German gives AMs chance to debate Wales's role following Tsunami

12.00.00am GMT Mon 10th Jan 2005

This week Assembly Members will have an early chance to discuss the ways in which Wales can play a role in the long term recovery of the countries around the Indian Ocean hit so hard by tsunami disaster.

Mike German, leader of the Welsh Liberal Democrats in the Assembly, has opted to use his short debate on Wednesday to discuss Wales's role in the international operation to aid and assist the region's recovery. It is the first time Mr German has won the weekly lottery to present a short debate in his five years as an AM.

He said: "Even two weeks after the tsunami catastrophe in the Indian Ocean, the scale of the loss is not yet fully appreciated. The public response in Wales, as in the rest of the World, has been incredible. But it is important that we don't forget about it when it disappears from the news headlines.

"There is a long-term need for relief assistance and a need to keep up the momentum for the aid which is sent by the western world. In this context, Wales could make an important contribution. But we have to consider how we do that now, if our aid is going to make a difference in the longer term."

Mr German wrote to the First Minister and arts leaders on New Year's Eve suggesting that a "Welsh Live Aid" may be one way of raising funds for the stricken areas. He has been in daily contact with Millennium Stadium bosses, rock stars and concert organisers who have all helped turn the idea into reality. More than 40,000 tickets for the 22 January event have already been sold.