THE EDITOR, Sir:

I WELCOME the editorial - 'For Caribbean solidarity' (Sunday, September 26, 2004 ). During the current 59th session of the UN General Assembly many representatives stated they were deeply saddened by the tragic events produced by natural disasters in your region and reaffirmed their thoughtful friendship and solidarity with the peoples of the Caribbean. The same feelings are being expressed in Bangkok which has the aspiration to become the Geneva of Asia.

Indeed, as cogently emphasised in your editorial, it is at times like these, when we are called to respond to natural disasters, we may prove that the imperative of co-operation takes precedence over geo-politics. However, the fundamental and pressing question is that of knowing how to achieve an authentic pro-active solidarity in order to reduce the consequences of a tragic natural disaster.

The situation on the ground is terrifying and poses a hard test not only for humanitarian agencies but also for the multilateral diplomacy which must help avoid chaotic modalities of action.

The United Nations may be really instrumental in this field only if it has a true support of its efforts by the world community as a whole. These efforts can be cemented only by global solidarity.

It is necessary to direct the efforts towards immediate and workable solutions based on genuine solidarity with the victims of the natural disasters in the Caribbean area and that must strongly remind us that, while we may be far apart in geographical terms, we are one in our humanity. That is the essence of solidarity in action.

I am, etc.,

DR. IOAN VOICU

ioanvoicu@yahoo.com

Bangkok Visiting Professor,

Assumption University,

Huamark, Bangkok, Thailand