FOLLOW-UP ON FINNISH ASSISTANCE TO PAKISTAN

UNCLAS HELSINKI 001141 SIPDIS SENSITIVE E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: EAID PHUM PREL FI SUBJECT: FOLLOW-UP ON FINNISH ASSISTANCE TO PAKISTAN EARTHQUAKE RELIEF AND REHABILITATION EFFORT REF: A) SECSTATE 195483, B) HELSINKI 1131 ¶1. (U) This is an action request. See paragraph 4. ¶2. (U) Follow-up to reftels, Post reports that the GoF will donate EUR 2.7 Million (approximately USD 3.2 Million) to the Pakistan earthquake relief effort. Finland has pledged the funds to the Finnish Red Cross, who will purchase approximately 6,000 winter tents (including tent stoves), presumably from China. The tents are expected to provide shelter to 40,000 people. ¶3. (U) Finland's defense forces made known today that they will donate an additional 1,000 winter tents, including stoves. The Finnish Evangelical Lutheran Mission (FELM) will be responsible for transporting this 300-ton shipment to Pakistan. FELM has also donated 150,000 Euros (180,000 USD) to support two Christian hospitals in the disaster region. Another semi-State run humanitarian organization, FinnChurchAid, will donate 300,000 Euros (360,000 USD) to be applied to the financing of building materials and healthcare services. ¶4. (SBU) Action request: The MFA has inquired whether US assistance can be made available to transport the tents. Post would appreciate Department guidance on whether this is a possibility. HYATT