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Anadolu Agency: News in English, 01-05-16

Anadolu Agency: News in English Directory - Previous Article - Next Article

From: The Anadolu Agency Home Page at <http://www.anadoluajansi.com.tr/>

Anadolu Agency

ANADOLU AGENCY

NEWS

16 MAY 2001 Wednesday


CONTENTS

  • [01] TURKEY-PRESS SCAN
  • [02] IMF APPROVES TURKEY'S ECONOMIC PROGRAM
  • [03] IMF FIRST DEPUTY MANAGING DIRECTOR FISCHER: -''THE IMF IS DEMONSTRATING ITS BACKING FOR THIS AMBITIOUS PROGRAM BY PROVIDING EXCEPTIONAL FINANCING IN ITS SUPPORT''
  • [04] LETTER OF INTENT IS ANNOUNCED -IT EMPHASIZES THAT STRATEGIES OF DISINFLATION EFFORTS, ECONOMIC REFORMS AND SUSTAINABLE ECONOMIC GROWTH WILL BE PURSUED
  • [05] STATE MINISTER DERVIS (1): -''THE IMF LOAN IS MORE THAN WE EXPECTED''
  • [06] STATE MINISTER DERVIS LEAVES FOR PARIS (2) -DERVIS SAYS IT IS GOVERNMENT'S SUCCEESS TO PROVIDE THIS MUCH IMF LOAN
  • [07] BALANCE OF PAYMENTS DEVELOPMENTS IN JANUARY-FEBRUARY 2001 -CURRENT ACCOUNT DEFICIT DECREASES TO 824 MILLION U.S. DOLLARS
  • [08] U.N.'S SPECIAL SESSIONS ON HABITAT AND AIDS
  • [09] COEPA SPRING TERM MEETINGS TAKE PLACE IN ISTANBUL
  • [10] DRUG OPERATIONS IN ISTANBUL -ABANOZ, ISTANBUL POLICE CHIEF: ''166 KG HEROIN CONFISCATED IN TWO SEPARATE OPERATIONS''
  • [11] MILITARY PLANE CRASHES KILLING 37 MILITARY PERSONNEL

  • [01] TURKEY-PRESS SCAN

    These are some of the major headlines and their brief stories in Turkey's press on May 16, 2001. The Anadolu Agency does not verify these stories and does not vouch for their accuracy.

    HURRIYET (LIBERAL)

    SURPRISE REPORT: KURDISH STATE IS CONSIDERED AS CASUS BELLI
    A report prepared by the Foreign Ministry said that a 'Kurdish state' that may be formed in Northern Iraq is considered as ''casus belli.'' The report said, ''we know that it is not possible for Northern Iraq to return to days before 1992. The scenario which is not possible for us to accept in Northern Iraq is the declaration of an independent Kurdish state. The establishment of a 'Kurdish state' in Northern Iraq is out of question for the time being. Turkey will never permit such a scenario. The developments will be followed by a 'Follow-up Board'' comprised by the Foreign Ministry officials, Deputy Chief of General Staff, and the National Intelligence Organization (MIT) Undersecretary.''

    IMF: ''LOAN WILL BE RELEASED''
    The International Monetary Fund (IMF) approved the letter of intent presented by Turkey and immediately released 3.9 billion U.S. dollars. When the IMF Executive Board was debating Turkey's letter of intent, State Minister Kemal Dervis told a press conference that the inflation problem will be solved and a stable growth will be ensured.

    ANAP DECLARES WAR AGAINST SALK
    Mesut Yilmaz, the leader of the Motherland Party (ANAP) and deputy prime minister, said in ANAP group meeting that Prosecutor Talat Salk not only lost his impartiality but also his temper. Yilmaz said, ''he wants to be a hero.''

