TUPRAS: - ''THE INCOME GAINED FROM THE MENTIONED OIL WILL BE GIVEN TO THE SURVIVORS VIA RED CRESCENT''

[01] TURKEY-PRESS SCAN

HURRIYET (LIBERAL)

ECEVIT DUE TO THE U.S.
There was not a change in the schedule of Prime Minister Bulent Ecevit's visit to the U.S. that was earlier planned to be paid between September 26 and October 1. Diplomatic sources in Washington D.C. said the Prime Minister who will arrive in Washington D.C. on September 26, will meet with U.S. President Bill Clinton on September 28, and proceed to New York on September 30. Diplomatic sources said the meeting between Ecevit and Clinton is expected to focus on the earthquake disaster in Turkey.

MILLIYET (LIBERAL)

SABAH (LIBERAL)

SORROWFUL VICTORY DAY
Ceremonies did not take place to mark the August 30, the Victory Day upon an order of the Office of General Staff in the aftermath of the quake disaster which claimed thousands of lives. General Huseyin Kivrikoglu, Chief of General Staff, laid a wreath to the Mausoleum of Ataturk, Founder of the modern Republic of Turkey, and the delegation performed a minute of silence.

CUMHURIYET (LEFT)

CHILDREN TO BE HOSTED ON GREEK ISLANDS
The children receiving primary education, and their families who were left homeless in the earthquake that hit the Marmara Region on August 17, will be hosted on the Greek islands. The Movement of Surviving Common Communication in Aegean Sea, which was set up by former politicians and intellectuals living on Mytilini, Samos, and Chios islands, announced that it will host 26 children together with their families till the new education year starts.

RADIKAL (LEFT)

TÜRKİYE (RIGHT)

PRIME MINISTER GIVES HOPE
Prime Minister Bulent Ecevit visited Duzce county of Bolu province which was one of the worst affected areas in the devastating earthquake disaster. Ecevit said, ''Turkey which won a great victory at the end of the Independence War on August 30, 1922, will also achieve victory in her efforts to heal the wounds of disaster. Our hard-working people have already started to work. I am very pleased with seeing Duzce active and dynamic again.''

ZAMAN (CONSERVATIVE)

[02] ITALIAN NATIONAL ASSISTANCE CONFEDERATION: - ''ITALY SHOULD HELP TURKEY IMMEDIATELY''

The Confederation sent a letter to Italian Prime Minister Massimo D'Alema, saying that Italian government should take action as soon as possible.

The National Assistance Confederation also demanded D'Alema to dispatch the cargo ships which are being kept ready in Bari Port for Kosovar refugees, to Turkey.

[03] TURKEY CONDEMNS ARSON ATTEMPT AT HALA SULTAN SHRINE

Releasing a statement, the Foreign Ministry expressed deep sorrow over the attack staged by a previously unknown group namely the ''Pancyprian Association of Cypriot Fighters''.

The statement underlined, ''modern civilization understanding requires protection of overall holy places from any desecration attempts.''

Recalling that the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) authorities have launched necessary initiatives in the United Nations (U.N), the Foreign Ministry requested responsibles of the desecration to be captured, and punished as soon as possible.

[04] PRIME MINISTRY CRISIS MANAGEMENT CENTER ANNOUNCES DEATH TOLL AS 14,202

A total of 106 dead bodies were recovered from the mounds of rubble during the works to haul away the wreckage of collapsed buildings.

The Prime Ministry Crisis Management Center stressed that 9 bodies were recovered in Yalova province, and 97 others in Golcuk county of Kocaeli province.

Meanwhile, one person who was pulled alive from rubble, and taken to hospital for medical treatment, died in Bolu province.

Efforts to haul away rubble continue in the disaster area.

[05] UNICEF ASSISTS YOUNG VICTIMS OF QUAKE

Within framework of the programme, teachers will be trained on how to deal with psychological traumas, and behavior disorders in children in the wake of the devastating quake disaster.

The United Nation officials said that they aim at setting up friendly groups among children to make them feeling confident again.

Officials added that they also target to hold meetings to make families conscious about the psychological effects of disaster.

