Leaders Tour Tsunami Areas, Up Donations 12 minutes ago Top Stories - AP
http://story.news.yahoo.com/news?tmpl=story&u=/ap/20050105/ap_on_re_as/t sunami&cid=514&ncid=514 By BURT HERMAN, Associated Press Writer JAKARTA, Indonesia - Australia promised $810 million - the largest government pledge - to the tsunami relief effort, topping a $674 million German aid package on the eve of a crucial donors' conference Thursday. World leaders were competing to head the donors list as summit participants got firsthand looks at the apocalyptic landscapes carved out by south Asia's tsunami. - deleted - But U.N. humanitarian chief Jan Egeland, the man who riled Washington by complaining that wealthy nations were often "stingy," said Tuesday: "I'd rather see competitive compassion than no compassion." Michel also said too many countries were making pledges that may not be honored. A little over a year ago, donors promised Iran more than $1 billion in relief after an earthquake killed 26,000 people there. Iranian officials say only $17.5 million has been sent. - deleted -
