Anadolu Agency: News in English, 02-02-04

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ANADOLU AJANSI

NEWS

04

February 2002 Monday

T�rkiye

D�nya

Parlamento

Ekonomi

Spor

Sanat-Magazin

Sa�l�k

T

urkey

NIGHTMARE RETURNS

Strong earthquake, measuring 6.0 on the Richter scale, hit Aegean Afyon province this time. A total of 44 people died and 172 others were injured in the quake. The strong earthquake also demolished more than 150 buildings. The quake was felt in many regions extending from Istanbul to Kayseri.

Officials said there was nobody left under the rubble, and rescue works ended.

INFLATION STARTS WITH 92 PERCENT

Inflation started the year 2002 with a rise. State Statistics Institute (DIE) announced on Sunday the increase in wholesale prices index (WPI) as 4.2 percent and in consumer prices index (CPI) as 5.3 in January 2002 when compared with the previous month.

A statement of DIE reported the annual inflation in WPI as 92.0 percent and in CPI as 73.2 percent.

Meanwhile, the annual inflation according to 12-month averages as of January was 66.8 percent in WPI and 57.5 percent in CPI.

MILLIYET (LIBERAL)

Quake, which this time hit Aegean Afyon province, left 46 deaths, 172 injured people and a terrifying scene behind itself. This quake will be recorded as Sultandagi Quake in history.

An aftershock, measuring 5.3 on the Richter scale, caused panic after the first shock. Sultandagi, Bolvadin and Cay provinces were particularly damaged after the quake. A total of 70 houses were levelled to the ground, and hundreds of houses were seriously damaged.

TREASURY TO SELL 1-YEAR BOND AUCTION ON TUESDAY

Treasury will sell one-year (364-day) bond auction on Tuesday. This will be the first auction in February 2002.

The bonds will be issued on February 6, 2002 and repayed on February 5, 2003. At the two-year bond auction held on January 22, the total bid was 2 quadrillion 383.8 trillion Turkish liras (TL).

SABAH (LIBERAL)

Fortunately, the strong earthquake shook Afyon province on holiday. Otherwise poorly constructed buildings and mosques could have caused more lives.

Afyon and its townships woke up with a quake on Sunday morning. The epicenter of the quake, which caused panic in people extending from Konya to Istanbul, was Sultandagi township. More than 150 buildings collapsed in the region. The 30 buildings of the industry region were levelled to the ground. Four mosques collapsed in Bolvadin.

PROFESSOR BARKA LAID TO REST

Professor Aykut Barka of Istanbul Technical University (ITU) Eurasia Geology Institute and National Earthquake Council Co-President was laid to rest in Istanbul on Sunday.

Barka died the previous day of brain embolism.

CUMHURIYET (LEFT)

A total of 10 quadrillion Turkish liras of source was transferred for the 4, 414 projects which costed 167 quadrillion Turkish liras. The expiry date which is foreseen for the projects in the agricultural sector is 2027. The completion of the public investments have turned into a dream spreading to 25 years. Although, the number of projects which is in the investment programme of State Planning Organization (DPT) were decreased by 663 units when compared to 2001, only one sixtenth of the necessary amount of source could be allocated.

INFLATION STARTS WITH INCREASE

State Statistics Institute (DIE) announced on Sunday the increase in wholesale prices index (WPI) as 4.2 percent and in consumer prices index (CPI) as 5.3 in January 2002 when compared with the previous month. A statement of DIE reported the annual inflation in WPI as 92.0 percent and in CPI as 73.2 percent. Meanwhile, the annual inflation according to 12- month averages as of January was 66.8 percent in WPI and 57.5 percent in CPI.

RADIKAL (LEFT)

The experts said the same thing after August 17 and November 12 quakes that the earthquakes would continue and you should take necessary precautions. The quake which occured at 9.11 local time measuring 6 on the Richter Scale has killed 44 people and injured 172 people in Afyon. A total of 77 buildings collapsed and many people remained under the wreckage in the quake. Many buildings suffered from severe damage in the quake which occured in Sultandagi, Cay and Cobanlar townships. There were seven aftershocks the biggest of which measured 5.3 on the Richter Scale in the region. Search and rescue teams from all over the country arrived in the region where the telephone lines and electricity were cut.

