| Date | 9 February 2004 |
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Earthquake in the Islamic Republic of Iran
The President
I should like, on behalf of all members of the General Assembly, to extend our deepest sympathy to the Government and the people of the Islamic Republic of Iran for the tragic loss of life, serious injuries and extensive material damage that have resulted from the recent earthquake. May I also express the hope that the international community will show its solidarity and respond promptly and generously to any request for help.
Mr. Zarif (Iran)
Mr. President, allow me to express, on behalf of the people and the Government of Iran, our profound gratitude for your words of sympathy and condolence here and for the message of condolence that you have already addressed to President Khatami in the wake of the deaths and devastation caused by the earthquake that struck the city of Bam. Although my country is located in an earthquake-prone area and so many fault lines cross Iranian territory, the devastation caused by the Bam earthquake was unprecedented in living memory. It led to the loss of more than 40,000 precious lives and to the destruction of tens of thousands of families, rendering thousands of children orphans and widowing thousands of women.
The attention that you, Mr. President, have devoted to the calamity visited upon the inhabitants of Bam and the sympathy and concern of the international community at large have been overwhelming indeed. So many countries rushed to the site and to the aid of the earthquake victims, and dozens of cargo planes flew in with emergency supplies. The Iranian agencies involved in that colossal relief effort highly value the support that they have received from foreign public and private institutions. More important, that support also provides an invaluable source of comfort and solace to the grieving earthquake survivors and to the whole Iranian people as they note that the outside world shares in their sorrow.
Allow me to conclude by also expressing my sincere thanks and appreciation to all Governments, through their representatives in this Hall, for the words of sympathy that they have expressed as well as for the relief assistance and support that they have provided to the victims of this tragedy. The tragic earthquake in Bam, which has caused immense human suffering, has also brought to the surface the best of human compassion and solidarity, transcending national and political divides. The people and the Government of Iran, recognizing their tremendous responsibility to rebuild the ancient city of Bam, will always remember the common humanity that has bonded us together during these difficult times.
