According to the United Nations, it had concrete commitments onTuesday from donors for 717 million US dollars out of its 977 million dollar appeal after more than 80 states met in Geneva to discuss the UN call, as well as longer-term assistance to affectedareas around the Indian Ocean.

Over 150,000 people were killed in the December 26 earthquake off Indonesia and the ensuing giant waves, which left some five million people across the region in need of urgent aid.

The UN statement issued here said: "having had the opportunity this week to visit the affected region and witnessed the immense human suffering, he (Annan) is acutely aware of the enormous needs,both in terms of immediate relief and longer term recovery.

Given the unprecedented needs, the statement said, the UN secretary general appeals to the international community to rapidly deliver on their pledges and urges all donors to sustain their support throughout the rehabilitation and reconstruction phase.

He also urges the international community to establish a regional early warning mechanism.

The UN chief appreciated the expression of confidence by the international community in the United Nations' coordination of relief efforts, and reiterated his intention to urgently establisha financial tracking system to ensure transparency, accountabilityand efficient management of relief reconstruction funds.

The statement said that Annan hopes that the global outpouring of solidarity and generosity will become a model for the response to other humanitarian crises.

More than 2,000 participants, including some 20 heads of state from island nations, their traditional donors and other countries are expected to attend the conference.

UN Secretary General Kofi Annan arrived in Mauritius late Monday and is scheduled to address the meeting on Thursday.