As a follow-up to Prime Minister Jens Stoltenberg’s telephone conversation with Indonesian President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono, Minister of International Development Erik Solheim has decided to provide up to NOK 20 million to the relief efforts following the earthquake.The support will be channelled through the UN system, the Red Cross and NGOs.

- The Norwegian authorities will assist the Indonesian people in this time of dire need, said Mr Solheim.

The death toll estimate has now passed 4000, and as many as 200 000 may have been made homeless. Many people have been injured, and there is a great need for emergency medical assistance.

- When the UN issues its appeal, Norway will provide NOK 10 million to UN humanitarian organisations, such as UNICEF. We have allocated up to NOK 5 million to the Norwegian Red Cross for the establishment and operation of a field hospital, and we are also considering the possibility of providing support through NGOs, said Mr Solheim.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs is in contact with the UN system, the Norwegian Red Cross and NGOs in order to identify the humanitarian needs. A decision as to how the Norwegian funds should be distributed will be made once the UN has issued its appeal.

Press contact: Espen Gullikstad, mobile phone: 91 70 81 22