Anadolu Agency: News in English, 99-08-19

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AA Daily

19 August 1999 Thursday

CONTENTS

[01] U.S. PRESIDENT CLINTON TELLS PRESIDENT DEMIREL U.S. PREPARED TO HELP

[02] THREE U.S. WAR SHIPS ON THEIR WAY TO TURKEY TO JOIN RESCUE OPERATIONS

[03] TURKEY-PRESS SCAN

[04] WORLD BANK TO OPEN NEW CREDIT OF 120 MILLION U.S. DOLLARS FOR TURKEY

[05] DIRECTORATE GENERAL OF DISASTER AFFAIRS OPEN THREE SEPARATE BANK ACCOUNTS TO HELP EARTHQUAKE VICTIMS

[06] SOME AREAS GIVEN POWER IN EARTHQUAKE HIT REGIONS

[07] FIRE IN TUPRAS REFINERY CONTINUES IN THREE OIL TANKS, WHILE FIRE IN ONE TANK CONTROLLED

[08] MEMBERS OF ALL RELIGIONS UNITE TO HELP TURKEY IN U.S.

[09] MINISTRY OF INDUSTRY AND TRADE STARTS CAMPAING FOR QUAKE VICTIMS

[10] JAPAN EXTENDS CREDIT FOR BOZUYUK-MEKECE HIGHWAY AND TUBE-TUNNEL PROJECTS

[11] DONATION FROM JAPAN TO ERCIYES UNIVERSITY

[12] MAJOR EARTHQUAKE - STATEMENT OF PRIME MINISTRY CRISIS MANAGEMENT DESK - 100 TONS OF FLOUR, 40 TONS OF RICE AND 20 TONS OF CHEESE DELIVERED TO DISASTER AREA

[13] DEATH TOLL INCREASES TO 3 THOUSAND IN KOCAELI

[14] PRIME MINISTER ECEVIT: - ''TENT-CITIES WILL BE SET UP IN AFFECTED AREAS'' - ''FIRE AT TUPRAS OIL REFINERY WAS PARTLY TAKEN UNDER CONTROL''

[15] MAJOR EARTHQUAKE - STATEMENT OF PRIME MINISTRY CRISIS DESK - NO MALFUNCTION AT COMMUNICATION SYSTEM IN ISTANBUL

[16] PRESIDENT TURKMENBASI OF TURKMENISTAN: - ''TURKISH PEOPLE ARE STRONG, THEY WILL OVERCOME ALL DIFFICULTIES FIRMLY''

[17] MAJOR EARTHQUAKE - STATEMENT OF PRIME MINISTRY CRISIS DESK - 80-MEMBER RESCUE AND HEALTH TEAMS, WHO WERE SENT BY U.S. WITH A C-5 PLANE, TO ARRIVE IN TURKEY TODAY

[18] MAJOR EARTHQUAKE - ISRAEL SENDS SAHRA HOSPITAL - SHNEH, DEPUTY DEFENSE MINISTER OF ISRAEL, LEAVES FOR TURKEY

[19] TOKUCOGLU, UNDERSECRETARY OF HEALTH MINISTRY: - ''RUBBISH SHOLD BE COLLECTED AND PORTABLE TOILETS SHOULD BE SET UP IN AFFECTED AREAS AGAINST THREAT OF EPIDEMICS''

[20] TURKISH-JAPANESE INTERDELEGATIONARY MEETINGS END

[21] FOREIGN DEBT PAYMENTS - 6.4 BILLION U.S. DOLLARS PAID IN FOREIGN DEBT SINCE JANUARY 1, 1999

[22] FOREIGN EXCHANGE RESERVES OF CENTRAL BANK INCREASE TO 24 BILLION U.S. DOLLARS

[23] JAPAN TARGETS TO IMPROVE HER RELATIONS WITH TURKEY IN SEVERAL FIELDS

[24] COUNCIL OF EUROPE OFFERS FINANCIAL AID

[25] EU TO SEND A FINANCIAL AID WORTH OF 2 MILLION EURO

[26] GEMICI, STATE MINISTER: ''IT IS NOT POSSIBLE TO SAY 'THERE IS NOT A DANGER IN TUPRAS', BUT THE DANGER HAS SLOWED DOWN WHEN COMPARED TO THE FIRST TWO DAYS''

[01] U.S. PRESIDENT CLINTON TELLS PRESIDENT DEMIREL U.S. PREPARED TO HELP

''The president told President Demirel that the United States is prepared to help in any way we can,'' said David Leavy, spokesman for the White House National Security Council, adding Clinton spoke by telephone to Demirel for more than 10 minutes to express American condolences over the quake and tell him what Washington was doing so far to help.

