ANKARA - Turkey will send the first portion of humanitarian aid to Tal Afar city of Iraq within few days, sources said on Wednesday.
Turkish Foreign Ministry Spokesman Namik Tan told reporters that negotiations with American officials continue regarding the question, adding that officials from both sides are trying to coordinate the shipment of the aid. He said that a meeting was held yesterday on this issue.
Tan said, ``we decided to deliver urgent humanitarian aid to Tal Afar, which will be sent by Turkish Red Crescent via Habur border crossing.``
Briefing journalists, Tan said, ``the convoy will be comprised of 2 ambulances, 3 communication lorries and a vehicle for personnel and will carry foodstuff, tents, blankets and drinking water.`` He added, ``the first portion of aid will include 450 tents, 3000 blankets, foodstuff and water enough for 5000 people.``
Sources said that the first convoy will enter Iraq on September 17th.
When asked who will assure the security in Tal Afar, Tan recalled that Tal Afar is a Turkmen city and said, ``thus, it is obvious who will take charge the control of the city and assure security .`` He also stressed that earlier the administration in the city was in the hands of Turkmens.
Upon another question, Tan said, ``according to the information given by civil and military authorities, operation in Tal Afar completely ended and people started to return to the city.``
Tan added, ``necessary measures will be taken and additional initiatives will be launched according to the developments in the region.``
(GC-ULG) 15.09.2004