Anadolu Agency: News in English, 99-08-20

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AA Daily

20 August 1999 Friday

CONTENTS

[01] ISMAIL CEM, FOREIGN MINISTER: ''I WOULD LIKE TO THANK TO WHOLE WORLD, ALL GOVERNMENTS DO THEIR BEST TO HELP US''

[02] MASSIVE EARTHQUAKE - SWISS TEAM RESCUES 12 PERSONS

[03] TURKEY-PRESS SCAN

[04] FOREIGN AIDS FOR SEARCH AND RESCUE EFFORTS - AN FM TEAM COORDINATES FOREIGN TEAMS

[05] FOREIGN AIDS FOR SEARCH AND RESCUE EFFORTS - A TOTAL OF 1500 PERSONS FROM 32 COUNTRIES ARRIVES IN TURKEY FOR SEARCH AND RESCUE AND FOR MEDICAL SUPPORT

[06] PRESIDENT DEMIREL CONTINUES TO RECEIVE CONDOLENCE MESSAGES FROM PRESIDENTS OF MANY FOREIGN COUNTRIES

[07] PREMIER ECEVIT SAYS IMF TO SEND AID WORTH OF 325 MILLION U.S. DOLLARS

[08] GROSSMAN, U.S. DEPUTY SECRETARY OF STATE: - ''WE HAVE FULL TRUST IN TURKEY. THIS DISASTER WILL BE OVERCOME''

[09] U.N. TO INCREASE AID TO TURKEY - UNICEF TO GRANT 200,000 U.S DOLLARS WHILE UNESCO TO GRANT 50,000 U.S. DOLLARS

[10] KAZAKH AID TEAM IN TURKEY

[11] PRIME MINISTRY CRISIS MANAGEMENT CENTER STATEMENT - ALL AIRCRAFTS WHICH WANT TO GO TO DISASTER AREA TO BE GIVEN FLIGHT PERMISSION - THY TO TRANSPORT FOREIGN AID TO DISASTER AREA FREE OF CHARGE

[12] PRESIDENT DEMIREL IN DISASTER AREA - DEMIREL: '' ERZINCAN QUAKE WAS A BIG QUAKE. BUT THIS QUAKE IS EQUAL TO TEN ERZINCAN QUAKES''

[13] PRESIDENT DEMIREL AND THE U.S PRESIDENT CLINTON MAINTAIN CONTACTS ABOUT EARTHQUAKE DISASTER

[14] A SEARCH AND RESCUE TEAM FROM SOUTH KOREA DUE IN TURKEY

[15] ANKARA-ISTANBUL RAILWAY LINE READY FOR TRANSPORTATION AFTER RAILWAY BETWEEN GEBZE AND ARIFIYE REPAIRED

[16] PRISONERS FROM AFYON, BOLU, AND ESKISEHIR PRISONS PARTICIPATE IN WORKS TO REVOME WRECKAGES IN SAKARYA

[17] JUSTICE MINISTER TURK: - ''EARTHQUAKE DISASTER REVEALED INSUFFICIENCY OF CIVILIAN DEFENSE IN TURKEY''

[18] EFFECTS OF QUAKE ON FOREIGN TRADE - TUZMEN, DEPUTY UNDERSECRETARY OF FOREIGN TRADE: ''A DAILY PRODUCTION LOSS OF 200 MILLION DOLLARS IS IN QUESTION IN THE REGION''

[19] MASSIVE EARTHQUAKE - IRAQI TURCOMAN FRONT EXPRESSES CONDOLENCES

[20] IMPRESSIONS FROM A DEVASTATED PROVINCE - STENCH OF DECAYING DEAD BODIES AND MOUNDS OF RUBBISH GROWS IN DERINCE AND KORFEZ COUNTIES OF KOCAELI

[21] TMMOB FOUNDS FOUR IMMOBILE STATIONS TO DETERMINE NEEDS OF EARTHQUAKE REGION

[22] FOREIGN AIDS FOR SEARCH AND RESCUE OPERATIONS - 14 PLANES AND ONE SHIP DUE IN TURKEY TO HELP IN FIGHT TO PUT OUT FIRE IN TUPRAS REFINERY

[23] FOREIGN AID FOR QUAKE VICTIMS

[24] PRIME MINISTRY CRISIS ADMINISTRATION CENTER STATEMENT - PORTABLE SATELLITE COMMUNICATION SYSTEMS SENT TO IZMIT - FOUR-LINE SATELLITE TELEPHONE SYSTEM STARTS SERVICE IN GOLCUK

[25] WORLD BANK TURKEY REPRESENTATIVE CHHIBBER: ''TURKEY NEEDS GREAT AMOUNTS OF HELP''

[26] KOMURA, JAPANESE FM, CARRIES OUT OBSERVATIONS IN AVCILAR DISTRICT OF ISTANBUL

[27] PRIME MINISTRY CRISIS ADMINISTRATION STATEMENT - AGRICULTURE AND RURAL AFFAIRS MINISTRY SENDS 100 TONS OF FLOOR, 20 TONS OF CHEESE, AND 40 TONS OF RICE TO DISASTER AREA

[28] HUMANITARIAN AID CONTINUES TO ARRIVE IN TURKEY

[29] CHIEF OF GENERAL STAFF'S OFFICE: ''TURKISH ARMED FORCES ARE WORKING FOR 24 HOURS A DAY IN QUAKE STRUCK REGIONS''

[30] BELGIAN FOREIGN AND DEFENSE MINISTERS DUE IN TURKEY

[31] U.N. SECURITY COUNCIL CONVEYS CONDOLENCE TO TURKEY

[32] PREMIER ECEVIT: ''FIRE IN TUPRAS IS TOTALLY TAKEN UNDER CONTROL''

[33] INTERIOR MINISTRY APPOINTS 47 HIGH LEVEL EXECUTIVES TO COORDINATE ACTIVITIES IN EARTHQUAKE STRUCK REGIONS

[34] MUFTUOGLU, CHIEF DOCTOR OF NUMUNE HOSPITAL: - ''SOAPS, TOILET PAPERS, AND UNDERWEARS ARE THE IMMEDIATE NEEDS OF THE DISASTER AREA. THOSE WHO WANT TO SEND AID TO THE REGION CAN APPLY TO OUR HOSPITAL''

[35] PREMIER ECEVIT: ''THERE ARE MANY OFFICIALS WHO ARE CARRYING OUT EFFORTS DAY AND NIGHT TO RESCUE PEOPLE ALIVE UNDER RUBBLES ALTHOUGH THEIR OWN RELATIVES ARE ALSO TRAPPED UNDER THE RUBBLE''

[36] KAZAKH STUDENTS HELP SEARCH AND RESCUE TEAMS - GREECE SENDS A PLANE CARRYING HUMANITARIAN AID

[37] PARRIS, U.S. AMBASSADOR TO ANKARA, IN IZMIT - PARRIS: ''IT IS IMPOSSIBLE NOT TO FEEL HORRIFIED BY THE DAMAGE IN THE REGION''

[38] TRANSPORTATION MINISTER OKSUZ: ''COMMUNICATION SYSTEMS WHICH WERE CUT OF BECAUSE OF QUAKE ARE BACK IN SERVICE''

[39] PRESIDENT DEMIREL IN DUZCE - DEMIREL: ''LET'S HEAL THIS GREAT WOUND TOGETHER''

[40] PRESIDENT DEMIREL IN QUAKE DISASTER AREA - DEMIREL: ''WE CAN'T BE REFRACTORY AGAINST GOD AFTER THIS EARTHQUAKE. WE ARE MOSLEM'' - ''IF THEY WERE JERRY-BUILT HOUSES, WE WILL COLLAR THE PEOPLE WHO BUILT THEM''

[01] ISMAIL CEM, FOREIGN MINISTER: ''I WOULD LIKE TO THANK TO WHOLE WORLD, ALL GOVERNMENTS DO THEIR BEST TO HELP US''

Joining a television programme on the phone, Cem said that many countries extend technical and humanitarian help within the scope of their possibilities, adding the criticism of Sakıp Sabancı, a famous businessman about the aid sent by German government can be misleading.

Cem stated that the words of Sabancı who said that even a private firm gives 1,2 million marks for the disaster and the German government gave the same amount of money, can be misleading, adding ''the aids sent to us at the moment are preliminary. Moreover Germany gives the biggest amount of aids. This is not only money, the rescue teams they sent and their transportation are all included in that. At the moment we received the plane of one country to fight with the fire in Tupras refinery. But we expect the planes of many countries. American planes will arrive, German planes are on the way and we expect planes from Ukraine and Russia.''

