Turkish thanks to Syrian president, people for their help after earthquake

Syrian President Hafez al-Assad on Sunday received a cable from Turkey thanking him for Syrian efforts in helping Turkey at a very difficult time.

The cable said "The people of Turkey expressed their deep thanks and gratitude over the immediate aid material and moral support donated from President al-Assad and the people of Syria when the earthquake hit Turkey.

"This generous gesture, which came in the most difficult and painful days, will be always remembered in our minds. We, at the time being, face the need to ensure temporary shelter for thousands of homeless citizens. We have already started the reconstruction process to build new houses for those citizens. We are determined to heal the wounds of destruction as soon as possible and renew the infrastructure in the devastated area.

"We are confident that you will continue supporting us. We will never forget the helping hand extended to us in hard times."