SG/SM/8685
IHA/781
2 May 2003

Secretary-General Expresses Deep Sadness over Lives Lost, Injuries and Destruction in Turkish Earthquake

NEW YORK, 1 May (UN Headquarters) -- The following statement was issued today by the Spokesman for Secretary-General Kofi Annan:

The Secretary-General is deeply saddened by the loss of life, injuries and destruction caused by an earthquake in the Bingol Province of Turkey this morning. He wishes to convey his deepest condolences to the families of the deceased and to the Government of Turkey.

The United Nations has deployed a Disaster Assessment and Coordination (UNDAC) team to support the Turkish Government in the coordination of international response to the emergency, and assist in a rapid assessment of priority needs.

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