Noting that the IMF will extend an aid of 300 million dollars at least to Turkey, Cem pointed out that the World Bank will also help in monetary issues and the Social Aid Fund of the Council of Europe will also give aid to Turkey.

Stressing that the concerned ministry responsible for the Treasury are in contact with several international funds, Cem said that ''all of the aids continue to be sent to Turkey.''

Cem said that countries contributed to extinguishing the fire in Turkish Petroleum Refineries Corp. (TUPRAS), recalling that Greece sent her fire- extinguisher plane on the first day following the massive earthquake.

''Italy sends foam, other countries help us by their other possibilities. We are pleased by the contribution of the world,'' Cem said.

Cem added that Turkey will request both international institutions and friendly countries to give Turkey reconstruction credits both in middle and long terms and contacts are held to this end.

[02] MASSIVE EARTHQUAKE - SWISS TEAM RESCUES 12 PERSONS

A written statement was issued on behalf of the Swiss team, noting that 100 member of the Swiss team connected to the Swiss Foreign Ministry started their rescue operations starting from Wednesday together with 18 sniffer dogs.

The teams headed by Charles Raedersdorf, the Administrator of Swiss Humanitarian Aid, rescued 12 people trapped beneath debris by their technical equipment, medical treatment and specially trained dogs.

''Unfortunately the team was able to rescue a 18 years old young man by cutting his arm, which was about to decay and our team recovered the dead bodies of nearly 20 people. The Swiss Rescue Team ceaselessly tries to rescue these people trapped under the collapsed buildings due to the massive earthquake. Meanwhile the team thanks for its acceptance to the country and for the help and support of official and civilian persons and citizens,'' added the statement.

[03] TURKEY-PRESS SCAN

HURRIYET (LIBERAL)

MOBILIZATION
People rush to the Marmara region which was strongly hit by Tuesday's earthquake without waiting for the state. Totally 31,000 soldiers continue to help people. An additional number of 4000 soldiers will be charged in the region. 98 doctors and six nurses from Istanbul University came to Adapazarı. The dormitories of the Middle East Technical University (METU) in Ankara have been opened for the earthquake victims.

MILLIYET (LIBERAL)

WORLD TRIES TO HELP
The world has been mobilized to help Turkey, which is devastated by the earthquake. International Monetary Fund (IMF) will send 325 million dollars to help Turkey while World Bank will give an additional amount of aid besides the 220 million dollars. The European Union (EU) gives 2 million ECUs at first stage. 3100 soldiers in the three war ships sent by the U.S. will join search and rescue operations in Turkey.

SABAH (LIBERAL)

FIRE IN TUPRAS REFINERY UNDER CONTROL
Fire in six oil tanks of the Turkish Petroleum Refineries Corp. (Tupras) have been extinguished, the effect of fire in one of them has decreased. Officials say that there won't be lack of fuel oil due to the fire.

THREE WAR SHIPS FROM U.S.
The U.S. sent three war ships carrying 3100 soldiers to Turkey due to the massive earthquake. U.S. President Bill Clinton told President Suleyman Demirel on the phone yesterday that the United States was prepared to help in way she can as Turkey grappled with the aftermath of a tragic earthquake.

CUMHURIYET (LEFT)

JAPAN TARGETS TO IMPROVE RELATIONS WITH TURKEY
Japan targets to develop her relations with Turkey in several fields. Masahiko Kamura, the Japanese Foreign Minister, who is currently paying an official visit to Turkey, noted that the bilateral relations were discussed at his meetings with Prime Minister Bulent Ecevit and Foreign Minister Ismail Cem, and at the interdelegationary meetings.

RADIKAL (LEFT)

''HELLO, I AM ALIVE''
Asuman Toraman, who was trapped under rubble following massive earthquake in Golcuk, called his brother Murat Gumus, a non-commissioned officer, by her cell telephone. She told his brother that she and her husband are alive and wait for help. Works are underway to rescue the couple. Elsewhere in Golcuk, a dog is standing before a toppled home where its owner Sertac Dinckol trapped.

TURKEY'S RATING
The Fitch-Ibca, an international rating organization, re-confirmed ''B- plus'' long-term rating for Turkey. The Fitch-Ibca also did not change the short term rating as ''B''. The Fitch-Ibca said a greater progress was recorded in structural reforms within three months compared to the administrations in the last four-year period as the Turkish government has the two-third majority in the Parliament.

TÜRKİYE (RIGHT)

FIRE AT TUPRAS REFINER TAKEN UNDER CONTROL
The fire which broke out at the TUPRAS oil refinery following Tuesday's massive earthquake, was taken under control. Five of the seven tanks in the refinery, were totaly burned down.

ZAMAN (CONSERVATIVE)

[04] FOREIGN AIDS FOR SEARCH AND RESCUE EFFORTS - AN FM TEAM COORDINATES FOREIGN TEAMS

The Foreign Ministry officials said that many foreign countries sent aid to Turkey after the earthquake which led to a big disaster in the Marmara Region.

The officials noted that a Crisis Center which was set up within the auspices of the Foreign Ministry carries out studies to supply the mentioned aids and necessary materials from the foreign countries; adding that the Crisis Center is working in cooperation with the Coordination Council which was set up under the chairmanship of Korkmaz Haktanir, Foreign Ministry Undersecretary.

A team under the chairmanship of Ambassador Aydemir Erman is carrying out efforts in Ataturk Airport of Istanbul to ensure that the aids and the teams which came from foreign countries reach to the disaster region in the shortest time.

The personnel of the consortium named ''ISEVV'' which undertook the preparations of the Organization of the Security and Cooperation in Europe summit that will be held in Turkey in November, is contributing to the studies of the team in Ataturk Airport. The personnel of this consortium knows foreign languages and have the necessary communication devices.

[05] FOREIGN AIDS FOR SEARCH AND RESCUE EFFORTS - A TOTAL OF 1500 PERSONS FROM 32 COUNTRIES ARRIVES IN TURKEY FOR SEARCH AND RESCUE AND FOR MEDICAL SUPPORT

The Foreign Ministry officials said that the team, the materials and the planes which came to put out the fire in the Turkish Petroleum Refineries Corp. (TUPRAS) have an important place among the foreign aids sent to Turkey.

The officials noted that a total of 1500 persons from 32 countries arrived in Turkey for search and rescue efforts and for medical support; adding that they expect this number to reach 1700 by the end of today.

The officials stated that the U.S., Germany, Austria, Azerbaijan, Belgium, Bulgaria, Algeria, Morocco, France, Finland, Croatia, the Netherlands, Japan, Britain, Spain, Israel, Sweden, Switzerland, Italy, the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC), Hungary, Egypt, Norway, Pakistan, Poland, Romania, Russia, Slovenia, Slovakia, Ukraine, Jordan, and Greece are among the countries which sent aid to Turkey.

A total of 15 rescue experts and five lorries carrying aid materials left Czech Republic for Turkey on Wednesday.

Canada is carrying out initiatives to set up a open-air hospital while Denmark said that she will help Turkey in the shortest time.

The Foreign Ministry intensified on providing mobile hospital, generator, medicines, search and rescue teams, water purification materials and vaccines.

The fire-extinguisher planes and expert teams from the U.S. Germany, Croatia, the Netherlands, Romania, Ukraine and Russia are arriving in Turkey to put out the fire in TUPRAS refinery. The ten tons of foam which was allocated from Italy reached to Kocaeli province today.

[06] PRESIDENT DEMIREL CONTINUES TO RECEIVE CONDOLENCE MESSAGES FROM PRESIDENTS OF MANY FOREIGN COUNTRIES

The Presidential Press Center statement said that the presidents of the friendly countries continued to send condolence messages to President Demirel due to the quake disaster which led to the deaths of many people.