MUMCU: ''MINI DEMOCRATIC PACKAGE WAS CHANGED IN PRIME MINISTRY''

Motherland Party (ANAP) deputy leader Erkan Mumcu said that the ''Mini Democratic Package'' which was opened to signing in the Council of Ministers had been changed in the Prime Ministry. ANAP responded to National Movement Party's (MHP) saying, ''you sign the package and you also reject it''. Mumcu said, ''Justice Ministry and the European Union (EU) Secretariat General say that this is not our draft. The ministers who signed the draft say that this is not the draft which we signed. There is a confusion on this matter.'' Pointing out that the draft was changed in the Prime Ministry after being signed by the ministers, Mumcu stated that the approval of the draft which would limit the freedoms was a suicide of ANAP.

TURKIYE (RIGHT)

Prime Minister Bulent Ecevit who went to Sultandagi on Sunday. Imploring God's mercy to those who lived in the earthquake, Ecevit said, ''aftershocks are continuing. Don't enter the houses. We have recessed the schools. Our state has taken all the precautions.'' Ecevit and his wife Rahsan Eccevit went to Afyon after the quake measuring 6 on the Richter scale killed 44 people in the region. Ecevit who held contacts in Sultandagi talked to the citizens. Ecevit said that the state took all the measures and sent adequate tents and blankets to the region.

TEMPERATURES TO BE NORMAL IN COMING THREE DAYS

State Meteorology Affairs General Directorate said that the rain was not expected for three days in Afyon, Cay, Bolvadin and Sultandagi. The temperatures are foreseen to be around 8-10 degrees Celcius today. However, there will be fog in the region especially in the morning. The temperature will be minus 2-4 degrees Celcius at night and will be 8-10 degrees in the day in the region.

ZAMAN (CONSERVATIVE)

State Minister Yilmaz Karakoyunlu prepared a draft law allowing Turkish Armed Forces (TSK) to set up a radio and television. Ordu TV (Army TV) aims to make people conscious in the crisis period and give the public first hand information in the peace process. Ordu TV can provide important profits especially in times of emergency and war. The draft pointed out that the broadcasts of the TSK television channel would contribute to social and cultural development in the East and Southeast regions.

-FOREIGN MINISTER CEM AND GREEK FOREIGN MINISTER PAPANDREOU

DISCUSS CYPRUS AND AEGEAN ISSUES AND QUAKE IN AFYON

NEW YORK - Foreign Minister Ismail Cem and Greek Foreign Minister George Papandreou met more than an hour in Waldorf Astoria hotel in New York on Sunday, where World Economic Forum (WEF) meetings continue.

The ministers discussed Cyprus, Aegean, enlargement of NATO, and strong earthquake in Aegean Afyon province on Sunday.

The ministers said the meeting was positive, and noted that they decided to continue works on the Aegean.

Pointing out that they were pleased over the negotiation process which started newly on Cyprus, the ministers said they expended support to this process.

The ministers also reached a consensus of opinion for the implementation of Turkish-Greek joint quake force soon, which was earlier decided to be set up.

-TURKEY AND GREECE START GOOD WILL INITIATIVE ON AEGEAN ISSUE

NEW YORK - Foreign Minister Ismail Cem and Greek Foreign Minister George Papandreou agreed on Sunday to initiate a study in foreign ministries political directors level aiming to reveal the issues which create concern about Aegean.

Cem and Papandreou, who met in New York within the framework of World Economic Forum (WEF), talked to journalists following the meeting.

Foreign Minister Cem said the studies in foreign ministries political directors level will start from the point of harmonization, noting that the process will be developed.

Cem said joint works covering all the issues related to the Aegean would be beneficial.

Cem said the works that started should not be exaggerated, and pointed to the drawbacks of creating an extreme optimistic atmosphere like ''a historical incident, problems in the Aegan are being solved''. Cem said this incident could be evaluated as a good will mission of the two ministries.

''The priority is to reveal the points of harmonization,'' Cem said, adding that existing atmosphere with Greece enabled such a study.

