Australia doubles Haiti aid | World News | Breaking World News

Australia doubles Haiti aid

AUSTRALIA will double to $10 million its emergency assistance to earthquake-stricken Haiti, the federal government has announced.

Another $5 million in long-term aid was committed last week.

But the government will not commit military or peace-keeping personnel to relief operations, Foreign Minister Stephen Smith said.

"The key priority now, other than search and rescue, is the life-saving materials - water, food, shelter - so we've doubled our contribution today," he said.

Mr Smith was confident the supplies will be delivered where they are needed, despite concerns the flood of aid, from various countries and aid agencies, is creating traffic bottlenecks.

Co-ordination was always a problem in the initial phases, but reports overnight from the United Nations and the Haiti government indicated "much more substantial" progress was being made.

"We're confident that our contribution will be delivered on the ground and are things that are needed at this stage," Mr Smith said.

Australia will not contribute to any peace-keeping efforts, Mr Smith said, noting the UN already had a significant 9000-strong military contingent in the country.

But Australia may send technical experts to Haiti.

The government was in discussions with the UN about whether logistics, communications or engineering experts were required, Mr Smith said.

 
© AAP
 
  • Late shower

    Today

    Late shower

    14°C/25°C
  • Rain

    Tomorrow

    Rain

    16°C/25°C

Northern Rivers forecast »

Special offers
Leo

24 July - 23 August

Perhaps you've placed too much focus on one person and have not received the love and attention that you'd expected in return. This experience is only going to... More Horoscopes »

Select your zodiac sign

Aries | Taurus | Gemini | Cancer | Leo | Virgo | Libra | Scorpio | Sagittarius | Capricorn | Aquarius | Pisces

Things To Do

What's On

Browse

 

powered by

Link to top
APN news and media

© APN News & Media Ltd 2010. Unauthorised reproduction is prohibited under the laws of Australia and by international treaty. APN | APN Group Websites

Back to access links