Summary of the political and economic news in the Turkish press this morning
CONTENTS
President Suleyman Demirel went to Adapazari, Golcuk, Yalova and
Kocaeli yesterday to inspect the disaster region. President
Demirel was briefed by Sakarya Governor Yener Rakicioglu. Demirel
pointed out that the situation faced by Turkey was terrible and
added that the earthquake in the region was equivalent to 10
Erzincan or 10 Dinar earthquakes. Demirel stressed that nearly
20,000 people were injured while nearly 4,500 people had lost
their lives to date during the earthquake in western Turkey. He
remarked that all people should be in solidarity to help the
victims. It is reported that the fire at the TUPRAS facilities in
Izmit has finally been brought under control. /Sabah/
Prime Minister Bulent Ecevit said that tent cities will be set up in the
regions in which the earthquake occurred and that the refugee
camp in Kirklareli will come into operation to aid the victims of
disaster, reported the Anatolian News Agency.
Ecevit stated that the tents will be constructed in order to
shelter the homeless compatriots in the earthquake region and
that those who wished to do so would be able to stay there.
"Almost 200 Kosovars are living in the refugee camp in
Kirklareli. This camp will serve the victims of the disaster and
those who wish to stay there can make use of this camp", said
Ecevit.
Ecevit added that the burial of those who died during the
earthquake had begun. He pointed out the fact that the burial of
the corpses could cause serious health problems and that
photographs of those corpses which have not yet been identified
would be taken and afterwards they would be buried.
Ecevit also briefed listeners on the Tupras oil refinery fire and
explained that there had been hopeful improvements in
extinguishing the fire. "The fire has been brought mostly under
control. It had spread to seven tanks but now only two of the
tanks are burning. Cooling operations in order to prevent the
fire from spreading to other tanks are underway. In addition, the
mending of the water-main from Sapanca is about to come to an
end. After the water is turned back on, the cooling operations
will speed up more. Even if the fire is unable to be extinguished
to some extent, the spread of the fire will be contained", said
Ecevit.
Officials in 23 European countries involved in helping with the
earthquake disaster are being briefed concerning the System of
Alarm in Europe (SAE) affiliated to the Council of Europe. An
official from the SAE based in Strasbourg, Francoise Tondre,
issued a statement and said: "We know that people under the
rubble can be rescued during the first 72 hours. Therefore, it is
very important to give countries the information they need to
arrange international aid efforts as quickly as possible". The
SAE was also active in the aftermath of earthquakes in Georgia in
1991, in Erzincan in 1992 and in Algeria in 1994, the Anatolia
News Agency reports.
The Belgian press is continuing to give extensive coverage to the
earthquake disaster in Turkey. The 'La Libre Belgique' newspaper
published in Belgium said under its headline that Turkey is
living through a hell on the earth. The newspaper stated that
even though Turkey lies on an earthquake fault zone, it was not
prepared for such an earthquake. The newspaper claimed that the
earthquake could even cause some quakes in the political arena.
It added that the damage caused by the earthquake could create
long-term problems in Turkey's development.
The 'Le Soir' newspaper said that there were still thousands of
people under the rubble. It also stated that the Turkish
community living in Belgium was looking for ways to help the
victims. The 'La Derniere Heure' newspaper remarked that the
number of those who died or were injured during the earthquake is
continuously increasing and added that the fire at the TUPRAS
Refinery in Izmit constituted a real threat of danger, the
Anatolia News Agency reports.
Spanish TV and radio stations have devoted wide coverage to the
earthquake in western Turkey. The Spanish press announced the
numbers of bank accounts for donations opened by non-governmental
organizations, especially the Red Cross, and called upon people
to help the victims. The Spanish press remarked that the
earthquake disaster in Turkey was one of the biggest disasters
which had happened in Europe and said that the number of those
under the rubble has not been determined yet. It also stated that
international sensitivity towards the earthquake disaster in
Turkey was praise-worthy.
The Spanish 'El Pais' newspaper pointed out that Europe should
support Turkey, which is now in deep mourning. The 'La
Vanguardia' covered the news concerning the earthquake under the
headline 'Blow to Turkey'. Other leading Spanish newspapers
including 'El Mundo', 'La Razon' and ABC also stated that Turkey
had experienced a terrible tragedy, the Anatolia News Agency
reports.