The statement noted that Vaira Vike Freiberga, Latvian President; Islam Kerimov, Uzbek President; Robert Kocharyan, Armenian President; Tran Duc Luong, Socialist Vietnamese President; Saparmurat Turkmenbasi, Turkmen President; Maumoon Abdul Gayoom, President of the Maldives; Lennart Meri, Estonian President; Valdas Adamkus, Lithuanian President; Hafez Al Essad, Syrian President; Askar Akayev, Kyrgyz President; Franco Tudjman, Croatian President; Mohammed Khatami, Iranian President; M. Saimiev, Tatar President; Georgi Tabunscik, Head of Gagauz Place; Albert Rene, President of Scheiselles; Burhaneddin Rabbani, Afghan President; Romeo Leblanc, Canadian General Governor; Jordi Pujol, President of Catalunian Autonomous Republic; Alpha Qumar Konare, President of Mali; Eduardo Frei Ruiz Tagle, President of Chili; Jabir Al Ahmed Al Sabah; Emir of Kuwait; Crown Prince Hamza Bin Al Hussein of Jordan; Rudolf Schuster, Slovakian President; Crown Prince Salman Bin Hamad Al Khalifa of Bahrein; Fernando Henrique Cardoso, Brazilian President; Petro Lucinshi, Moldovan President; Alexander Lukashenko, President of Belarus, Queen Beatrix of the Netherlands; Abdullah Saleh, President of Yemen; Aliya Izzetbegovic, President of Bosnia Herzegovina; Paul Biya, President of Cameron; Mohammed Kaddafi, Libyan President; Vaclac Havel, President of Czech Republic; Olafur Ragnar Grimson, President of Iceland; Kiro Gligorov, Macedonian President; Jorge Sampaio, Portugese President; Tomas Klestil, Austrian President; Zine Al Abidine Ben Ali, Tunisian President, Japanese Emperor Akihito; Saddam Hussein, Iraqi President and M. Magomedov, President of Dagestan, sent condolence messages to Demirel.

[07] PREMIER ECEVIT SAYS IMF TO SEND AID WORTH OF 325 MILLION U.S. DOLLARS

Ecevit addressed a statement to the journalists following the meeting in which some ministers and bureaucrats evaluated the effects of the quake on Turkey's economy.

Emphasizing that he had a very useful meeting with the ministers, Ecevit noted that they discussed the possible effects of the earthquake on the economy and that Turkey is face to face with a very important problem.

Ecevit said, ''but, I can sincerely say that Turkey is a country which has the potential to overcome this difficulty. We believe that we can overcome the economic problems which are increased by the earthquake. The most important source of our trust is the traditional solidarity spirit of our nation which prevails in such difficult times.''

Ecevit continued, ''according to the news we have heard recently, the International Monetary fund announced that it finds it appropriate to send 325 million U.S. dollars aid to Turkey. The amount of the aid is not important. When the IMF is taking such a decision, it indicated its trust in Turkey's economic power and the reforms which are being implemented in Turkey recently. Thus, the International Monetary Fund gives a very positive message to the international finance organizations about Turkey.''

Stressing that the efforts to set up tent-sites in the disaster areas are launched, Ecevit stated that the efficiency of the rescue operations gradually increase and that the problems resulting from communication and transportation are overcome in a wide sense.

When asked whether or not emergency rule will be declared in the effected areas, Ecevit said that they discussed this issue in the Council of Ministers meeting but that they decided that declaration of emergency rule is not necessary; adding that the needs can be met by the disaster region application.

Responding another question, Ecevit said that it is too early to talk about the amount of the total of the international aids.

[08] GROSSMAN, U.S. DEPUTY SECRETARY OF STATE: - ''WE HAVE FULL TRUST IN TURKEY. THIS DISASTER WILL BE OVERCOME''

Staging a press conference about the U.S. aid to Turkey, Grossman noted that his country will continue to help Turkey in overcoming the pains resulted from the quake.

Stressing that three U.S. warships which were charged to support the search and rescue operations in Turkey, departed from Spain and that two of these ships will arrive in Golcuk county on Sunday and the other will arrive in this county on Monday.

Grossman emphasized that the ships including nearly 100 health personnel, 22 helicopters and six operation rooms, will be used as a floating hospital and that more than 2000 soldiers on the ships will assist the search and rescue operations.

Grossman stressed that a U.S. health team of 22 personnels which was charged in Germany, left for Istanbul and that three C-130 planes which are bound to U.S. Air Forces will participate in the fire-extinguishing efforts that are held in the Turkish Petroleum Refineries Corp. (TUPRAS).

Grossman added that there are more U.S. units which are waiting on alert to help Turkey and that these units will be sent to Turkey if necessary.

[09] U.N. TO INCREASE AID TO TURKEY - UNICEF TO GRANT 200,000 U.S DOLLARS WHILE UNESCO TO GRANT 50,000 U.S. DOLLARS

The U.N. earlier granted 50,000 U.S. dollars aid to Turkey at the first stage. The U.N. said that United Nations International Children's Emergency Fund (UNICEF) will grant 200,000 U.S. dollars and the United National Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organizaiton (UNESCO) will grant 50, 000 U.S. dollars to Turkey for the search and rescue operations.

Meanwhile, the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) decided to send tents and blankets to Turkey.

[10] KAZAKH AID TEAM IN TURKEY

The Kazakhstan Embassy in Ankara statement said that the team has every kind of equipment which is necessary for the search and rescue operations and for emergency situations.

The statement noted that the team has a medicine stock which is necessary for the first medical intervention to 500 injured people.

Meanwhile, the Bulgarian Embassy in Ankara said that five teams including 42 persons departed Bulgaria to come to Turkey and that the teams will start working on Friday morning.

The Bulgarian Embassy said that the teams will carry out search and rescue efforts for in Yalova province.

[11] PRIME MINISTRY CRISIS MANAGEMENT CENTER STATEMENT - ALL AIRCRAFTS WHICH WANT TO GO TO DISASTER AREA TO BE GIVEN FLIGHT PERMISSION - THY TO TRANSPORT FOREIGN AID TO DISASTER AREA FREE OF CHARGE

The Prime Ministry Crisis Management Center statement gave information about the latest situation of the operations in the disaster area.

The statement noted that the transportation between Ankara and Istanbul is being made from alternative routes and that the highway in Pamukova- Baskopru region was close to traffic; adding that the Sapanca-Arifiye Bridge collapsed.

The statement stressed that 750 houses in Yalova province were damaged and 80 percent of the injured people in Tekirdag were discharged from the hospital; adding that eight of 134 injured people who came to Eskisehir province from the other disaster areas lost their lives.

Noting that 48 houses totally collapsed in Istanbul and 200 houses collapsed in Yalova, the statement emphasized that the Officer's Club, Fleet Commandership Headquarters and Yildizlar Training Center in Golcuk county were damaged and a seven-floor building collapsed in Eskisehir.

The statement pointed out that the Red Crescent sent 3,000 tents, 3,500 blankets, six mobile kitchens and six tons of food to Sakarya; 20 tents and various kinds of food to Avcilar district of Istanbul; 100-bed mobile hospital, 3,150 tents, 1,250 blankets to Yalova; and five mobile kitchens, eight mobile toilets and 3,960 kilograms of food to the whole disaster area.

The statement added that many aid materials were sent to Buyukcekmece, Gungoren, Kartal districts of Istanbul, Bakirkoy State Hospital, Golcuk Naval Forces Commandership, Golcuk Head Office, Golcuk Base of Naval Forces Commandership, Duzce, Cilimli, and Eskisehir by the Red Crescent.

Stressing that a total of 2,000 injured people were discharged, the statement said that 50,000 soldiers, three mobile hospitals, 38 helicopters including two ambulance helicopters, 40 work machines, 15 ships and naval vehicles were given under the command of the responsible commanders.

The statement noted that the Turkish Armed Forces sent many tents, blankets, mobile kitchens, satellite phones, vaccines, serums, and blood to the disaster areas.

The statement stressed that the Agriculture and Rural Affairs Ministry sent 40 tons of rice, 100 tons of floor, 20 tons of cheese to Yalova, Kocaeli and Sakarya; adding that one helicopter and twelve spraying vehicles participate in the efforts of putting out the fire in the Turkish Petroleum Refineries Corp. (TUPRAS).

Noting that the Treasury Undersecretary took the necessary measures to meet the emergent money demands of the governorships in the disaster areas, the statement emphasized that 18-trillion Turkish liras was allocated to be used in the region.

[12] PRESIDENT DEMIREL IN DISASTER AREA - DEMIREL: '' ERZINCAN QUAKE WAS A BIG QUAKE. BUT THIS QUAKE IS EQUAL TO TEN ERZINCAN QUAKES''

Demirel went to Kocaeli following his observations in Yalova and received information from Memduh Oguz, Kocaeli Governor, about the latest developments.

Oguz said that the Provincial Disaster Commission chose the Governorship building as a center and that those who are in the commission started their initiatives immediately after the quake.

