STATEMENT NO:55

Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan, during his Sudan visit between March 27^th and 29^th, 2006, visited the Otach refugee camp in Nyala, the capital of the southern province of Darfur affected by the armed conflict. Observing the hard living conditions of about 30 thousand people struggling to stay alive, the Prime minister instructed to build a field hospital immediately.

The Turkish Red Crescent has already sent two delegates on March 30^th, 2006 to determine the needs in the region.

As of April 12^th, 2006, five C-130 transport aircrafts of Turkish Air Force started delivering the field hospital for Turkish Red Crescent with a capacity of 50 beds and two surgery rooms.

In addition to the field hospital, the delivery of medical supplies and infant formula to the region is anticipated as well.

The installation of the field hospital to be used by the Turkish Red Crescent is an example of Turkish Government’s recent aid efforts to any region and people in need, and specifically to Africa.