COLOMBO, Jan. 9 (Xinhuanet) -- The United Nations Secretary-General Kofi Annan here on Sunday reiterated that the world donors should offer the tsunami-stricken countries a immediate cash donation of one billion US dollars.

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The United Nations Secretary-General Kofi Annan here on Sunday reiterated that the world donors should offer the tsunami-stricken countries a immediate cash donation of one billion US dollars.  (Photo: CRIENGLISH.com/Reuters)

¡¡The UN chief told a press briefing here that the cash aid will be important for the battered areas during the next six months.

    He earlier at the summit held in Jakarta has made the call for urgent cash flow in front of the world leaders in presence.

    "We must reassure them (the world donors) that the money will be used properly and effectively," Annan said.

    He, starting the tour in Sri Lanka on Friday, also pledged the UN support for the country's reconstruction process.

    He said he had toured the worst-hit areas in the country, covering Trincomalee district on the east and Hambantota district on the southern tip during the past 40 hours.

    He had visited displaced families at mosques in asylum use, talked to children living in make-shift tents and discussed with aid workers on "the terrified situation," Annan said.

    He also met with most of the political leaders of the country and called them for a joint-hand effort to tackle the tsunami aftermath.

    "There is a concern that the world will forget the tsunami-hit nations when cameras are all gone and that's our responsibility toremind the world that the job is not done," said the UN chief.

    He is to start the visit to the Maldives later on Sunday. Enditem