Ban voices sympathy, offers UN help after deadly quake in Turkey
Ban voices sympathy, offers UN help after deadly quake in Turkey
23 October 2011
At least 70 people reportedly died when the 7.2-magnitude quake shattered buildings near the city of Van, while an unknown number are trapped under rubble. Casualties are reported to be particularly high in the town of Ercis, close to the Iranian border, where around 30 buildings fell.
In a statement issued by his spokesperson, Mr. Ban expressed his heartfelt sympathies to the Government and people of Turkey at this time of loss and suffering.
“The Secretary-General commends the Turkish authorities for their rapid response to the situation,” the statement added.
“The United Nations is in contact with the relevant authorities and stands ready to offer any assistance if requested.”
###
23 October 2011
SADDENED BY LOSS OF LIFE FROM EARTHQUAKE IN TURKEY, SECRETARY-GENERAL
SAYS UNITED NATIONS STANDS READY TO OFFER ASSISTANCE IF REQUESTED
The following statement was issued on 23 October by the Spokesperson of UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon:
The Secretary-General was deeply saddened to learn of the loss of life and destruction in today’s earthquake in eastern Turkey. He expresses his heartfelt sympathies to the Government and people of Turkey at this time of loss and suffering.
The Secretary-General commends the Turkish authorities for their rapid response to the situation. The United Nations is in contact with the relevant authorities and stands ready to offer any assistance if requested.
###
> United Nations (UN).
The United Nations was established on 24 October 1945 by 51 countries committed to preserving peace through international cooperation and collective security. Today, nearly every nation in the world belongs to the UN: membership totals 192 countries.
When States become Members of the United Nations, they agree to accept the obligations of the UN Charter, an international treaty that sets out basic principles of international relations. According to the Charter, the UN has four purposes:
- to maintain international peace and security;
- to develop friendly relations among nations;
- to cooperate in solving international problems and in promoting respect for human rights;
- and to be a centre for harmonizing the actions of nations.
###
* The above story is adapted from materials provided by United Nations (UN)
** More information at United Nations (UN)