''Clinton told President Demirel to let us know whatever they need. President Demirel was very appreciative,'' Leavy added.

[02] THREE U.S. WAR SHIPS ON THEIR WAY TO TURKEY TO JOIN RESCUE OPERATIONS

Kearsarge, Ponce and Gunston which serve in Mediterranean are coming to Istanbul, the U.S. Naval Forces announced in Washington D.C.

The ships have a total of 6 surgery rooms and 631 beds and could be used as hospitals. The medical personnel will treat the injured while the soldiers will join the rescue operations.

This is the widest military rescue operation the U.S. is launching in many years, it was stated.

The U.S. units at Turkish-U.S. base at Incirlik were also instructed to help Turkey following the disastrous earthquake which devastated Turkey's Marmara region early Tuesday morning.

[03] TURKEY-PRESS SCAN

HURRIYET (LIBERAL)

GOVERNMENT CAUGHT UNPREPARED
The state caught unprepared in the quake which cost the lives of thousands of people. There were no adequate rescue teams, and Ankara, Istanbul, and Erzurum were the only cities which had civil defense units. ''What could we do when our budget was reduced to 1 trillion from 15 trillion Turkish liras?'' said an authority from the Civil Defense General Directorate. The draft law to form new units have been waiting in the Parliament to be debated for two years.

MILLIYET (LIBERAL)

The dead bodies have not been collected, the wreckage can't be removed, there is the threat of contagious disease in the areas hit by the quake. Even translators are not given to foreign rescue teams who try to rescue people. The lack of bread and water and electricity cut still continues. Communication has not been improved. Meanwhile, it is seen that Kocaeli, which is the richest province of Turkey in national income is poor in hospitals. Even the magnitude of the earthquake couldn't be properly measured, Kandilli Observatory Quake Research Centre firstly said that its magnitude was 6.7, but later it corrected it saying it was 7.4.

THREAT STILL CONTINUES FOR ISTANBUL
Is�kara, the Chairman of the Kandilli Observatory Quake Research Centre said that ''this quake was not the one which was expected in Istanbul, this was the one expected to take place in western part of Adapazar�.'' Thus, the threat still continues for Istanbul.

SABAH (LIBERAL)

WORTH OF 400 HIROSIMA
The U.S. experts said the quake's impact was 400 times bigger than the atomic bomb thrown in Hirosima in 1945. They said the waves of the Turkey quake later was felt in all around the world. The U.S. experts claim that the quake's magnitude was 7.8 by Richter scale. The quake which devastated San Fransisco in 1906 measured 7.1. ''Greece, Turkey, and Iran are on the earthquake zone, therefore it is not a surprise,'' it was said. Meteorology experts who spoke to CNN said the quake was ''one of the most powerful earthquakes of the century and probably the last one''. New York Post wrote the death toll might climb up to 10,000.

CUMHURIYET (LEFT)

ECONOMY HIT FROM THE HEART
Kocaeli, Sakarya, Istanbul, Yalova, Bursa, Bolu and Eskisehir which were all hit by the recent earthquake measuring 7.4 on the Richter scale, are also the industrial centers of Turkey. According to the data of State Statics Institude (DIE) published lately in 1997 Istanbul produces 22.5 percent of Gross Domestic Product (GDP) among other provinces. Kocaeli, the epicenter of the quake, comes the fourth in GDP with a 4.6 percent share. The 53.9 percent of contribution of Kocaeli to GDP as of 1997 stemmed from the activities of industry sector. In parallel to the industry investments, population in seven provinces in question is very dense.

RADIKAL (LEFT)

PRIVATE HOSPITALS TO TREAT PATIENTS FREE OF CHARGE
Haluk Tokucoglu, the Undersecretary of the Ministry of Health said on Wednesday that the private hospitals in the disaster area should not get money from the earthquake victims. Noting that in urgent cases, the medical treatment of patients who are victims of the earthquake should be free of charge, Tokcuoglu said that if private hospitals demand money from citizens, the latter should apply to health instutitons and give the name of that private hospital.

T�RK�YE (RIGHT)

IT MIGHT REPEAT IN 30 YEARS
Prof. Ahmet Mete Isikara, Director of Bogazici University's Kandilli Observatory and Earthquake Research Center said a similar quake in the same area cannot take place for at least another 30 years.

45 DAYS LEAVE FOR SOLDIERS
Soldiers who lost their family members or suffered financial damage in the quake have been given 45 days leave. The recruitments in the quake struck region have also been delayed until November.