Turkish authorities have extended support to the UNICEF's plan.

[06] CONCERT IN WESTERN THRACE TO HELP QUAKE VICTIMS

Yorgos Dalaras and Thanasis Gayfilias, two prominent names of the Greek music, joined the concert which was organized with initiative of Degisim Band composed of Turkish musicians from Western Thrace, and with contribution of the Iskece Governorship, and the Greek State Radio and Television Broadcasting Organization.

Almost 5 thousand people watched the concert in the Iskece Stadium.

The concert which was broadcasted live by the Greek state-run television channel, will be repeated in Izmit, epicenter of the devastating quake disaster, in the coming days.

Addressing journalists after the concert, Dalaras said, ''Greek and Turkish people had had some mistakes against each other. But we, as the young generation, try to correct these mistakes. My presence here is symbolic. If it is necessary, I can go to Turkey to help quake victims.''

Gayfilias noted, ''I am quite sure that Turkey would do her utmost to help Greece if we had faced such a disaster. But everyone must think that why these two nations cannot come together in good days.''

[07] A RELIGIOUS CEREMONY TAKES PLACE IN KREUZBERG COUNTY OF BERLIN FOR THOSE WHO LOST THEIR LIVES IN QUAKE DISASTER

Representatives of Muslim, Christian, and Jewish communities came together in the Kreuzberg Municipality Building, and read passeges from the Koran, the Bible, and the Pentateuch.

Addressing the ceremony, Franz Schulz, Mayor of Kreuzberg, expressed deep sorrow at the great loss of life in the quake disaster.

Schulz offered his condolences, and implored God's mercy upon all who are grieving.

Alphan Solen, Turkish Consul General in Berlin, thanked to German civilian defense organizations, and to search and rescue teams for their efforts in the disaster area on behalf of whole Turkish people.

Alphan Solen, Turkish Consul General in Berlin; Franz Schutz, Mayor of Kreuzberg; Ali Kilic, Religious Services Attache of Turkish Embassy in Germany; Anrabiren Totschild, Spritual Leader of Jewish community in Germany; Priest Quandt from the Protestant Church; Priest Otmar Strozado from the Catholic Church; Kurt Wansher, Deputy of the German Christian Democratic Union Party; and Ismail Hakki Kosan, Deputy of the German Greens Party, were in attendance at the ceremony.

[08] ALBRIGHT DUE IN TURKEY ON SUNDAY

Albright who is expected to pay a six-hour visit to Turkey after completing her tour in the Middle East, will make observations in the disaster area with Ismail Cem, Foreign Minister.

Turkish diplomatic sources described Albright's visit to Turkey as a significant gesture.

Meanwhile, the U.S. continue to send humanitarian, and financial aid to Turkey.

Gray Davis, Governor of California, called on all residents to make donations for quake victims.

[09] TRNC FOREIGN AND DEFENSE MINISTRIES CONDEMN ARSON ATTEMPT AT HALA SULTAN SHRINE

TRNC officials stressed, ''we held urgent contacts with the United Nations Peace Force as soon as we heard about the attack, but they did not respond our request for further information.''

Pointing out that Mihalis Papapedrou, the spokesman of the Greek Cypriot administration, tries to suppress the attack by claiming that the attack could be staged by provocators, the TRNC officials described Papapedrou's attitude as a new sample of the Greek Cypriot side's manner against similar desecration of holy places in the past.

Recalling that Papapedreu had voiced the same allegations about the armed attack on a TRNC citizen in Limassol on August 28, TRNC officials said, ''As everyone knows, the Greek Cypriot side administration did not take any serious measures to prevent such attacks targeting Turkish presence, and cultural works in the Southern Cyprus. On the other hand, there are serious signs showing that Greek Cypriot officials had a big role in torture and homicide incidents against Turkish Cypriots living in the Southern Cyprus. Hala Sultan Shrine is one of the most prominent historical works of the Muslim Turkish presence on the island. Therefore, the Greek Cypriot side made this holy place a target of its attacks.''

Meanwhile, Peter Scmitz, Senior Political Councellor of the U.N. Peace Force, was summoned to TRNC Foreign Ministry to protest the attack.