    MILLIYET (LIBERAL)

    COME ON TURKEY!
    The 14.8 billion U.S. dollar loan was approved. Turkey has entered into a new era. Politicians, businessmen, civil servants and tradesmen, now, it is time to overcome problems in Turkey. The Executive Board of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) approved new loan to Turkey. The Fund will grant 12.8 billion U.S. dollars to Turkey within this year. The first part of the loan of 3.8 billion U.S. dollars will be released immediately. The IMF will make available 1.5 billion U.S. dollars each in June and July and 3 billion U.S. dollars in September and November. Thus, the total amount of loan will reach 19 billion U.S. dollars.

    BRAVO GEORGE!
    Greek Foreign Minister George Papandreou was the only person who defended Ankara in the European Union (EU) meeting in which the situation of prisons in Turkey was discussed. Papandreou said that Turkey is experiencing difficult days and suggested that they should not criticize Turkey so much.

    SABAH (LIBERAL)

    GOOD NEWS! A NEW TURKEY IS BORN
    The understanding, the rules and the system are changing. A strong country will be born. State Minister Kemal Dervis said, ''nightmare has ended'', and added, ''we have provided the foreign loan which will revive us after all that troubles and problems.''

    TARGETS AMBITIOUS, DERVIS DETERMINED
    Turkey will exert efforts to have one of the strong economies of the world as of 2002. The inflation rate in consumer prices index (CPI) will increase 52.2 percent this year while it will decrease to 20 percent in 2002 and 15 percent in 2003. The economy will shrink 3 percent this year while it will grow 5 percent in 2002 and 6 percent in 2003. The Ziraat Bankasi and Halkbank will be privatized within three years. The Emlakbank will be liquidated within the framework of the Ziraat Bankasi. Eight of the 13 banks transferred to the Savings Deposit Insurance Fund (SDIF) will be closed by the end of this month. The remaining SDIF-banks will be sold or liquidated till the end of the year.

    CUMHURIYET (LEFT)

    DISCUSSIONS BETWEEN ANAP AND PROSECUTOR TURN
    INTO DISCUSSIONS BETWEEN JUDICIARY AND GOVERNMENT
    Prosecutor Talat Salk, who has become a target of the politicians particularly Mesut Yilmaz, the leader of the Motherland Party (ANAP) due to the investigation into corruption in energy tenders, said that he was the one who was attacked. Salk said, ''I can defend myself and I do not see any immorality.'' Yilmaz claimed that Salk assumes a bad-tempered attitude because of his mistake. Prime Minister Bulent Ecevit said that he regarded as strange the words of Salk regarding Yilmaz. Ecevit said, ''judiciary has a traditional style. There should not be any polemics in judiciary.'' Ecevit noted that telephone-tapping is illegal.

    RADIKAL (LEFT)

    HAPPY MINISTER
    State Minister Kemal Dervis told the Financial Times that he would resign if the reforms were not made. Dervis told a press conference before the approval of the economic program by the International Monetary Fund (IMF) that there was not such a possibility. Dervis said, ''this is not a donation but a debt. Political issues were not discussed with the IMF. We will not permit this. Turkish staff prepared the program.''

    OLYMPICS ALSO VICTIM OF CRISIS
    The International Olympic Committee (IOC) Evaluation Commission found Istanbul as insufficient to host the 2008 Summer Olympics. The report of the commission said that Istanbul was insufficient due to the crisis.

    THERE IS CRISIS IN BRUSSELS
    Foreign Minister Ismail Cem and National Defense Minister Sabahattin Cakmakoglu said that if Turkey does not have the right to speak regarding the European Security and Defense Identity (ESDI), it will use its right to veto within the framework of NATO.

    TURKIYE (RIGHT)

    IMF APPROVES
    IMF Board decided to give 19 billion U.S. dollars loan to Turkey which has adopted 9 of the 14 emergency laws. The Board which decided to release the 3.8 billion U.S. dollars of first tranche rapidly, will give 1.5 billion U.S. dollars second tranche on June 25 and 3 billion U.S. dollars third tranche on July 25.

