VAN EARTHQUAKE CLINCHES TURKEY

Stating that Turkey has become united following the earthquake in Van, Minister for EU Affairs and Chief Negotiator Egemen Bagis said: “We got a very clear message across to those again who try to play both hands against the middle and to put up a wall between our brothers whom we have shared the same land with and have eaten at the same table for ages”.

Delivering a speech at the 21st Meeting of Turkey which was held in Ihlas Holding in Ankara by the Türkiye Newspaper, Bagis said: “The earthquake in Van have upset everyone. In fact, this earthquake has made Turkey united again. Now, 81 provinces are almost competing with each other to relieve Van”.

Minister for EU Affairs and Chief Negotiator Egemen Bagis pointed out that all non- governmental organizations, public institutions, academicians as well as the media have collaborated with each other and showed great performance in order to relieve the people in Van as soon as possible so that they could come together with their beloved ones again and make a new start in their lives”.

Reminding that Jerzy Buzek, the President of the European Parliament, asked for all the members of the parliament to stand in silent homage in commemoration of those losing their lives in Van’s earthquake and that was very meaningful, Bagis stated that search and rescue teams from about 30 countries did their best to send disaster relief materials to the region. Minister Bagis continued his words as follows:

“We met with the ambassadors of the EU states early in the morning yesterday. I was deeply touched by their sincerity on this issue. We decided to channel 4-5 million Euros from the EU funds to the region as a first step. I hope that serious steps will be taken to provide quake survivors with prefabricated houses and winter tents. All our prayers are with Van’s people. Turkey has really become united again following this earthquake. May God not harm our unity and solidarity”!

Source: AA