In progress at UNHQ

SG/SM/9168

SECRETARY-GENERAL PROMISES UN ASSISTANCE FOLLOWING EARTHQUAKE IN NORTHERN MOROCCO

24/02/2004
Press Release
SG/SM/9168


SECRETARY-GENERAL PROMISES UN ASSISTANCE FOLLOWING EARTHQUAKE IN NORTHERN MOROCCO


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


The Secretary-General is deeply saddened by the heavy loss of life and the extensive damage caused by a powerful earthquake that struck near the city of Al Hoceima in northern Morocco.  He extends his deepest sympathy to the families of those who lost loved ones in the tragedy and to the Government of Morocco.


The United Nations stands ready to render assistance, including by deploying a United Nations Disaster Assessment and Coordination Team to assist the Government in managing the international response to the emergency.


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For information media. Not an official record.