Comments by Jan Egeland following meeting with NATO

Brussels, 21 October 2005 - Jan Egeland, Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs and UN Emergency Relief Coordinator met on Friday, in Brussels, with NATO Secretary General, Mr. Jaap de Hoop Scheffer, and addressed the NATO Council on the situation in Pakistan following the earthquake of 8 October 2005.

"I had a very positive meeting with the NATO Council today. I thanked NATO and NATO members for what they have done in Pakistan, as well as for the airlift and helicopters provided for emergency operations in the country".

"NATO is planning to increase its operations further and will work closely with the Pakistan Government and the United Nations in this regard. Liaison officers at both the Headquarters and operational levels will be established, to ensure well coordinated activities to save as many lives as possible".