ZAMAN (CONSERVATIVE)

[04] WORLD BANK TO OPEN NEW CREDIT OF 120 MILLION U.S. DOLLARS FOR TURKEY

Turkey experienced a great tragedy and the World Bank is taking solid steps to ease its pain, he said. Wolfensohn noted that they were giving the 120 million U.S. dollar credit to help to rebuild the damaged areas and they were working to determine the urgent needs and related costs by being in contact with the Turkish government. Together with Turkey, the World Bank will form a good mechanism to provide funds for construction work and humanitarian aid, he added.

The 100 million U.S. dollar part of previously announced credit was also given to Turkey to meet the urgent needs of earthquake victims.

Wolfenshon reminded that the World Bank helped Turkey following Erzincan and Adana earthquakes in the past and assured that it will offer the necessary aid also this time for the reconstruction of facilities which suffered damage in the quake.

The World Bank will be in cooperation with its partner Turkey, Wolfensohn stressed and said that he was deeply grieved about the lost lives and his prayers were with those who were looking for their loved ones.

[05] DIRECTORATE GENERAL OF DISASTER AFFAIRS OPEN THREE SEPARATE BANK ACCOUNTS TO HELP EARTHQUAKE VICTIMS

Prime Ministry Crisis Administration Centre said that the bank accounts were opened in Turkish liras, U.S. dollars, and German marks.

Citizens can donate in Turkish liras to account no. 459036, in U.S. dollars to account no. 459018 and in German marks in account no. 459027.

Meanwhile, Ziraat Bank donated 250 billion liras to be used in meeting the urgent needs of earthquake victims.

[06] SOME AREAS GIVEN POWER IN EARTHQUAKE HIT REGIONS

In all three cities, roads were illuminated but electricity is still not given to homes for safety reasons.

Energy and Natural Resources Ministry's Deputy Undersecretary and general directors made observations in Sakarya, Yalova, and Kocaeli regions.

State hospitals, SSK Hospital, and Toyota Hospital currently have power in Sakarya. Bakeries were also given electricity and those which don't have power are using generators. The crisis desk and stadium were also given electricity. Water pumps of municipality could not be given electricity because of the damage on transformers.

Hospitals and streets in Hendek, Akyazi, Sapanca, and Duzce were illuminated.

In Yalova hospitals, Telekom, crisis desk, and Iskele Square have power and efforts continue to illuminate streets.

Drinking water and sewage systems were given electricity in most part of Cinarcik, Armutcuk, and Altinova provinces.

In Kocaeli, electricity was given to water pumps of TUPRAS last night alongwith hospitals.

Streets of Darica, Kandira, Gebze, Karamursel, and Kocaeli center have been illuminated since Wednesday but Golcuk is still depending on generators.

For safety reasons, electricity is not given to residences which suffered damage in the quake. These homes will have power when crisis desk teams give approval.

[07] FIRE IN TUPRAS REFINERY CONTINUES IN THREE OIL TANKS, WHILE FIRE IN ONE TANK CONTROLLED

The Crisis Administration Center said that the fire in crude oil unit was extinguished, adding the efforts of one helicopter and 12 water tankers belonging to the Forestry Ministry to put out the fire continue.

Meanwhile, water tankers, bulldozers, graders, and four helicopter will join the struggle to put out the fire in the refinery. The statement added that there is no dead or injured due to the fire that erupted in the refinery.

Directorate General of Oil took various measures as the production in TUPRAS refinery stopped. Some of the measures are as follows: ''The increase in the price of kerosene by 3.25 percent is planned to be met from the Fund of Fuel-oil Price Stability Fund. Besides permission will be granted to firms demanding to import oil. The capacities of the other refineries will be increased. The Liquified Petroleum Gas (LPG) ship which was planned to leave for Izmit, will go to Izmir instead.''

[08] MEMBERS OF ALL RELIGIONS UNITE TO HELP TURKEY IN U.S.

The U.S. Jewish Congress released a statement and asked Jewish Americans to help Turkey. Some Muslim organizations which have Turkish members also started campaigns to help earthquake victims. Nihad Awad, the U.S. Islamic Relations Council Executive Director said ''Muslims in the world had responsibility to help their suffering brothers''. ''Muslim Americans will do their share,'' he added.

Many Christian institutions also started campaings in the U.S. Among them, there are Baptist, Catholic, Protestant, and Methodist churches, and other aid institutions. It is believed that they already collected ten millions of U.S. dollars in these funds.

The U.S. press and television are still giving the earthquake as first news and the help campaings are reported to be the widest one in the recent years.

[09] MINISTRY OF INDUSTRY AND TRADE STARTS CAMPAING FOR QUAKE VICTIMS

The deductions from over 700 thousand producers during product purchases will be collected at Emlak Bank's account. The Ministry also started a blood donation campaing for the quake victims.

