Posted on 09/01/2005 3:12:41 PM PDT by InvisibleChurch
20 countries offer Katrina aid From correspondents in Washington 02sep05
MORE than 20 countries, from allies Germany and Japan to prickly Venezuela and poor Honduras, have offered to help the United States cope with the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina.
Accustomed to being a rich donor rather than on the receiving end of charity, the United States initially seemed reticent about accepting foreign aid, but later said it would take up any offers. The hurricane devastated New Orleans and other parts of the US Gulf Coast, killing hundreds and possibly thousands. "Anything that can be of help to alleviate the tragic situation of the area affected by Hurricane Katrina will be accepted," said US State Department spokesman Sean McCormack.
"America should be heartened by the fact that the world is reaching out to America at a time of need," he said.
Earlier, President George W. Bush said in a television interview that the United States could take care of itself.
"I'm not expecting much from foreign nations because we hadn't asked for it. I do expect a lot of sympathy and perhaps some will send cash dollars. But this country's going to rise up and take care of it," Mr Bush told ABC's Good Morning America.
Mr McCormack said there had not been a change of position over accepting foreign aid and White House spokesman Scott McClellan also said the United States would take up offers of help.
The State Department said offers so far had come from Australia, Belgium, Canada, Russia, Japan, France, Germany, Britain, China, Jamaica, Honduras, Greece, Venezuela, the Organisation of American States, NATO, the Netherlands, Switzerland, Greece, the Dominican Republic, El Salvador, Mexico, South Korea, Israel and the United Arab Emirates.
Assistance ranged from medical teams, boats, aircraft, tents, blankets, generators and cash donations.
Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon wrote to Mr Bush offering medical teams that specialised in trauma and natural disasters and said they could be ready in 24 hours.
"During these difficult times, we, the people of Israel stand firmly by your side in a show of solidarity and friendship," said the letter, which was released by the Israeli Embassy in Washington.
Where the United States really needs help is getting cheap oil and the Bush administration will be approaching Arab nations and other oil producers over the coming days.
Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez, a vocal critic of the United States, offered to send cheap fuel, humanitarian aid and relief workers to the disaster area.
The State Department did not comment on Venezuela's offer but several officials smiled at the gesture from Mr Chavez, who yesterday called Mr Bush a "cowboy" who failed to manage the disaster.
Cuban President Fidel Castro, a close Chavez ally, led a minute of silence in remembrance of the victims of Katrina in parliament on today. The parliament then returned to normal business with a resolution attacking Mr Bush over the Iraq war.
Reticent? Why reticent?
Is there a country on earth that we haven't helped?
Yeah...but what is he going to spike it with?
hmmmm.....
now that is a good question..
I am sure there has to be one though.....
God bless Israel.
<math_mode=on>I seem to count 22 countries plus 2 muntinational organizations<math_mode=off>
Jesse Jackson will take credit for this...
Bush was wrong, he is so brainwashed believing that America should give everything that they have, and even their blood to people that are not up to any good. It is a blessing to give and to help when we can. I want to ask God's blessing on every nation that has volunteered their help, from tiny little Israel to the UAE, which is the only Arab country that I saw on the list. God bless all of these.
bump
Uh......I don't see Saudi Arabia, did I miss that?
If we can't use our military to restore order in New Orleans, maybe the Brits can use theirs.
We appreciate whatever help they are able to offer.
Would we expect less?
That's great news. I'm glad to see these countries eagerness to help. :)
Nor Kuwait. I do, however, see China and Venezuela (though the latter appears to be a bit more sarcastic about it).
They tried that once in New Orleans, it didn't work out very well for them.
20 countries? What about any of the following:
SPAIN
Norway
Sweden
Denmark
Finland
Italy
Portugal
EASTERN EUROPE
Austria
Argentina
Brazil
The Rest of South America
Indonesia
Malaysia
Thailand
India
Pakistan
Singapore
Taiwan
Vietnam
Cambodia
Laos
Sri Lanka
Iran
Any of the Gulf Emirates
SAUDI ARABIA
Lebanon
Yemen
I could go on, but I guess we know who our friends are.
Two countries are conspicuously absent-Thailand and Indonesia..
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