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| evacuation of Turkish earthquake victims |
Aftershocks were centered at 6 km southeast of Van. Reports the U.S. Geological Survey as quoted by Reuters on Sunday (23/10/2011).
Data's crisis center in the city of Van said the quake has so far caused 100 people died. 500-600 wounded, as well as more than 400 people still trapped under collapsed buildings. Dozens of buildings collapsed in the van were reported.
In the midst of disaster, Israel offered assistance to Turkey. However, Turkey refused to imply such assistance. The news was delivered by Israeli Defense Minister Ehud Barak.
"I got the impression the Turks do not want our help," said Barak told Channel 2 News.
"Now (answer them) is negative, but if they need to help and do not have it, or if they think about it, we remain ready (tohelp)," Barak continued.
Relations between Turkey and Israel are strained since May 2010 when Israeli commandos stormed a convoy of six ships carrying aid to the Gaza Strip. The attack that left nine Turkish citizens was killed.
Tensions rose last month when Turkey expelled Israel's ambassador result will not apologize for the killings.
Israeli President Shimon Peres had spoken with the President of Turkey shortly after the earthquake. This conversation is believed to be the first since the Israeli envoys were expelled from Turkey.
"At this difficult time Israel was willing to provide the necessary assistance in Turkey and anytime," said a statement issued by Peres's office.
A Turkish foreign ministry official said, Turkey received offers of help from dozens of countries after the quake. However, Turkey has so far refused to support it because it still can handle the disaster.
VIA detiknews.com
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