Posted on 09/01/2005 3:08:46 PM PDT by va4me
WASHINGTON -- In a dramatic turnabout, the United States is now on the receiving end of help from around the world as some two dozen countries offer post-hurricane assistance.
Venezuela, a target of frequent criticism by the Bush administration, offered humanitarian aid and fuel. Venezuela's Citgo Petroleum Corp. pledged a $1 million donation for hurricane aid.
The United Nations informed U.S. Ambassador John R. Bolton it was prepared to support the relief effort "in any way possible."
Under Secretary-General Jan Egeland said his office had offered the services of the U.N.'s disaster assistance and coordination teams to the U.S. Agency for International Development.
Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon sent a letter to President Bush offering hundreds of doctors, nurses, technicians and other experts in trauma, natural disasters and public health.
"We also offer field hospitals, medical kits and equipment for temporary housing, reinforcement for hospitals, or any assistance that you may require," Sharon wrote.
He said the teams and equipment could be ready in 24 hours.
With offers from the four corners of the globe pouring in, Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice has decided "no offer that can help alleviate the suffering of the people in the afflicted area will be refused," State Department spokesman Sean McCormack said Thursday.
However, in Moscow, a Russian official said the U.S. Federal Emergency Management Agency had rejected a Russian offer to dispatch rescue teams and other aid.
On Tuesday, President Vladimir Putin sent condolences to Bush and said Russia was prepared to help if asked.
Boats, aircraft, tents, blankets, generators, cash assistance and medical teams have been offered to the U.S. government in Washington or in embassies overseas.
Offers have been received from Russia, Japan, Canada, France, Honduras, Germany, Venezuela, Jamaica, Australia, the United Kingdom, the Netherlands, Switzerland, Greece, Hungary, Colombia, the Dominican Republic, El Salvador, Mexico, China, South Korea, Israel, the United Arab Emirates, NATO and the Organization of American States, the spokesman said.
Still, Bush told ABC-TV: "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."
"You know," he said, "we would love help, but we're going to take care of our own business as well, and there's no doubt in my mind we'll succeed. And there's no doubt in my mind, as I sit here talking to you, that New Orleans is going to rise up again as a great city."
Historically, the United States provides assistance to other countries experiencing earthquakes, floods and other disasters.
Germany, which was rebuilt after World War II largely by the U.S. Marshall Plan, offered its help in a telephone call to Rice.
"The German Government is prepared to do all that is humanly possible," the German embassy said. In his call, German Foreign Minister Joschka Fischer assured Rice of Germany's solidarity with its American friends in a difficult time, the embassy said.
Israeli Ambassador Daniel Ayalon called Wednesday at the State Department to offer condolences and assistance. Israel is the largest recipient of U.S. aid, about $2.2 billion a year.
"The hearts and prayers of Israel's people are with the people of the United States and the many millions who are suffering in the regional devastation resulting from hurricane Katrina," the Israeli embassy said in a statement.
(Copyright 2005 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)
That's kind of silly. Under what conditions would she turn down aid?
I agree with peyton randolph in comment #2 above. We should gladly accept aid from other countries and politely decline any aid offered by the UN.
Any chance Mexico is offering us something other than oil-for-amnesty?
I believe doing so would be the equivalent of what the hoi polloi with manners would send out as "thank you" cards. Moreover, I doubt that GWB has any question where, now or when to employe this aide.
The MSM should be loudly proclaiming how many aide benevolent and altruistic countries are contra-Iraq war. Germany has a hospital ship that is rivaled by very few countries. I'm sure that its on the way. After all, humanitarianism is without boundaries, knows no politics, and transcends all religions, right?
Please, excuse me, whilest I gaggeth.
"Any chance Mexico is offering us something other than oil-for-amnesty?"
Mexico is sending us half a million workers to help rebuild the city. They didn't even wait for Bush to ask.
I'll go out on a limb..but I'm guessing you're not covered by water with feces, haven't eaten in two days and have a child who is suffering from dehydration?
Nah...screw them....let's just buy their squalid little countries and turn them into amusement parks for our pleasure....
That wasn't too harsh, was it?
NeverGore :^)
Red
LOL!
[Under Secretary-General Jan Egeland said his office had offered the services of the U.N.'s disaster assistance]
Assistance which consisted of a stern written warning to Hurricane Katrina not to do this again.
I here Cuba and Haiti are nice this time of year...send 'em there.
OK, a bit droll. I'd think a situation like this would justify issuing them all green cards to work in Nawlins. They will be busy for years.
We have the money, just send the free gas.
However, my naturalized German citizen butt (ex-USAF) kicked in. How many of these beligerents are bona fide Americans as opposed to illegal aliens? I doubt that illegals would be quite so flagerant. I'll tell you what, while some scofflaw behaviour could be attributable to illegal's, frankly, I'm of the opinion that almost all would prefer a much lower profile than what is being reported in NO (except for the most brazen). And that would beg the question of what the motivation of the brazen precicely is.
I suppose one could go off on a science fiction movie and say that the whole issue's been co-opted (akin to some guy on the Freeper rally thread who was against the yellow ribbons). I guess my point is that there's more going on than what meets the eye. GWB told us that things would occur that would not be publicized. Delta force in NO probably fits that bill.
Prayers up, Freepers up, EAGLES UP!
And if they send "aides"
Bill clinton will be there...
Offers have been received from Russia, Japan, Canada, France, Honduras, Germany, Venezuela, Jamaica, Australia, the United Kingdom, the Netherlands, Switzerland, Greece, Hungary, Colombia, the Dominican Republic, El Salvador, Mexico, China, South Korea, Israel, the United Arab Emirates, NATO and the Organization of American States, the spokesman said.
I'm very glad to see it and, I must admit, a bit surprised.
me too and me too. :)
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