Stressing that Turkey was not the shy side on the Aegean issue, Cem said, ''within the framework of Article 33 of the U.N. convention and EU's Agenda- 2000 document, we told Greece that we could discuss this issue.''

Foreign Minister Cem said he would meet the U.N. Secretary General Kofi Annan on Monday, and that talks could focus on Cyprus.

-WORLD ECONOMIC FORUM MEETINGS

-STATE MINISTER DERVIS: ''FROM NOW ON, WE MAY SAY THAT WE HAVE

OVERCOME CRISIS''

NEW YORK - State Minister Kemal Dervis, responsible for economy, said, ''Turkish economy has overcome the worst period since last October,'' noting that the reforms that were made, played an important role in this respect. Dervis said, ''from now on, we may say that we have overcome the crisis.''

Foreign Minister Ismail Cem in his part pointed out that there was not the atmosphere of an election in Turkey, adding that serious developments would be recorded in case Baku-Ceyhan oil pipeline is materialized in the coming two years, and in case the European Union (EU) sets a date to Turkey for full membership negotiations. Cem said thus foreign investors would have more interest in Turkey.

Turkey was discussed in ongoing World Economic Forum meetings in New York in respect to its economic and political general image. Around 40 Turkish businessmen and more than 30 foreign investors attended the meeting ''Turkey's Image'' held in Waldorf Astoria hotel held on Sunday eveing.

Foreign Minister Ismail Cem briefed about Turkish foreign policy, and State Minister Kemal Dervis gave information about economy at the meeting.

Dervis in his speech recalled that Turkey was often compared with Argentina, and that there were statements that ''the aid that was given to Turkey stemmed from Turkey's strategic position''. Dervis said, ''it is right that Turkey has a strategical importance. However, another issue which is as important as its strategical importance is Turkey implements a convincing and serious program.''

Pointing out that 3-4 percent economic growth rate was foreseen next year, Dervis said, this can not be adequate for a country like Turkey, and that they would be in an effort to increase it.

Recalling that public sector made necessary reforms, Dervis said he believed that time came for private sector to reform itself.

Foreign Minister Ismail Cem in his part said Turkey was on the center of very important developments, noting that oil pipelines linking Central Asia to the west passed via Turkey, and that the western people esteemed the views of Turkey as she is experienced on fight against terrorism.

Cem who stressed the importance which Turkey attributed to the improvement of relations with the EU, at the same time criticized that the terrorist organizations, which Turkey fought against, were not included in the list of EU terrorist organizations.

Cem said Turkey exerted efforts for a solution on Cyprus question, and pointed out that Turkey attributed importance to the improvement of positive relations with all the neighbours including Russia.

The U.S. Treasury Undersecretary John Taylor, who also attended the meeting, stressed the reforms carried out in Turkey were very positive.

Advicing the privatization efforts to be accelerated, the U.S. Undersecretary pointed out that this could attract more foreign investors to Turkey. Taylor also underlined that Turkey needed a better tax law.

Meanwhile, Central Bank Governor Sureyya Serdengecti said inflation would be around 35 percent within the year 2002, noting that it could be reduced to a single digit figure only after three years.

Prof. Victor Halbestadt, who chaired the meeting, addressing the closing session, and said Turkey caught a very optimistic atmosphere.

Justice and Development Party (AK Party) leader Recep Tayyip Erdogan, the Democratic Left Party (DSP) Adana parliamentarian Tayyibe Gulek, and many Turkish businessmen attended the meeting.

-PRIME MINISTER ECEVIT'S LETTER TO SADDAM HUSSEIN (1)

-ECEVIT REQUESTS HUSSEIN TO LIFT THE OBSTACLES SOON IN FRONT

OF THE U.N. INSPECTION

ANKARA - Prime Minister Bulent Ecevit requested Iraqi Head of State Saddam Hussein to lift the obstacles soon infront of the U.N. Inspection.

Prime Ministry Press Center said Ecevit sent a letter, pertaining to the issue, to Saddam Hussein through Turkey's Ambassador in Bagdad.

