15/01/2010 President
Strasbourg, 15.01.2010 – The President of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE), Lluís Maria de Puig, has called on Council of Europe member states to shoulder their humanitarian responsibilities following the Haiti devastation.
“Five years ago the international community rose to the challenge of the Tsunami disaster. The earthquake is, unfortunately, Haiti’s Tsunami and no less devastating,” said Mr de Puig. “At this moment in time our thoughts lie with the victims, and the families and friends of the victims. The uncertainty and lack of communications just add to the suffering of all those involved. My condolences go to the people of Haiti, as well as to our colleagues in the United Nations and others who are caught up in the earthquake and who may have died, gone missing, been injured or are suffering,” the President added.
“Today all we can think of is ensuring that emergency assistance reaches the area as quickly as possible and is co-ordinated as efficiently as possible. The generosity of governments, civil society and individuals following the Tsunami disaster was outstanding. I hope it will be matched in the response to the Haiti earthquake.”