GENEVA, Jan. 10 (Xinhuanet) -- The United Nations on Monday called on the countries which pledged to provide tsunami aid to fulfil their promises as soon as possible since the ongoing humanitarian relief work in the tsunami-hit areas is in dire need of funds.

    The call came a day before the meeting of donors for tsunami-hit countries in Geneva. More than 250 people, including UN Emergency Relief Coordinator Jan Egeland and representatives from donor countries, the tsunami-hit nations and international organizations will attend the meeting.

    Elisabeth Byrs, spokeswoman of Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs, said the UN had won commitment of 300 million US dollars for the tsunami-hit nations and the world body hoped half of the amount will be released and delivered to the affected countries by the end of the month.

    She said, "we are expecting the donor countries to formalize their pledges and give concrete commitments with precise timeframes."

    She also said another conference will be held to address the coordination for the mid- and long-term rescue and reconstruction work. Enditem