The Anatolia News Agency reported that the Ukraine will send
fire-fighters and fire-extinguishing aircraft in order to put out
the fire at the TUPRAS facilities in Izmit. The Ukrainian
Minister of Emergencies, Vasyl Durdynets, said that half of the
100 fire-fighters to be sent to Turkey would participate in
fire-extinguishing efforts and two fire-fighting aircraft would
also be sent to Turkey, the Anatolia News Agency reports.
Meanwhile, France will send more search and rescue teams and
doctors in order to help the victims in Turkey. A spokesman from
the French Foreign Ministry said that in addition to 82 French
officials in Yalova and 61 in Golcuk, an additional 11 rescue
officials and 15 doctors would also be sent to Turkey. It is
reported that bank accounts for donations have been opened in
order to help the people affected by the earthquake in western
Turkey.
The Chairman of the Motherland Party (ANAP) Mesut Yilmaz went on
a tour of inspection in Yalova, which has been heavily affected
by the earthquake. Yilmaz first attended the funeral of the
former Chairman of the Turkish Trade Unions' Confederation
(Turk-Is), Sevket Yilmaz, in Bursa; later he proceeded to Yalova
and visited the Crisis Centre set up at the Yalova Governor's
Office. Yilmaz stated that Turkey was in need of assistance and
added that all injury would be healed absolutely. State Minister
Rustu Kazim Yucelen, Labour and Social Welfare Minister Yasar
Okuyan, Tourism Minister Erkan Mumcu and ANAP Deputy Chairman
Mustafa Tasar accompanied Yilmaz during his visit, the Anatolia
News Agency reports.
A Jordanian aircraft carrrying 18 tons of supplies will arrive in
Turkey today. The aid package consists of foodstuff, sanitary
equipment, blankets and tents. A Jordanian delegation will also
come to Turkey to hand over this package. The Jordanian Prince
and the Jordanian Minister of Religious Affairs, Abdulselam
Abbadi, will also be members of the delegation, the Anatolia News
Agency reports.
A meeting headed by Prime Minister Bulent Ecevit for the
coordination of international aid efforts was held yesterday.
State Minister and Deputy Prime Minister Husamettin Ozkan, State
Ministers Recep Onal, Tunca Toskay and Mehmet Ali Irtemcelik,
Finance Minister Sumer Oral and Foreign Minister Ismail Cem also
participated in the meeting. A statement concerning the meeting
will be issued by Ecevit, the Anatolia News Agency reports.
The number of search and rescue teams and aid packages coming
from foreign countries is further increasing. According to
information received from the Turkish Foreign Ministry, foreign
help in order to put out the fire at the TUPRAS facilities in
Izmit was of great significance. As of this morning, a total of
1,500 people from 32 countries have arrived in Turkey to extend
the rescue efforts, sanitary and technical support. It is
expected that this number will rise to 1,700 by the end of the
day. Among the countries which have lent their support to Turkey
are the US, Germany, Austria, Azerbaijan, Belgium, Bulgaria,
Algeria, Morocco, France, Finland, Croatia, Holland, Japan,
Britain, Spain, Israel, Sweden, Switzerland, Italy, the Turkish
Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC), Hungary, Egypt, Norway,
Pakistan, Poland, Romania, Russia, Slovakia, Slovenia, Ukraine,
Jordan, the Czech Republic, Canada, Denmark, Greece, Tunisia,
Armenia, China, Gulf countries, Australia and Southern Cyprus,
the Anatolia News Agency reports. During rescue operations in the
disaster region, 70 people were saved after 48 hours. It is
reported that 6,866 people lost their lives during the
earthquake. Kocaeli: 3,261, Yalova: 1,276, Sakarya: 1,284,
Istanbul: 984, Bolu: 212, Bursa: 81, Eskisehir: 38 and Zonguldak:
3 dead. The number of people who have been injured is 33,398.
Meanwhile, Prime Minister Bulent Ecevit said that the IMF had
decided to send $325 million in emergency aid to Turkey. The US
will send three war ships belonging to the US Navy, carrying
3,100 soldiers to Istanbul. In these vessels, there are six
operation rooms, 631 beds and eight military doctors. While the
EU is sending 2 million Euros in aid to Turkey, Germany has
increased its donation amount to 1.5 million Euros.