    PROGRAM IS BASED ON STRUCTURAL REFORMS
    State Minister Kemal Dervis said that the economic program should be implemented without any delay and stressed that the program was based on stability and structural reforms.

    ISTANBUL DISAPPIONTED
    International Olympics Committee found Istanbul insufficient to host the 2008 Olympic Games. Beijing will be the most probable host before Paris and Toronto.

    ZAMAN (CONSERVATIVE)

    SYSTEM IS CHANGING
    Politics will be separated from the economy under the newly announced program. Reforms will strengthen the economy. It promises that structural reforms will be made rapidly. State Minister Kemal Dervis asked politicians to show respect to the economy. According to the program, obstacles in front of the real sector and exports will be removed. Total exports is targeted at 34 billion U.S. dollars and total imports is targeted at 47 billion U.S. dollars while tourism income is estimated to be 8.3 billion U.S. dollars. Ziraat Bankasi and Halkbank will be privatized within three years while Emlakbank will be closed and transferred to Ziraat Bankasi. Central Bank Governor Sureyya Serdengecti announced the new monetary policy. According to this, there won't be any intervention in foreign exchange and the inflation target in the last quarter of the year is 2 percent.

    19 BILLION DOLLARS SURPRISE
    IMF Board approved Turkey's new economic program and financial package. While Turkey was expecting a 15.3 billion U.S. dollars of loan, IMF made a surprise by increasing the amount to 19 billion U.S. dollars. This loan will come to Turkey in tranches within three years. IMF Board decided to rapidly release 3.8 billion U.S. dollars first tranche of the loan. Turkey will receive 12.8 billion U.S. dollars by the end of the year.

    REFORM LAWS WILL BE ADOPTED
    As a response to State Minister Kemal Dervis' statement which said, ''I resign if reforms are not made,'' Prime Minister Bulent Ecevit said, ''parliament is working. There is no need to worry. Reforms will be made.''

    FP MAKES ITS DEFENSE
    The Virtue Party (FP) made its final defense in the closure case which has been continuing at the Constitutional Court for two years. The court will set a date to hold the final session and announce its verdict.

    [02] IMF APPROVES TURKEY'S ECONOMIC PROGRAM

    WASHINGTON D.C/ANKARA - The Executive Board of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) approved late on Tuesday Turkey's new economic program and the financial package.

    The board also approved the letter of intent submitted by Turkey and decided to release 3.8 billion U.S. dollar immediately.

    The IMF Executive Board approved an augmentation of Turkey's three-year Stand-By Arrangement by 8 billion U.S. dollars, bringing the total to 19 billion U.S. dollars.

    The 12.8 billion U.S. dollar portion of the loan will be granted to Turkey within this year.

    The board's decision was made in conjunction with the completion of the sixth and seventh reviews of Turkey's economic program.

    The decision will enable Turkey to draw up to 3.8 billion U.S. dollars immediately. Further drawings of 1.5 billion U.S. dollars each will be made available not earlier than June 25 and July 25 and of 3 billion U.S. dollars each not earlier than September 20 and November 15 following the completion of further reviews of the program.

    Four portions except the first one will be released in accordance with the results of the reviews.

    The stand-by credit was approved in December 1999 for 3.7 billion U.S. dollars. In December 2000, 7.3 billion U.S. dollars in additional financial resources were made available under the Supplemental Reserve Facility (SRF). So far, Turkey has drawn a total of 4.9 billion U.S. dollars from the IMF.

    [03] IMF FIRST DEPUTY MANAGING DIRECTOR FISCHER: -''THE IMF IS DEMONSTRATING ITS BACKING FOR THIS AMBITIOUS PROGRAM BY PROVIDING EXCEPTIONAL FINANCING IN ITS SUPPORT''

    WASHINGTON D.C. - Stanley Fischer, the First Deputy Managing Director of the International Monetary Fund (IMF), said late on Tuesday that the IMF is demonstrating its backing for this ambitious program by providing exceptional financing in its support.

