Armenian President Serzh Sargsyan has sent condolences to his Turkish counterpart, Abdullah Gul, on the devastating earthquake in eastern Turkey.
The Armenian president also offered assistance in the rescue, News.am reported.
The message was sent from the Russian Federation, where Serzh Sargsyan is on a state visit, the Armenian presidential press service reported.
The message said:
"Distinguished Mr President,
"I learned with profound pain about the powerful earthquake that occurred in Van and about the destruction, loss of life and the people trapped under collapsed buildings. I feel sorrow and express my condolences. I would like to inform you that Armenia’s specialist rescue division has been put on alert and is able to reach the epicentre as soon as possible and start rescue work right away."
More than 200 people are known to have died in the 7.2 magnitude earthquake in Van on Sunday. Rescue efforts are continuing and more bodies are expected to be found.
Turkey broke off diplomatic relations with Armenia in 1993, closing the land border between the two countries, in protest at Armenia's occupation of the Azerbaijani territory of Nagorno-Karababkh and surrounding districts.
Turkey and Armenia signed two protocols on establishing diplomatic relations in 2009 but the rapprochement process stalled and neither parliament has ratified the accords.
| < Prev | Next > |
|---|
