In response to the tsunami disaster that struck Asian countries, Japan will provide emergency assistance grants up to $500 million to cope with the damage. In the immediate aftermath, on December 28th, units of the Japan Maritime Self Defense Force that were in the vicinity changed course to help afflicted areas on Thailand’s coast. Japan has also decided to mobilize Japan’s Self Defense Forces (JSDF) aircraft, vessels and personnel. Preparations are under way to provide medical assistance and transportation assistance via air, sea, and land. To evaluate needs in Indonesia, Thailand and Malaysia, an advance team of about 20 people from the JSDF was first dispatched to Indonesia today.
Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi, in his comment on January 1st, made it clear that Japan is determined to provide assistance to the maximum extent possible in three ways: financial resources, knowledge and expertise, and human resources.
1. For the time being, Japan will extend to affected countries and the relevant international organizations up to $500 million of grant money as emergency assistance to cope with the damage.
2. Japan will promote cooperation with countries and the relevant international organizations for the expeditious establishment of a Tsunami early-warning mechanism for countries surrounding the Indian Ocean, utilizing Japan's expertise and technology. Japan will propose that a special session on this subject be convened at the United Nations World Conference on Disaster Reduction to be held from 18 to 22 January in Kobe, Japan.
3. With respect to contributions of human resources, Japan has already dispatched Japan Disaster Relief Teams to various affected areas, and Japan will make further contributions by utilizing fire department helicopters and personnel. Japan will also consider, as early as possible, additional contributions by mobilizing Japan Self Defense Forces aircraft, vessels and personnel.
On January 6th, Prime Minister Koizumi will attend the Special ASEAN Leaders’ Meeting on the Aftermath of the Earthquake and Tsunami in Indonesia to express Japan’s determination to extend the maximum possible assistance commensurate with its responsibilities as a fellow Asian partner, to demonstrate its solidarity, and to discuss concrete action.
[Related link]
* Major Earthquake off the Coast of Sumatra and Tsunami in the Indian Ocean
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