From Granma

UNITED NATIONS, January 3 (PL).— With funds amounting to close to $2 billion, the UN is continuing its efforts to mobilize international aid for the countries affected by the terrible seaquake in the Indian Ocean.

In the view of Jan Egeland, assistant general secretary for humanitarian affairs, the response to this natural disaster that took at least 150,000 lives has been unprecedented. Japan, which a few days ago accused the rich nations of being tightfisted given such a monumental tragedy, has demonstrated the largest material disposition with $500 million, the official highlighted.

The United States, the power that directs the largest budgets in the world to the arms race, took the allusion as being meant for it after a ludicrous promise of $15 million and in the face of fierce criticism, increased the sum to $35 million and then to $350 million.

Stretched to its own limits, the UN will immediately have to coordinate contributions from some 40 countries and hundreds of non-governmental organizations from all over the world.

Egeland is insisting on giving concrete aid, and spoke in particular of helicopters to go to the rescue of little islands and inaccessible areas, as well as coordination equipment to facilitate air traffic at airports.

In his assessment, the Indonesian island of Sumatra and its Aceh province, at the epicenter of the earthquake on December 26, has been most hard hit and possibly the location of three quarters of the deaths caused by the phenomenon.

This Sunday, Carol Bellamy, the executive director of UNICEF, initiated a tour of the region in Sri Lanka in order to set priorities.

UNICEF focuses on children’s protection and is concentrating on guaranteeing drinking water and preventive vaccinations in the affected communities, given the imminence of outbreaks of epidemics, to which end it has directed $50 million.

In a New Year statement, UN Secretary General Kofi Annan emphasized the need for a strong and effective logistical support so the aid flows to all the areas without delay.