Hamdan lauds broad response to Horn of Africa aid fund-raiser

Abu Dhabi, Aug 21, 2011 (WAM) - H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Ruler's Representative in the Western Region, and Chairman of the Red Crescent Authority (RCA), said the large scale response for the three-day nation-wide telethon to provide emergency humanitarian assistance to victims of famine and drought in the Horn of Africa which coincides with the death of the late founding father and benevolent, Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, confirms that the UAE is home to charity and giving.
''Principles, values and virtuous practices Sheikh Zayed planted call for exerting every possible effort to assist those in distress wherever they are in the globe. These values have been deeply embedded and embodied in the policy of the country's leadership represented by President His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Their Highnesses Rulers of the Emirates and His Highness General Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces,'' Sheikh Hamdan said.
He noted the substantial support the RCA is receiving from the country's wise leadership and other government and non-government organisations as well as philanthropists. ''They all deserve our tribute and praise,'' he added.
''There are priorities that should draw attention of the good-doers so as to avoid recurrence of the appalling human tragedy in the Horn of Africa. Priority should be focused on drilling water wells to enable people survive drought, grow food, and raise livestock as well as provision of vaccines to protect vulnerable children from epidemics,' he stressed. - Emirates News Agency, WAM