Statement Attributable to the Spokesman for the Secretary-General on the Response to the United Nations Flash Appeal for Tsunami-Affected countries

Having had the opportunity this week to visit the affected region and witness the immense human suffering, he is acutely aware of the enormous needs, both in terms of immediate relief and longer term recovery.

Given the unprecedented needs, the Secretary-General appeals to the international community to rapidly deliver on their pledges and urges all donors to sustain their support throughout the rehabilitation and reconstruction phase. He also urges the international community to establish a regional early warning mechanism.

The Secretary-General appreciates this expression of confidence by the international community in the United Nations' coordination of relief efforts, and reiterates his intention to urgently establish a financial tracking system to ensure transparency, accountability and efficient management of relief and reconstruction funds.

The Secretary-General looks forward to continued international cooperation, building on the encouraging efforts made during the initial response to the crisis. He hopes that the global outpouring of solidarity and generosity will become a model for the response to other humanitarian crises.