Jerusalem, 17 August 1999
Israeli Aid for Turkish Earthquake Victims
(Communicated by the Prime Minister's Media Adviser)
Prime Minister Ehud Barak, in consultation with Foreign Minister David
Levy today (Tuesday) 17.8.99, offered to send aid and specialized rescue
equipment to earth-quake victims in Turkey. The offer was accepted by the
Turkish government.
The first planeload of materiel left Israel at 16:00 hours, and the
remainder will leave tonight under the command of OC Home Front Major
General Gabi Ofir.
Jerusalem, 18 August 1999
PM Barak Speaks with Turkish PM Ecevit
(Communicated by Prime Minister's Media Advisor)
Turkish Prime Minister Bulent Ecevit yesterday evening (Tuesday) 17.8.99,
telephoned Prime Minister Ehud Barak to thank him warmly for the immediate
aid sent which Israel sent to Turkey following yesterday's earthquake.
Prime Minister Barak expressed his condolences to the Turkish people over
the tragedy. He added that the people of Israel are closely following the
terrible scenes coming from Turkey and promised to send reinforcements
today (Wednesday, 18.8.99) to join the rescue teams already operating
there.