Brussels, 23/01/2001 (Agence Europe) - On Monday, the General Affairs Council adopted a declaration expressing its emotion at the earthquake in El Salvador and its "greatest sympathy for the victims and their families". The EU gives its assurance it will continue to meet the urgent needs of the populations affected and will envisage actions for rehabilitation and long-term reconstruction. External Relations Commissioner Chris Patten pointed out that the Commission could envisage the reallocation of funds intended for the reconstruction of Central America after Hurricane Mitch (see yesterday's EUROPE, p.11, on the subject of aid already released by the Commission).
In addition, the EU stresses the importance of effective coordination between international donors and organisations in order to support the rescue and reconstruction operations of the national authorities and local organisations, and stresses that it is necessary to organise immediate long-term aid. The meeting of the special advisory group, to be held in principle end February, will give El Salvador and the international community the opportunity to continue to effectively coordinate their joint efforts, concludes the Council.