All leading institutions in the business world in Turkey are
looking for ways of helping the victims of the earthquake. The
Executive Board of the Turkish Industrialists' and Businessmen's
Association (TUSIAD) called on its members to help the victims
while the Turkish Union of Chambers and Commodity Exchanges
(TOBB), the Istanbul Chamber of Trade (ITO), the Istanbul Chamber
of Industry (ISO) and the Istanbul Trade Exchange have decided
that aid to be given to the disaster region should be organized
under the coordination of the chambers in the region. Meanwhile,
the Football Federation's Executive Council has decided to grant
575 billion TL to the victims. /Milliyet/
It is remarkable that among the countries which offered their
support to Turkey in the aftermath of the earthquake are Greece,
Southern Cyprus and Armenia. The Greek-Cypriot Administration's
Leader, Glafkos Klerides, has sent a message of condolence to
Turkish President Suleyman Demirel and said that they are ready
to help. Armenia also stated that it was ready to send search and
rescue teams to Turkey. A special committee has been established
by the Greek Government for the coordination of emergency relief
efforts. Greek Foreign Minister George Papandreu who was on
vacation returned to Athens to assist the efforts while the Greek
Health Minister called on people to give blood. The Greek press
has also devoted extensive coverage to the earthquake in Turkey.
/Milliyet/
The General Director of Highways, Dincer Yigit, said that the
reconstruction of the highways which were damaged by the
earthquake in western Turkey would cost nearly 50 trillion TL.
Yigit added that it was more difficult to resconstruct roads
rather than building from the scratch. /Hurriyet/
Messages of condolence from foreign countries are continuing to
arrive in Turkey in the aftermath of the earthquake, the economic
losses from which will cost the country nearly $50 billion. The
Russian Head of State, Boris Yeltsin, the Iranian First Deputy to
the President, Hasan Habibi, Australian Prime Minister John
Howard and Turkmen Head of State Saparmurad Turkmenbasi sent
messages of condolence to Turkey. /Turkiye/
The Armenian President Kocaryan sent a message of condolence to
the Turkish President, Suleyman Demirel, reported the Anatolian
News Agency.
In a statement by the Armenian Secretary of State's Office,
Kocaryan stated that should the Turkish government wish it, an
aircraft carrying the rescue teams and the necessary equipment
would be sent to Turkey in a few hours.
It was reported that 10 trillion Turkish lira has been
transferred to the disaster fund by the Ministry of Finance to be
used in the earthquake region. The Ministry of Finance added 10
trillion lira to the 3 trillion lira in the disaster fund and
will first ensure that this money is spent on bulldozers' works.
Then, the amount of financial aid will be increased according to
the needs and the demands of the earthquake region. It was
reported that the cost of the damage in the Tupras oil refinery
exceeds 5 million dollars and the cost of the damage derived from
the earthquake in the region is 5 billion dollars. The Ministry
of Finance has enfranchised the appropriation of the institutions
in the eartquake-hit region. The official institutions and
foundations will pay the cost of what is needed in the region.
/Turkiye/
After the earthquake devastating the North-West of Turkey, in the
US, a number of establishments have started emergency relief
campaigns. Among those establishments, Christian, Moslem and
Jewish representatives have come together. In a statement issued
by the American Jewish Congress, it was said that American Jewish
Community is deeply sorrowful for the earthquake which occured in
Turkey and called on people to help. American Moslem
establishments and a lot of Christian establishments have already
started emergency relief fund-raising campaigns and it is assumed
that ten millions of dollars have been collected up to now.
/Aksam/
One of the international credit rating institutions, Fitch-IBCA,
while it hasn't changed Turkey's long-term credit rating which
was B(+) has affirmed her short-term credit rating as a B. In a
statement released by Fitch-IBCA it is stated, "Since the
government has two thirds of the majority in Parliament,
regarding the constructional reforms, more improvement has been
obtained in three months than compared with previous
administrations in the last four years. The statement pointed out
that in spite of the high number of lives lost due to the
earthquake, its economical effect was not being considered to
create an important influence on the credit rating. It is also
noted that Turkey can obtain a great amount of aid from the
international community. /Cumhuriyet/
The diplomatic memo concerning Japan's "cultural donation" to
Erciyes University was signed by Turkey's Minister of Foreign
Affairs, Ismail Cem and Japan's Minister of Foreign Affairs,
Masahiko Komura, reported the Anatolian News Agency.
