German troops wind up Aceh operations

German troops wind up Aceh operations

BANDA ACEH: German soldiers have completed their humanitarian
mission in the tsunami-stricken province of Nanggroe Aceh
Darussalam, and started leaving the area on Thursday.

The 150 soldiers, who arrived in Banda Aceh on Jan. 3, have
undertaken various tasks in Aceh, including the building of a
health clinic equipped with a complete set of surgical equipment
at the Zainoel Abidin Hospital in Banda Aceh.

Apart from building the clinic, the Germans also provided
medical treatment to around 3,000 Acehnese suffering a variety of
serious ailments, including tumors, broken bones and eye
injuries.

A medical staffer, Rieffel, said that although German soldiers
have left Aceh, personnel from several non-governmental
organizations will replace them in giving medical attention to
the Acehnese.

He added that the German government will be donating 1.5
million euros worth of medical equipment to Zainoel Abidin
Hospital. -- JP