Annan Offers Aid to Quake-Struck Iran

The United Nations is sending an inter-agency assessment team to Iran after an overnight earthquake killed or injured hundreds and is ready provide any aid that may been needed and to mobilize international assistance, Secretary-General Kofi Annan said today.

In a <"http://www.un.org/News/Press/docs/2006/sgsm10400.doc.htm">statement issued by his spokesman, Mr. Annan extended his deepest condolences to the families of those who were killed or injured.

"The Secretary-General is deeply saddened by the loss of life, the hundreds of injuries and the destruction suffered by the people of Iran after the earthquakes that struck Lorestan Province on the evening of 30 March and the morning of 31 March," the statement said.

"The United Nations will send an inter-agency assessment team to the affected region immediately, and stands ready to lend its assistance to efforts to respond to humanitarian needs created by the disaster and to mobilize international support for that response."

Source: United Nations News Centre

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