-PRIME MINISTER ECEVIT'S LETTER TO SADDAM HUSSEIN (2)

-ECEVIT REQUESTS HUSSEIN TO LIFT THE OBSTACLES SOON IN FRONT

OF THE U.N. INSPECTION

ANKARA - Prime Minister Bulent Ecevit requested Iraqi Head of State Saddam Hussein to lift the obstacles soon infront of the U.N. Inspection.

Prime Ministry Press Center said Ecevit sent a letter, pertaining to the issue, to Saddam Hussein through Turkey's Ambassador in Bagdad.

Ecevit's letter to Saddam said:

''You will appreciate the importance Turkey attributes to the improvement of friendship relations and cooperation with neighboring Iraq, and how we are careful over the independence and territorial integrity of your country, and that we made very big concessions to this end.

Iraq faces a new threat now. We are launching intense initiations to prevent this threat. However, before all, Iraq should urgently take some concrete steps, and particularly lift all the obstacles in front of the U.N. arms inspection soon to obtain a positive result from our initiatives.

I would not feel the obligation of reminding you this if the situation was not so serious.

Turkey may also suffer great damages from the grave incidents which may erupt if you fail to open your territories to the U.N. inspection.

We are very sensitive to this issue because of this.

International transparency is wide-spread in our era. Because of this it is not necessary to show extreme sentivity on the issue.

We consider it our duty for our own national interests to do our best to settle Iraq's security and territorial integrity on the solid basis.

I request you to lift the obstacles soon in front of the U.N. inspection.''

-TURKEY DID NOT ASK FOR INTERNATIONAL HELP FOR QUAKE

GENEVA - International Red Cross and Red Crescent Federation (IFCR) said on Monday that the delegation, currently continuing contacts in the quake region, will decide whether or not there will be need for international help for the region after strong earthquake in Aegean Afyon region.

IFCR information desk official Eva Calvo, responsible for Turkey, said they covered the incidents closely, noting that the Turkish Red Crescent carried out its works effectively. She said IFCR's permanent delegation in Turkey also attended the works.

Calvo said Turkey did not ask for international help, but the situation will be clarified following the report of the delegation.

The report is expected to be completed and reach Geneva today.

-DERVIS SAYS TURKEY CANNOT BE COMPARED WITH ARGENTINA NOW

PARIS - State Minister Kemal Dervis said on Monday that Turkey's position could not be compared with Argentina under current situation.

Speaking to the Le Figaro newspaper, Dervis said that the economic situation was getting better and that the money markets', IMF's and World Bank's confidence in Turkey had increased.

Speaking about structural problems which had been effective in eruption of the economic crisis in Turkey, Dervis gave information about structural reforms.

Responding a question about comparison of Turkey with Argentina, Dervis said that Turkey had adopted a floating currency regime and recorded a 14 percent increase in exports in 2001 despite the recession in global trade.

Noting that Argentina had become late in implementing floating currency, Dervis said that while Turkey was following a strict budget policy, Argentina had failed also in this matter, adding that it was not true to compare Turkey with Argentina due to those factors.

When asked whether or not he would succeed in cutting the ties between the political world and business world, Dervis said that success in this matter was one of the government's targets and that they wanted to set up a legal infrastructure to this end.

Noting that new laws had been adopted in order to remove corruption in public auctions, Dervis said that those new laws also granted the Central Bank independence.

Recalling that every circle had learned a lot from the serious economic crisis in Turkey, Dervis said that he hoped that people took lesson from this in order not to repeat their mistakes.

-INTERIOR MINISTRY CRISIS CENTER REPORTS 43 DEATHS AND 318 INJURED IN QUAKE

ANKARA - Interior Ministry Crisis Center reported on Monday the death toll as 43 and the number of injured as 318 in Sunday's earthquake of Aegean Afyon province.

According to the report of the Interior Ministry Crisis Center, a total of 622 buildings, including 340 dwellings, 246 workplaces and 36 public institutions suffered from severe and moderate damages.

The report said that 15 people died in Sultandagi, 24 others in Cay, 1 in Bolvadin, 2 in Cobanlar and 1 in Sincanli.

Thirty people were injured in Sultandagi, 67 in Cay, 200 in Bolvadin and 21 in Cobanlar, the report noted.