The TRNC officials also requested the U.N. Peace Force to take necessary measures to protect Hala Sultan Shrine.

[10] AKINCI, DEPUTY PRIME MINISTER OF TRNC, DUE TO NORWAY

Akinci is scheduled to come together with Thorbjom Jagland, the Leader of the Labour Party.

He is also expected to hold talks with the government officials, and members of the Parliamentary Foreign Relations Commission.

Akinci will participate in a conference which will be organized by the Oslo International Peace Research Institute, and make a speech about the latest developments on Cyprus.

[11] PRIME MINISTRY CRISIS MANAGEMENT CENTER: - ''IRAQI GOVERNMENT STATED THAT IT IS READY TO SEND AID WORTH OF 10 MILLION U.S. DOLLARS''

Releasing a statement, Prime Ministry Crisis Management Center said that a total of 17,199 buildings collapsed, 25,651 others were badly damaged, and 30,829 buildings were slightly damaged in Istanbul, Sakarya, Kocaeli, Bursa, Yalova, Bolu, Eskisehir, Zonguldak and Tekirdag provinces.

As the works to determine appropriate makeshift shelters for quake victims, continue, establishment of 1,364 prefabricated houses will be erected in Hendek county of Adipazari province.

The Turkish Telecom has provided a total of 2,541 free telephone lines in the disaster area.

Meanwhile, Iraqi government stated that it pledged to send an aid worth of 10 million U.S. dollars.

A total of 500 thousand barrels of Iraqi crude oil were stored in Botas Ceyhan terminal, and are still waiting for the approval of the United Nations.

A field hospital sent by Norway, has begun to serve quake victims in the garden of the Kocaeli SSK Hospital.

A total of 64,948 personnel of the Turkish Armed Forces have been deployed in the disaster area, to participate in the works to haul away rubble, rescue efforts, evacuation efforts, and medical treatment services.

Turkish planes and helicopters accumulated a total of 1,288 flight hours, and went on 1,173 sorties in the disaster area. These planes carried 4,836 personnel, and 626 tonnes of equipment to the region.

[12] BAYAR, DIRECTOR OF PRIVATIZATION ADMINISTRATION : - ''CEASING PRIVATIZATION INITIATIVES IS OUT OF QUESTION''

Responding to the questions of A.A correspondent concerning the possible effects of the quake on the privatization initiatives, Bayar noted that they earlier announced the starting date of the big tenders as the third and fourth quarter of 1999 and ending date as 2000 and that the schedule is not changed.

Pointing out that the schedule continues as it was earlier planned, Bayar said, ''the supply of TUPRAS for the international persons and the sell of IGSAS, Petrol Ofisi and Petkim are the privatization initiatives having some processes. The consortium which will provide the international supply of TUPRAS has been chosen. The signing of the contract with the consortium, the official application of the introduction documents of TUPRAS to the markets in London, New York and Istanbul and the international road shows of TUPRAS are the same process we followed for Is Bankasi. ''

''This is a six-month process. Moreover, the fiscal books of all the international investors will be closed in November due to the millenium problem. So, the supply of TUPRAS was planned to be carried out in January or February,'' Bayar added.

Emphasizing that the privatization initiatives continue in its normal pace, Bayar stated that the repair of the damaged pipe of TUPRAS gave them time to rest for a while.

Noting that one or two organizations including TUPRAS which were damaged in the quake were insured and the insurance agencies will meet a great deal of the damages, Bayar said, ''TUPRAS was put out to tender among eight foreign investments banks. The tender was awarded to Salomon which earlier privatized Is Bankasi. The contract with Salomon is just being signed. After the contract is signed, the dossiers will be prepared by the legal and financial consultants, the information memorandum will be prepared and then the international Road Show phase wil come. That is, the privatization will end in 2000. We take this privatization initiative to the first half of 2000. That is, ceasing the programme is out of question.''

When responding to a question on how much the organizations including TUPRAS, IGSAS; PETKIM and SEKA were affected by the quake, Bayar stressed that the reports have not become definite yet but that these organizations were all insured.

