U.S. sends humanitarian aid to quake-hit TurkeyOctober 29, 2011 - 10:57 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - Following a request from Turkey, the U.S. Defense Secretary Leon Panetta has ordered his European Command to provide humanitarian relief supplies to the victims of last week's devastating earthquake. The United States has received a request from the Turkish government for humanitarian support in the wake of the devastating earthquake that struck Van province earlier this week, Navy Capt John Kirby, a Pentagon spokesman, said. "As a result, and in coordination with the State Department, Secretary Panetta ordered U.S. European Command to begin providing requested materials to Turkish authorities. USEUCOM will airlift relief supplies (blankets, cots, sleeping bags and hygiene kits) to Turkey within the next 18-24 hours," he said. Kirby said the government of Turkey continues to work with local authorities and other international relief agencies to cope with the after-effects of the earthquake and to provide for the needs of its people, The International Business Times reported. The death toll in Turkey continues to mount, with more than 570 people reported dead and another 2,500 injured so far. Top stories Authorities said a total of 192 Azerbaijani troops were killed and 511 were wounded during Azerbaijan’s offensive. In 2023, the Azerbaijani government will increase the country’s defense budget by more than 1.1 billion manats ($650 million). The bill, published on Monday, is designed to "eliminate the shortcomings of an unreasonably broad interpretation of the key concept of "compatriot". The earthquake caused a temporary blackout, damaged many buildings and closed a number of rural roads. Partner news | The Power of One Dram to benefit Road of Life charity The companies inform that the May beneficiary of The Power of One Dram is the “Road of Life” charitable organization. Ucom General Director gives lecture at French University in Armenia The General Director of Ucom Ralph Yirikian delivered a lecture at the French University of Armenia. Kazakhstan welcomes Yerevan, Baku’s agreement to meet in Almaty Kassym-Jomart Tokayev has welcomed the agreement of Baku and Yerevan to hold negotiations in Almaty. Armenia offers to temporarily host, preserve Gaza manuscripts The Armenian Foreign Minister has said Yerevan is ready to help preserve manuscripts from the conflict zone in Gaza. |