The report stated that seven people were injured in Aksehir township of central Konya province while a mosque was demolished in Golcayir hamlet.

A total of 186 personnel, 36 vehicles, 9 sniffer dogs came to the quake zone and pulled out 14 dead bodies under the rubble, the report said.

The report pointed out that the search and rescue operations were concluded as of 8.00 p.m. on Sunday and that they were not any citizens under the debris.

However, the report said, the search and rescue units of Bursa, Sakarya, Ankara, Izmir and Afyon were kept ready in the region in case of any aftershocks.

The report stated that the Gendarme General Command sent 32 winter- resistant tents, four other tents, five commander's tents and several materials and foodstuff to the quake zone.

Six deputy governors experienced in earthquakes had been charged to help Afyon Governorship temporarily, the report said.

The report noted that six civil defense directors from other cities were also sent to the region.

Meanwhile, the region demands 20 thousand tents, 60 thousand blankets, many foodstuff, milk, baby food and potable water.

In the meantime, the Health Ministry has dispatched mobile hospitals, 20 hospital tents, 10 depot tents, 5 generators, 7 ambulances and equipment, 3 surgeons, 5 orthopedists, 2 general practitioner, 4 nurses, chlorine tablets, health materials and personnel to the quake zone.

-ECEVIT HOLDS PRESS CONFERENCE AFTER COUNCIL OF MINISTER MEETING (1)

ANKARA - Prime Minister Bulent Ecevit said on Monday that the state had come to quake survivors' rescue and aid with its all organizations and opportunities and facilities, adding, ''I believe that all requirements and needs of our citizens will be met in the shortest time insofar as the state is able.''

Following the Council of Ministers meeting which discussed only the earthquake in Afyon, Ecevit held a press conference.

Ecevit said that the Council of Ministers had discussed the measures taken after the earthquake measuring 6.0 on the Richter scale which had occurred at 09:11 in Sultandagi township of Afyon on Sunday.

Imploring God's mercy upon those who were killed in the earthquake and God's strength to those who lost their beloved ones in the quake and wished quick recovery to those who were injured, Ecevit said that the erathquake had claimed lives in Sultandagi, Cay, Cobanlar and Bolvadin townships and Yesilciftlik, Yakasenek, Eber and Derince hamlets and their villages.

Noting that especially Eber hamlet suffered the most serious damage and this hamlet should be reconstructed, Ecevit said, ''as the earthquake occurred in the weekend, there was not any casualty in the industry zone in Cay township, which was levelled to ground.''

Recalling that he had gone to the quake zone together with many ministers after he had learnt about it and State Minister and Deputy Prime Minister Devlet Bahceli was continuing his observations in the region together with some ministers, Ecevit said that 44 people lost their lives in the earthquake and 318 others were injured.

Ecevit said that 622 buildings suffered damage in the quake.

Giving information about works of the search and rescue teams in the region, Ecevit said that the search and rescue teams which had 186 personnel in total from the Ankara, Bursa, Izmir and Sakarya provinces Civil Defense directorates general were continuing their works together with 36 vehicles and devices and 9 sniffer dogs.

During their meeting, they decided to thank Istanbul Yeni Yuksektepe Search and Rescue Ecology Group, Golcuk Voluntary and Fire Brigade, and Bursa 911 Association for their contributions in the search and rescue operations, Ecevit said.

Ecevit noted that they welcomed the humanitarian aid proposals of some of the countries.

Schools were recessed for one week in the region, Ecevit stated.

Ecevit pointed out that 3,200 tents, 11 thousand blankets, 2,480 stoves with LPG had been dispatched by the Red Crescent at first stage.

Additional 4,000 tents, 10 thousand blankets, and 1,000 stoves with LPG, one mobile kitchen and five portable kitchens would be sent to the region till this evening, Ecevit said.

Ecevit noted that the total tents sent by the Red Crescent would reach 7 thousand and that these would be winter tents.

The Armed Forces also sent aid materials to the region, particularly tents, Ecevit said.

