Kofi Annan Speaks on Earthquake Relief, Hussein Trial and Uganda "Genocide"

UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan said yesterday at a press conference that more aid is needed from the international community for earthquake victims in Pakistan to prevent "a second, massive wave of death." He said that the latest death toll stands at 42,000 with at least 67,000 injured, but fears that these numbers will go up as rescue teams go into more remote area.

"That will require more funds: so far, donors have made firm commitments for only 12 per cent, or $37 million, of our appeal for $312 million," said Annan. "If you add loose commitments, you get a total of $84 million, or 27 per cent. In comparison, the Tsunami Flash Appeal was more than 80 per cent funded within 10 days after the disaster."

So far only Arab states have made significant donations to the efforts. Annan is calling on Western governments to make pledges at the emergency donors’ conference in Geneva convened by the United Nations next week.

"There are no excuses," said Annan. "If we are to show ourselves worthy of calling ourselves members of humankind, we must rise to this challenge. Our response will be no less than a measure of our humanity."

Annan said that he is satisfied with the cooperation between India and Pakistan on dealing with the victims. There has been talk that there will be free crossing at the Line of Control in Kashmir.

"I think that, when it comes to saving lives, we should not let politics and other disagreements get in the way," said Annan. "And I think the reactions of both leaders and the two Governments have been exemplary, and I hope other Governments around the world will follow that example when they find themselves in a similar situation."

On the Saddam Hussein trial Annan said that "people who have committed crimes against humanity will have to be brought to justice, but the proceedings and the work of the court must conform to international standards."

Finally Annan was not able to say that the situation in Uganda can be declared a genocide yet as he has not investigated the situation thoroughly yet. There have been reports of children being kidnapped by rebels.

"We have had frequent contacts with President Museveni and Kony, the leader of the rebels –- not me directly, but there is a group working for a peace process," said Annan. "Clearly, it has not yet succeeded, and now it is being taken up by the International Criminal Court. So the situation is becoming a bit more complicated, but we must not drop our efforts for peace in the region. "