Saudi offers five aircraft, 100 million dollars in tsunami relief aid

JAKARTA, Jan 23 (AFP) - Saudi Arabia is offering Indonesia five of its aircraft to be used in the tsunami relief operation and has pledged 100 million dollars in aid, the state Antara news agency said Sunday.
"The assistance in the operation of the country's aircraft for Aceh could be provided if the Indonesian government approves it," Antara quoted Abdurahman As-Shalaewan, the head of Saudi's Red Crescent, as saying.
He also said the kingdom would provide a total of 100 million dollars in humanitarian aid.
Thirty million dollars of the funds will be immediately handed over while the remaining has been collected from the people of Saudi Arabia, As-Shalaewen said.
Saudi Arabia, he said, will immediately discuss another aid package for Aceh in the post-disaster period for building houses.

01/23/2005 10:54 GMT - AFP