Peres thanks Israel's rescue team in Haiti

President places phone call to members of Israeli aid delegation at field hospital they set up in Port-au-Prince to express his appreciation. 'You are people's defense force,' he says

Ynet Published: 01.19.10, 18:15 / Israel News




A presidential word of gratitude. Members of the Israeli search and rescue delegation to Haiti, which setup a field hospital in the devastated country and also registered a number of successful rescue operations in Port-au-Prince, received a phone call from President Shimon Peres Tuesday afternoon in a show of thanks.



Peres said, "You have saved lives and brought life. I speak on behalf of the entire nation who thanks you for your dedication, your capability, and your volunteerism, for bringing relief to the victims and pride to the country."

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In a conversation with the head of the Israeli delegation Brig. Gen. Shalom Ben-Arieh that was broadcast over the field hospital's public announcement system to all the soldiers, doctors, and rescue team members, the president said, "The terrible disaster that has befallen Haiti, an earthquake that has shaken hearts around the world, that left us crying and helpless called for superior and purposeful volunteerism. You responded to this call out of sensitivity, attention, and concern for every little girl and every man."



Peres lavished praises on the Israeli team's actions. "The entire nation is watching you every day with a crying heart and deep concern. You have brought the IDF's capability to its pinnacle. It is not only the Israeli defense force, but the people's defense force. It does not matter where disaster strikes, you are the first and the best organized to help.

This disaster is a disaster, and I thank you for manifesting the humanity of the IDF. Your volunteerism against showed the beautiful spirit of the IDF, which is humane. If one soul can be saved, the military is called into action."



The president, who concluded his conversation with the words "thank you," said, "I speak with much emotion. We are watching you from afar everyday and feel so close and so real. I know that you will do everything possible in order to continue saving lives and bringing hope to an impossible situation and a disaster unlike any other."

Source:ynetnews.com/

Thai Cabinet Approves Donation, Rice To Help Haiti Quake Victims

BANGKOK, Jan 19 (Bernama) -- Thailand's Cabinet on Tuesday gave a greenlight to provide US$100,000 to quake-hit Haiti, and will also send 20,000 tonnes of rice to help victims there following estimates that two million people urgently need food aid, according to Thai News Agency.




Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva said after Tuesday's Cabinet meeting that the additional aid was approved after the Ministry of Foreign Affairs donated an initial grant of US$20,000 last week.



The foreign ministry earlier sought Cabinet approval of medium-term financial assistance to Haiti as the Thai law does not allow the ministry itself to approve any budget over US$30,000.



The premier said 20,000 tonnes of rice will also be sent there. After detailed discussions with the United Nations, Thailand will also send a medical team into the devastated area.



"Those who want to help the quake victims can donate through Krung Thai Bank, Government House Branch, account number 0057-65-7 or call hotline telephone number 1111," said Abhisit.



The premier added that a donation centre to help Haitians will be set up near Makkawanrangsan Bridge from January 20 though February 3, open every day.



Abhisit assigned Minister Attached to the Prime Minister's Office Veerachai Veerametheekul to coordinate with the foreign ministry in providing help the quake-hit people in Haiti.



Foreign Minister Kasit Piromya earlier said that the ministry is consulting with agencies concerned to provide assistance to benefit a spectrum of victims, and that he has asked the Mexican government to help procure and deliver supplies in need on behalf of the Thai government to affected Haitians with Thailand's financial assistance.



The foreign ministry reported that eight Thais living in Haiti were safe after a 7.0 magnitude quake hit southern Haiti last Tuesday killing some 50,000 people and affected some two million people. There are fears that the death toll could reach 200,000.

Source:bernama.com/

Senegal: President Wade rethinks aid to Haiti

Senegalese President, Abdoulaye Wade has changed position on humanitarian assistance to Haiti, where earthquake reportedly claimed the lives of over 100,000.


Last weekend, President Wade announced his government’s offer of repatriation and land to Haitians who wants to settle in Senegal. He said his government will build housing estates for the Haitians if they ‘come in small numbers or an entire region if they come en masse’.


After intense criticism from the Senegalese people, President Wade told RNW that his offer was just ‘a proposition and not a decision’. He said he will present his proposition to the African Union (AU) and that members of the union will discuss and make final decision.


Most Senegalese people are without a plot of land and they live in abject poverty. Many described the president’s land offer to Haitians as an insult to the poor Senegalese.


President Wade is known for retracting his statements.

Source:rnw.nl/