Condolences pour in for quake victims
Condolences pour in for quake victims
The Jakarta Post, Jakarta
Presidents, prime ministers, kings and queens from around the
globe offered the Aceh tsunami victims their heartfelt sympathies
and pledged aid and assistance to President Susilo Bambang
Yudhoyono.
Copies of condolence letters and offers of help sent to Susilo
were made available to The Jakarta Post on Tuesday by a range of
embassies in Jakarta.
On behalf of the European Union (EU) and the Netherlands, the
Dutch Queen Beatrix and Prime Minister Balkenende extended their
heartfelt sympathies to the victims and relatives of those
affected.
"The EU stands ready to assist in every way possible to
alleviate the sad plight of the victims. To that end it has
activated its Monitoring and Information Center in Brussels to
coordinate the rescue and relief efforts from the European
Union," the Queen and Prime Minister said in a declaration.
Japanese Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi offered on Monday
victims' families his condolences through a letter sent to
Susilo.
Japan announced on Tuesday assistance of US$1.87 million to
Indonesian victims.
The U.S. Embassy in Jakarta said on Tuesday that Washington
has provided an initial $100,000 to the Indonesian Red Cross for
immediate relief activities. The U.S. is planning to give another
$2 million to the Red Cross.
Meanwhile, British aid minister Gareth Thames telephoned
Indonesian Foreign Minister Hassan Wirayuda on Tuesday to convey
condolences on behalf of the British government and Foreign
Secretary Jack Straw.
"We are ready to respond to the need to help Indonesian people
in Aceh by sending two British humanitarian aid advisers
immediately to coordinate our response," Thames said.
Indonesia's neighbor India, which is also a victim of the
tragedy, conveyed its deep sympathies to the victims' families.
"Our sympathies are with the families who have lost their near
and dear ones. We pray to the Almighty to give them strength to
withstand this difficult period with courage," Indian President
A.P.J. Abdul Kalam said in a letter sent to Susilo.
"The Government of India stands ready to provide any
assistance that you may require," Indian Prime Minister Manmohan
Singh said in a separate letter sent to Susilo.
The Chinese Embassy said on Tuesday that Chinese President Hu
Jintao and Prime Minister Wen Jiabao had sent a message to
Susilo.
"The two Chinese leaders extended deep condolences to the
Indonesian President and, through President Susilo Bambang
Yudhoyono, to the families," the Embassy said.
China has donated $600,000 worth of blankets, tents and food
to the victims.
Italian President Carlo Azeglio Ciampi and Prime Minister
Silvio Berlusconi also conveyed similar message to Susilo.
"In the spirit of friendship and collaboration that unite our
two countries, the Italy is very close to and supportive of
Indonesian people in this tragic moment," President Ciampi said.
"I promptly gave instructions to stand ready and contribute to
the relieve of the population affected. Italy is close to you and
to your country in this tragic moment of sorrow," Berlusconi said
in a letter sent to Susilo.
Canadian Prime Minister Paul Martin also expressed on Sunday
his sympathy and support to the quake-hit countries including
Indonesia.
"On behalf of all Canadians, I would like to express my deep
sympathy and condolences to those affected. We extend our
thoughts and prayers to all the victims, their families, and
others hit by this terrible disaster," Martin said.
A powerful earthquake measuring on 9.0 on the Richter scale
and deadly tsunamis struck Indonesia's two northern provinces --
Aceh and North Sumatra -- and killed more than 15,000 people.
The death toll may rise further as scores of villages, towns are
still cut off from the outside world.