Not good if the only world leader offering aid is Chavez.
I sent an Email to Jan Egeland (cheap comment), below is the answer:
Lee:
We have been in contact with the US Government to offer help. The Secretary General has issued a statement expressing his condolences. I may also speak to the press on this.
The UN will help in any way we can.
Best regards,
Jan
ALSO SEE HERE :
http://www.lifelikepundits.com/archives/001400.php
Americans know that when crisis strikes in the world, we will do our best to assist. The fundamental basis of charity is to do so without expecting anything in return. We jokingly ask, "when will the world send us aid?" "When will Kofi get in front of the camera?" I appreciate the sentiment in criticizing the UN because of the arrogant assumptions they made during the Boxer Day Tsunami crisis. The UN scolded the United States and demanded charity.
But take a moment to see what nations are saying:
The fierce storm has left in its wake a still unknown death toll. In Mississippi alone it is estimated 125 people lost their lives in what French President Jacques Chirac called "terrible days" for Americans.
"In these painful circumstances, I wish to express the solidarity of the French people and my sincerest condolences for the tragic disappearance of so many of your compatriots," Chirac said in a letter to his US counterpart, George W. Bush, whom he addressed as "dear George".
Britain's Queen Elizabeth II voiced sorrow in a message to Bush.
"I was deeply shocked and saddened to learn of the deaths and injuries caused by Hurricane Katrina, and the scale of the damage and destruction now becoming apparent across the southern states," said the message made public by Buckingham Palace.
"My sympathy goes to you and the people of the United States, especially to the families of those who have lost their lives, to the injured and to all who have been affected by this terrible disaster."
An offer of support for the US rescue operation came from Russia's emergency situations ministry, which said it had two transport planes at the ready, together with rescuers, search helicopters and equipment for autonomous operations in a disaster zone.
Saudi Arabia's King Abdullah also assured Bush in a telephone conversation of the "support of the kingdom to its friend the United States during its misfortune."
King Abdullah said the kingdom, the world's top oil exporter, was prepared to "do everything that it can to help towards lessening the consequences of the hurricane."
Italian Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi sent a brief message of condolence and support to Bush.
"Dear George, I am with you and the American people in this moment of distress," read the message released by Berlusconi's office.
Sympathy also came from the head of the Greek Orthodox Church in a message to Bush as well as from Greece's prime minister.
"Our thoughts go out to the relatives of the victims and to all those who are suffering the consequences of this catastrophe," said the Greek leader, Costas Karamanlis.
As rescuers search for survivors and officials begin to assess the massive property damage from the fierce hurricane, the Chinese government hailed the resilience of the American people.
"The American people will overcome the aftermath of the disaster and rebuild their homeland," Chinese President Hu Jintao said in a message.
Hu is set to hold talks with Bush in Washington next Wednesday on his first visit to the US as China's head of state.
The OPEC oil cartel also sent a message of condolence to the US government and people, vowing to do its utmost to ensure the stability of the global oil market in the wake of Hurricane Katrina.
"Our deepest sympathy goes out to the families and friends of all those who lost their lives or who have been injured in this natural catastrophe of unimaginable dimensions," the organisation said.