TURKEY tr-diplomacy

Prompt Israeli aid follows Turkish call for assistance

Hürriyet Planet | 10/26/2011 12:00:00 AM |

Israel quickly responded to Turkey's call for international aid yesterday, sending seven prefab houses to the quake-stricken eastern province of Van.

Israel quickly responded to Turkey's call for international aid yesterday, sending seven prefab houses to the quake-stricken eastern province of Van.

Turkey asked for assistance from more than 30 countries that offered to help in the country's efforts to relieve its easternmost province from the disaster that struck on Sunday.

Israel was the first country to respond to Turkey's call, immediately sending a civilian Boeing 747 carrying seven prefab housing units.

Israel's Defense Ministry said they would continue to send more aid.

Officials did not say whether the reason for using a civilian plane was due a restriction Turkey applied to Israel.

Japan, meanwhile, decided to send $400,000 and tents in aid as Macedonia said it would send 100,000 euros to quake victims.