Question (BBC)
President, the Maldives, I know Maldives has not been as badly effected as some of the other countries. Do you feel your needs are being look at, considered?
Answer (The President)
Yes, you know the number of dead or missing is a misleading figure. Because, our total number of dead and missing is quite small in comparison to the missing and the dead of the other countries. But still a lot of our social economic infrastructure has been completely destroyed. Twenty nine resort islands have been destroyed. And one quarter of our fishing fleet on some islands have been completely damaged. And as well as other infrastructure and homes of about, four thousand homes had been damaged or totally destroyed. And about fifteen thousand people are rendered homeless. So, our situation is very bad indeed.
Question (BBC)
Do you feel that your needs are being recognized by the international community? That aid is arriving?
Answer (The President)
I think they are. Everybody whom I have met have appreciated the difficulties that we are in. And a lot of people had promised their immediate help as well as help in the work of reconstruction and rehabilitation.
Question (BBC)
They promised it. But do you feel on the ground the aid is there?
Answer (The President)
Yes, the aid is there. Because, we have been receiving from day one. A lot of countries have come in and more are coming in day by day. So, I’m sure that we are going to get sufficient help.
Question (BBC)
You came a long way to come to this summit in Jakarta. Do you feel it served the purpose?
Answer (The President)
Yes, I think it has served the purpose. Because, I was invited by the President of Indonesia, as well as other leaders of the effected countries. And I thought, this is an opportunity I must avail myself whether use of. Because, it is going to be so vital for our relief, rehabilitation and reconstruction.
Question (BBC)
You always live in a fragile position in the Maldives. You don’t feel your long term sustainability is at stake now. Because, of the destruction caused by the Tsunami?
Answer (The President)
I think if we can get back where we were, say twenty years ago. Because, we now think that two decades of development has gone. But if we get enough international help and with the mobilization of our own resources. I think we could rebuild our country and I mean this country can be a vibrant economy once again. We have proven to the world what aid can do. How aid can transfer a very small and fragile economy into a vibrant one. We can do it again.
Question (BBC)
President Gayoom of the Maldives, Thank you, very much.
Answer (The President)
Thank you.