JEDDAH, 15 January 2005 — Member states of the Organization of Islamic Conference (OIC) and its subsidiary organs have contributed a total of $561.7 million as relief aid to the victims of tsunami disaster that struck South and Southeast Asian states recently.
“This dedicated support epitomizes the spirit of Islamic solidarity that is characteristic of the member states and the subsidiary organs that stand by the side of the sisterly world countries in times of crises,” OIC Secretary-General Professor Ekmeleddin Ihsanoglu said in a statement here.
He urged all member states to respond positively to the OIC’s initiative and extend further support to alleviate the difficulties of countries hit by tsunami.
He said that among the contributing member states, Saudi Arabia leads with nearly $30 million in urgent relief and humanitarian aid in addition to establishing an air bridge for transporting food and medical supplies. Also, the Kingdom organized a public campaign for the collection of donations that generated SR308 million.
Qatar has contributed $25 million in addition to establishing an air bridge for transporting relief material.
Iran has allocated more than $4 million in cash and delivered 7 consignments of relief assistance, including food, clothes and medicine. The Iranian Red Crescent and other relief organizations are also collecting donations.
Turkey has decided to give $1.25 million in the form of contingency relief, a large share of which is for Indonesia, and has organized a campaign for collecting donations.
Malaysia has given $1.15 million, $790,000 of which is for Indonesia, $260,000 for Sri Lanka, and $100,000 for Maldives. Mozambique has donated $100,000.
Among the subsidiary organs, the Islamic Development Bank (IDB) tops with a donation of $500 million. The Islamic Solidarity Fund donated $200,000.
