SG/SM/6233

SECRETARY-GENERAL EXPRESSES SHOCK AT TRAGIC LOSS OF LIVES IN IRAN

12 May 1997


Press Release
SG/SM/6233


SECRETARY-GENERAL EXPRESSES SHOCK AT TRAGIC LOSS OF LIVES IN IRAN

19970512 The following statement was issued yesterday in Tokyo by the Spokesman for Secretary-General Kofi Annan:

The Secretary-General was shocked to hear of the tragic loss of over 1,000 lives, and of thousands more injured or left homeless, by the massive earthquake that took place yesterday in eastern Iran. He extends his sincere condolences to the families of the victims and to the Government of Iran.

On his arrival in Tokyo, Sunday evening, 11 May, the Secretary-General consulted with his Emergency Relief Coordinator Yasushi Akashi. The Geneva situation room of the United Nations Department of Humanitarian Affairs is helping to coordinate the international response to the disaster.

The Secretary-General calls on the international community to respond promptly and with generosity to any request from the Government of Iran for assistance.

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For information media. Not an official record.