EU Presidency Statement - Economic assistance

Mr. President,

I have the honour to speak on behalf of the EU on agenda item 20 (b) - assistance to El Salvador as a result of the earthquake of 13 January 2001. The Central and Eastern European countries associated with European Union, Bulgaria, the Czech Republic, Estonia, Hungary, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, and the associated countries Cyprus, Malta and Turkey, as well as the EFTA countries members of the EEA Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway, align themselves with this statement.

The EU has been profoundly moved by the loss of human lives and the damage caused by the recent earthquake in El Salvador. The EU expresses its deepest sympathy for the victims and their families.

The EU responded immediately, and will continue to address the urgent needs of the affected population and to consider rehabilitation and long-term reconstruction activities.

The EU would like to emphasise the importance of efficient co-ordination among donors and international organisations in supporting the relief and reconstruction efforts of the national authorities and local organisations. In addition to immediate relief and humanitarian assistance it is essential, already at this stage, to organise support for long-term reconstruction and development, including further strengthening of local response capacities.

The special Consultative Group meeting, that has preliminary been scheduled to take place at the end of February, will provide an opportunity for El Salvador together with the international community to further co-ordinate joint efforts in an efficient manner.

Finally, Mr. President, the EU welcomes the adoption of the resolution on Assistance to El Salvador and is proud to join the list of co-sponsors.

Thank you, Mr. President.

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