ANZAC Cove roadworks

Yahoo News
Thursday March 17, 11:25 PM


Anzac Cove roadworks not requested: PM
Prime Minister John Howard said roadworks the government had requested on the Gallipoli peninsula were away from the Anzac Cove area.
Former veterans affairs minister Danna Vale wrote to Turkish authorities last year requesting roadworks because of safety concerns.
The Australian and Turkish governments are now under fire over concerns that diggers' remains may have been unearthed during the roadworks, which are taking place on a narrow road above Anzac Cove.
Mr Howard told parliament the request the government made was in relation to a part of road a little away from Anzac Cove.
"They were made in the context of providing easier movement of people, given the large number of people who go to Anzac Cove not only on Anzac Day but through the year," he said.
He later said roadworks were requested at areas near Chunuk Bair and Lone Pine.
Labor heritage spokesman Anthony Albanese, meanwhile, attacked the government for failing to heed a study by Australian archaeologist David Cameron before it made the roadworks request.
Mr Albanese said Dr Cameron had conducted a January 2003 survey which uncovered human remains and showed that any roadworks would disturb the sacred site.
Mr Howard told Mr Albanese in parliament that he was not aware of the report.
Mr Albanese said the government had been too complacent when it came to protecting the sanctity and heritage of Anzac Cove.
"It is clear that appropriate precautions to protect the heritage and sanctity of the Anzac Cove site were not undertaken prior to the request by the Australian government for these massive roadworks to occur," he said.