Bayar said that the privatization of TUPRAS can be postponed for two months and there are not any problems or damages in IGSAS and Petkim.

Bayar noted that some units of Seka were destroyed but the dimensions of the damages in Seka will be assessed and they will be repaired as soon as possible; all these will postpone the initiatives for only two months and that the privatization initiatives will be held in the first half of 2000.

[13] BAYAR, DIRECTOR OF PRIVATIZATION ADMINISTRATION : ''STATE HAS TO WITHDRAW FROM ECONOMIC ACTIVITIES, RETURN TO ITS FUNDAMENTAL DUTIES AND SHOW ITS EXISTANCE WHEN NECESSARY''

Responding to questions of A.A correspondent about privatization efforts, Bayar stated that it was seen in the recent earthquake disaster that the private sector can undertake many things in a good way that the state does, adding ''there is no activity which can be done by the state but can't be done by the private sector.''

Noting that the state has to be regulator, inspector and the organ which provides competition like in the west, Bayar added that ''the commissions of the European Parliament are examples of that. For instance a British, German or French firm can not be united without getting permission from the European commissions. These are my views as a citizen, not as a bureaucrat. If Turkey can turn the spirit of national unity it showed during the last 15 days into a reconstruction in its economy, she can overcome problems.''

Responding to a question regarding the money planned to be gained from privatization in 2000, Bayar said ''the monetary dimension is only a factor regarding privatization, however the thing that matters here is to give these institutions to those persons who can operate them wellso that they can take part in the international plaftorm.''

Pointing out that the privatization target was announced as 3,5-4 billion dollars in those day's prices except Telekom after the Privatization Supreme Board meeting following the formation of the new government, Bayar said that ''we don't know when this money will flow, but we think that it will be in 2000.''

[14] GROWTH RATE AND GNP - DIE ANNOUNCES GROWTH RATE IN SECOND THREE-MONTH PERIOD OF 1999 AS MINUS 3.4 PERCENT - RECESSION IN FIRST SIX MONTHS IS 5.8 PERCENT

In accordance with the transitory results, the Gross National Product (GNP) between April and June, 1999 was declared as 16.7 quadrillian Turkish liras by the current prices.

The growth rate in accordance with the current prices in the second three- month period was 51.3 percent and in fixed prices was -3.4 percent.

Meanwhile, the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) recessed to minus 2.0 percent while the recession in the first six months became minus 5.0 percent.

The DIE said that the industry which stagnated 9.3 percent in the first three-month period of 1999, increased 1.2 percent in the second three-month period.

The DIE noted that the highest growth rate was observed in the financial organizations with 7.5 percent while the biggest stagnation was realized in agriculture with 7.8 percent.

The trade stagnated 4.3 percent in the second three-month period and the six-month recession in this sector was observed as 9.4 percent.

The growth rate in transportation and communication decreased to minus 3.5 percent, the growth rate in the self-employed sector stagnated to minus 1 percent and the growth rate in imports tax recessed to 23.5 percent.

The DIE listed the growth rate of the second three-month period of 1999 in accordance with the current prices as follows:

(percent)

SECTORS 1ST PER. 2.PER. TOTAL
========= ======= ======= ======
AGRICULTURE 0.2 -7.8 -5.5
INDUSTRY -9.3 1.2 -3.9
CONSTRUCTION -2.3 -5.9 -4.3
TRADE -15.4 -4.3 -9.4
TRANSPORTATION-COMMUNICATION -3.5 -0.6 -2.0
FINANCIAL ORGANIZATIONS 7.8 7.5 7.6
HOUSE OWNERSHIP 2.2 2.0 2.1
SELF-EMPLOYED -7.4 -1.0 -4.0
PUBLIC SERVICES 0.4 0.3 0.3
NON-PROFITABLE ORGANIZATIONS 1.9 0.8 1.3
IMPORT TAX -23.5 -5.8 -14.9
GDP -8.5 -2.0 -5.0
GNP -8.4 -3.4 -5.8
EXPENDITURE GROUPS
================
PRIVATE FINAL CONSUMPTION EXP. -6.7 -0.1 -3.4
PUBLIC FINAL CONSUMPTION EXP. 5.0 1.9 3.3
GROSS NATIONAL STABLE CAPITAL -18.1 -14.3 -16.0
GOODS AND SERVICES EXPORTS -8.1 -10.0 -9.1
GOODS AND SERVICES IMPORTS -18.6 -5.2 -11.7</PRE>

[15] ITALIAN MERLONI COMPANY TO CONSTRUCT PREFABRICATED HUTS IN DISASTER REGION

The Merloni statement said that the prefabricated huts will be built in the Merloni factory in Manisa province and that these huts will be constructed within the information of Turkish government.

