SECRETARY-GENERAL PLEDGES UN SUPPORT, DISPATCHES DISASTER COORDINATION TEAMS,

FOLLOWING NEWS OF POWERFUL EARTHQUAKE IN INDONESIA

 

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

The Secretary-General was deeply distressed at the news of a powerful earthquake off Sumatra in Indonesia yesterday.  His heart goes out to the families of the many victims of this disaster, as well as to the Government of Indonesia.

He has sent disaster coordination teams to the area to work with the Government, as well as with non-governmental organizations, to help assess the damage while United Nations agencies work with others to help relieve the suffering.

He pledges the United Nations’ support for the people of Indonesia at this difficult hour, as well as its readiness to help with reconstruction efforts at the appropriate time.

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