Australian Assistance for Victims of Embassy Bombings

MEDIA RELEASE

Released By:
Downer

The Australian Government will immediately
provide assistance to help the victims of the terrorist bombings at the American
embassies in Kenya and Tanzania.

Australia's assistance will be used to
help people recover from their injuries and resume their normal lives. Now that
the immediate medical emergency is under control, Australian assistance will
focus on medium term medical rehabilitation, including helping survivors deal
with the trauma they have suffered.

The Australian High Commission in Nairobi
is working with local authorities in Kenya and Tanzania to ensure that
Australian assistance is targeted at critical needs and that it complements that
being provided by other governments and international agencies.

Australian assistance for the bombing
victims will be in the order of $100,000.

The Australian High Commission in Nairobi
was active in providing much needed medical assistance in the immediate
aftermath of the bombing. Pharmaceutical supplies were purchased for
distribution to local hospitals treating the hundreds of people injured by the
blasts. Australia was the first country to provide substantial medical supplies
and equipment for the victims.

The High Commission immediately dispatched
staff to the scene of the bombing in Nairobi to provide whatever assistance
might be possible. It also provided mobile phones, vehicles and drivers for use
by American Embassy staff.

The United States has expressed its
appreciation for the assistance provided by Australia.

I am sure all Australians will welcome
these contributions by their Government to assisting the victims of these
cowardly and inhumane terrorist acts. Australia stands ready to provide all
necessary assistance to United States, Kenya and Tanzania in their hunt for the
perpetrators of this disgusting crime.