Cem stated that relations between Turkey and Japan are very good
and that they hoped that these relations would get better. "Japan
is an experienced country as far as earthquakes are concerned
and thus, their aid is very important to the search and rescue
operations in Turkey", said Cem.
The guest Minister expressed his gladness at the improvement of
relations between the two countries. Moreover, he said that the
earthquake disaster also deeply saddened him and that they would
continue to cooperate during the rescue operations. Komura
revealed that a rescue team from Japan had arrived in Turkey this
morning and that they would donate 1 million dollars to Turkey.
In addition, the Japan Ambassador to Turkey, Atsuku Toyama,
attended the meeting.
Furthermore, in a statement from Toyama, it was reiterated that
the cultural donation to Erciyes University would support
cultural, educational and research activities in Turkey and aimed
at improving cultural relations between these two countries. It
was reported that this donation is expected to contribute to the
development of Japanese education in Turkey and scientific
research at Erciyes University. Japan has given Turkey a donation
of 580 million Japan Yen (5.08 million dollars) for 13 cultural
projects up to now.
Officials from the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC)
have pointed out the armament efforts by Southern Cyprus. The
TRNC Representative to New York, Aytug Plumer, said that the
Greek-Cypriot Administration has recently purchased six
Russian-made TOR M-1 missiles from Greece. /Turkiye/
A trial has been launched by the Federal Chief Prosector's Office
against Mehmet K., the so-called representative of the PKK in
Giesen who issued an order to set Turkish institutions in Germany
ablaze, at the Frankfurt Supreme Court. Mehmet K. will be tried,
accused of being a member of a terrorist organization, being
involved in arson and other crimes. Mehmet K. was captured in
Flensburg on March 8, 1999, the Anatolia News Agency reports.
Meanwhile, Holland has deported a PKK-supporter who was tried,
accused of taking the Greek Ambassador to The Hague, his wife and
his child hostage, to Germany, the Spokesman of the Dutch Justice
Ministry, Victor Holtus said.
During a conflict between security forces and members of the PKK
terrorist organization in rural areas of the Digor district of
Kars, one PKK terrorist of Syrian origin, code-named 'Silvan',
was killed. Officials said that a search to capture 10 more
terrorists in the region was underway, the Anatolia News Agency
reports.
The US, speaking about news reports that the PKK terrorist
organization would withdraw from Turkey, has said the PKK should
lay down its arms. A high-level official from the US State
Department told the Anatolia News Agency correspondent that they
would be pleased if the PKK puts an end to its terrorist acts,
yet the organization has so far failed to keep its promises which
were made earlier. The official added that previously, at the end
of June, they had made promises on the issue, yet PKK members had
continued their terrorist attacks since that time. He remarked
that if the PKK is serious on the issue, it should show this by
putting an end to every act of violence.
Central Bank foreign exchange reserves increased by $299 million
during the second week of August. According to Central Bank data,
foreign exchange reserves which were $23.766 billion on August 6
rose to $24.065 billion on August 13. AS of July 30, 1999, gold
reserves were $1.012 billion, while foreign exchange reserves in
commercial banks amounted to $10.590 billion, the Anatolia News
Agency reports.
Meanwhile, Turkey paid off $200.8 million in foreign debts last
week. According to Central Bank data, Turkey has paid a total of
$6.4 billion of foreign debts since the beginning of this year.
As a result of a forest fire which broke out in the Goynuk
district of Bolu, 40,000-50,000 square metres of forests were
destroyed. Officials said that the fire has not yet been brought
under control, the Anatolia News Agency reports.
Sami Kohen, a columnist in the daily 'Milliyet' newspaper, says
the following in his article today:
"Aid coming from foreign countries in the aftermath of the
earthquake gives an idea of the basic interests in Turkey's
foreign relations. The countries which initially lent a helping
hand to Turkey in such difficult days were Western and developed
countries such as Japan. The amount of financial aid is not the
issue. At the very beginning of these terrible days, Prime
Minister Bulent Ecevit called on foreign countries to help the
rescue efforts. Actually, Ecevit announced that some friendly
countries had already offered their support.
We wish that Turkey had been able to rescue the victims without
needing the help of foreign countries. However, under these
conditions, foreign aid was essential. Support immediately came
from the West; it is understood that this support will continue.