Meanwhile, Ankara Contractors Union said contractors were blamed for the collapsed buildings. ''No execution without trial,'' they stated. The union noted that such comments should not be made before investigating.

[10] JAPAN EXTENDS CREDIT FOR BOZUYUK-MEKECE HIGHWAY AND TUBE-TUNNEL PROJECTS

Recep Onal, the State Minister responsible for economy and Masahiko Komura, the Japanese Foreign Minister signed the document prepared about the credits.

Addressing the signing ceremony at the Prime Ministry, Onal said that the Japanese government will give 41,9 million Japanese Yens (nearly 360 million U.S. dollars) for these projects which carry great importance for Turkey.

Onal pointed out that this agreement is a sample of the rooted cooperation between the two countries and it will constitute a basis for the possible agreements in the future.

Masahiko Komura, the Japanese Foreign Minister said in his part that he hoped these two projects will help in improvement of the Turkish economy and friendly relations between the two countries.

The first project aims at transforming the two-lane highway into four-lanes and easing the traffic through Bozuyuk county of Bilecik province.

The tube tunnel project aims at easing traffic in the existing two bridges over Istanbul Strait.

[11] DONATION FROM JAPAN TO ERCIYES UNIVERSITY

Addressing the signing ceremony, Foreign Minister Ismail Cem said the relations between Turkey and Japan are at a very good level, and they hope the relations will further improve.

Cem said that following the earthquake disaster in Turkey, the aid and help of Japan, who is experienced in quake disasters, are very important for the rescue efforts.

Guest Minister Komura said they feel the grief over the deaths and injuries in the earthquake, and they will continue to cooperate in rescue efforts.

Recalling that a Japanese health unit arrived in Turkey early on Thursday, Komura said that at this stage, they will give a one million U.S. dollars urgent aid to Turkey.

Atsuko Toyama, the Japanese Ambassador to Ankara, also attended the meeting.

Meanwhile, the Japanese Embassy in Ankara issued a statement and said that the cultural donation to the Erciyes University targets to support the cultural, educational and research activities in Turkey and to further improve the cultural relations between Turkey and Japan.

The statement said the donation is expected to contribute to education in Japanese language in Turkey and to development of scientific researches at the Erciyes University.

Japan gave a total of 580 million Japanese Yens (5.08 million U.S. dollars) to 13 projects in Turkey.

[12] MAJOR EARTHQUAKE - STATEMENT OF PRIME MINISTRY CRISIS MANAGEMENT DESK - 100 TONS OF FLOUR, 40 TONS OF RICE AND 20 TONS OF CHEESE DELIVERED TO DISASTER AREA

A total of 100 tons of flour, 40 tons of rice and 20 tons of cheese were brought to the disaster area.

The Prime Ministry Crisis Management Desk issued a statement saying that the Turkish Soil Products Office (TMO) sent 100 tons of flour and 40 tons of rice, and the Directorate General of Agricultural Administrations (TIGEM) sent 20 tons of cheese to the region through the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs.

The training centers and guest houses of the TMO, TIGEM, Agricultural Credit Cooperatives, Provincial Directorates of Agriculture and Directorates of Research Institutes were opened to the use of the people injured in the earthquake.

The Central Union of the Agricultural Credit Cooperatives deposited 25 billion Turkish Liras to the earthquake aid account no:30459-70008 at the Ziraat Bank's Branch Office in Yenisehir, Ankara.

The aid organization Kizilay (Red Crescent) sent 600 tents, one thousand blankets, three mobile kitchens and six tons of foodstuffs to Sakarya; one mobile kitchen and various foodstuffs to Avcilar district in Istanbul; a 100-bed mobile hospital, one thousand tents and 250 blankets to Yalova. One thousand blankets, one mobile kitchen, remedy and foodstuff are ready for transfer.

The efforts to send 100 tents to Bagcilar, 300 tents to Buyuk Cekmece and 500 tents to Avcilar districts in Istanbul continue.

A total of 500 blankets were sent to Bagcilar, 2,500 blankets were sent to Avcilar, 1,500 blankets were sent to Buyuk Cekmece, ten tents were sent to Gungoren, 20 tents to Kartal and six tents were sent to the State Hospital in Bakirkoy.

The loading of 1,500 tents, which will be sent to the Golcuk Naval Forces Commandership and 1,000 tents, which will be sent to the Office of the Head Official of Golcuk, to five military planes started. A total of three thousand blankets, eights tons of potable water, two mobile kitchens and one mobile toilet will be sent to Golcuk.

