DEEPLY SADDENED BY TRAGIC DEATH, DESTRUCTION WROUGHT BY EARTHQUAKE IN PERU,

SECRETARY-GENERAL SAYS UNITED NATIONS READY TO SUPPORT RELIEF EFFORTS

The following statement was issued today by the Spokesperson for UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon:

The Secretary-General was deeply saddened to learn of the tragic death and destruction wrought by a powerful earthquake south of Lima, Peru.  He extends his sincere condolences to the families and friends of those who died.

The United Nations is in close contact with the Government of Peru and stands ready to support relief efforts with measures including the release of emergency funds and the deployment of a team of disaster assessment and coordination experts.

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For information media • not an official record