The statement noted that the huts are foreseen to be delivered in November and that a total of one million U.S. dollars was allocated for the production at the first stage.

Stressing that the Merloni can allocate a fund for the survivors from the selling of the refrigerators produced in the factory in Manisa, the statement said that 20 percent of the selling prices of the refrigerators will be transferred to this fund.

The statement added that the company will work in cooperation with the municipalities and non-governmental organizations.

Meanwhile, the aid worth of 10,000 U.S. dollars which was collected by Turkey's Embassy in Rome was sent to Turkey.

The Turkey's Embassy in Rome statement said that nearly 10,000 U.S. dollars collected until today was sent to Ankara and that the campaign continues; adding that it will send more monetary aid to Turkey next week.

[16] PRESIDENT DEMIREL RECEIVES CILLER, DYP LEADER: - CILLER: ''WE REQUESTED PRESIDENT TO VETO AMNESTY LAW''

President Demirel received Ciller and other DYP officials the same day.

Addressing a statement after the meeting, which was close to the press, Tansu Ciller pointed out that they conveyed their worries about the amnesty law and requested Demirel to veto the law.

Claiming that the adoption of the law had also a bad-timing and it was a fait accompli, Tansu Ciller said that ''Mr. President will appreciate our request.''

Noting that they are also against the amnesty brought for politicians, Ciller said that justice and politics should not be confused, adding politicians should give account in regular courts like citizens.

''This law should be re-discussed,'' said Ciller, adding they also conveyed criticisms about the social security law during their meeting.

''Our President has important experience about the quake and a state of emergency has to be declared in the disaster area,'' she added.

[17] FM CEM IN FRANCE - CEM MEETS CHIRAC, FRENCH PRESIDENT - CHIRAC SAYS EU HAS TO INDICATE IT IS IN SOLIDARITY WITH TURKEY IN HELSINKI SUMMIT

Making a statement after the meeting; Catherine Colana, Spokesman of the Elysee Palace, quoted Chirac as saying that the aid of the European Union (EU) to Turkey should increase.

Recalling that France asked for the release of the Financial Protocol, Colona noted that Chirac said that he wished that the quake disaster will be a positive effect in paving the path of the Turkish-EU relations.

Colona stated that Chirac told Cem that the EU has to indicate that it is in solidarity with Turkey during the Helsinki Summit and that the aid to Turkey will be discussed in this summit.

Responding to questions of journalists after the meeting, Cem said that he thanked Chirac for the sensitivity of France and that he gave information to Chirac about the balance sheet of the damages of the quake.

Emphasizing that Turkey's prior target is reconstruction, Cem noted that he submitted the letter of President Suleyman Demirel to Chirac inviting Chirac to Turkey in 2000.

Cem recalled that the relations between Turkey and France and other political issues will be discussed in details during the meetings he will have with Hubert Vedrine, his French counterpart, and Pierre Moscovici who is responsible for European relations.

[18] FERHADI, IRANIAN HEALTH MINISTER, VISITS DURMUS, HEALTH MINISTER

Ferhadi who came to Turkey to hold observations in the disaster zone under the title of special envoy of Mohammed Khatami, Iranian President, said that Iranian people feels very sad about the quake which hit the Marmara Region and that they share the sorrow of Turkish people.

Emphasizing that the quake was a massive one and affected whole of Marmara Region, Ferhadi noted that Iran is ready to make any kind of aid to Turkey.

Stressing that they appreciate the works of the Health Ministry in the disaster zone, Ferhadi stated that they sent tents, food, health materials and drugs to Turkey until today and that they will continue to send aid to Turkey.

