[Congressional Record Volume 157, Number 160 (Monday, October 24, 2011)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1913]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




      IN HONOR OF THE VICTIMS OF THE EARTHQUAKE IN EASTERN TURKEY

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. WILLIAM R. KEATING

                            of massachusetts

                    in the house of representatives

                        Monday, October 24, 2011

  Mr. KEATING. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to express my deepest 
condolences for the victims of the 7.2 magnitude earthquake that shook 
the eastern region of Turkey on Sunday and claimed the lives of nearly 
300 people.
  As I join my colleagues in Washington this week, my thoughts and 
prayers are with the families of Van who have lost loved ones, the 
children of Ercis who have lost the security of their homes, and the 
courageous rescue workers who have risked their lives searching for 
survivors in unsteady rubble.
  While it is regrettable that moments of chaos and tragedy bring 
nations closer together, I see the outpouring of support by Turkey's 
neighbors and allies to be testament to the loyalty demonstrated by the 
Turkish people year after year. May the destruction of this earthquake 
serve not as a representation of tragedies past, but as a reminder of 
the assistance Turkey has provided her neighbors when they have faced 
similar calamity.
  In my privileged capacity as a member of the House Committee on 
Foreign Affairs, I am proud to witness the deluge of disaster aid 
offered by countries near and far. It would bring me a great sense of 
relief to see that the victims of this natural disaster receive access 
to the aid offered by Turkey's neighbors.
  In honor of Turkey's resilience and strength, I once again offer my 
most sincere sympathy and appreciation for the pain felt by the Turkish 
people.

                          ____________________