RI calls for global conference on tsunami disaster relief

RI calls for global conference on tsunami disaster relief

Indonesia is pushing for a UN-sponsored international conference to discuss relief operations for nations affected by the Asian tsunamis, President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono said on Thursday.

He said he had already received support for the proposal from UN Secretary General Kofi Annan and US President George W. Bush during phone calls on Wednesday.

"I proposed to the UN secretary-general yesterday... it would be good if the international community, under the sponsorship of the United Nations, convenes an international conference to help states that have faced the earthquake or tsunami disaster," Susilo said.

"I obtained an explanation that the UN secretary general agrees."

Susilo said the response from Bush was also "positive".

He said the conference would explore ways the international community could help those nations affected by Sunday's tsunamis, but gave no other details. --AFP