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