UN chief supports installation of tsunami alarm system

The forthcoming ministerial meeting on regional cooperation in the establishment of a tsunami warning system, due to be held in Thailand's southern resort province of Phuket on Jan. 28-29, has received full support from UN Secretary-general Kofi Annan, said Thai Foreign Minister Surakiart Sathirathai.

Foreign Minister Surakiart Sathirathai was quoted by the Thai News Agency as saying Saturday that he had discussed the meeting with Annan twice by phone and that the UN chief had pledged his full support.

"Annan said he wants to participate in the meeting, but won't be able to do so, as he has to attend a meeting of African leaders," the minister disclosed.

Annan has said that by hosting the meeting soon after the Jakarta meeting of world leaders on tsunamis, the Thai government is taking proper and timely action in the efforts for creating a tsunami system in the region, Surakiart said.

The proposed tsunami warning system in the region would link with the rest of the world in order to create more confidence outside the region, and could encourage other countries to jointlyinvest in the installation of the system, he noted.

"Two major issues are to be discussed at the meeting. They include regional cooperation in the establishment of a regional centre for the tsunami warning system and in the setting up of a regional tsunami fund. The system is aimed at building confidence for Thais and foreign tourists visiting Thailand," he said.

Thailand is ready to spend 400 million baht (10.25 million US dollars)on the system, he added.

Source: Xinhua