    After the IMF had approved Turkey's new economic program and the finance package, Fischer said that the Fund welcomes the strengthened program prepared by the new economic team in Turkey.

    Fischer noted that full implementation of this program should restore macroeconomic stability and address the structural root causes of the country's problems, thereby laying the foundations for the resumption of growth.

    ''The Turkish program aims at strengthening confidence, addressing the costs arising from the crisis by increasing the primary fiscal surplus, speeding up the reform of the banking sector, and undertaking wide-ranging structural reforms. Decisive implementation of the program's policies, together with the availability of significant additional external support, should initiate a virtuous cycle characterized by lower interest rates, stronger public finances, and a recovery of economic activity,'' Fischer said.

    Fischer continued, ''the Fund commends the depth and breadth of the new economic program. The emphasis on banking reform is appropriate, especially given the structural weaknesses in this area that were seen during the recent crises. The elimination of public sector banks' large overnight exposure, their full recapitalization, and the overhaul of their governance structure will go a long way to strengthen the financial sector. In addition, measures to privatize key companies and reform major domestic markets, including the telecommunications, electricity, natural gas, tobacco, and sugar markets, and to enhance governance and improve transparency, are essential elements of the program.''

    Fischer went on saying, ''the program's macroeconomic policies are strong, in particular the major fiscal effort that the Turkish authorities are undertaking to re-establish fiscal solvency. On monetary policy, the adoption of the new central bank law will give the central bank operational independence in the pursuit of price stability. In the short term and before a full-fledged inflation targeting framework is put in place, monetary policy will focus on the control of monetary aggregates in the context of a floating exchange rate framework.''

    ''The IMF is demonstrating its backing for this ambitious program by providing exceptional financing in its support. Its success will take both determined implementation by the authorities and sustained support by the private sector,'' Fischer added.

    [04] LETTER OF INTENT IS ANNOUNCED -IT EMPHASIZES THAT STRATEGIES OF DISINFLATION EFFORTS, ECONOMIC REFORMS AND SUSTAINABLE ECONOMIC GROWTH WILL BE PURSUED

    ANKARA - The letter of intent presented to the International Monetary Fund (IMF) emphasized that it shares the same strategy with the former letter of intent that are to disinflate the Turkish economy, strengthen the fiscal accounts, and reform the structure of the Turkish economy as a condition for setting economic growth on a sustainable basis.

    The letter of intent said that the Memorandum on Economic Policies (MEP) sets forth the economic program of the Turkish government for the balance of 2001 and for 2002.

    This program is a continuation of the one initiated in late 1999, with the support of a stand-by arrangement with the IMF, the letetr of intent noted.

    The letter of intent said, ''it shares the same strategy: disinflate the Turkish economy, strengthen the fiscal accounts, and reform the structure of the Turkish economy as a condition for setting economic growth on a sustainable basis and moving Turkey closer to its goal of joining the European Union (EU).''

    ''However, the program's policies have been significantly strengthened, in response to the recent crisis that led to the float of the Turkish lira on February 22, 2001, including through increased emphasis on transparency, accountability, and good governance in both the private and public sectors. In support of our strengthened program, we request that the arrangement be augmented by the equivalent of SDR 6.3624 billion and that the purchases scheduled through end-2001 be rephased and would consequently be subject to reviews which are expected to be completed during May, June, July, September, and November 2001,'' the letter of intent also said.

    The letter of intent continued, ''we believe that the policies and measures described in the attached memorandum are adequate to achieve the objectives of the program, but we stand ready to take additional measures, if necessary, to keep the program on track, consulting regularly with the Fund. Purchases under the arrangement will be subject to reviews in June, July, September, November 2001, and quarterly reviews thereafter for the duration of the arrangement.''