Oguz noted that the initiatives of their commission are the first aid, ambulance, emergency services, search and rescue operations, and funeral.

Pointing out the aftershocks, Oguz stated that the citizens are afraid of staying in their houses due to the aftershocks.

Noting that two logistic centers will be set up in Golcuk and Korfez, Oguz stressed that two kitchens were set up and that a U.S. team which will give kitchen service came and that this team was deployed in Golcuk county.

Demirel said that this is a big disaster that Turkey faced, and that he came to Kocaeli twice in 62 hours.

Demirel said, ''Kocaeli is the epicenter of the quake. Some say that the quake was measuring 7.4 and some say that it was measuring 6.8. The quakes which are measuring more than 5.5 are destructive and the quakes which are measuring more than 6.5 are more destructive. We are face to face with a big incident. Turkey is on the fault line. This is the fifth biggest quake which Turkey faced in last 20 years. The area of this quake was very large. 20 million of 65 million Turkish population were affected by this quake.''

''I feel very uneasy about the death toll of this quake. There are still many people trapped under the rubble. We will of course carry out efforts to rescue our citizens. Everybody is mobilized. The friendly and neighbourly countries all started to send aid to Turkey. I hope that we will overcome this disaster in the shortest time,'' Demirel added.

Oguz said that the danger in the Turkish Petroleum Refineries Corp. (TUPRAS) decreased significantly.

Demirel said that they visited TUPRAS and saw that the fire slowed down when compared to two days ago.

Demirel noted that the crisis desk in Ankara is carrying out efforts and the other crisis desks in many cities are carrying out initiatives; adding that the government is holding meetings to discuss the latest situation.

[13] PRESIDENT DEMIREL AND THE U.S PRESIDENT CLINTON MAINTAIN CONTACTS ABOUT EARTHQUAKE DISASTER

President Demirel and the U.S President Bill Clinton held several telephone conversations to evaluate the latest situation in affected areas.

Al Gore, the U.S. Vice President, send a message of condolences to Prime Minister Bulent Ecevit, and expressed deep sorrow over the disaster which struck Marmara region four days ago.

Madeleine Albright, the U.S Secretary of State, and William Cohen, the U.S Secretary of Defence, held telephone conversations with their Turkish counterparts Ismail Cem and Sabahattin Cakmakoglu to receive information about the latest situation.

Meanwhile, humanitarian aid is flowing from the U.S. government, and from several American organizations in a bid to help earthquake victims.

James Rubin, the Spokesman of the U.S State Department, said that airplanes carrying 30 thousand blankets and medicine, have left for Turkey.

Rubin added that two epidemics experts are ready to leave. Releasing a statement, the American Jewish Committee noted that it sent a financial aid worth of 250 thousand U.S dollars for the earthqauke victims.

Several leading newspapers called on people to contribute to the aid campaign.

David Leavy, the Spokesman of the U.S National Security Council, said that a C-17 type plane will be sent to Turkey to participate in the efforts to fight against the fire which broke out at the TUPRAS oil refinery in Izmit.

Leavy also added that the U.S plans to send a water-purification unit to meet earthquake victims' need for drinking water.

[14] A SEARCH AND RESCUE TEAM FROM SOUTH KOREA DUE IN TURKEY

Releasing a statement, the South Korean Embassy in Ankara stated that the team will arrive in Istanbul on August 21.

Noting that a medical team will also come to Turkey at the beginning of next week, the statement pointed out that the South Korean government has also sent financial aid worth of 70 thousand U.S. dollars.

President Kim Dae-jung of South Korea sent a message of condolences to President Suleyman Demirel, and expressed deep sorrow over the earthquake disaster.

[15] ANKARA-ISTANBUL RAILWAY LINE READY FOR TRANSPORTATION AFTER RAILWAY BETWEEN GEBZE AND ARIFIYE REPAIRED

State Railways of the Turkish Republic (TCDD) said in a written statement that the Crisis Center in Kocaeli didn't permit transportation by railway due to the fire that continued in Tupras refinery and the voyages of Bogazici, Baskent, and Basarı expresses were cancelled on Thursday.

When the railway line between Gebze-Arifiye was repaired, Ankara-Istanbul railway route became ready for transportation.

Meanwhile, the suburban trains between Haydarpasa-Gebze and Istanbul- Halkalı started to function.

The medical team composed of nine expert doctors, seven general practitioners, and eight nurses, who were sent by TCDD to the region hit by the quake still serves the earthquake victims.

[16] PRISONERS FROM AFYON, BOLU, AND ESKISEHIR PRISONS PARTICIPATE IN WORKS TO REVOME WRECKAGES IN SAKARYA

The prisoners will join the efforts to remove rubbles of other collapsed buildings in the province.

Hikmet Sami Turk, Justice Minister, told the A.A correspondent that they offered the Prime Ministry Crisis Management Center to allow prisoners to participate in search and rescue works.

[17] JUSTICE MINISTER TURK: - ''EARTHQUAKE DISASTER REVEALED INSUFFICIENCY OF CIVILIAN DEFENSE IN TURKEY''

Eveluating his impressions in Sakarya, Izmit, Golcuk, Karamursel, Yalova, and Cumayeri county of Bolu province, Turk stressed that it is not correct to target only the contractors concerning the earthquake disaster.

Recalling that 706 prisoners in the Sakarya Prison which was badly damaged in devastating earthquake, were sent to other prisons, Turk added that the court house in Sakarya province razed to ground in the disaster.

Turk told reporters that 70 prisoners from the Afyon, Bolu and Eskisehir prisons, participated in works to remove wreckage of the court building in the province.

Noting that residents in affected areas asked him, ''where is the government?'', Turk stressed that they are righful in their complaints, but it is hard to reach all affected areas at the same time because the eartquake struck a huge area.

Turk added, ''earthquake victims are growing impatient. We have mobilized all our opportunities. But, public workers in the area, have also been affected from the earthquake.''

Recalling that 90 percent of Turkey take place on the a dangerous earthquake zone, Turk said, ''all settlement centers should be scrutinized, and new construction standarts should be determined.''

[18] EFFECTS OF QUAKE ON FOREIGN TRADE - TUZMEN, DEPUTY UNDERSECRETARY OF FOREIGN TRADE: ''A DAILY PRODUCTION LOSS OF 200 MILLION DOLLARS IS IN QUESTION IN THE REGION''

Speaking about the effects of the quake, an export of 11 billion dollars was undertaken from the region so far, Tuzmen added that they expect an export worth of seven billion dollars by the end of this year if everything goes right.

''Nearly 70 percent of our exports is provided from this region devastated by the quake. If the production stops, the loss will be two billion dollars in 10 days and four billion dollars in 20 days. However there is production in the installations, which were not damaged. Production stopped only in the installations that need energy and they have a loss in man power. Production will start again when that man power returns to the region. I believe difficulties will be overcome,'' said Tuzmen, adding there may be a difficulty of providing the raw materials the industry needs due to the fire in TUPRAS refinery in Izmit.

Stressing that Undersecretary of Foreign Trade has prepared a two-stage action plan to decrease the negative effects of the earthquake on foreign trade, Tuzmen said that they send their personnel knowing foreign languages to make observations in industrial regions and to help foreign delegations.

''We launch efforts to find out our strategical import in the coming days, the logistics support to the region is very important. The trade of goods from Gaziantep and Eskisehir to the region stopped. Likewise the sectors who export from Istanbul are all in difficulty. This is a great disaster. But we overcome the global economic crisis in the past,'' he said.

Referring to the small number of production installations which were severely damaged except TUPRAS refinery, Kursat Tuzmen said that declaration of ''force majeure'' by TUPRAS is an extraordinary event.

Noting that TUPRAS has suspended its international obligations both in exports and imports for a certain period of time, Tuzmen said that ''We will transfer our imports to other places than TUPRAS which announced force majeure. We have to search for ways to provide cheap oil from other places, '' he added.

[19] MASSIVE EARTHQUAKE - IRAQI TURCOMAN FRONT EXPRESSES CONDOLENCES

The Iraqi Turcoman Front said that ''we lived an earthquake disaster which upset the whole Turkish world and which hit us from the heart. This disaster made all of us painful. In the name of Iraqi Turks, we share the pain of our brothers and express our condolences for the deads, our good wishes for the injured and we hope those who are trapped beneath debris to be rescued as soon as possible.''

The statement added that Iraqi Turks are ready to help Turkey.

