Sunday, October 31, 2010 13:29 PM
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INDONESIA: The United States has pledged to give Indonesia US$2 million, while Thailand has provided $100,000, both for victims of tsunami in Mentawai Islands and the volcanic eruption in Mt. Merapi in Indonesia.
US Ambassador Scot Marciel announced Friday that “the US Government Office of Foreign Disaster Assistance (OFDA) will provide $2 million in humanitarian assistance” in response to the natural calamities, according to the embassy’s statement issued Friday.
The aid will be used to assist more than 40,000 internally displaced persons (IDPs) near Mount Merapi and the Mentawai Islands tsunami victims, the statement said.
The funds will be used for the immediate purchase, distribution and replenishment of relief items such as blankets, non food items, masks, clean water, and sanitation and hygiene kits, as well as to help displaced persons return to their homes and resume their normal livelihoods, it said.
Meanwhile, Thai Foreign Minister Kasit Piromya offered his and Thai King Bhumibol Adulyadej’s condolences directly to Indonesian Foreign Minister Marty Natalegawa in Hanoi on the sidelines of the 17th ASEAN Summit. Piromya also told Marty of the Thai government’s intention to provide $100,000 in initial relief assistance.
The Swedish Embassy said Friday in its press statement that King Carl XVI Gustaf and the queen “wish to convey our heartfelt condolences to you Mr. President [Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono], to the bereaved families and to the people of Indonesia”. — JP
