Workmen 'dig up' Gallipoli remains

[2RHPZ]

Workmen 'dig up' Gallipoli remains

THE Federal Government should act to protect any remains of Australian soldiers dug up during a road-widening project at Gallipoli's Anzac Cove, New South Wales Premier Bob Carr said today.

Road workers are believed to have dug up and possibly destroyed soldiers' remains while upgrading a 20m-wide road which already covers part of the beach at Gallipoli where Australian troops landed on April 25, 1915.
The Federal Government today said the Office of Australian War Graves was holding talks with Turkish authorities.

"They're holding discussions to progress these issues," a spokesman for Veterans' Affairs Minister De-Anne Kelly said.

Mr Carr today urged the Government and Department of Veterans' Affairs to ensure any remains discovered were properly maintained and preserved during the construction work.

"With the 90th anniversary of the landing of Gallipoli (this year), it is important we show the remains of Australian soldiers who gave their lives defending our freedom the appropriate and proper respect," he said.

Record crowds were expected to converge on Gallipoli for this year's Anzac Day service, Mr Carr said.

Historian and Gallipoli resident Bill Sellars told Sydney's Sun-Herald newspaper he was "reduced to tears" when he saw the damage done to the beach and cliffside at Anzac Cove.

More than 80m of the 500m-long beach was covered in rubble and it was impossible to walk from one end to the other, the paper reported.

Further comment was being sought from Ms Kelly's office this afternoon.

Link (http://www.theaustralian.news.com.au/printpage/0,5942,12459623,00.html)

[digrar]

I know the Turks hold the area in as high a regard as we do, but if the road workers have dug up remains, covering it up and denying it would probably be an attractive option.
I hope they haven't had to cover up anything. RIP diggers.

http://news.ninemsn.com.au/article.aspx?id=4268

No diggers unearthed in Anzac roadworks
15:35 AEDT Tue Mar 8 2005

Turkish authorities have told Australia that no diggers' remains have been unearthed during roadworks at Anzac Cove, Foreign Minister Alexander Downer said.

There were concerns the remains of Australian diggers may have been disturbed during road-widening works, necessary for the influx of visitors expected for the 90th anniversary of the Gallipoli landing this year.

Mr Downer told parliament he had asked Australia's ambassador in Turkey to raise the issue with Turkish authorities after reports emerged that there might be problems with the way the work was being carried out.

"During the course of discussions yesterday, the Turkish authorities told our ambassador that archaeological work had been carried out prior to the roadworks commencing and the Turkish authorities say no remains have been unearthed during the roadworks.

"They also assured us that if any remains had been unearthed they would immediately instruct that the reconstruction of the road be stopped."

Mr Downer reiterated that the work was being carried out as a safety precaution.

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"There is no question that the road does require some urgent reinforcing," he said.

Mr Downer raised the prospect that the road may not be completed by the time visitors arrive for Anzac Day celebrations on April 25.

"The Turkish authorities are endeavouring to complete the road in time for the 90th anniversary commemorations," he said.

Mr Downer thanked Turkey's sensitive handling of the issue.

"They will take all necessary steps to protect the dignity of the site," he said.

[Auzzzie]

I heard an interview on the radio this morning with a bloke who had just come back from Gallipoli the day before. I was really shocked when I heard it.
Over 2,000,000 Turkish people also visit there each year as it is a very important site for them as Kemal Ataturk rose to fame during the first invasion.
RIP all Diggers and Turks (and the Poms, Canucks, Frogs, Indians etc).

[Oxford]

Let us hope that they get this sorted out quickly. That is hallowed ground.