New claims about remains at Gallipoli

October 27, 2008 - 9:32AM

Canberra may seek better communications with Turkish authorities over future roadworks at Gallipoli following another report that human remains were unearthed while a road was upgraded.
The issue first erupted in 2005, ahead of the 90th anniversary of the Gallipoli landing at Anzac Cove, after roadworks were said to have uncovered bone fragments and damaged war relics.
In the latest alleged incident, work to upgrade the Second Ridge Road - located along what was no mans land during the Gallipoli campaign - has unearthed further bone fragments.
Veterans Affairs Minister Alan Griffin has called for an investigation of the latest claims.

The government had been informed by Turkish authorities of resurfacing work that was to begin on Second Ridge Road in late August, and which was completed according to plan.
However, the government believes the fragments have been unearthed and damaged during further work on the roadside verge.
As soon as Australia became aware of the issue, it asked the Turkish authorities to stop the work, which they did.
Mr Griffin said the government had reiterated to Turkish authorities the importance of conducting the works in a sensitive and careful manner.
And the government is looking at whether the current process for alerting Australia to planned roadworks is sufficient.
"I have questioned the process currently in place for notifying the Australian government of roadworks as I believe they may not be sufficient," Mr Griffin said in a statement.
"I will investigate if more formal protocols are required."
Australia and Turkey agreed to discuss all future roadworks at Gallipoli following the furore in 2005.
The roadworks were undertaken to cope with the more than 18,000 visitors who head to Gallipoli each year.
Bill Crews, national president of the Returned and Services League (RSL), told AAP the incident was an unfortunate development.
"But I feel it's being well-managed by the Australian government and the Turkish authorities," he said.
Major-General Crews was unsurprised that remains were uncovered in the area.
"It's unfortunate but perhaps not unexpected that in a sensitive area, where this particular section of road goes through, that remains would be discovered if there was any disturbance of the surface," he said.
"This appears to have happened with a grader operation after the roads were resealed."
© 2008 AAP
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