NORTH EAST EURO MP BACKS EUROPEAN RESPONSE TO TSUNAMI DISASTER

12.00.00am GMT Wed 12th Jan 2005

Fiona Hall, Liberal Democrat MEP for the North East, is supporting calls for long-term in the aftermath of the Asian Tsunami.

Commenting after signing a Written Declaration in the European Parliament, Ms. Hall said:

'Millions of people have been injured, dispossessed or displaced by the Tsunami disaster, and they are now open to flash flooding and water borne disease epidemics. The European Parliament is highlighting the need for increased long term aid for disease prevention, the rebuilding of infrastructure, and the key industries of fishing and tourism in the region.

'MEPs want the Commission and national governments to make sure that EU development aid budgets are able to meet the increased needs following the disaster. The EU must work with the governments of the affected areas, the UN and non-EU donor countries to continually monitor how well aid is being delivered, particularly to people in areas which are remote or politically unstable.

'I also hope that the EU will involve itself in the immediate implementation of an early warning system in the Indian Ocean area, which is of vital importance if we are to avoid a repeat of these dreadful events.'