The European Union has decided to earmark a further 80 million euros, or
about 104 million US dollars, in humanitarian aid to the victims of the Asian
tsunami.
The European Commission said the latest decision will benefit
about 2.5 million vulnerable people in Indonesia, Sri Lanka, India, the Maldives
and Thailand over an 18 month period.
European Commissioner for Development and Humanitarian Affairs Louis Michel
said the EU will continue to help the affected populations long after the TV
cameras have gone.
He also said it is essential to ensure that quality humanitarian aid is
swiftly followed up with appropriate rehabilitation and development support.
The EU fund allocation will bring total funds committed by the bloc to 103
million euros, or about 134 million dollars.