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Press Release from Nirj Deva DL MEP |
19th
February 2005 |
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Statement Regarding the Indonesian Earthquake |
Reacting to the news that a powerful earthquake that measured in
excess of 6.5 on the Richter scale has struck the Indonesian island
of Sulawesi, Nirj Deva, Member of the European Parliament for South
East England and the Rapportuer for the Parliament’s aid budget has
promised to deliver urgent humanitarian assistance to the worst
affected areas.
Speaking from London, the MEP said:
“In the last hour I have been in contact with the European Union
Humanitarian Office to request, as a matter of extreme urgency, an
impact and needs assessment is carried out in the region.
“Whilst I am extremely shocked to hear that Indonesia has been
afflicted by a second major earthquake in as many weeks, by acting
swiftly and learning from the mistakes that were made in the
immediate hours following the tsunami we will be able to ensure that
aid swiftly and effective reaches the areas where it is most needed.
“As the author of the Budget for the International Development
Committee of the European Parliament, I will ensure that, in
addition to the EU funding to assist with the aftermath of the
tsunami, additional aid will be release to help the people of the
Sulawesi region in the days and weeks ahead.
“Now is the time to act. Tomorrow may well be too late”. |
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