VIDEO: Our Decision to Help Earthquake Victims Had No Political Context; It Was a Humanitarian Step

The Prime Minister stated, "As for the Minister of Foreign Affairs, I haven't really followed closely, and I do not rule out that there might have been polite smiles, but I do not think there was an atmosphere of joy because a catastrophic earthquake occurred with tens of thousands of casualties. What is there to talk about joy?"

Overall, he continued, "When the earthquake happened, it was a question for us what stance we should take, and it was impossible for us to leave thousands of people under the rubble without providing any assistance. Our decision to help the victims of the earthquake had no political context; it was purely humanitarian aid. However, it also received some political response, because our humanitarian aid to Turkey has gone through the Margara Bridge, which has been closed for 30 years. There was a warm reception. There is a guarantee of security, which is peace."

This statement was made by the Prime Minister during a meeting in Berlin today. For more details, see the video.