Annan welcomes aid-sharing pact between Government and rebels in Sri Lanka

United Nations Secretary-General Kofi Annan welcomed the signing today of a Memorandum of Understanding between the Sri Lankan Government and the rebel Liberation Tigers of Tamil Elam (LTTE) to establish a joint tsunami aid-sharing structure.

The Post-Tsunami Operational Management Structure will allow for the distribution of relief funds to all affected areas in Sri Lanka, a UN spokesperson said in a statement released today.

The Secretary-General expressed appreciation to the parties for the commitment they have shown to rebuilding devastated areas by this action, thanking President Kumaratunga in particular.

“They have done the right thing in placing people's needs first,” the spokesperson said.

Mr. Annan also welcomed the inclusion of the Muslim minority in the committees that will administer the funds, according to the statement.

“The Secretary-General hopes the agreement will help place Sri Lanka on the road to full recovery from this unparalleled tragedy," the spokesperson said. “He believes that this is an important day for the many tsunami-affected families and communities in the country.”