BOMB BLAST IN DIYARBAKIR KILLS FIVE, WOUNDS 67
A bomb blast in Diyarbakir yesterday killed five people, including two children, and wounded 67, including 30 soldiers. The blast occurred while a military personnel vehicle, the presumed target, was passing by. The injured were taken to the Dicle University Medical School Hospital as well as the local military and state hospitals. Chief of General Staff Gen. Yasar Buyukanit is set to travel to the area today to assess the situation. He will meet with the wounded and speak with the military and state agencies about the incident. /Hurriyet/

GUL: "TERRORISM SHOWED ITS UGLY FACE"
Speaking to state television about the bomb attack in Diyarbakir yesterday, President Abdullah Gul said, "I ask for God's mercy for those who lost their lives. Through this incident, the world saw the ugly face of terrorism." Also commenting on the incident, Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan said, "Such incidents won't diminish our determination. We will continue our fight terrorism both nationally and internationally." Main opposition Republican People's Party (CHP) leader Deniz Baykal said, "I condemn the attackers and those who supported them. There's no doubt that these heinous attacks will be fought off." In an official statement on the attack, the US Embassy in Ankara said, "Today's bombing in Diyarbakir is a horrific example of the senseless tragedy that terrorism brings. We open our hearts and offer deepest sympathy to the families and friends of those hurt in this brutal act. We strongly condemn this violence and reiterate our determination to stand together with Turkey in combating terrorism in all its form." /Hurriyet/

ERDOGAN PUSHES SOCIAL SECURITY REFORMS
The Economic and Social Council yesterday discussed social security reforms planned to take effect this June. Addressing the gathering, Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan underlined that the inequities of the existing social security system must be eliminated and its structural problems resolved. Pointing to the increasing financial burden on the system, Erdogan said that the problem is not a passing issue but concerns the country's very future. "If necessary measures are not taken, the deficiencies of the system will mortgage our future," he added. "Our government is determined to solve this problem whatever the cost." /Turkiye/

TRNC PRESIDENT TALAT VISITS ANKARA
Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus President (TRNC) President Mehmet Ali Talat yesterday arrived in Ankara as the official guest of his Turkish counterpart Abdullah Gul. Talat began his official meetings after visiting Anitkabir, Ataturk's mausoleum. After meeting with Talat, Gul told reporters that Turkey would continue to do its part as a guarantor country for Cyprus and that the Greek Cypriot administration is continuing its uncompromising attitude. Later, Gul hosted a luncheon for Talat along with Parliament Speaker Koksal Toptan and Chief of General Staff Gen. Yasar Buyukanit. Talat was also received by Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan. /Star/

PARLIAMENT PASSES EXPANDED SMOKING BAN
Parliament yesterday approved a bill to extend the country's smoking ban to all enclosed public areas. The bill, set to come into effect in 18 months, would prohibit smoking in all bars, restaurants and coffeehouses. In 1997, Turkey banned smoking in offices with more than four workers, some public transportation, and some public places including sports centers. It also curbed cigarette advertising and mandated health warnings on cigarette packages. /Sabah/

LATE PM ECEVIT'S PAPERS TO BE PUBLISHED
The papers of the late Premier Bulent Ecevit are set to be published by Turkish IsBank Culture Publications. Initially, documents relating to the 1973 Cyprus Peace Operation are planned to be published on the operation's 35th anniversary. Speaking about the book deal, the late premier's wife Rahsan Ecevit said that the work would help illuminate over a half-century of Turkish history. Proceeds from the sales of the book rights will be donated to the Mehmetcik Foundation (for soldiers) and the GATA Military Hospital. /Milliyet/

DRAFT CONSTITUTION PRESENTED TO ERDOGAN
A commission of Justice and Development Party (AKP) members has completed their work on a new constitution and submitted it to Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan. The group led by AKP Deputy Chairman Dengir Mir Mehmet Firat said that in the new draft, the first four articles of the current Constitution had not been touched. /Milliyet/

HOTEL CONSTRUCTION IN HISTORIC AREA OF ISTANBUL TO BE REVIEWED
Responding to recent disputes over construction of a Four Seasons Hotel in a historic area in Istanbul, Culture and Tourism Minister Ertugrul Gunay yesterday paid a visit to the site. Gunay told reporters that state bodies will meet soon to evaluate the construction work and decide whether it will continue. /Milliyet/