FOREIGN NGO ASKED TO ALWAYS OOORDINATE WITH LOCAL AUTHORITIES

Banda Aceh, March 5 (ANTARA) - Central Aceh District Chief Nasaruddin has asked foreign non-governmental organization (NGO) Mercy Corps to carry out its humanitarian and developmental activities in the region in constant coordination with local authorities.

"In principle, the Central Aceh district administration supports Mercy Corps activities in the district but it should always work in coordination with the related local government agencies," Nasaruddin said when receiving Mercy Corps' Aceh Dierector, Rod Volway, in Takengon on Wednesday.
Mercy Corps was one of the first international relief and development organizations to enter and begin emergency response in once-closed Aceh province after the December 26, 2004 devastating tsunami.
Nasaruddin said the local government supported the activities of Mercy Corps in Central Aceh district because they were focused on education, especially in relation with sanitation.
"We hope Mercy Corps will not go it alone in carrying out its activities in the field," Nasaruddin said.
In response to Nasaruddin's statement, Rod Volway said Mercy Corps would always be in coordinative contact with related government agencies in its activities in the district.
So far, Mercy Corps has worked in more than 200 Acehnese villages on programs to address continuing economic, agricultural and societal challenges.