The Red Crescent will send 650 blankets and 350 tents to Duzce; 350 blankets and 150 tents to Cilimli, and 100 tents to Eskisehir.

Due to the malfunction at the electrification in the railroad between Dogancay and Izmit stations, the the railroad was closed to train traffic. The airports are open to air traffic.

Within the scope of the search-and-rescue efforts, a 19-member Gulhane Military Medical Academy (GATA) health unit including doctors and nurses, two mobile hospitals, 2,500 tents, 35 helicopters, 19 cargo planes, two ambulance-planes, a C-130 fire-fighter plane, two satellite communication units, 13 work machines and six Gendarmerie rescue squadrons were sent to Adapazari, and one Gendarmerie rescue squadron was sent to Golyaka, Bolu.

Besides, foam was transferred from Kirikkale to the region with helicopters to extinguish the fire at the TUPRAS refinery and a fire-fighter plane of the Air Forces was sent to the region.

The 190 personnel and a rescue team of Israel with six sniffer dogs were sent to the region.

Meanwhile, a ship that belongs of the Italian Naval Forces will arrive at the Golcuk Seaport on August 21 to bring aid equipment for the rescue teams. There are 120 personnel, medical equipment, a sahra hospital, generator, water tanks, bulldozers, foodstuffs and two helicopters.

The statement said 49 prisoners staying at the Sakarya Prison will be transferred to the Kartal Prison, 19 women prisoners will be transferred to the Kastamonu Prison, 80 prisoners will be transferred to the Eskisehir Prison and 79 others willl be sent to the Bolu Prison.

[13] DEATH TOLL INCREASES TO 3 THOUSAND IN KOCAELI

Search and rescue operations are continuing in the province to reach people who have been trapped under the collapsed buildings, but slowly continuing operations annoy relatives of earthquake victims who strive to reach their victims under rubble masses.

Foreign teams have begun to participate in operations with their sniffer dogs and technological equipment.

The Red Crescent has set up a tent in the Ugur Mumcu Park to take blood from volenteers.

Humanitarian aid pour into the province from different parts of Turkey, but officials have difficulty in distribution of aid to earthquake victims.

Meanwhile, as a result of insufficient capacity of morgues, dead bodies were put in a ice-skating hall in Izmit. A heavy and bad smell spread whole province due to many dead bodies which are still under rubbles, and hot weather.

Continuing aftershocks create panic among the residents.

It was reported that the Yuvacik Dam was not damaged in the earthquake. There is no water shorgate in the province.

In Derince region of Izmit province, a tent city will be set up sufficing 3, 000 people.

Meanwhile, efforts are continuing to quell the fire which broke out at the TUPRAS oil refinery in Izmit province after the earthquake, with the participation of Turkish and foreign fire-extinguisher helicopters.

Officials told the A.A correspondent that there is no danger of an explosion at the refinery, recalling that the water pumps have been re- activated to pump water from sea.

[14] PRIME MINISTER ECEVIT: - ''TENT-CITIES WILL BE SET UP IN AFFECTED AREAS'' - ''FIRE AT TUPRAS OIL REFINERY WAS PARTLY TAKEN UNDER CONTROL''

Addressing journalists, Prime Minister Ecevit gave information about the latest developments in the earthquake disaster.

Pointing out that burials of those who lost their lives in the disaster have begun, Ecevit said that dead bodies whose relatives could not be found, will be laid to rest after taking photos of them, otherwise epidemics will start to threaten the affected areas.

Stressing that hopeful developments were recorded in the fire which broke out at the TUPRAS oil refinery following the Tuesday's earthquake, Ecevit told reporters that the fire has been partly taken under cortrol. He added that the fire continues at two tanks for the time being.

Ecevit added, ''cooling efforts are underway at the refinery to quell the fire before it spreads to nearby gas tanks. Solution of the problem has taken a long time due to unpredictable desctructions in the refinery.''

Stressing that search and rescue operations are continuing in all affected areas, Ecevit recalled that thousands of buildings have demolished on Tuesday's earthquake.

Ecevit stressed that the casualty figures are higher at the city centers, adding that there were no serious casualties in surrounding villages.

When asked about the financial dimension of the disaster, Ecevit told reporters, ''I will come together with the cencerned ministers later today. We can issue statement about the correct figures of the financial damage. Turkish economy was in a difficult position, an the earthquake made it worse. But, I do not want to discuss it. We pay more attention for people's situation. Turkish nation will overcome this disaster with contribution of investors.''

Describing the earthquake which hit Turkey on Tuesday morning, as one of the most terrible disasters in not only the history of Turkey, but in the history of humanity and world, Ecevit also added, ''We try to take all necessary measures quickly without engulfing in panic.''

