SECRETARY-GENERAL SADDENED BY DEATHS FROM INDONESIA FERRY SINKING,

CALLS FOR SAFETY REVIEW AFTER FREQUENT PASSENGER BOAT DISASTERS

The following statement was issued on Saturday, 30 December 2006, by the Spokesman for UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan:

The Secretary-General is deeply saddened by the deaths of hundreds of people as a result of the sinking of a ferry travelling between Borneo and Java islands in Indonesia.  He extends his deepest condolences to the families of those who have been killed or injured in the accident, and commends the valiant rescue attempts by Indonesian authorities, who are working under extremely challenging circumstances.

Noting the frequent reports of devastating passenger boat disasters in Indonesia, the Secretary-General calls on the authorities to review the safety of this important means of transportation.

The United Nations stands ready to assist Indonesia in disaster risk reduction and reiterates its willingness to aid the Government in its response to disasters.

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For information media • not an official record