    ''With this letter we also request the completion of the sixth and seventh program reviews under the stand-by arrangement. Because of the severe financial distress in the run up to and immediately after the float of the Turkish lira on February 22, 2001, as well as some revisions in our policies we request the following waivers in the program's performance criteria: The end-March 2001 performance criteria on net domestic assets (NDA) and on net international reserves (NIR) were not observed. We are hereby requesting waivers of these performance criteria.''

    ''We are also requesting a waiver of the structural performance criterion related to the approval of the Electricity Market Law. This waiver is needed because the law was enacted some two weeks after the program's revised deadline of February 15, and because in that law the deadline for reaching financial closure for the contracts involving the transfer-of- operating rights (TOORs) for generation and distribution electricity companies was set at end-June 2001 (against the envisaged end-March 2001 deadline). These small deviations do not diminish the scope of this important structural reform.''

    ''We request a waiver of the performance criterion related to the issue by end-March 2001 of final tender documents and invitation of bids for Turk Telekom. As discussed in the attached Memorandum, we have decided to improve the terms at which Turk Telekom will be privatized, including through legislative amendments allowing the divestiture of up to 100 percent of the company (excluding a golden share). However, the timing of the privatization will also depend on the conditions of the international telecommunication market, which are at present not conducive to a successful privatization operation,'' the letter of intent added.

    [05] STATE MINISTER DERVIS (1): -''THE IMF LOAN IS MORE THAN WE EXPECTED''

    ISTANBUL - State Minister Kemal Dervis said on Wednesday that the loan released by the International Monetary Fund (IMF) late on Tuesday is more than they expected.

    Prior to his departure for Paris, France, Dervis told reporters that this loan should be used efficiently.

    This loan is a significant opportunity for Turkey, Dervis added.

    [06] STATE MINISTER DERVIS LEAVES FOR PARIS (2) -DERVIS SAYS IT IS GOVERNMENT'S SUCCEESS TO PROVIDE THIS MUCH IMF LOAN

    ISTANBUL - State Minister Kemal Dervis said on Wednesday that it is also the government's success to provide this much International Monetary Fund (IMF) loan.

    Dervis left for Paris to attend the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) Ministerial Meeting.

    Prior to his departure, Dervis told reporters that the IMF loan is more than they expected and that it is a source that should be used efficiently.

    Dervis said that this loan is a significant opportunity for Turkey and went on saying, ''if we can use this loan efficiently, we can reach better days quickly. Most important, we can reach re-growth, new business opportunities and betterment in lives of our people. I think we are all happy this morning.''

    ''I thank the press organs for their support in the last two months. You have a very important function and role. We can take very important steps as the public and citizens altogether support this program,'' Dervis said.

    Dervis noted that Turkey can take a step towards welfare again by the mid- summer.

    ''We have to have cooperation and achieve this. This is a big success of the government. This much loan has not been allocated to any other countries. Using this loan efficiently is our responsibility. We have to use this loan efficiently for the future of our society and for the happiness of our people and citizens. We will work in cooperation and coordination,'' Dervis added.

    [07] BALANCE OF PAYMENTS DEVELOPMENTS IN JANUARY-FEBRUARY 2001 -CURRENT ACCOUNT DEFICIT DECREASES TO 824 MILLION U.S. DOLLARS

    ANKARA - The current account deficit decreased to 824 million U.S. dollars in January-February 2001, from a deficit of 1.209 million U.S. dollars in January-February 2000.

    Central Bank announced on Wednesday the balance of payments developments in January-February 2001.

    According to the statement of the Central Bank, foreign trade deficit, which decreased by 5.1 percent in comparison with the same period of the previous year, realized as 2.091 million U.S. dollars in January-February 2001. The key factors underlying this development are;

    ''- the increase of export revenues by 4.5 percent,

    - the increase of shuttle trade by 20.7 percent,

    against

    - the increase of import (CIF) expenditures by 3.7 percent.''

