Dear Colleagues, The recent natural catastrophe of the Tsunami in Asia and the Indian Ocean is one of the highest magnitude, and one very difficult to comprehend. It has shown us the fragility of both human life and our natural surroundings. All of us have observed the devastation with reactions of absolute shock and horror. Countless lives, natural and cultural property have perished. On behalf of the Board of Secretariat of AFRICOM, I would like to relay our most heartfelt sympathy to all those affected by the disaster - we may not be able to be physically present in our support, but we are together in our hearts. The African continent is no stranger to natural calamities, and we do share in the pain and suffering of our brothers and sisters throughout the affected areas. AFRICOM wishes to echo the many sentiments of colleagues and friends who have sent messages within the ICOM network over the past weeks. Indeed, we must find ways to assist those who require it most. And we must also find ways to assess the damage/loss to the cultural heritage, with a view to raising both funds and expertise to retrieve, conserve and protect where needed. AFRICOM supports the ideas already proposed regarding fund-raising among museums through entrance fees and through this year's International Museums Day and will assist in mobilising funds and expertise on the African continent towards those affected in both Asia and Africa. We shall remain in close contact with the ICOM Secretariat and President in order to concretise our intentions and subsequent actions. Lorna Abungu Executive Director International Council of African Museums - AFRICOM Museum Hill Road P.O. Box 38706, Ngara 00600 Nairobi KENYA tel. 254-20-3748668 fax. 254-20-3748928 www.africom.museum - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Change ICOM-L subscription options, unsubscribe, and search the archives at: http://home.ease.lsoft.com/archives/icom-l.html