SECRETARY-GENERAL SADDENED BY DEATHS, DAMAGE FROM INDONESIAN TSUNAMI,

SAYS UNITED NATIONS STANDS READY TO ASSIST DURING RECONSTRUCTION

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

The Secretary-General is saddened by the loss of life and damages provoked by the tsunami that struck the Indonesian island of Java on 17 July, and the trauma being experienced by the survivors, due to the series of aftershocks shaking parts of the island.  He extends his condolences to the victims and their families, and his deepest sympathy to the survivors.

The Secretary-General would like to assure the Government and people of Indonesia that the United Nations stands ready to extend its assistance, both for immediate humanitarian response and during the reconstruction period.

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For information media • not an official record