[20] IMPRESSIONS FROM A DEVASTATED PROVINCE - STENCH OF DECAYING DEAD BODIES AND MOUNDS OF RUBBISH GROWS IN DERINCE AND KORFEZ COUNTIES OF KOCAELI

As the search and rescue teams continue to reach people trapped under the collapsed buildings, rescuers and residents hope new miracles.

Impressions and notes of the A.A correspondent in Kocaeli province, are as follows:

-Fearful hours ended in the province after the fire which broke out at the TUPRAS oil refinery, have been taken under control. The fire is continuing only in one tank for the time being. Works to cool the tanks are underway. Officials told the residents that they can return to their homes later today.

-Relatives of those who have been trapped under the demolished buildings are tearing on rubbles for their beloved ones. They have nothing to do except of praying for a miracle. Prof. Dr. Baki Komsuoglu, Rector of Kocaeli University, said that one who remain under wreckage, goes into coma after 72 hours.

-Foodstuff flows to the province from all over Turkey, but tonnes of breads were wasted.

-Warnings of Prof. Dr. Ahmet Mete Isikara, the Director General of the Bogazici University Kandilli Observatory Seismology Institute, to stay outdoors againts threat of new earthquakes, caused panic among residents. They spent another night in the strets and parks.

-The Municipality cannot serve in the province. Mounds of rubbish spread bad smells. Especially in Derince and Korfez counties, stench of decaying dead bodies and mounds of rubbish are growing.

-Several business places and markets were plundered.

-Foreign and Turkish rescue teams are having difficulties to find adresses in devastated streets.

-A number of volunteers from all over Turkey, has come to the province. Some of them are participating in the search and rescue teams while others are serving as translators for foreign teams.

-The campus of Kocaeli University in Aslanbey region razed to ground. Prof. Dr. Komsuoglu noted that a financial damage worth of 16 trillion Turkish liras, occured in the campus.

[21] TMMOB FOUNDS FOUR IMMOBILE STATIONS TO DETERMINE NEEDS OF EARTHQUAKE REGION

TMMOB said in a written statement that a delegation from the TMMOB Executive Board left for the region hit by the quake after few hours following the massive earthquake, but the delegation later informed that the operations to rescue people and to remove wreckage was not sufficient, there were thousands of people beneath debris and the danger of epedemics was about to come out.

The problem of living outdoors will be more serious in rainy days of September in the region, noted the statement; adding four immobile stations were founded in the region.

TMMOB statement stressed that the Union is trying to intervene in the chaotic rescue and first aid operations and trying to give technical information to people.

[22] FOREIGN AIDS FOR SEARCH AND RESCUE OPERATIONS - 14 PLANES AND ONE SHIP DUE IN TURKEY TO HELP IN FIGHT TO PUT OUT FIRE IN TUPRAS REFINERY

Foreign Ministry lists the names of countries' planes whose flight plans were determined for August 19 as follows:

COUNTRY PLANE TYPE DUTY-CARGO ARRIVAL TIME-HOUR
--------- ----------- ---------- -----------------
Israel C130 (7 ) Humanit. Aid 19.08 /afternoon

Pakistan B707 (2) Humanit. Aid evening

Jordan C130 Humanit. Aid evening

Polond JAK40 (2) Humanit. Aid

Ukraine TU134 Rescue Team-Aid

Portugal C130 Rescue Team 19.08 / 15.00

Russia IL76TD (2) Fire exting.plane 16.00

Ukraine AN32F Fire Plane evening

Crotia CL415 Fire Plane 17.00

Germany ANTONOV (2) Fire PLane evening

Romania C130 Humanitarian Aid 20.08 / 11.00

U.S.A. C130 (2) Fire Plane 19.08 /evening

U.S.A. C17 Chemical Material evening</PRE> The names of the 11 planes and one ship which were expected to arrive in Turkey on Thursday to help in putting out the fire in TUPRAS are as follows:

COUNTRY TYPE ARRIVAL TIME
-------- --------- -------------
Russia IL76 (2) 16.00

Crotia CL415 17.00

Ukraine AN32 F afternoon

Germany Antonov (2) evening

Italy CL215 and CL405 evening

U.S C130 (2) evening

U.S C17 (cargo) evening

Romania Ship night (20 August)</PRE>

[23] FOREIGN AID FOR QUAKE VICTIMS

Below is the number of foreign team personnel as announced by the Foreign Ministry:

COUNTRY PERSONNEL NUMBER DISTRICT
(August 17, 1999, Tuesday)

GERMANY 7 PEOPLE, 4 DOGS AVCILAR/IST
GERMANY 20 PEOPLE YALOVA
AZERBAIJAN 53 PEOPLE(25 SOLDIERS,25 CIVILIANS)SAKARYA,DUZCE
FRANCE 70 PEOPLE YALOVA
HOLLAND 4 PEOPLE ISTANBUL
HUNGARY 7 PEOPLE AVCILAR/IST
RUSSIA 8 PEOPLE, DOGS, 3 VEHICLES KOCAELI
GREECE 58 PEOPLE, EQIPMENT AVCILAR/IST
(August 18, 1999 Wednesday)

U.S.A 4 RED CROSS PERSONNEL ISTANBUL
GERMANY 14 PEOPLE KOCAELI
GERMANY 12 PEOPLE YALOVA
AUSTRIA 18 PEOPLE AND DOGS KOCAELI
AUSTRIA 12 PEOPLE AND 2 DOGS YALOVA
BELGIUM 7 PEOPLE DUZCE
HOLLAND 7 PEOPLE SAKARYA
ALGERIA 26 PEOPLE SAKARYA
HOLLAND 9 PEOPLE YALOVA
BRITAIN 40 PEOPLE DUZCE
SPAIN 40 PEOPLE SAKARYA
ISRAEL 180 PEOPLE GOLCUK
ISRAEL 17 PEOPLE AVCILAR/IST
ISRAEL 146 PEOPLE GOLCUK
SWITZERLAND 90 PEOPLE KOCAELI
ITALY 12 PEOPLE, 5 DOGS BAYRAMPASA/IST
1 JEEP, 1 AMBULANCE
ITALY 20 PEOPLE SAKARYA
JAPAN 20 PEOPLE YALOVA
TRNC 10 PEOPLE BAĞCILAR/IST
TRNC 6 SURGEONS YALOVA
HUNGARY 6 PEOPLE KOCAELI
ROMANIA 13 PEOPLE, 2 DOGS YALOVA
SLOVENIA 11 PEOPLE YALOVA
U.S.A 70 PEOPLE, 5 DOGS KOCAELI
(Ağustos 19, Thursday)

BRITAIN 32 PEOPLE YALOVA
POLAND 14 PEOPLE, 4 DOGS YALOVA
UKRAINE 37 PEOPLE 7 DOGS SAKARYA
NORWAY 11 PEOPLE, 8 DOGS SAKARYA
GERMANY 30 PEOPLE, 6 DOGS GOLCUK
MOROCCO 39 PEOPLE SAKARYA
FRANCE 61 PEOPLE GOLCUK</PRE>

[24] PRIME MINISTRY CRISIS ADMINISTRATION CENTER STATEMENT - PORTABLE SATELLITE COMMUNICATION SYSTEMS SENT TO IZMIT - FOUR-LINE SATELLITE TELEPHONE SYSTEM STARTS SERVICE IN GOLCUK

The Prime Ministry Crisis Administration Center statement said that the efforts to set up tent-sites, including 500 tents in Kocaeli and Sakarya provinces were launched and that many tent-sites will be set up in the Sugar Factory of Sakarya, Kocaeli, Derince, Korfez, Yahyakaptan, 60 Evler, and Golcuk.

Emphasizing that the Directorate General of Security sent 28 directors of security and other personel to the disaster areas, the statement noted that many corpse bags, masks, water, lorries, cranes, generators, dippers, bread, food, medicines, and ambulances were sent to the region.

The statement added that many aid and food will be delivered from Adana, Konya, Nigde, Amasya, Antalya, Burdur, Karaman, and Yozgat to the disaster areas.

Stressing that the telephone lines were repaired and the telephone communication started in Yalova province, the statement emphasized that energy was given to the transformers but that the electricity is given under tight control. The statement added that some regions in Sakarya, Kocaeli, and Duzce are also given electricity.

The statement pointed out that there is not any leakage of natural gas in Yalovo and that the leakage of poisonous gas which the press continually mentions about, results from the gas that was used in the production of a chemical installation in the region.

