SG/SM/10400
3 April 2006

Secretary-General Saddened by Deaths, Destruction from Iran Earthquakes, Says UN Ready to Mobilize International Assistance

NEW YORK, 31 March (UN Headquarters) -- The following statement was issued today by the Spokesman for UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan:

The Secretary-General is deeply saddened by the loss of life, the hundreds of injuries and the destruction suffered by the people of Iran after the earthquakes that struck Lorestan Province on the evening of 30 March and the morning of 31 March.  He extends his deepest condolences to the families of those who have been killed or injured in the earthquakes.

The United Nations will send an inter-agency assessment team to the affected region immediately, and stands ready to lend its assistance to efforts to respond to humanitarian needs created by the disaster and to mobilize international support for that response.

* *** *