[15] MAJOR EARTHQUAKE - STATEMENT OF PRIME MINISTRY CRISIS DESK - NO MALFUNCTION AT COMMUNICATION SYSTEM IN ISTANBUL

There is not any problem in the communication system in Istanbul while the communication with Yalova was also provided.

The Prime Ministry Crisis Administration Center issued a statement saying there was not a malfunction at the communication systems in Istanbul and Eskisehir. The communication with Yalova was provided while the efforts to remove the deficiencies in the networks in this province continue. The Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM) was opened to service and the normal call office started to be put into service gradually. Most of the malfunctions at the communication system in Izmit were removed. Although the the tele-communication building in Golcuk county received damage, the equipments are still working. Two mobile satellite systems were set up in Adapazari and communication was partly provided.

The Ministry of Labour and Social Security sent five ambulances, five general surgeons, five orthopaedics experts, one brain surgeon, 11 general practitioners, and 15 nurses to Yalova; five ambulances, three general surgeons, three doctors of internal medicine, one orthopaedics expert and 15 nurses to Sakarya; four ambulances, three general surgeons, two orthopaedics experts, eight general practitioners, eight nurses, and remedy for 4,000 people.

Three military squadrons departed from Bilecik to Devrek. Two military squadrons left for Sakarya from Karabuk and Safranbolu. Two helicopters and one commando squadron reached Yalova from Bursa.

The Office of the Governor of Eskisehir sent two loaders, two trailers, and two excavators to help rescue efforts in Yalova.

A total of 300 thousand breads were brought to the earthquake disaster area. The distribution will continue for three days.

The Ministry of Health sent 44 ambulances, 36 doctors, 16 general practitioners, 5 technicians, 36 nurses, and 11 health officials to Kocaeli; 65 ambulances, 66 doctors, 57 general practitioners, 2 technicians, 61 nurses, and 52 health officials to Sakarya; 10 ambulances, 14 doctors, 4 general practitioners, 2 technicians, 11 nurses and 4 health officials to Bolu; 16 ambulances, 30 doctors, 31 general practitioners, 5 technicians, 79 nurses and 11 health officials to Yalova; and 10 ambulances, 13 doctors, 7 general practitioners, 2 technicians, 18 nurses and 3 health officials to Golcuk.

Besides, three mobile hospitals and and sahra hospital and three trucks full of medical equipment were sent to Yalova, Sakarya, and Golcuk.

[16] PRESIDENT TURKMENBASI OF TURKMENISTAN: - ''TURKISH PEOPLE ARE STRONG, THEY WILL OVERCOME ALL DIFFICULTIES FIRMLY''

Responding to questions of the A.A correspondent, Turkmenbasi said that they share Turkish people's grief sincerely.

Expressing his condolences over deaths over many people in the earthquake, Turkmenbasi added, ''Turkish people are strong. They will overcome all difficulties firmly.''

Recalling that they have offered to send a search and rescue team to Turkey, President Turkmenbasi stressed that they are ready to send any kind of aid to help Turkey to heal the wounds.

[17] MAJOR EARTHQUAKE - STATEMENT OF PRIME MINISTRY CRISIS DESK - 80-MEMBER RESCUE AND HEALTH TEAMS, WHO WERE SENT BY U.S. WITH A C-5 PLANE, TO ARRIVE IN TURKEY TODAY

According to the statement issued by the Prime Ministry Crisis Administration Center, a 78-member rescue team of Russia was sent to Kocaeli; a 52-member rescue team of Germany was sent to Avcilar district in Istanbul, Yalova and Sakarya; a 53-member rescue team of Azerbaijan was sent to Kartal district in Istanbul; a 70-member rescue team of France was sent to Yalova, and a four-member rescue team of the Netherlands was sent to the Dutch Consulate.

A 43-member rescue team of Britain was sent to Yalova and Duzce; a 13- member rescue team of Hungary was sent to Avcilar and Kocaeli; a 60-member rescue team of Austria was sent to Kocaeli while a 19-member rescue team with 16 sniffer dogs sent by the Dutch Red Cross arrived in Istanbul yesterday.

A seven-member rescue team of Bulgaria and a seven-member rescue team of Spain were sent to Sakarya; a 180-member rescue team of Israel was sent to Golcuk, and an Algerian team including 30 experts and nine doctors were sent to Istanbul with a Hercules CE-130 plane.

A total of 300 tents, 100 blankets, 29,730 kg od foodstuffs and 4,950 kg of remedy, which were sent by Egypt, were transferred to the Red Crescent.

U.S. President Bill Clinton announced that a 68-member rescue team will be sent to Turkey.

