「Messages from New Zealand」

みちくさ vol.37 No.3 (2011)

地震の被害を受けた日本を励ます声が、世界中から寄せられていることを既に皆さんは各種メディアを通じてご存知のことと思います。特に英紙一面や米紙社説で日本を応援するメッセージが掲載されたことは記憶に新しいのではないでしょうか。ニュージーランドでも先の大地震の際に日本から最も素早く支援が寄せられたことを折に触れ、今度は私たちが助ける番だと、国を挙げての支援を表明しています。小さな国のため、日本ではほとんど紹介されていないと思いますが、ここでご紹介させて頂きたいと思います。

地震直後の政府の公式ウェブサイト（抜粋）では、“The sympathies of all New Zealanders go out to the Japanese people and Government, who are grappling with this major disaster.” “Japan responded to the tragic Christchurch earthquake last month with enormous support, including urban search and rescue personnel.” “We are happy to provide whatever assistance we can, as Japan faces its own disaster.” “Our hearts go out to the Japanese Government and its people.” “Our deepest sympathies are with those who have been caught up in this most terrible event.”（ 3/12 Prime Minister John Key）

日を置いて（抜粋）、“I wish to express the deepest sympathies and condolences of the New Zealand Government to Japan. Our hearts go out to all those affected, especially those who have lost loved ones or those who are waiting to hear news of loved ones.” また、官首相との電話会談に触れ、“Mr. Kan passed on Japan’s sincere appreciation for New Zealand’s support, including the swift despatch of a New Zealand Urban Search and Rescue team, which is in Japan now.” “New Zealand and Japan are great friends.”（ 3/15 Prime Minister John Key）

同日に（抜粋）、“We value the strong relationship between our two countries, and I know the recent tragedies here and in Japan will bring our people even closer.” “When Christchurch was devastated by an earthquake, Japan was one of many countries which offered immediate assistance.” “New Zealand will help in any way we can as Japan overcomes this tragedy.” “Japan stood by us in our time of need and we will stand by Japan in its time of need. Our urban search and rescue team is now deployed in the field in Japan. In addition to this team, we will be happy to provide whatever assistance we can in the days and weeks ahead.” “Our heartfelt thoughts are with the people of Japan as they come to terms with this disaster and mourn the loss of so many lives.”（ 3/15 Prime Minister John Key）

最後に、国内発行部数二位の大手The Dominion Post 紙3/15日付の社説“Japan has support of the world”より、“Japan is not alone. The world stands ready to help.”

（世界の木窓から）