World Bank Statement- Earthquake in Peru Solidarity and Support

Contacts:

In Washington: Sergio Jellinek (202) 458-2841

sjellinek@worldbank.org;

In Lima: Sandra Arzubiaga (51-1)615-0660 ext. 339

sarzubiaga@worldbank.org

Washington, DC , August 16, 2007- World Bank Vice President for Latin America and the Caribbean, Pamela Cox, expressed today the institution’s solidarity and condolences to the people and Government of Peru for the tragic loss of lives as a result of the earthquake that struck about 145 km southeast of Lima yesterday evening.

In a letter addressed to Peruvian President Alan Garcia, Mrs. Cox emphasized that   “We are closely monitoring the situation, especially in the Ica region, which has been the hardest hit in terms of human loss,” and she added “We are ready to support the reconstruction efforts in the way the government of Peru considers appropriate.”

The World Bank’s Country Director in Peru, Carlos Felipe Jaramillo, and his team have approached the Peruvian authorities to assess the best modalities for implementing this support.

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