Quake aid is readied for Turkey
Athens offered to send financial aid, rescue experts and medical supplies to the parts of southeastern Turkey affected by yesterday’s strong earthquake that killed at least 100 people. Foreign Minister George Papandreou phoned his Turkish counterpart, Abdullah Gul, yesterday to convey the government’s condolences. «Mr Papandreou also said the Greek government was ready and prepared to immediately send humanitarian aid to the afflicted area,» Foreign Ministry spokesman Panos Beglitis said. Deputy Foreign Minister Andreas Loverdos said 300,000 euros in direct aid will be sent to Turkey, while 25 fire brigade rescuers are on standby to fly to Turkey via military transport «as soon as the Turkish Foreign Ministry gives the signal.» A team of 10 doctors and eight volunteer rescuers from Thessaloniki were also on standby, while the Civil Defense Secretariat has prepared 112,000 euros’ worth of medicine and bandages, as well as tents, blankets and food. Seismologists in Athens said yesterday there was no likelihood of Greece being affected by the quake.