Ecevit stated that Izmir, Eskisehir, Kutahya, Isparta, Konya, Usak, Bolu, Duzce, Kocaeli, Yalova and Sakarya governorships dispatched tents, dried food, stoves with LPG, blankets, and potable water to the region.

Health Ministry sent two mobile hospitals, 20 tents, 10 depot tents, 5 generators, 8 ambulances, 23 heath teams, 10 chlorine tablets and 200 sleeping bags to the quake zone, Ecevit said.

Ecevit pointed out that the Social Security Agency (SSK) had sent five fully epuipped ambulances and health teams to Afyon while the Social Assistance and Solidarity Promotion Fund gave 600 billion Turkish liras (TL) of appropriation to the region for the emergency needs.

All the public instutitons and citizens who had earlier experienced quake disaster had rushed to help Afyon and its residents, Ecevit said and added, ''I believe that all the needs of the citizens wil be met in the possible shortest time.''

-ECEVIT HOLDS PRESS CONFERENCE AFTER COUNCIL OF MINISTER MEETING (2)

ANKARA - Prime Minister Bulent Ecevit said on Monday that after yesteday's earthquake in Afyon, they did not face the same problems they had faced after the devastating earthquake on August 17, 1999.

Following the Council of Ministers meeting which discussed only the earthquake in Afyon, Ecevit held a press conference.

When asked whether or not intervention of the state was more rapid than its intervention in the devastating earthquake on August 17, 1999, Ecevit said that the state had suffered very serious problems in reaching the quake-hit regions in 1999 but such problems were not in question today as the state became experienced.

''For example, the civil defense organization was not so effective and sufficient enough before the earthquakes in 1999. However, after those grievous experiences, the civil defense organization became much more experienced and successful. They immediately and effectively reach a place where their assistance is required. However, I hope that we would never again need to make use of these experiences,'' he said.

When asked whether or not the disaster decree had been taken up at the Council of Ministers meeting, Ecevit said, ''it was not taken up at the moment. Necessary evaluation will be made after the works.''

When asked whether or not tax payments of residents living in the quake-hit area would be postponed, Ecevit said that such issues had not been discussed yet.

Ecevit added that all needs of quake survivors had been met and the state would continue to meet their needs.

-PRIME MINISTER: ''I THINK IT WILL BE BENEFICIAL TO SOLVE ISSUES

CONCERNING ADJUSTMENT DRAFT LAW WITHIN THIS WEEK'' (3)

ANKARA - Prime Minister Bulent Ecevit said on Monday that he thought that it would be beneficial to solve the issues concerning the adjustment draft law within this week.

Following the Council of Ministers meeting, Ecevit told reporters that some evaluations were made on the adjustment draft law at their meeting by taking into consideration the criticisms and expectations.

When a reporter said that there was disagreement on the ''mini democracy package'' and asked if the coalition leaders would meet to discuss this issue and if the package could be passed in the earlier scheduled time, Ecevit said, ''we are always together.''

Ecevit added, ''some evaluations were made by taking into consideration the criticisms and expectations. I think it will be beneficial to solve these issues within this week.''

-PRIME MINISTER: ''I FEEL THE NEED TO URGE BAGHDAD ADMINISTRATION'' (4)

ANKARA - Prime Minister Bulent Ecevit said on Monday that he felt the need to urge Baghdad administration.

The Council of Ministers convened under the chairmanship of Ecevit. Following the meeting, Ecevit responded to questions of reporters.

When a reporter reminded him that he sent a letter to Iraqi President Saddam Hussein and that he mentioned ''a very grave situation'' and asked if ''there was a very serious situation regarding Iraq'', Ecevit said, ''you are watching some broadcastings in the United States. The tendency of a military operation towards Iraq is not in question in whole U.S. administration, but is in question among some members of the administration and press.''

Ecevit continued, ''of course, if such an operation is staged, Turkey will face serious damages. To this end, we have thought that it is our duty to express our wishes and hopes. In the letter I sent to Saddam Hussein, I especially stressed that the initiatives expected from Baghdad administration should be launched and exerted and especially, the supervision and control of armed forces should be made efficient.''

''Because, if the Baghdad government does not quickly fulfil the demands of the international organizations and especially the United Nations, some serious incidents can occur. I feel the need to urge Baghdad administration against this possibility,'' Ecevit said.

