SECRETARY-GENERAL EXPRESSES SYMPATHY FOR FLOOD VICTIMS

AS UNITED NATIONS PROVIDES SUPPORT

The following statement was issued today by the Spokesman for Secretary-General Kofi Annan:

The Secretary-General expresses his sincere sympathy for the people and Governments suffering the effects of flooding in Central Europe, Russia, Iran, South Asia, China and the Philippines.  The United Nations is providing support to affected countries who have requested it, by delivering relief materials, mobilizing donor support, and serving as a conduit for the timely sharing of information which is so important in coordinating emergency response.  The United Nations stands ready to assist any other affected countries that ask for help.

The Secretary-General also points out that World Summit on Sustainable Development, opening in just a few days’ time, will provide an opportunity to move forward on developing strategies to reduce the effects of natural disasters and to confront the serious environmental challenges affecting our planet.  Such strategies must become an essential component of sustainable development policies and practices.

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