GAZIANTEP - U.S. soldiers who were deployed in Gaziantep Airport within the scope of activities carried out under the permission of the parliament handed over the airport to officials of the State Airports Administration (DHMI) and the Directorate General of Railways, Ports and Airports Construction (DLH) on Wednesday.
U.S. soldiers, who were deployed in the building of the new airport terminal, the construction of which still continues for 6,500 soldiers planned to be brought to Gaziantep Airport due to Iraq war, started to evacuate the area last week.
U.S. soldiers sent trucks loaded with 6,500 bunk beds, military equipment, armored vehicles to Adana and Iskenderun last week.
A U.S. delegation comprised of eight people and headed by Flight Lieutenant Todd Plotner and Engineer Officer Jonathan Carr in Incirlik Air Base, handed over the airport to the technical delegation of DHMI and DLH coming from Ankara after an inspection.
Plotner told A.A correspondent that they had made payment to Yuksel construction company to turn the airport into its former shape.
Fifteen mobile toilets left in the airport will be sent to United Nations (U.N.) Humanitarian Aid depot in Gaziantep, Plotner said.
Plotner added that they would return to Incirlik Base and never forget hospitality of people of Gaziantep.
(BRC-AÖ) 09.04.2003