Gul replies to allegations about discrimination on foreign assistance

President Abdullah Gul yesterday said that there were many countries offering assistance following the devastating earthquake in the eastern province of Van. Gul will visit the disaster area tomorrow. As part of this, Gul said that he hasn't visited the area yet in order not to disturb the relief work there. When reminded that Israel will also send prefabricated houses to Turkey, Gul said that he has talked to heads of states not only from Israel, but also from some other 20 countries on the phone and that all of them indicated their willingness to help. "When the need arose, it was announced by the Foreign Ministry. There are many countries offering assistance, including Israel. Turkey is not discriminating between countries that have offered help," Gul added.