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World leaders give condolences
World leaders have sent condolence messages one year after the Indian Ocean tsunami struck a dozen countries, leaving more than 216,000 dead or missing.
- AP
- Published: 00:00 December 27, 2005
Banda Aceh: World leaders have sent condolence messages one year after the Indian Ocean tsunami struck a dozen countries, leaving more than 216,000 dead or missing.
"Tens of thousands of you are still living in inadequate shelters and have little access to information about your future...I want you to know that I won't be satisfied until you have decent homes and job opportunities, so that your children can go out with a [new] sense of security. I will stay the course, and will work with you to sustain a promise of a brighter future," wrote Former US President Bill Clinton, UN special envoy for tsunami recovery, in a message to survivors.
"The scale of devastation and loss of life moved governments and people throughout the world to respond with a generosity of spirit that transcended race, religion and nationality. This commitment to the devastated areas will stand as a lasting and positive legacy of the events of December 26, 2004," Australian Prime Minister John Howard wrote.
"It was so brutal, so quick, and so extensive that we are still struggling to fully comprehend it. At the same time, it prompted an unprecedented response. Millions of people around the world stepped forward to help. The entire international community pulled together," UN Secretary General Kofi Annan said.
US President George W. Bush wrote: "A year later, we remember those days of sorrow, and we also recall the acts of courage and kindness that made us proud. America's government and its citizens mobilised to bring vital supplies to people in the affected areas and the world united behind this urgent cause."
"This last year has reminded us that this world is not always an easy or a safe place to live in, but it is the only place we have," noted Queen Elizabeth II
"Human beings demonstrated love and care for one another. Wishing all of the spirits peaceful rest in heaven," said Thai Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra in a written dedication at a memorial to victims.
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