7 Feb 2005

UN responding to plea for help, says Nauru ambassador

6:36 am on 7 February 2005

Nauru's ambassador to the United Nations says the world body has responded to a plea for financial assistance and expertise to help it out of debt.

Vinci Clodumar says Nauru's president has sent a letter requesting assistance to the UN secretary-general:

"And I understand the secretary-general has replied to the president favourably, and the UNDP is now being asked to work with the Forum Secretariat to develop a programme of assistance to Nauru."

Mr Clodumar says his mission in New York is working with the UNDP headquarters, and the heads of the UN Pacific section, and through the High Representative for Small Island Developing States.

He says at this stage he is not aware of any direct financial assistance from the UN.