SECRETARY-GENERAL EXPRESSES SYMPATHY FOR FLOOD VICTIMS
AS UNITED NATIONS PROVIDES SUPPORT
The following statement was issued today by the Spokesman for Secretary-General Kofi Annan:
The Secretary-General expresses his sincere sympathy for the people and Governments suffering the effects of flooding in Central Europe, Russia, Iran, South Asia, China and the Philippines.� The United Nations is providing support to affected countries who have requested it, by delivering relief materials, mobilizing donor support, and serving as a conduit for the timely sharing of information which is so important in coordinating emergency response.� The United Nations stands ready to assist any other affected countries that ask for help.
The Secretary-General also points out that World Summit on Sustainable Development, opening in just a few days’ time, will provide an opportunity to move forward on developing strategies to reduce the effects of natural disasters and to confront the serious environmental challenges affecting our planet.� Such strategies must become an essential component of sustainable development policies and practices.
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