Noting that the needs of the disaster zone are tents and mobile toilets, Ferhadi stressed that the Iranian Red Crescent launched aid campaigns for the survivors.

Thanking to the aid sent by Iran, Durmus said that the prior needs of the disaster zone are tents and mobile toilets and that the decision taken by Iran to send tents and mobile toilets was a very right decision.

Stating that the pyschologists and pyschiatricts started to serve in the disaster zone, Durmus added that transitory buildings for the survivors will be constructed in two or three months.

[19] LAND FORCES COMMANDERSHIP HOLDS A BRIEFING ABOUT EFFORTS CARRIED OUT IN DISASTER REGION - 2014 CITIZENS PULLED ALIVE AND 3799 DEAD BODIES RECOVERED FROM DEBRIS BY MILITARY PERSONNEL

Colonel Ismet Hocaoglu, the director of the Operation Office of the Land Forces Commandership held a briefing to press members before they departured for the earthquake region.

The briefing noted that ''one army, two army corps, 13 brigades, 14 engineer companies, three logistics companies together with 36,501 personnel of the Land Forces Commandership worked in Yalova, Golcuk, Izmit, Adapazarı, Bolu, Duzce and Avcılar and these military units rescued 2014 citizens and recovered the dead bodies of 3799 citizens from debris caused by the August 17's massive earthquake.''

The briefing also noted that operations are underway to build four tent- cities in addition to the tents founded in the disaster region, adding efforts continue to build a tent-city for 2000 people in Izmit.

A total of 425 military personnel were killed in the quake region and 763 military personnel were injured, the briefing noted; adding the Land Forces Commandership spent 2,6 trillion Turkish liras for operations carried out in the disaster and this was met by the budget of the Commandership.

[20] COUNCIL OF MINISTERS DISCUSS EARTHQUAKE DISASTER - GUREL, STATE MINISTER AND GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN: ''VARIOUS LAWS WILL BE REVIEWED IN LINE WITH THIS DISASTER AND THEIR DEFICIENCIES WILL BE OVERCOME''

Addressing a statement after the Council of Ministers meeting, Gurel stated that the cabinet took up the results of the quake disaster and the measures that will be taken in short and long terms in the regions devastated by the quake.

Noting that Preimer Ecevit conveyed his experiences and observations about his visit to the earthquake regions to the cabinet, Gurel pointed out that the cabinet took a decision in principle aiming at formation of private rescue teams and broadening state's civilian defense organization to make it a more effective organization.

''As it is also stated by Prime Minister Bulent Ecevit, a mobilization will be started both in formal and informal education regarding this issue, we will have a disaster strategy. We will also inform our people and importance will be attributed to construction and urbanization from now on. The things that must be done while constructing settlement areas on active fault zones will be determined and new construction techniques will be improved,'' Gurel said.

Gurel added that the cabinet also reached a consensus of opinion regarding improvement of construction insurance and adding a new inspection element to the system.

[21] COUNCIL OF MINISTERS DISCUSSES EARTHQUAKE DISASTER - GOVERNORS AUTHORIZED TO DETERMINE STARTING DATE OF SCHOOLS - A SYSTEM TO BE FOUNDED AMONG CONCERNED ORGANS OF STATE TO PROVIDE CONTINUOUS COMMUNICATION

The meeting of the cabinet headed by Premier Bulent Ecevit lasted for four hours.

Addressing a statement to journalists after the cabinet meeting, Sukru Sina Gurel, the State Minister and Government Spokesman said that the ministers informed the cabinet about the efforts undertaken by their ministries.

Kenan Tanrıkulu, the Minister of Industry and Trade told the cabinet that they formed temporary puchase stations for payment of hazelnut prices on time and to ease purchase transactions of producers.

Tanrıkulu pointed out that as Adapazarı Sugar Plant was damaged by the quake, the beetroot produced in the region will be processed in factories nearby.

Enis Oksuz, the Minister of Transportation said in the cabinet meeting that the communication of 80 provinces with the Prime Ministry and Prime Ministry Crisis center will be provided.