When asked how he evaluated the claims of New York Times columnist William Safire within that context, Ecevit said that he did not take Safire's statements seriously.

-PRIME MINISTER: ''DRAFT LAW ON LABOUR SECURITY WILL BE TAKEN UP SOON'' (5)

ANKARA - Prime Minister Bulent Ecevit said on Monday that the draft law on labour security would be taken up soon.

The Council of Ministers convened under the chairmanship of Ecevit. Following the meeting, Ecevit responded to questions of reporters.

When a reporter said that the draft law on labour security had to be sent to the parliament till January 15, 2002 and if there was a problem, Ecevit said, ''no, there is not any problem. They are working very fast. The draft law on labour security will be taken up soon.''

-SWEDISH AMBASSADRESS SUMMONED TO FOREIGN MINISTRY

ANKARA - Swedish Ambassadress Anne Dismorr to Turkey was summoned on Monday to the Foreign Ministry related with the brochure entitled ''Sweden and Turkey'' which was prepared by the Institute of Sweden and distributed at a meeting in western Izmir province.

Sources said that Foreign Ministry Undersecretary Ugur Ziyal received Dismorr and that the meeting lasted for almost 20 minutes.

At the meeting, Ziyal drew the attention that the brochure did not help bilateral relations and defined the distribution of the brochure as a ''mistake.''

Ziyal said that the harsh reactions of the public against Sweden were ''rightful'' and noted that it was the duty of the Swedish Embassy to overcome the reactions.

Dismorr claimed that they were acting with good will regarding this matter and said that they were upset about the occurence of such a situation.

-KARAKOYUNLU INFORMS COUNCIL OF MINISTERS ON PRIVATIZATION BILL

ANKARA - State Minister Yilmaz Karakoyunlu gave information about the privatization bill during today's Council of Ministers meeting.

However, upon State Minister Mehmet Kececiler's warning about supervision, the Council of Ministers recommended Karakoyunlu and Kececiler to come together this week to review the issue.

Sources said that State Minister Kececiler had made a warning about the sentence in Article 22 of the bill which says, ''in line with the Constitution's relevant decision on July 7, 1994, the Privatization Administration's accounts are supervised and controlled by the Council of State instead of the Higher Board of Supervision as it is not an institution whose more than half of capital directly or indirectly belongs to the state in accordance with Article 160 of the Constitution.''

Kececiler expressed his opinion that the Privatization Administration was not included in the budget so supervision of organizations with special budget could be carried out by the Higher Board of Supervision.

Later, the Council of Ministers decided that Kececiler and Karakoyunlu would come together with relevant officials to evaluate the issue and later the bill would be opened to signature at the Council of Ministers.

Meanwhile, the Council of Ministers evaluated the latest situation in the quake-hit area after yesterday's earthquake in Afyon.

Sources said that the Council of Ministers had not taken a decision about construction of prefabricated or permanent housing units in the region at the moment.

-DISASTER WORKS GENERAL DIRECTORATE SAYS 3,644 TENTS SENT TO QUAKE ZONE

ANKARA - Public Works and Housing Ministry Disaster Works General Directorate said on Monday that 3,644 tents, 13,120 blankets and 20 containers had been sent to Aegean Afyon province, which was jolted by a strong earthquake on Sunday.

A statement of the Disaster Works General Directorate stressed that 20 container W.C, 3,000 stoves with LPG, 8 portable kitchens, and one mobile clinic were also dispatched to the quake zone.

The statement noted that 35 technical personnel and three geophysicians were working at the region to measure the aftershocks.

A total of 24 technicians from Antalya, Konya, Isparta and Denizli Public Works and Housing directorates, five drivers, two carpenters and two electricians were charged in the disaster zone, the statement pointed out.

The statement reported the death toll as 46 and the number of injured as 318 while said that 500 billion Turkish liras (TL) of emergency aid appropriation had been sent to Afyon Governorship the same day.

A total of 340 dwellings, 246 workplaces, 36 public institution buildings suffered severe and moderate damages, the statement added.

Below is the preliminary damage assesments:

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