    On the other hand, net revenues from other goods and services, as well as unrequited transfers, increased by 27.3 percent, amounting to 1.267 million U.S. dollars.

    As a result, the current account deficit decreased to 824 million U.S. dollars in January-February 2001, from a deficit of 1.209 million U.S. dollars in January-February 2000.

    [08] U.N.'S SPECIAL SESSIONS ON HABITAT AND AIDS

    NEW YORK - The United Nations General Assembly will hold two separate special sessions in June.

    The five-year review conference known as ''Istanbul+5'', a special session of the General Assembly, will take place in New York, the U.S., from 6 to 8 June.

    The special session will evaluate progress made and obstacles encountered and formulate new initiatives to further implementation of the Habitat Agenda, adopted at the United Nations Conference on Human Settlements which was held in 1996 in Istanbul.

    ''Sufficient shelter for everybody'' and ''sustainable development of human settlements urbanizing world in new millennium'' will be two main issues of the meeting.

    At this special session, Turkey will be represented by a delegation headed by State Minister Faruk Bal.

    Sources said that Mass Housing Management Authority (TOKI) officials and representatives of civil organizations and Istanbul Mayor Ali Mufit Gurtuna would attend the session.

    State Minister Faruk Bal is expected to address the General Assembly early on June 7.

    The second special session on ''HIV/AIDS'' will be held between June 25-27. Turkey will be represented by a delegation headed by Health Minister Osman Durmus who will deliver a speech at the General Assembly early on June 27.

    [09] COEPA SPRING TERM MEETINGS TAKE PLACE IN ISTANBUL

    STRASBOURG - Council of Europe Parliamentary Assembly (COEPA) spring term meetings will take place in Istanbul in May 21 and 23 upon the invitation of Parliament Speaker Omer Izgi.

    According to a statement made by Council of Europe, Mesut Yilmaz, the State Minister and Deputy Prime Minister and Justice Minister Hikmet Sami Turk will made speeches in Assembly Permanent Committee within the framework of the meetings.

    Financial support of political parties, studies of European Commission regarded with prevention of torture, rights of those who rejected military service in countries which are members of the Council, report related with circumcision of women, and developments in the Middle East problems will be discussed in meetings.

    Request of Kazakhstan to be have an observer status is among the issues which will be discussed in Political Affairs Commitee meeting.

    Lord Russel-Johnston, the President of COEPA, will pay an official visit to Ankara before the meetings in Istanbul.

    Johnston will arrive in Ankara in May 17-18, and visit President Ahmet Necdet Sezer, Parliament Speaker Omer Izgi, Prime Minister Bulent Ecevit, Deputy Prime Ministers Devlet Bahceli and Mesut Yilmaz, and Foreign Minister Ismail Cem.

    Johnston will also visit Constitutional Court Chairman Mustafa Bumin and political party leaders. Johnston is expected to held a news conference after completing his contacts.

    The permanent committee is comprised of the Assembly Chairman, 19 deputy Chairmen, political group representatives, general commission representatives, and national delegation members. There are 603 members coming from national parliaments of 43 countries.

    [10] DRUG OPERATIONS IN ISTANBUL -ABANOZ, ISTANBUL POLICE CHIEF: ''166 KG HEROIN CONFISCATED IN TWO SEPARATE OPERATIONS''

    ISTANBUL - Kazim Abanoz, the Istanbul Police Chief, said on Wednesday that 166 kg heroin, having a market value of 10 trillion lira, was confiscated in two separate operations.

    Abanoz, who held a news conference in Istanbul Security Department, said teams of Narcotics Department, acting on a tip off, determined that a large amount of drug, which was brought from a neighboring country in Southeastern region, was about to be sent to Europe.

    Abanoz said narcotics teams confiscated 113 kg heroin in an operation staged in Gultepe region in Izmit on May 10, 2001. He said five people, who have connection with the incident, were taken into custody.