The statement said that the institutions which are bound to the Energy and Natural Resources Ministry sent 70 generators, 384 work machines and vehicles and 267 personnel to the region.

The statement noted that a Boeing 727 aircraft of the Turkish Airlines (THY) brought fire-extinguisher foam from Italy to be used in putting out the fire in Turkish Petroleum Refineries Corp. (TUPRAS); adding that the Netherlands, Russia, Ukraine, and Romania will send their fire-extinguisher planes to Turkey.

Noting that all the railways in the disaster are was open to traffic, the statement stressed that the trains are not allowed to pass from Izmit-Gebze line due to the fire in TUPRAS and that to this end, the trains from Ankara and Istanbul were cancelled.

The statement said that the freeway between Izmit and Adapazari which was close to traffic due to the rubble was reopened to traffic on Thursday afternoon.

The statement said that it will be partial cloudy and clear on Friday and that the wind will blow from north and west in the disaster area. The estimated weather temperatures in degrees celcius on Friday in the disaster area are as follows:

Day

------

Istanbul 31

Sakarya 34

Kocaeli 34

Bolu 35

Yalova 32

Zonguldak 29

Ankara 35

Eskisehir 35

Bursa 35</PRE>

[25] WORLD BANK TURKEY REPRESENTATIVE CHHIBBER: ''TURKEY NEEDS GREAT AMOUNTS OF HELP''

Chhibber told American Dow Jones agency that the quake would negatively affect Turkey's general welfare level, and that this would be observed most obviously in infrastructure.

The government has to spend great amounts of money for health, food, sheltering, and reconstruction, and this will cause a big burden on the bugdet, he explained.

Chhibber stated that the Turkish government may have to delay some of the economic reforms that it was planning to implement as it is now difficult to reach the targets previously set up regarding financial performance. Chhibber said a delegation from World Bank would come to Turkey next week and assured that they were ready to help Turkey as much as they could.

James Wolfenshoh, the World Bank Chairman, in a statement he made earlier, had said the World Bank opened a new credit of 120 million U.S. dollars for Turkey. With the 100 million U.S. dollars that was previously assigned for Turkey, the total amount of World Bank credit for Turkey totals up to 220 million U.S. dollars.

Prime Minister Bulent Ecevit said IMF was also sending Turkey 325 million U.S. dollars.

Meanwhile, political observors in Washington D.C. said because of the quake disaster, the chances significantly increased that Turkey will reach a stand-by agreement with IMF during the meetings this fall. They also noted that IMF will be less demanding due to the conditions caused by the quake.

[26] KOMURA, JAPANESE FM, CARRIES OUT OBSERVATIONS IN AVCILAR DISTRICT OF ISTANBUL

Speaking to the journalists, Komura recalled that Japan is also on the fault line and that many quakes often shake his country and said that Japan will cooperate with Turkey in this issue.

Emphasizing that Japan is very experienced about the quakes and that to this end, she helped Turkey, Komura noted that he hopes that many people can be rescued alive.

When asked whether or not he has some suggestions to Turkey about this issue, Komura stated that Turkey should immediately reconstruct the infrastructure and restore the constructions which were affected by the quake.

Noting that a Japanese technical team will come to Turkey on Sunday, Komura stressed that Japan will have medium and long-term cooperation with Turkey for the reconstruction of the disaster areas.

Observing the search and rescue operation in a rubble, Komura received information from the officials.

One of the officials of the rescue team said that the building which collapsed had 44 flats and that they rescued 25 persons alive from the rubble of this building.

Stressing that there was one more person under the rubble and that he or she was probably alive, the official said that to this end the rescue operations are underway.

[27] PRIME MINISTRY CRISIS ADMINISTRATION STATEMENT - AGRICULTURE AND RURAL AFFAIRS MINISTRY SENDS 100 TONS OF FLOOR, 20 TONS OF CHEESE, AND 40 TONS OF RICE TO DISASTER AREA

The Prime Ministry Crisis Administration statement said that the quake victims were placed in the building of Yalova Agricultural Management Directorate while 250 other victims were placed in Yalova Agriculture Provincial Directorate Training Center installations.

Many teams from Istanbul and Ankara went to Yalova, Kocaeli, and Sakarya to determine the losses after the quake.

The statement noted that the Ministry plans sending ten personnel who knows foreign languages to the disaster area to help the search and rescue teams which came from foreign countries; adding that the Ministry proposed the deduction of the salaries of all the public workers at a determined rate to help the quake victims.

Noting that the fire in two tanks of the Turkish Petroleum Refineries Corp. (TUPRAS) was nearly put out early on Friday morning while the fire in one of the tank was taken under control, the statement stressed that the fire in the crude oil unit was put out and under control.

Stressing that one helicopter and twelve spraying vehicles which were sent to the region continue their efforts to put out the fire in TUPRAS, the statement emphasized that no casulties were recorded in the fire.

The statement pointed out that the Finance Ministry meets the appropriation demands of the Health Ministry and that the Finance Ministry also makes the necessary arrangements concerning the tax payers living in the disaster area; adding that the tax declaration and tax payment of the tax payers living in the disaster area were postponed.

The statement pointed out that the Labour and Social Security Ministry sent 49 tents, three mobile toilets, 500 beds, 480 blankets, 300 pillows, seven stretchers, 12,000 sterile gloves, and 10,000 masks to the disaster area.

The statement said that some of the hospitals were damaged in the quake so the injured people are being treated in other hospitals and outside; adding that the surgeries were cancelled in Istanbul's Bakirkoy Social Security Agency (SSK) hospital.

The statement noted that 2,700 corpse bags were given to the military officials to be sent to the related authorities and that 2,300 more corpse bags will be sent today.

The statement stressed that Sabahattin Cakmakoglu, National Defense Minister, had a phone talk with William Cohen, U.S. Secretary of Defense who wanted to learn how they can help Turkey to overcome the problems resulting from the quake.

The statement pointed out that the Forestry Ministry set up four crisis desks within its auspices and that the Forestry Ministry allocated three helicopters to the Health Ministry to carry medicines, health materials, and health teams to the disaster areas.

The statement stressed that the Forestry General Directorate sent four fire- extinguisher helicopters to Izmit to be used in putting out the fire in TUPRAS.
Noting that the fire-extinguisher teams are on alert for any forest fires or for the search and rescue operations, the statement said that these teams will participate in the operations if necessary.

[28] HUMANITARIAN AID CONTINUES TO ARRIVE IN TURKEY

The Spanish Embassy in Ankara statement said that Spanish Red Crescent sent 1.2 tons of food and first aid, nine search and rescue teams, including 100 personnel, six vehicles, three medical teams of five persons to Turkey.

The Israeli Embassy in Ankara statement said that Israeli medicine company TEVA sent 267 kilograms of medicines to Turkey within the framework of the humanitarian aid.

The Representative of United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) to Turkey also participated in the humanitarian aid campaigns.

THe UNHCR representation statement said that the UNHCR sent 100 tents, 240 plastic protective cover and 400 blankets to the disaster area.

The statement added that the lorry which is carrying the aid materials is expected to reach Adapazari this evening.

[29] CHIEF OF GENERAL STAFF'S OFFICE: ''TURKISH ARMED FORCES ARE WORKING FOR 24 HOURS A DAY IN QUAKE STRUCK REGIONS''

The General Staff also noted that it was saddening to see some ''irresponsible publications of press that abuse people's feelings'' although they were working to help quake struck areas using all of their sources.

In the framework of Natural Disasters Regulations, all the units of Natural Disasters Coordination and Evaluation centers, Land, Naval, Air and Gendarme Forces have been working for 24 hours a day since August 17, 1999 at 3.05 a.m. when the earthquake hit Turkey's Marmara region, a written statement from the Office of Chief of General Staff said.

''Crisis Management Centers were formed at Army No.1, Fleet and Army Cords No. 3 and 15 headquarters and all military units in quake hit regions were sent to rescue operations.

After seeing how serious the damage was, work machines and other aid equipment in Aegean and Thrace were sent to Sakarya, Izmir, Golcuk and Yalova. However, delays occured especially in the first day of the disaster due to the damaged roads. About 2,000 injured people were sent to military and regular hospitals by air and by boats. The transportation of the injured speeded up after the roads were cleared following the quake's first day.

Currently Army Cords Commandership No.3 in Istanbul; Army Cords Commandership No.15 in Kocaeli and Sakarya regions; Fleet Commandership in Golcuk and Yalova regions; Commando Brigate Commandership No.2 in Bolu continue rescue operations as well as removing ruins and evacuating some areas.

