Jakarta, December 28, 2004

It is with shock and great sorrow that the EU has learned of the tragic loss of so many lives following the earthquake in the Indian Ocean.

H.M Queen Beatrix and Prime Minister Balkenende yesterday extended their heartfelt sympathy to the victims and relatives of all those affected. They sent messages of solidarity and support to the heads of state and government of the countries concerned. Minister of Foreign Affairs Bot expressed his condolences to his colleagues in the region.

The EU stands ready to assist in every way possible to alleviate the sad plight of the victims. To that end it has activated its Monitoring and Information Centre in Brussels to coordinate the rescue and relief efforts from the European Union, in cooperation with the Presidency.

EU Member States have deployed rescue personnel and cargo aircraft or have made substantial contributions to emergency appeals of the Red Cross and other organizations. As an initial response, the European Commission has made available EURO 3 million for emergency aid.

The EU is working closely together with the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs and EU nationals are active in the UN assessment teams that are active in the region.

The Presidency is in close contact with EU partners with a view to coordinating assistance to EU citizens who have been affected by this disaster.

The EU and its Member States will continue to monitor the situation closely and remain ready to provide assistance, as necessary, in close cooperation with other actors involved.