MONROVIA, FRIDAY, OCTOBER 28TH, 2011: The President of the Republic of Liberia, Her Excellency Madam Ellen Johnson Sirleaf has sent a message of condolence to the Government and People of the Republic of Turkey following the tragic earthquake in Van, a city in eastern Turkey, which caused the death of hundreds of people and injured more than a thousand people.

According to a Foreign Ministry release, President Johnson Sirleaf noted that Liberia is saddened by this catastrophe sustained by the Republic of Turkey. In the message to her Turkish counterpart, His Excellency Abdullah Gul, the Liberian President expressed deepest condolences to the President, Government and People of Turkey particularly members of the bereaved family on behalf of the Government and People of Liberia for the irreparable loss sustained due to the disaster.

The Liberian leader also prayed that the Almighty Allah will strengthen the People of the Turkish nation during the period of national mourning and distress.

In another development, the Liberian President has congratulated the Government and People of the Republic of Austria on the occasion marking the observance of the National Day of that country.

President Johnson Sirleaf expressed hope that as the People of Austria commemorate this historic occasion, the cordial and friendly ties which happily subsists between the two countries and peoples will be further cemented as the two Governments forge ahead to discover new and more rewarding areas of cooperation for the attainment of world peace and security.

The Liberian leader wished for the People of Austria, the blessings of peace, unity and prosperity under the dynamic leadership of His Excellency Heinz Fischer, President of the Republic of Austria.