For this reason 13 brigades, 14 military engineering and fortification units, 3 mobile surgery hospitals, 4 special medical teams, 2 ambulances, 15 cargo planes, 37 ambulance helicopters, 40 various work machines, 15 ships and other sea vehicles are also given to the use of related commanderships.

As addition to this, 15,000 soldiers of Gendarme General Commandership, 9, 000 soldiers of Fleet and Naval Forces are working in the quake struck regions.

Air Forces' C-130 plane and a S-2E firefighter plane of Turkish Aviation and Aerospace Industry (TAI) made 24 sorties to put out the fire at TUPRAS oil refinery.

Turkish Armed Forces sent 600 tents, 4,000 blankets, many mobile kitchen and stove, many communication tools, vaccines, serum, blood, plazma, and other medical equipment to these regions.

The soldiers are also working to collect and bury corpses, set up tents and temporary accomodation facilities, provide blood for sick and injured people, distribute water and food, and maintain security in the damaged areas,'' it was stated.

[30] BELGIAN FOREIGN AND DEFENSE MINISTERS DUE IN TURKEY

The two ministers will be accompanied by an expert team and will meet with the Belgian military and civilian teams which carry out operations in the disaster area.

Michel and Flahaut will meet with the Turkish officials to discuss the additional humanitarian aid issue.

The ministers said that they will take the Belgians who are in Turkey at the moment and who have mostly Turkish origin, back to Belgium.

[31] U.N. SECURITY COUNCIL CONVEYS CONDOLENCE TO TURKEY

Speaking in the official hearing of the Security Council, Martin Andjaba, the Permanent Representative of Namibia, the Term President; expressed deep sorrow for the quake disaster which happened in Turkey.

Andjaba said that he wanted to express on behalf of the Security Council that they share similar feelings with the Turkish government and the Turkish nation for the big tragedy which occured after the major earthquake happened in the northwestern Turkey.

Andjaba noted that all the members of the council share the sorrow of Turkey for the deaths and the losses.

Anjaba asked the Turkish representatives in the hearing to submit the deep sorrow and the most sincere condolence of the members of the Council to the Turkish government.

[32] PREMIER ECEVIT: ''FIRE IN TUPRAS IS TOTALLY TAKEN UNDER CONTROL''

Addressing a statement to the journalists in the Prime Ministry, Ecevit noted that the fire in Tupras will be totally extinguished in a few days and that the Izmit Gulf was saved from a big danger as the fire is taken under control.

Stressing that the state continues search and rescue operations in the disaster area, Ecevit reacted to the ideas of some circles and the press organs saying that the state is helpless. Ecvit said, ''the statements of some circles and some press organs saying that the state is helpless demoralize the officials who are carrying out efforts in the disaster area.''

Ecevit asked the people not to believe in the demoralizing news.

On the claims saying that the military circles demanded the declaration of martial law or emergency rule, Ecevit said, ''the military circles did not make such demand.''

Noting that this demand was made by a retired general, Ecevit added that the Turkish Armed Forces did not make such demand.

[33] INTERIOR MINISTRY APPOINTS 47 HIGH LEVEL EXECUTIVES TO COORDINATE ACTIVITIES IN EARTHQUAKE STRUCK REGIONS

Sadettin Tantan, the Interior Minister sent 1 central governor, 2 public administrator inspectors, 3 legal consultants, 5 deputy governors to Kocaeli; 1 central governor, 2 public administrator inspectors, 2 legal consultants, 6 deputy governors, and 3 police chief inspectors to Sakarya; and 1 central governor, 2 public administration ispectors, 4 deputy governors, and 3 police chief inspectors to coordinate activities in these places.

[34] MUFTUOGLU, CHIEF DOCTOR OF NUMUNE HOSPITAL: - ''SOAPS, TOILET PAPERS, AND UNDERWEARS ARE THE IMMEDIATE NEEDS OF THE DISASTER AREA. THOSE WHO WANT TO SEND AID TO THE REGION CAN APPLY TO OUR HOSPITAL''

Staging a press conference, Muftuoglu said that those who want to send cleaning materials to the disaster area can bring the materials to the Numune Hospital.

Emphasizing that 209 persons who were injured in the quake were hospitalized in their hospital, Muftuoglu noted that seven injured persons who were taken under treatment in their hospital died.

Muftuoglu stated that 300 beds are allocated for the quake victims and that the doctors of their hospital are working 24 hours without any intervals; adding that Numune Hospital continuously informs the Prime Ministry Crisis Administration Center and the relatives of the injured persons.

Noting that the accomodation and feeding of the relatives of the hospitalized persons are met by the hospital and some institutions, Muftuoglu said, ''whole country was not prepared for such disaster. But, we could overcome the shock as soon as possible and we started helping the victims altogether. We are learning what to do in such a situation.''

Drawing the attention that people are sending vegetables and fruit to the disaster area, Muftuoglu said, ''the vegetables and fruit can cause illnesses because it is hard to wash them. Also, since this kind of food cause urine, it is inconvenient to eat them in such situation. It will be more appropriate to send biscuits and clean water to the region.''

Stating that the quake victims can have ''post traumatic stress'' three or four weeks after the quake, Muftuoglu stressed that the psychiatry clinic will issue booklets about overcoming the stress and will distribute them to the disaster area.

Emphasizing that the epidemics can occur due to the garbages and the absence of appropriate toilet facilities, Muftuoglu said that people should not use the fridges which remained without power for a long time because they are producing germs and the people should be careful about the potable water.

[35] PREMIER ECEVIT: ''THERE ARE MANY OFFICIALS WHO ARE CARRYING OUT EFFORTS DAY AND NIGHT TO RESCUE PEOPLE ALIVE UNDER RUBBLES ALTHOUGH THEIR OWN RELATIVES ARE ALSO TRAPPED UNDER THE RUBBLE''

Addressing statements about the search and rescue operation in the disaster area, Ecevit noted that the rescue operations continue by the efforts of the state and the private sector.

Ecevit said that some circles and some press organs made statements saying that the state is helpless and that these statements demoralize the officials who are carrying out efforts in the disaster areas.

Stressing that the state is working harmoniously with the Armed Forces and other organizations, Ecevit stated that the Turkish Armed Forces did not demand the declaration of martial law or emergency rule.

Noting that not only the state but also the private sector was mobilized for the search and rescue operations, Ecevit said, ''the operations were slow in the first two or three days after the quake due to the difficulties in transportation and communication. I hope that our citizens could accept this slow down with understanding.''

Stating that some highways were closed to traffic and the telephone connection with Yalova, Sakarya, and Kocaeli was cut down, Ecevit said, ''when these problems were overcome, the efforts started to revive. Despite this, the statements of some circles and some press organs demoralize the officials. There are many officials who carry out efforts day and night without having the fear of death. Nobody has the right to demoralize these officials.''

Emphasizing that this quake was the worst disaster he has ever seen, Ecevit stressed that the rescue operations increased after the problems are overcome.

Pointing out that the tent-sites are started to be set up and that the number of these tent-sites will increase in the following das, Ecevit continued, ''thus, the safe accomodation, the hygiene needs and the other needs of our citizens who have to stay outside during night time will be provided.''

Ecevit said that the fire which started in Turkish Petroleum Refineries Corp. (Tupras) due to the effects of the quake was totally taken under control.

Emphasizing that the non-governmental organizations, the TUPRAS officials and the foreign teams contribute to the efforts of extinguishing the fire in TUPRAS, Ecevit noted that the fire will be totally put out in the next few days and that thus, the Izmit Gulf will be saved from a very big danger.

Responding the questions of the journalists, Ecevit said that the Council of Ministers discussed the measures to be taken in the disaster area and that they decided that the legal opportunities provided by declaring the region as disaster area will be enough.

Ecevit said, ''our state is in harmony. There is a harmony among the organs of the state. To this end, we did not find it necessary to declare emergency rule. We think that it will not be necessary to declare emergency rule from now on.''

On the words of a journalist saying that the military circles demand the declaration of martial law or emergency rule, Ecevit said that the military circles did not make such demand.

When recalled that a retired general made such demand in a television channel last night, Ecevit said, ''a retired general made such a demand. But, the Armed Forces did not make such demand. This issue is not included in the agenda of the Council of Ministers. There is no need to the declaration of martial law or emergency rule. The Armed Forces and the other public institutions are working in harmony and cooperation.''

