GA/SM/154 - 20000302
Following is the statement made by the
President of the General Assembly, Theo-Ben Gurirab (Namibia), at the plenary
meeting on 2 March, concerning the floods in southern Africa:
Before turning to the items on our agenda this afternoon, may I, on behalf of the members of the Assembly and on my own behalf, extend to the Governments and peoples of the southern African countries recently struck by disastrous floods, in particular Mozambique, our deepest sympathy for the tragic loss of lives and extensive material damage.
May I also express the hope that the international community will demonstrate its solidarity by responding promptly and generously to any request from these countries for assistance in their present plight.
In the face of this massive tragedy, Mozambique will require many years of sustained assistance from external sources to be able to rebuild infrastructure, schools, hospitals and houses.