A 100-member rescue team of Switzerland with 40 sniffer dogs and 18 tons of aid will be sent to the disaster area.

A 80-member rescue team and a health team, who will be sent by the U.S. with a C-5 plane, will arrive in Turkey today.

[18] MAJOR EARTHQUAKE - ISRAEL SENDS SAHRA HOSPITAL - SHNEH, DEPUTY DEFENSE MINISTER OF ISRAEL, LEAVES FOR TURKEY

The aid campaigns, which were launched in Israel by the Jews immigrated from Turkey and by several aid organizations including ''People of Turkey'', continue. The Israeli radio stations and television channels are repeating the numbers of accounts opened to collect money to help the victims of quake disaster.

Meanwhile, the news saying that almost 25 Jewish people of Turkish origin were missing caused great concern in Israel. It is estimated that 18 people are still under the rubble.

[19] TOKUCOGLU, UNDERSECRETARY OF HEALTH MINISTRY: - ''RUBBISH SHOLD BE COLLECTED AND PORTABLE TOILETS SHOULD BE SET UP IN AFFECTED AREAS AGAINST THREAT OF EPIDEMICS''

Responding to questions of the A.A correspondent, Tokucoglu said that there is no disorganization in health services, but difficulties emerged in transporting injured people to hospitals.

Noting that vaccination teams of the Health Ministry have arrived in the earthquake zone, Tokucoglu added that struggle against malaria has also begun.

Stressing that rubbish and lack of portable toilets create a big problem, Tokucoglu said, ''we urged the crisis centers to destroy the rubbish. The region urgently needs portable toilets. On the other hand, dead bodies should be buried quickly. Stench of decaying fleshes, is growing. Therefore, dead bodies whose relatives could not be found, will be laid to rest after taking photos of them.''

Recalling that telephone and power lines are still cut in several regions, Tokucuoglu urged residents not to eat the food in fridges, otherwise food poisoning or epidemics can be effective.

Pointing out that sufficient blood has been provided for injured people, Tokucoglu told the A.A correspondent that blood donation is not required for the time being.

Meanwhile, Ertan Gonen, Acting Chairman of the Red Crescent, said that about 14 thousand tents have sent to affected areas, but 10 thousand more tents are required.

[20] TURKISH-JAPANESE INTERDELEGATIONARY MEETINGS END

The relations between Turkey and Japan and the issue of development of the relations in several fields were discussed at the meeting at the Foreign Ministry building.

The Japanese Embassy in Ankara stressed that there was not a serious political dispute between the two countries, and the mutual visits of the Turkish and Japanese high-level officials and the regular consultation meetings were discussed at the meeting.

The Turkish and Japanese delations took up the cultural relations, the economic cooperation between the Turkish and Japanese governments and private sectors, the Middle Eastern Peace Process and the latest developments in Central Asia, Caucasus and Cyprus.

The guest foreign minister and the accompanying delegation who will proceed to Istanbul later in the day, are expected to leave Turkey late on Friday after wrapping up their contacts in Istanbul.

[21] FOREIGN DEBT PAYMENTS - 6.4 BILLION U.S. DOLLARS PAID IN FOREIGN DEBT SINCE JANUARY 1, 1999

The Central Bank data shows that the Treasury paid 5 billion 401 million U.S. dollars; the Central Bank repaid 286.1 million U.S. dollars; the Ministry of National Defense and the Defense Industry paid 470.8 million U.S. dollars and the Defense Fund paid 17.33 million U.S. dollars in foreign debt between January 1 and August 18, 1999.

Meanwhile, a total of 200.8 million U.S. dollars of foreign debt was repaid between August 1 and 18.

The foreign debt payment was 432.01 million U.S. dollars in January; 765.75 million U.S. dollars in February; 770.55 million U.S. dollars in March; 836.41 million U.S. dollars in April; 680.99 million U.S. dollars in May; 1 billion 718.55 million U.S. dollars in June; and 714.64 million U.S. dollars in July, 1999.

[22] FOREIGN EXCHANGE RESERVES OF CENTRAL BANK INCREASE TO 24 BILLION U.S. DOLLARS

The Central Bank data shows that the foreign exchange reserves which climbed by 299 million U.S. dollars between August 6-13, increased to 24 billion 65 million U.S. dollars as of 13 August.

The Central Bank's foreign exchange reserves were 23 billion 766 million U.S. dollars on August 6.

Meanwhile, according to the 30 July-based statistics, Turkey's total international gross reserves decreased 191 million U.S. dollars to 34 billion 909 million U.S. dollars between July 23-30.

The international gross reserves of Turkey were 35 billion 100 million U.S. dollars on July 23.