Responding a journalist who drew the attention to the lack of coordination in the distribution of the aids sent to the disaster areas, Ecevit stated that not only domestic, but foreign aids are sent to the region and that some problems are faced in transferring the aid to the region.

Ecevit continued, ''everybody is working hard. Don't believe the demoralizing news. The foreing institutions accept that Turkey is trying to overcome this problem and they express their ideas frankly. We should not demoralize.''

Emphasizing that it is not possible to estimate the costs of the quake at the moment, Ecevit noted that they believe that Turkey's economy can overcome the financial damages caused by the quake.

Stressing that they are making pre-studies for the economic measures to be taken, Ecevit stated that they will have a meeting next week and evaluate this issue.

When asked about the measures taken to prevent the epidemics, Ecevit said that the unidentified bodies started to be buried after their photographs are taken.

Ecevit said, ''there is a serious problem. We are discussing whether or not to use some medicines which prevent the epidemics to prevent the danger.''

[36] KAZAKH STUDENTS HELP SEARCH AND RESCUE TEAMS - GREECE SENDS A PLANE CARRYING HUMANITARIAN AID

The Kazakh Embassy in Ankara statement said that the Kazakh students who are having education in Turkey started to help the foreign teams by making translations.

The statement noted that the Kazakh students started to help and make translations to the rescue teams which came from Kazakhstan, Britain and Ukraine to Adapazari and Degirmendere.

The Kazakh teams which are carrying out operations in Degirmendere near Golcuk, can continue their efforts for 20 days without taking any support and has the medicine stock necessary for 500 quake victims.

Two Greek planes carrying 12 tons of humanitarian aid arrived in Istanbul this morning.

The Greek Embassy in Ankara statement said a total of 200 tents, 1000 blankets, 1000 sheets and medicines were brought to Turkey by these two planes; adding that 15 doctors and a health team from Greek Red Cross also came to Turkey with these two planes.

The statement noted that the Greek government proposed constructing pre- fabricated houses for 800 persons in the areas which Turkish authorities want.

The Georgian Embassy in Ankara statement said that the ten-member Georgian team which arrived in Turkey two days ago is participating in the rescue operations and that two new teams from Georgia will come to Turkey.

The statement added that the thirty-member team which left Tbilisi is expected to arrive in Istanbul on Saturday morning and that another ten- member team is waiting on alert to come to Turkey.

[37] PARRIS, U.S. AMBASSADOR TO ANKARA, IN IZMIT - PARRIS: ''IT IS IMPOSSIBLE NOT TO FEEL HORRIFIED BY THE DAMAGE IN THE REGION''

Visiting Izmit province, Parris noted that it is impossible not to be affected by the resistence of the regional people and by brave efforts of the rescue teams.

Parris stated that he came to the disaster area to welcome the U.S. search and rescue operations.

Recalling that Bill Clinton, U.S. President made a statement on Tuesday and that Clinton had a phone talk with President Suleyman Demirel, Parris stressed that the U.S. said that she is ready to help Turkey to overcome the tragic results of the quake.

Noting that he feel pleased that his country also participates in the search and rescue efforts, Parris said that he wanted to say that his country shares the pains of the Turkish nation and that his country will continue to support Turkey in the following days.

[38] TRANSPORTATION MINISTER OKSUZ: ''COMMUNICATION SYSTEMS WHICH WERE CUT OF BECAUSE OF QUAKE ARE BACK IN SERVICE''

Telekom set up communication centers for people whose houses were damaged and people can use this service free, Oksuz stated.

Because of power shortage in disaster areas, communication is provided by generators and technical teams coming from other provinces are working to repair minor problems that occured following the quake.

Oksuz noted that the lines were very busy because of excessive number of people trying to reach their relatives, and asked people to use telephone lines only when it is necessary.

The Minister explained that the Crisis Centers used telephones via satellite system in order not to allow any discrepancies and the problems that occured in Telsim and Turkcell celular phones were mainly removed.

The repairment of rails between Gebze and Arifiye was completed and Ankara- Istanbul railroad opened to transportation. Bogazici, Baskent and Basari express trains resumed their regular tours between Ankara and Haydarpasa as of 1 p.m., Oksuz explained.

The Minister also pointed out that Turkish Airlines would transport foreign aid to disaster areas free.

[39] PRESIDENT DEMIREL IN DUZCE - DEMIREL: ''LET'S HEAL THIS GREAT WOUND TOGETHER''

Noting that the state is near the public against such a disaster, Demirel said, ''people put their heart into this struggle with determination and at the risk of their lives. Nobody should interrupt this struggle.''

The President arrived in Duzce county of Bolu with a helicopter. Demirel, who proceeded to the Crisis Desk at the Military Headquarters in Duzce, was briefed on the rescue activities in the region by Nusret Miroglu, the Governor of Bolu.

Miroglu said the rescue efforts still continue in Duzce but the rescue activities in other counties stopped as the teams could not find any alive people. Stating that the death toll in the counties of Bolu was 224 and the number of the injured was 1,120, Miroglu said a total of 446 people were rescued but there might be many people dead beneath the rubble. Noting that a total of 2,767 tents and 9,600 blankets were brought into the region, Miroglu said the region still needs 5,000 more tents.

President Suleyman Demirel said the earthquake caused great destruction and claimed many lives, stressing that the struggle to remove the damages has to be fulfilled carefully, rapidly and calmly.

Emphasizing that the primary target is to rescue lives, the President said great efforts were being expended to this end.

''This is what it was fated to be. This is at discretion of God. We are a Moslem country. We are a nation believe in Islam. May God protect us from worse disasters,'' he said.

''Nobody estimated when, where and on which measure such kind of disasters would happen. What we have to do is to try to heal the wounds of the disaster. We re-built the destroyed but it is impossible to bring those who died back into life,'' the President mentioned.

''It seems that people put their heart into this struggle with determination and at the risk of their lives. Nobody should interrupt this struggle. Everybody should help this struggle. I welcome the criticizms but where can people apply if they criticize the state by disgracing it? The state is the place from which people seek help. Here in Duzce, the state took all the measures, realized important services and will continue to do so,'' he said.

''Nobody can deny that all of the state institutions and the public are trying to do what they can with good will. I hope we will together find a way to remove the grief,'' the President added.

President Suleyman Demirel later left for Ankara with a helicopter.

[40] PRESIDENT DEMIREL IN QUAKE DISASTER AREA - DEMIREL: ''WE CAN'T BE REFRACTORY AGAINST GOD AFTER THIS EARTHQUAKE. WE ARE MOSLEM'' - ''IF THEY WERE JERRY-BUILT HOUSES, WE WILL COLLAR THE PEOPLE WHO BUILT THEM''

Stressing that they will collar the ones who built the houses cheaply, Demirel said, ''we can't be rebellious against God after this earthquake. We are Moslem.''

President Demirel continued his inquiries on Friday in Duzce and Golyaka counties of Bolu. Speaking to reporters following the briefing at the crisis center in Duzce, Demirel said the state reached the ergion on the first day and the Minister of Public Works and Settlement paid his second visit to the region as of Friday.

''This proves the level of the sensitivity that is shown by the state together with its all units, parliament, government and the president against such a calamity. Of course, there is a reason of these cries. The state is near its citizens,'' he said.

Noting that the state and the nation are trying to save the victims from the troubles, Demirel said, ''aid is flowing like a flood.''

Stressing that the arrival of many foreign aid teams proved the esteem of Turkey, Demirel said, ''also, the fire at the TUPRAS that scared us was put out. I hope we won't face new troubles, and heal this wound and grief together. This is what we have to do. There is a great grief, pain and despair but we are obliged to built a future full of hopes.''

Stressing that the prior target is to take out the people under the rubble, Demirel said, ''of course, a calamity only really affects its immediate victim. But this calamity hit not only Golyaka, Duzce, Adapazari, Golcuk but also whole Turkey. A total of 65 million people feel the grief, all of them are expending great efforts to help their brothers and sisters. This has showed our national unity and solidarity.''

''Of course, the people, who feel pain, will ask 'where is the state?' However, the state is near its citizens. Actually, the state is the organization of the public. It is not an organization of miracle. It will do its best. Governors, soldiers, police, doctors and nurses are state personnel,'' he stated.

Noting that everything will get better in time, Demirel, ''we can rebuilt everything before winter. The state is capable of this. It was a great calamity. May God protect us from the worse. Let's heal the wound together.''

A.A

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