By Adem Yilmaz
GAZIANTEP, Turkey
Director-General of Turkish Prime Ministry Disaster and Emergency Management Presidency Fuat Oktay stated that the total number of Syrians living in Turkey exceeds 900,000. The majority of these Syrians seeking shelter in Turkey live in cities in southern Turkey.
Speaking with the AA, Oktay mentioned that conditions within the camps sheltering Syrians are good. He also added that the Authority is focused on meeting the needs of the Syrians living in the camps, minimizing their problems, and they are trying to do this with assistance from non-governmental organizations.
Stating that the number of Syrians currently living in refugee camps has increased to 224,000, Oktay said the Syrians who fled from civil war have been residing in many provinces close to the border.
"The amount of international financial assistance totals almost $200 million", stated Oktay. He added that their expenditure for the refugees exceeded $2.5 billion and Turkish citizens are also supporting the refugees. "Many municipalities and governorships are guiding the assistance, and several provinces are in a pleasant competition to offer aid."
The Director-General of the Disaster Management Authority repeated his call on the international community for assistance in the fields of education, health, nutrition and accommodation, as Turkey would be unable to sustain this level of assistance alone.
englishnews@aa.com.tr
