French parliament holds minute of silence after deadly Türkiye earthquakes

By Nur Asena Erturk

ANKARA (AA) – France's National Assembly (Parliament) held a minute of silence for the victims of the deadly earthquakes in Türkiye and Syria on Tuesday, the French Embassy in Türkiye said on Twitter.

President of the National Assembly Yael Braun-Pivet described it as a "terrible tragedy."

"France with its partners, mobilized itself to provide emergency support to the affected populations," she said, and added: "French rescue teams have been sent to the area to attend the rescue and assistance operations."

Yael Braun-Pivet then invited the MPs to hold a minute of silence in order to "commemorate the victims and express support to their loved ones."

At least 8,574 people were killed and 49,133 others injured in Türkiye after two strong earthquakes on Monday jolted the southern part of the country, according to the country’s disaster agency.

The 7.7 and 7.6 magnitude earthquakes, centered in the Kahramanmaras province, struck 10 provinces.

The tremors were also felt in neighboring Syria, inflicting widespread damage.