John Gormley
Question:66 Mr. Gormley asked the Taoiseach if he raised the issue of international help for East Timor with Ms Madeline Albright when he met with her on St. Patrick's Day; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9622/00]
Written Answers. - Overseas Aid.
I met US Secretary of State, Ms Madeline Albright, on March 17. I described in some detail my recent visit to East Timor and raised with Ms Albright the issue of international aid to East Timor. I informed her that Mr. Sergio de Mello, special representative of the UN Secretary General and head of UNTAET, had indicated to me that while donor organisations have committed to $55 million in funding until December, he remains concerned that the funding pledged is provided as soon as possible. We agreed on the importance of the early draw down of the aid pledged.