TURKEY CONTRIBUTIONS TO PAKISTAN EARTHQUAKE RELIEF

UNCLAS ANKARA 006447 SIPDIS SENSITIVE E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: EAID PHUM PREL PK SUBJECT: TURKEY CONTRIBUTIONS TO PAKISTAN EARTHQUAKE RELIEF AND REHABILITATION REF: A. STATE 195483 ¶B. ANKARA 6377 ¶1. (SBU) The ongoing suffering in Pakistan struck a deep chord in Turkey, leading to a broad outpouring of public interest and support for contributing to the earthquake relief effort, epitomized by Prime Minister Erdogan's October 20 visit to the affected area, during which he pledged $150 million in Turkish support. Turkey feels a deep solidarity with Pakistan's tragedy, given its own vulnerability to earthquakes and a long special relationship between the two countries. The campaign has resonated with street banners and television commercials urging public participation. ¶2. (SBU) MFA Official Sebnem Incesu highlighted Turkey's participation in the Geneva donor conference (Minister of State and Deputy PM Mehmet Ali Sahin) and the strong action and pledges that resulted from Erdogan's visit to Pakistan. The $150 million pledge covers both humanitarian assistance and reconstruction, pushing it to the head of the list of international donors in dollar terms. Incesu said that while some details of this pledge had not yet been fleshed out in detail, bilateral assistance disbursed to date totaled $52 million, including significant citizen contributions. According to the MFA official, Turkey had sent to Pakistan over 200 people as part of medical and rescue teams and a total of 54 tons of relief materials, including medical equipment, medicine, 1,500 tents, and 44,000 blankets. The GOT has sent 15 military and 3 civilian planes-loads of supplies. The GOT has also coordinated assistance from the Red Crescent, universities, and other NGO's. The GOT has set up one field hospital. In addition, the GOT is shippping 50,000 tons of flour in 3 ships to Pakistan. ¶3. (SBU) According to the MFA rep, the GOT will announce a response to the special UN flash appeal in an amount of $2.75 million to be contributed to UN affiliated organizations. MFA also pointed out Turkey's contribution to the NATO airlift from Incirlik Air Base (Ref B). Turkey provided land shipment capacity (40 trucks) from Iskenderun port and two of 19 NATO planes assuring the air bridge. MCELDOWNEY