AM Calls for Wales to Commit for the 'long term'

4.23.00pm GMT Mon 10th Jan 2005

Mike German, leader of the Liberal Democrats in the Assembly, will call for Wales can play a role in the long-term recovery of the countries devastated by the Indian Ocean tsunami disaster.

Mike German said: "Even two weeks after the tsunami catastrophe in the Indian Ocean, the scale of the loss is not yet fully appreciated. The public response in Wales to the immediate survival needs of people in the shattered region, as in the rest of the World, has been incredible. But it is important that we don't forget: Experience of past emergencies shows that aid funding dries up once the television cameras have come home."

"There is a long-term need for relief assistance and a need to keep up the momentum for the aid which is sent by the western world. In this context, Wales could make an important contribution in the huge challenge of rebuilding lives and communities. The Local Government International Bureau will help UK local authorities that are looking to develop strong partnerships with communities in the affected countries. I understand that they have good links with local government associations in India and Thailand, in particular."

"This is an opportunity for communities in Wales to twin with similar ones in the Indian Ocean region. Already places such as Llangors and Tenby are looking to link up with similar communities to provide long term help. The Welsh Assembly could offer to be the 'clearing house' linking up town with town, village with village, school with school"

Local councillor Phil Hobson added, "There are many practical items that communities could fund to help people get back on their feet and save lives too: mosquito nets, water tanks and filters, emergency shelter kits. All these items cost so little and yet make a huge difference in the struggle to get communities and entire regions back to where they were before this disaster. Towns, villages and schools getting and supporting their twin could make a real and long lasting difference. However, I am waiting to hear from the Local Government International Bureau about how we can do this."

Mr German also wrote to the First Minister and arts leaders on New Year's Eve suggesting that a "Welsh Live Aid" may be one way of raising funds for the stricken areas. He has been in daily contact with Millennium Stadium bosses, rock stars and concert organisers who have all helped turn the idea into reality. More than 40,000 tickets for the 22 January event have already been sold.