As of 30 July, Turkey's international reserves were composed of 1 billion 12 million U.S. dollars in gold reserves; 23 billion 307 million U.S. dollars in the Central Bank's foreign exchange reserves; and 10 billion 590 million U.S. dollars in the commercial banks' foreign exchange reserves.

[23] JAPAN TARGETS TO IMPROVE HER RELATIONS WITH TURKEY IN SEVERAL FIELDS

Staging a press conference, Yasuhisa Kawamura, the Spokesman of Masahiko Kamura, the Foreign Minister of Japan, who is currently paying an official visit to Turkey, gave information about the contacts of Komura and the accompanying delegation in Ankara.

Noting that the bilateral relations were discussed at the meetings with Prime Minister Bulent Ecevit and Foreign Minister Ismail Cem and at the interdelegationary meetings, Kawamura said those relations entered into an increasing trend in several fields.

Kawamura recalled that two separate economy agreements and a memorandum of understanding for cultural donation were signed during the visit of Komura. Kawamura said the activities of the Turkish-Japanese culture foundation and the increasing activities between the two countries in the fields of tourism and economy were the reflectors of the development of the bilateral relations.

Pointing out that they feel the grief over the deaths and injuries in the quake that hit the Marmara region, Kawamura said the Japanese government's aid will continue.

Giving information about the efforts of two Japanese serah-rescue teams and a health team, Kawamura said the Japanese team in Yalova rescued a woman and took her out from the rubble.

Meanwhile, Japanese Foreign Minister Masahiko Komura proceeded to Istanbul after wrapping up his contacts in Ankara.

The guest minister who will spend the night in Istanbul, will leave for Vienna after visiting the historical sites.

[24] COUNCIL OF EUROPE OFFERS FINANCIAL AID

Kari Nars, Chairperson of Executive Board of Social Development Fund, the development bank of the Council of Europe, said that they are ready to assist Turkey in re-construction of the region.

One of the main targets of the Social Development Fund is to give bank loans with low interest to countries which were hit by natural or ecological disaster.

The Social Development Fund having 35 members including Turkey, had also provided financial support to turkey during the earthquakes in Dinar in 1995 and in Erzincen in 1992.

Meanwhile, Daniel Tarschys, Secretary General of Council of Europe, send a message to Turkish officials, and expressed condolences over earthquake victims.

[25] EU TO SEND A FINANCIAL AID WORTH OF 2 MILLION EURO

The EU Representation in Turkey issued a written statement saying that the aid will be send in addition to other aids on bilateral level.

The aid which will be directed by the EU's humanitarian aid organization ECHO, will be sent to the worst affected areas as urgent aid equipments in cooperation with Red Cross and Red Crescent Federation.

Meanwhile, Manuel Marin, Acting Chairman of European Commission, sent a message of condolences to President Suleyman Demirel, and expressed deep sorrow over the earthquake disaster.

Hans van den Broek, member of European Commission, sent a message to Ismail Cem, Foreign Minister, and expressed his condolences.

[26] GEMICI, STATE MINISTER: ''IT IS NOT POSSIBLE TO SAY 'THERE IS NOT A DANGER IN TUPRAS', BUT THE DANGER HAS SLOWED DOWN WHEN COMPARED TO THE FIRST TWO DAYS''

Carrying out observations in the region with Fikret Unlu, the State Minister, Gemici responded to the questions of the journalists about the latest situation in Tupras.

Emphasizing that worrying flames are seen from TUPRAS, Gemici noted that the officials said that it is better that the burning materials eradicate by burning.

Stressing that the eyes of Turkey and even the whole world is on TUPRAS and that giving true information carries vital importance, Gemici said, ''of course two tanks are burning in the oil refinery. It is not possible to say 'there is not a danger' but the danger slowed down when compared to the first two days. The fire is taken under control in a wide sense. What is necessary is being done.''

Responding to a question about the criticisms concerning the efforts to put out the fire, Gemici said, ''there is a very significant helplessness. Because those working in the region are residents. Some of the workers died, some of the relatives of the workers are trapped under collapsed buildings. Many of those people lost their children and families. It is not an easy thing to transfer or to rule those people there.''

When asked whether or not the citizens have to leave all the settlements near the refinery and that whether they have to use masks, Gemici said, ''such situation is out of question at the moment. The fire is taken under control. There were some problems resulting from the energy and the water about the efforts of extinguishing the fire. These problems are solved. The line which brings water from Sapanca Lake to this region was damaged. These lines were repaired and the water started to be pumped to the region an hour ago. The water is expected to reach 1,500 cubic metres per hour. Our job will be more easy then.''

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