SECRETARY-GENERAL EXTENDS CONDOLENCES TO VICTIMS OF EARTHQUAKE IN TURKEY; OFFERS HELP FROM UNITED NATIONS IN RELIEF EFFORT

Press Release
SG/SM/7102

SECRETARY-GENERAL EXTENDS CONDOLENCES TO VICTIMS OF EARTHQUAKE IN TURKEY; OFFERS HELP FROM UNITED NATIONS IN RELIEF EFFORT

This is the text of a statement today by the Spokesman for Secretary-General Kofi Annan:

The Secretary-General was deeply saddened to learn of the tragic loss of life caused this morning by the earthquake that hit north-western Turkey. The promptness with which the government of Turkey has mobilized initial humanitarian aid has helped to mitigate the initial level of suffering.

The Secretary-General extends his condolences to the people and the government of Turkey, particularly to the families of the victims, and assures them that the United Nations will extend all forms of assistance within its means in the relief and rehabilitation efforts.

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