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Annan Says Tsunami Recovery Efforts Will Take Years
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Secretary-general says disaster is largest UN has ever dealt
with  United Nations Secretary-General Kofi Annan says it will
take up to 10 years to rebuild areas of southern Asia devastated by
last week's tsunami and earthquake.

In an interview broadcast in the United States Sunday, Mr. Annan says
the disaster is the largest the United Nations has ever dealt with.

The tsunami wreaked havoc from Malaysia to East Africa, leaving more
than 127,000 dead. The United Nations says the death toll could climb
higher.

Mr. Annan will head to south Asia later this week for a summit on the
relief operation. World leaders attending the conference in Jakarta,
Indonesia, will also make an appeal for more aid.

The international community has pledged $2 billion so far.



U.S. Secretary of State Colin Powell is also slated to attend the
summit. He is heading to the region today to inspect damage in
Thailand and Indonesia.

Some information for this report provided by AFP and Reuters.


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