Press release 247/2006
July 17, 2006

The Presidency of the European Union is deeply saddened by the news of the earthquake in the Indian Ocean and the resulting tsunami that hit the south coast of the island of Java today, following so soon after the devastating earthquake that occurred on the island on 27 May.

The Presidency expresses its sincere condolences to the families of those who died and to those made homeless, as well as to the Government and the people of Indonesia. The EU stands ready to provide assistance that may be necessary in order to alleviate the hardship suffered by the people of the island as a result of this disaster.