Various countries and institutions including the EU, the US and
the World Bank are ready to help Turkey solve the problems in the
aftermath of the earthquake. Following the earthquake disaster,
countries which enjoy advanced technology and financial
opportunities are preferred. Turkey's place is within these
countries".
Enis Berberoglu is a columnist on the daily 'Hurriyet' newspaper.
This is an article by him published in 'Hurriyet'.
Dear Employers... I hope you are aware of the responsibility
lying on your shoulders that derives from our country's biggest
disaster since the occupation of the enemy. Turkey is in need of
affection and is waiting for help from the powerful.
In the first days we looked to the government to help but this
was in vain because the government cannot even save itself. Those
who do not believe, look at the Tupras fire! However, you are
different; you are richer and more powerful than the government.
As a matter of fact, that's why the government has been
surviving, with the money it took from you over ten years. The
government borrows money to such a great extent that the interest
it pays exceeds manufacturing profit on the interest
balance-sheet that it pays.
In the industrial area that was damaged by the earthquake, the
government is not the biggest employer any more. Koc's Otokar,
Ford Otosan industries... Sabanci's Brisa, Kortsa, Toyatasa
factories...The manufacturing bases of the business world's
leading brands such as Eczacibasi, Dinckok, Toprak, Ulker,
Pirelli, Hyndai, CBS... They are numerous... Obviously the
private sector acts as an employer to many more people than the
government does in the earthquake-affected region. This disaster
did not pity the people of the government.
The biggest lesson that we should take from this disaster
concerns the power of the government. It is obvious that the
government that we have been loving and respecting by calling it
"Father" for many years is unfair in his manner towards his sons.
As a matter of fact, it was certain that a government that turns
a blind eye to land mafia and greets burglars and thieves as
"dear contractors" would not be able to carry the burden of this
disastser. In addition, I do not want you to be offended but it
was the choice of you employers. We set out to privatize but the
thing we were able to do was to make the government smaller.
Isn't it true?
That's why it is something which has to be done personally, dear
employers. Besides, while doing this duty, you cannot trust in
the incitements from the government that you are familiar with.
However, you are not alone. The citizens of the Turkish Republic
are co-operating in a way that is very rarely seen through the
course of history. Do not forget that aid is just a matter of
wallet and conscience. The ability to organize is as important as
tents, medicine and hot meals. While putting one hand in your
pocket, let us lay your other hand on us. Help us if you are our
employers.
END
FROM THE COLUMNS..FROM THE COLUMNS..FROM THE COLUMNS..
DEMIREL VISITS THE DISASTER REGION
ECEVIT: "TENT CITIES WILL BE SET UP"
EUROPEAN ALARM SYSTEM
EARTHQUAKE COVERED IN BELGIAN PRESS
EARTHQUAKE COVERAGE IN SPANISH PRESS
UKRAINE SENDS FIRE-EXTINGUISHING AIRCRAFT
YILMAZ VISITS THE DISASTER REGION
AID FROM JORDAN
MEETING FOR THE COORDINATION OF FOREIGN AID
INTERNATIONAL AID FOR TURKEY
INDUSTRIALISTS TO HELP THE VICTIMS
IT IS TIME FOR FRIENDSHIP
DAMAGE ON ROADS TOTALS 50 TRILLION TL
MESSAGES OF CONDOLENCE
MESSAGE OF CONDOLENCE FROM KOCARYAN
10 TRILLION TL TRANSFERRED TO DISASTER FUND
AID MEETS RELIGION
TURKEY'S CREDIT RATING REMAINS SAME
JAPAN'S DONATION TO ERCIYES UNIVERSITY
ARMAMENT ON SOUTHERN CYPRUS
GERMANY LAUNCHES TRIAL AGAINST PKK MEMBER
ROOTING-OUT OPERATION IN DIGOR
US SAYS PKK SHOULD LAY DOWN ARMS
FOREIGN EXCHANGE RESERVES UP
FOREST FIRE IN BOLU
FROM THE COLUMNS..FROM THE COLUMNS..FROM THE COLUMNS..
MAIN AID -BY SAMI KOHEN (MILLIYET)
INVITATION TO EMPLOYERS -BY ENIS BERBEROGLU (HURRIYET)