The Government will propose to the Storting that an additional NOK 1 billion be granted for relief work following the tsunami disaster in South East Asia. These will be additional funds and will not affect other parts of the international development budget or the budget of other ministries.

During a meeting with the parliamentary leaders at the Storting yesterday it became clear that the Government will have the full support of all parties for the proposal. This relief aid will come on top of the NOK 100 million that has already been made available to the UN and other organisations for their work in the disaster areas.

“The humanitarian needs are enormous. We therefore wish to grant an additional NOK 1 billion in fresh funds both for immediate disaster relief and for reconstruction in the areas that have been affected by the tsunami. We will give priority to the areas that are most affected and where Norway is in a particularly good position to help,” said Minister of International Development Hilde F. Johnson.

New meeting with humanitarian organisations

Today the International Development Minister met with 16 humanitarian organisations and other relevant actors involved in the disaster relief work following the natural disaster in South East Asia to discuss further Norwegian humanitarian assistance.

“I am extremely pleased by the voluntary contributions that the Norwegian people have already made. Still, I hope and believe that this amount will increase in the days to come, because all the support that can be mobilised is needed,” said the Minister.

Press contact: Head of Information Espen Gullikstad, telephone 91 70 81 22