Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 26 January 2005
476 Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will report on the representations he has made to the Indonesian Government to ensure that tsunami disaster relief reaches all populations on the basis of need and is not withheld as a political weapon, that is, on Aceh’s southern coast. [1552/05]
View answerOn my recent visit to tsunami-affected countries, I visited the province of Aceh on the island of Sumatra, Indonesia. The scale of the destruction in the city of Banda Aceh, which I personally witnessed, is truly appalling. The loss of life and destruction of property are almost beyond words. There is a clear and acute need for ongoing international assistance for the emergency and for recovery efforts afterwards. The Government is supporting key UN agencies and NGOs in meeting the immediate needs of those most affected.
During my visit to Sumatra, I met Dr. Alwi Abdurrahman Shihab, Co-ordinating Minister for People's Welfare and the National Task Force, who was visiting the region at this time. I was briefed on the emergency operation and the steps being taken by the Government of Indonesia to co-ordinate the aid effort, in close consultation with the United Nations. During my meeting with the Indonesian Minister, I made clear the Government's offer to assist in the recovery process in the short and medium term. I also stressed the importance of ensuring that humanitarian aid reaches all populations on the basis of need. I requested that every assistance necessary be given to United Nations agencies and Irish NGOs to operate in the region without hindrance. I have since followed up with a letter to Dr. Alwi Abdurrahman Shihab.
I also discussed all aspects of the relief operation, including the possibility of peace talks in Helsinki between the Government and the Free Aceh Movement with my Swedish and Finnish colleagues on Monday last. In addition, I also intend to discuss the situation with the Secretary General of the United Nations in New York next month.
