Quake-hit Nepal asks for int'l aid as requested

BANGKOK, May 12 (TNA) - Quake-ravaged Nepal has asked for cooperation from the international community to render assistance to quake victims as requested by the South Asian nation's government. Thai Foreign Ministry Spokesman Sek Wannamethee told journalists of the update, referring to an announcement of the Nepalese government, issued on May 11, in order to facilitate its management of relief supplies and other donations sent from the international community to entirely meet Nepal's demands. Sek, who is also Director-General of the ministry's Department of Information, said that, based on the Nepalese government's announcement, Nepal now mainly requests for donations of tents, canvas and blankets, with all donors asked to notify the Nepalese government in advance of each airlift of the relief supplies. According to the spokesman, the Nepalese government's announcement also stated that all donated relief supplies were set to keep at central warehouses, from which the Kathmandu government is solely responsible for distributing to quake victims. Besides, the Nepalese government will deposit all financial assistance from the international community into the Nepalese Prime Minister’s Disaster Relief Fund (PMDRF) solely. The spokesman notified that the Nepalese government has suspended international support in the form of search and rescue units until a further notice is issued, pending an official evaluation of the country's need for the support. The Thai Ministry of Foreign Affairs recommended, meanwhile, that donors in Thailand, from now on, send their financial support, rather than material assistance, to quake-damaged Nepal for more convenience of parties concerned. (TNA)