National Defense Minister: Government Is Dealing With Blasts

ANKARA - National Defense Minister Vecdi Gonul said on Friday that the government was dealing with Thursday's blasts in Istanbul.
Brazilian Defense Minister Jose Viegas visited National Defense Minister Gonul.
Gonul said that everybody should wait for some time for an evaluation about bomb attacks in Istanbul.
Economic and commercial relations between Turkey and Brazil were improved in recent years, Gonul noted.
Gonul stated that Turkish and Brazilian defense ministries had good relations and two ministries signed cooperation agreement.
National Defense Minister Gonul said that Viagas conveyed condolence message of Brazilian President over the attacks on synagogues, HSBC Bank and British Consulate General in Istanbul.
Asked about his evaluations about attacks in Istanbul, Gonul said, ''it is such an important issue that we can't make an evaluation about it in haste. Let's wait for some time. Concerned ministers are dealing with the issue. The government is coping with the issue.''
Noting that the issue would be debated in the meeting of National Security Council (NSC), Gonul said that it was early to make any evaluation and everybody should wait for some time for an evaluation.
(BRC) 21.11.2003