Menu
05/01/2005
Indonesian government declines Gurkha aid
The Indonesian government has rejected an offer to send Gurkhas to help with the aid effort in the wake of the tsunami disaster that devastated the country over a week ago.
Britain had offered 120 troops from the Brunei-based 2nd Battalion Royal Gurkha Rifles to the region, but a Foreign Office spokesman said that the government had said that it did not require further ground troops in the country.
Declining the offer, the Indonesian government said that their main priority at present was technical assistance and the Ministry of Defence have confirmed that the country has accepted the UK's offer of two helicopters to help with the aid effort.
Indonesia remains the country worst affected by the Asian Tsunami, which struck on Boxing Day, with 94,000 deaths confirmed so far. However, the United Nations estimates that the country's death toll will probably reach at least 100,000.
The Indonesian government has called a Tsunami Summit meeting for January 6 in the country's capital, Jakarta. Foreign Secretary, Jack Straw, is set to attend.
In a statement issued by the Foreign Office, Mr Straw said: "The key purpose of the meeting is to look at ways in which the international effort in Indonesia, but indeed elsewhere, can be better co-ordinated. We will be looking at longer term issues of reconstruction and support for the populations and governments as well as the immediate issues of aid to those people who have been stricken by this disaster."
(KmcA/SP)
Britain had offered 120 troops from the Brunei-based 2nd Battalion Royal Gurkha Rifles to the region, but a Foreign Office spokesman said that the government had said that it did not require further ground troops in the country.
Declining the offer, the Indonesian government said that their main priority at present was technical assistance and the Ministry of Defence have confirmed that the country has accepted the UK's offer of two helicopters to help with the aid effort.
Indonesia remains the country worst affected by the Asian Tsunami, which struck on Boxing Day, with 94,000 deaths confirmed so far. However, the United Nations estimates that the country's death toll will probably reach at least 100,000.
The Indonesian government has called a Tsunami Summit meeting for January 6 in the country's capital, Jakarta. Foreign Secretary, Jack Straw, is set to attend.
In a statement issued by the Foreign Office, Mr Straw said: "The key purpose of the meeting is to look at ways in which the international effort in Indonesia, but indeed elsewhere, can be better co-ordinated. We will be looking at longer term issues of reconstruction and support for the populations and governments as well as the immediate issues of aid to those people who have been stricken by this disaster."
(KmcA/SP)
Related UK National News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
29 April 2013
Couple Found Dead In Essex Hotel
A couple have been found dead in an Essex hotel pool. The bodies of the man and woman, believed to be in their 30s and 20s respectively, were found at the luxury Down Hall Country House Hotel in Hatfield Heath on Saturday.
Couple Found Dead In Essex Hotel
A couple have been found dead in an Essex hotel pool. The bodies of the man and woman, believed to be in their 30s and 20s respectively, were found at the luxury Down Hall Country House Hotel in Hatfield Heath on Saturday.
13 August 2012
Paralysed Teacher Loses £5m Damages Claim
A teacher left paralysed following an accident involving a Wellington boot has lost his claim for more than £5m in damages. 45-year-old Glennroy Blair-Ford was on a school trip in Devon when he broke his neck while taking part in a sporting event commonly known as ‘welly wanging’.
Paralysed Teacher Loses £5m Damages Claim
A teacher left paralysed following an accident involving a Wellington boot has lost his claim for more than £5m in damages. 45-year-old Glennroy Blair-Ford was on a school trip in Devon when he broke his neck while taking part in a sporting event commonly known as ‘welly wanging’.
15 June 2009
Boys Held Over Fawn's Death
Three boys have been arrested in relation to the apparent brutal killing of a newborn deer in a country park in Dorset. Three teenagers were seen to pick up the fawn, throw it to the ground and take turns to stamp on it in Upton Country Park. Dorset Police arrested two 17-year-olds and a 15-year-old all from Poole.
Boys Held Over Fawn's Death
Three boys have been arrested in relation to the apparent brutal killing of a newborn deer in a country park in Dorset. Three teenagers were seen to pick up the fawn, throw it to the ground and take turns to stamp on it in Upton Country Park. Dorset Police arrested two 17-year-olds and a 15-year-old all from Poole.
04 August 2004
Country homes to adopt 'cutting-edge' architecture
New country houses will reflect the highest standards of contemporary architecture following a change to planning policy, it has been announced today.
Country homes to adopt 'cutting-edge' architecture
New country houses will reflect the highest standards of contemporary architecture following a change to planning policy, it has been announced today.
20 June 2012
Julian Assange Seeks Asylum In London's Ecuador Embassy
Wikileaks founder Julian Assange is seeking political asylum at Ecuador's London embassy. The South American country says it is "studying and analysing the request". This follows after last weeks rejection by the UK’s Supreme Court of Mr Assange's bid to reopen an appeal against extradition to Sweden over alleged sex crimes.
Julian Assange Seeks Asylum In London's Ecuador Embassy
Wikileaks founder Julian Assange is seeking political asylum at Ecuador's London embassy. The South American country says it is "studying and analysing the request". This follows after last weeks rejection by the UK’s Supreme Court of Mr Assange's bid to reopen an appeal against extradition to Sweden over alleged sex crimes.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherThis Evening and Tonight:Dry for much of the night. Clear periods at first with mist and fog re-forming, Becoming cloudy later tonight with patchy drizzle towards the North Coast. Minimum temperature 3 °C.
