US dissolves tsunami aid 'core group'

Colin Powell said that the core group, initially formed with India, Japan and Australia, had "served its purpose" in catalysing relief efforts.

The United States announced on Thursday it was dissolving the "core group" of nations it formed to expedite aid for victims of the Asian tsunami disaster and would work under the United Nations.

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Secretary of State Colin Powell told an international conference in Jakarta that the core group, initially formed with India, Japan and Australia, had "served its purpose" in catalysing relief efforts.

"It will now fold itself into the broader coordination efforts of the United Nations as the entire international community works to support the nations who have suffered this tragedy," he said in prepared remarks.