    Abanoz said the teams staged the second operation on a house in Zeytinburnu district on May 14, 2001, adding that 53 kg heroin was confiscated.

    Abanoz said together with these two operations, a total of 166 kg heroin, four gr cocain, 10 kg hashish, and 200 gr indian hemp were confiscated in 15 separate operations.

    He said 48 people were detained within the scope of the operations, noting that market value of the drugs that were confiscated was three trillion lira, and its market value in Europe was 10 trillion lira.

    Istanbul Police Chief Abanoz also said as a result of 192 separate operations that were staged between January 1 and May 15, 2001, one tonne of heroin, 11 kg hashish, 30 kg opium, 47 morphine, 422 gr cocain, 130 synthetic pills and 18 weapons were confiscated. He said 939 people were detained in connection with the incidents.

    Abanoz recalled that besides those operations, 105 kg heroin was confiscated in Wels city through ''controlled delivery,'' method that was realized between Austria and Turkey on January 13, 2001.

    Abanoz said Turkey, which is in the position of a transit country, had an important role in preventing drug trafficking, and noted that a meeting in international level, had taken place in Istanbul a few days ago.

    [11] MILITARY PLANE CRASHES KILLING 37 MILITARY PERSONNEL

    ANKARA - A military Casa cargo plane belonging to the Armed Forces crashed near the town of Akcadag township of eastern Malatya province Wednesday killing all aboard, 37 military personnel.

    The Casa CN-235 cargo plane was carrying members of Special Forces from the southeastern city of Diyarbakir to Ankara when it crashed.

    General Staff General Secretariat issued a statement and said, ''a Casa type military cargo plane, belonging to Turkish Armed Forces, crashed near Malatya-Akcadag-Guzyurdu village at 13:15 local time enroute from southern Diyarbakir province to Ankara.''

    The statement said there were 37 military personnel on the plane, 31 of them were passengers and six of them crew members.

    Ismail Ertas, an eyewitness of the military aircraft crash killing all aboard, said that the pilot made a last move to prevent the plane's crash in the village. Ertas told A.A that they heard the sound of the military aircraft at home, adding that ''everybody went out of their homes when they saw the plane's flying on the top of the village. We expected the plane crash on the houses in the villages, but at the last minute the pilot made a last move and he prevent the plane's crash in the village. We saw the pilots trying to jump from the plane, however the plane crashed vertically and the pilots couldn't jump from the plane. When the plane crashed, there had been big explosion. When we went to the scene, we saw the plane burning. There were the pieces of dead bodies all around the scene. There were also weapons which were broken in pieces.''

    Omer Demir, another villager said in his part that he saw the incident when he was working in a beetroot field, adding there were no survivors from the crash.

    Akcadag mayor Bayram Karaaslan said that there were no survivors from the plane crash. ''They are all now in pieces, we can only collect corpses now, '' said Karaaslan who first came to scene where the military Casa cargo plane crashed.

    The crash of CASA military aircraft of the Turkish Armed Forces which took place on Wednesday near Akcadag township of eastern Malatya province killing 37 persons aboard has been the second CASA aircraft accident this year.

    Another CASA cargo plane had crashed near Sarýmsaklý dam in Bunyan township of central Kayseri province on January 19, 2001. Three military personnel had died in the accident.

    CASA planes whose bodies and wings are produced at Kayseri Second Air Reinforcement Centre are used by the Turkish Armed Forces as light cargo planes. The Air Forces also uses C-130 and C-160 type heavy cargo aircraft.

    Meanwhile, it was reported that officials started to collect the dead bodies of 37 martyrs who were killed in the crash.

    The bodies are recovered under the rain by security officials and officials of the Malatya Military Hospital and Malatya Health Directorate teams in the wreckage of the plane near Guzyurdu village of eastern Malatya province. The bodies are put in ambulances to be taken to Malatya Military Hospital.

    Malatya Chief Prosecutor Mustafa Demirdag also came to the scene.


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