SECRETARY-GENERAL DISTRESSED BY NEWS OF IRAN’S DEVASTATING EARTHQUAKE, SAYS UN MOBILIZING ASSISTANCE

SECRETARY-GENERAL DISTRESSED BY NEWS OF IRAN’S DEVASTATING

EARTHQUAKE, SAYS UN MOBILIZING ASSISTANCE

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

The Secretary-General was distressed to learn of the devastating casualties and damage caused by the earthquake in south-eastern Iran.  He conveys his deepest condolences and sympathy to the Government and people of the Islamic Republic of Iran and to the victims of the disaster.

The Government of Iran has indicated that it would welcome assistance from the international community.  The United Nations is mobilizing international assistance to support the Government to cope with the tragedy.  The United Nations Country Team in Tehran has sent two teams to the affected area.  In addition, a United Nations Disaster Assessment and Coordination (UNDAC) team has been dispatched to help coordinate relief efforts.  The Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs has made an initial emergency grant of $90,000.

The Secretary-General calls on the international community to provide immediate support to the relief efforts for victims of the earthquake.

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