Local view for "http://purl.org/linkedpolitics/eu/plenary/2005-01-12-Speech-3-057"
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"en.20050112.4.3-057"2
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".
Mr President, I have just returned from Sri Lanka, where I witnessed many of the dreadful sights that we have all seen on television. As a Sri Lankan-born Member of this Parliament, I wish to express my gratitude to all those who have responded so generously to appeals, and especially for the help given by the peoples of Europe; my own country, Britain, in particular; and my constituents in the south-east of England.
The EU and its Member States have together pledged almost EUR 1.5 billion so far. The amount continues to rise. The Commission and Parliament have sanctioned EUR 23 million and promised funds of EUR 350 million, although EUR 150 million of that is not new money, but will be taken from existing long-term developments. This must be reviewed.
I also welcome the proposal for a lending facility of EUR 1 billion from the European Investment Bank. We must deliver the aid which we have promised. In the past the international community has not done so. A rapid reaction civilian corps for aid delivery, as proposed by Commissioner Ferrero-Waldner, is most welcome. Our aid must be visible.
I was embarrassed in Sri Lanka because EU aid was immediately delivered, but was done so invisibly, despite Commissioner Michel being extremely visible and hands-on. The United Nations and NGOs only act as coordinators and do not pretend to be the donors. Our taxpayers demand visibility. Ownership matters.
We must also ensure that aid is not stolen – yes, stolen! Where the appropriate systems do not exist in the recipient countries, aid will be stolen unless we ensure that delivery mechanisms are totally transparent and accountable. There is currently an urgent need for small, suitable boats to be donated. I am glad that President Barroso mentioned that.
Early warning procedures are also needed before the next disaster happens. An authenticated telephone call to CNN and the other broadcast networks could have saved thousands of lives in Sri Lanka, Somalia and Thailand. After all, the Americans evacuated Diego Garcia. However, that telephone call did not come. This does not only apply to Asia. How would people in Europe be warned if, let us say, volcanic activity in the Canary Islands caused a tsunami? Will the Commission prepare an urgent report?
In Sri Lanka I hope that reconstruction will also mean reconciliation and that aid will be consistent with the December 2002 Oslo talks and the Tokyo Donor Conference expectations. We should expect no less for Indonesia, with its Aceh separatists.
We must remember that it is trade and investment, not aid, which will sustain the people in the long term. The devastation is limited to the coastal areas and the countries of south Asia are still open for business.
Let us all work together, not only to repair the destruction, but also to give the victims a hand up and not merely a hand-out."@en1
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