Fed: Indon, PNG donate to bushfire appeal

AAP General News (Australia)
02-12-2009
Fed: Indon, PNG donate to bushfire appeal

CANBERRA, Feb 12 AAP - Some of Australia's less well-off neighbours have offered multi-million
dollar donations to the Victorian bushfire appeal.

Indonesia and Papua New Guinea, both developing nations, have offered cash donations
to help bushfire victims.

Indonesian President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono has offered a donation of $US1 million
($A1.52 million) and Papua New Guinea $A2 million.

Prime Minister Kevin Rudd told parliament Dr Yudhoyono wanted Australians to know Indonesia
was not only a neighbour but also a friend.

"The president of Indonesia indicating Australia has always dug deep in helping Indonesia
in its times of national catastrophe and disaster," he said.

Mr Rudd said he had spoken by telephone to PNG Prime Minister Sir Michael Somare earlier
on Thursday.

"The government of Papua New Guinea has decided to donate $A2 million to assist disaster
victims in the bushfires in Victoria and those who've been affected by flooding in north
Queensland," he said.

"Sir Michael (noted) ... whenever natural calamities have hit Papua New Guinea in the
past, Australia, through the Australian Defence Force and through other Australian aid
agencies, has always been first into the fray."

And Sir Michael said that PNG, too, was a friend as well as neighbour.

"It is good, at times like this, neighbours who are indeed friends."

Mr Rudd has also received a message of support from Britain's heir to the throne, the
Prince of Wales, saying the bushfire victims were in his thoughts and prayers.

"My wife and I have been watching with mounting horror and anguish the devastation
caused by the terrible bushfires which have been raging in Australia," the message read.

"Although such sentiments are hopelessly inadequate in the circumstances, I just wanted
you to know that our hearts go out to all those who have lost loved ones, homes, livelihoods
and treasured personal possessions as a result of such an unmitigated tragedy."

Queen Elizabeth II passed on her condolences through the governor-general earlier in the week.

Opposition Leader Malcolm Turnbull thanked the thousands of people from around the
world who've sent messages of support to Australia.

"We note the touching generosity from our neighbours in the region," he said.

AAP so/rl/jlw

KEYWORD: BUSHFIRES VIC WORLD

2009 AAP Information Services Pty Limited (AAP) or its Licensors.