Posted on 01/07/2005 12:50:54 PM PST by knighthawk
JOHN Howard has defended his decision to bypass the United Nations to donate $1 billion directly to Indonesia.
As Australian officials began the task of preparing arrangements for a new joint commission to oversee the five-year aid program, Mr Howard said the deal would fast-track assistance to where it was required most.
"I'm not trying to sidestep anybody. I'm just trying to make sure that this huge amount of Australian assistance is delivered in the most effective way and the most effective way is a joint commission," Mr Howard said.
"The UN has an important role but nothing can take the place of nation states because nation states have the assets and they have the capacity, the decision-making processes. I don't think it is seen as a sidestepping of the United Nations."
Foreign Minister Alexander Downer confirmed last night that three Australian officials would be based in Jakarta.
"There will be a joint working group that will be established, which will be run probably by (AusAID's) Bruce Davis," he said.
The National Development Planning Agency (BAPPENAS) would co-ordinate the program, advising Australian authorities of what support Indonesian communities required.
"The BAPPENAS people will be obviously identifying for example ... schools and hospitals and other infrastructure that needs to be rebuilt in Aceh, and then that will be put to this committee," Mr Downer said.
"A lot of the ideas will come from the Indonesians themselves."
Mr Downer said AusAID would favour Australian companies to assist with the rebuilding process.
"Our aid program in Indonesia does favour Australian companies so that would be normally the way it would operate but that will be a matter for discussion between the Australians and Indonesians."
The Prime Minister also confirmed he would support moves to investigate a tsunami alert system for the region.
UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan yesterday urged nations to immediately come forward with the billions in aid promised.
Mr Annan urged nations to work together to begin the rebuilding process.
"I must admit I have never seen such utter destruction -- mile after mile, and you wonder where are the people, what happened?" he said shortly after flying over the worst-hit areas.
The summit of world leaders in Jakarta also asked the UN "to convene an international pledging conference for the sustainability of humanitarian relief efforts".
More than $5.235 billion has been pledged to date, with Japan, Britain, Germany and France calling for a freeze on debts to tsunami-hit nations.
Australia's package will consist of $500million in grants and $500 million concessional loans over 40 years, with no interest and no repayments on principal for the first 10 years.
Mr Howard also confirmed yesterday there would be a minute's silence in a national day of mourning at 11.59am on January 16, to remember the victims of the tsunamis.
If people want on or off this list, please let me know.
I like this Howard fellow.
Wonder what Annan's thoughts are on this?? No chance to skim money now.
Why not go ahead and tell it like it is-you can't donate through the UN if you want to be sure that your money is going where you think it's going and if you don't want a significant percentage of it going to the beaurocrats.
Too bad we arent doing the same thing.
Where has Voelkers investigation of oil for food gone?
What the hullabaloo shows is that to the lefties, this is not about getting money to the victims, but rather about making the UN relevant.
Those saucy Aussies! Don't they know any aid contribution must run through the hands of as many middle managing looters as possible? How do they expect Koffi to get his cut? Don't they understand how the world government is going to work? There is obviously going to have to be some reeducation before the plans can go forward.
If the U.N. (and other countries) really want to help then let's all meet in the destruction zone with our goods and services and get to it.
If the U.N. just wants to meet and be a middle man then 'get out of the way'!.
By doing thing this, he didn't allow the U.N. to skim a percentage of the money right off the top. The U.N. mafia doesn't like it when their bosses don't get a cut of charity money.
They're right: it's not a snub. It's a slap in the face! LoL! Good on ya, Johnny!
"The UN has an important role but nothing can take the place of nation states because nation states have the assets and they have the capacity, the decision-making processes. I don't think it is seen as a sidestepping of the United Nations."
Good for Mr. Howard. It's too bad President Bush wants to give the UN another opportunity to steal Americans blind. He should tell 'Mr. Islam' (Kofi) et al, to shove it.
You just got to love it!!!!
"Good for Mr. Howard. It's too bad President Bush wants to give the UN another opportunity to steal Americans blind. He should tell 'Mr. Islam' (Kofi) et al, to shove it."
Agreed. I love the President but cannot believe how he gives so many chances to people who have proved to be untrustworthy.
Mr. Howard has the right idea.
Yes. It's a big snub. Bravo Australians!
Ping
right......if you want to donate 100 million to relief thru the UN, then you would have to donate $1 billion at least
Funny you should ask. I just heard Jonathan Hunt on Fox interviewing Amb. Danforth who says it is unlikely his investigation will go anywhere regarding criminality and will probably focus on "process" issues. This will come as no surprise since (1) he was chosen by Annan (the crook), (2)the constraints imposed made a real investigation impossible, and (3) given Voelker's ties, he wasn't ever going to do a real investigation in the first place.
" Where has Voelker's investigation gone to? "
Dem Liberals will suppport KOFI and cover it up then blame Bush when it backfires. Bet Howard direct donation was a big slap for Kofi. That is why he is busy begging for more money
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