The cabinet accepted the view that children and adults who were effected by the quake should be psychologically reinforced and it authorized governors to determine the starting date of schools in their provinces.

Hikmet Sami Turk, the Minister of Justice informed the cabinet about the legal regulations decided to be taken to heal wounds in the quake region. Thus 29 judges and prosecutors sent to the quake region will work to determine evidences that will assess the liabilities in damaged buildings.

Thus document of authorization will be sufficent for citizens suffering from damage if they apply to lawyers. Together with lawyers, experts can also participate in observations to be carried out in damaged buildings. Experts who can be proposed by the concerned professional associations can work as expert witness in determination of liabilities due to damage in buildings.

Besides legal rules concerning the adoption of children whose parents died in the quake will be made easier.

Upon the proposal of Sumer Oral, the Minister of Finance, the application period of 15 days for getting certification for loss of account books have been extended.

''I should stress that our citizens in the disaster region will have the chance of spending winter indoors and in temporary houses which will be resistant to earthquake. Our government is resolved about this issue,'' said Gurel. Gurel said that Koray Aydın, the Minister of Public Works and Settlement will make detailed statements to the public opinion regarding this issue.

Responding to questions of journalists, Gurel said that all possibilities will be mobilized to solve shelter problem of quake victims, adding energy and infrastructure of temporary buldings will also be provided.

''A common work by the concerned state ministry and Energy, Forestry and Finance ministries should be undertaken about this issue,'' Gurel said

Gurel stressed that the Ministry of Public Works and Settlement made a preliminary work about prefabricated houses, prepared list of conditions and this will be announced on Wednesday.

''Insurance of constructions will provide insurance firms to take part as an element of inspection,'' ended Gurel.

[22] PRESIDENT DEMIREL RECEIVES FERHADI, IRANIAN HEALTH MINISTER

Ferhadi said that Iran feels very sad about the quake and submitted the message of Mohammed Khatami, Iranian President, to Demirel.

Emphasizing that the quake which hit the Marmara Region two weeks ago led to pains, troubles and deaths, Demirel noted that nearly 15,000 people died and 40,000 people injured in the quake.

Demirel added that 100,000 buildings were damaged and the massive quake negatively affected the lives of 20,000 people.

Stressing that the search and rescue operations were launched immediately after the quake and that the officials launched efforts to treat the injured and to shelter the homeless people, Demirel stated that the domestic and foreign aid and support are above any kind of appreciation and that nearly 60 foreign countries rushed to help Turkey.

Thanking for the aid of friendly Iran, Demirel said that Turkey is pleased about Khatami's sending his Health Minister to Turkey.

Noting that the efforts to shift the rubble, to set up tent-sites and to normalize daily life in disaster zone continue, Demirel stressed that the transitory buildings will be constructed before winter and the projects for the permanent residence will be prepared and the measures will be taken.

Stating that Iran also experienced quakes, Demirel said that both Iran and Turkey are on the fault line and that Turkey learned many things from the quake and that the other people can learn many things from Turkey's experiences.

Pointing out that the buildings which will be constructed from now on should be more resistant to the quake, Demirel said that the science cannot say the place, the magnitude and hour of the quake but that the responsibility of science is building quake-resistant buildings.

Demirel wished not to have a worse disaster from now on.

[23] OIL DONATED BY IRAQ TO TURKEY STARTED TO BE PUMPED TO KIRIKKALE REFINERY - DANIS, DIRECTOR GENERAL OF TUPRAS: - ''THE INCOME GAINED FROM THE MENTIONED OIL WILL BE GIVEN TO THE SURVIVORS VIA RED CRESCENT''

Danis told A.A correspondent that the crude oil which makes about 580 barrels was stored in Yumurtalik Installations and that the pumping of the crude oil to Kirikkale started.

Stressing that the pumping will last for nearly five days, Danis noted that the crude oil will be processed in Kirikkale Refinery and will be converted into oil products.

Danis stated that the income gained from the mentioned oil will be given to the survivors via the Red Crescent, adding that four officials from the Iraqi Red Crescent will come to Turkey to hold contacts with the officials of the Turkish Red Crescent.

A.A

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