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.
Try Saudi Arabia and Kuwait.
"If we can't use our military to restore order in New Orleans, maybe the Brits can use theirs."
IIRC, they had a really bad experience the last time they were there, so I doubt it.
Not on the list, but:
Italy Offers Aid For US Areas Hit By Hurricane Katrina
ROME (AP)--Italy has offered to send aid to the U.S. and has readied two military transport planes to carry supplies and personnel to New Orleans or other areas hit by Hurricane Katrina, Italy's Civil Protection said Thursday.
Italy's aid effort would include pumps, generators, amphibious crafts, tents, as well as experts in managing and assisting evacuees, the Civil Protection said in a statement.
(more at >>> http://www.thebusinessonline.com/DJStory.aspx?DJStoryID=20050901DN011771)
BERLUSCONI TO BUSH, I FEEL VERY CLOSE TO US PEOPLE
(AGI) - Rome, Italy, Aug 31 - "Dear George, I feel very close to you and the American people, at this painful time. I send you a heartfelt hug."
This message was sent by Prime Minister, Silvio Berlusconi to US President, George W. Bush, to express condolences for the dead and solidarity after damage caused by Hurricane Katrina.
Thanks to them all.
We sent Navy ships, the Comfort, Marines, cash, and a whole host of private donations to Indonesia and Thailand. Their silence is deafening. I expect as much out of SA and Kuwait. Despite the fact that giving alms is one of the five pillars of islam..
What about Iraq? You'd think they would be grateful for all the democracy we gave them. Or Afghanistan?
Not compared with what will be needed in short order to build a city from scratch.
Fired our cannon till the barrel melted down
so we grabbed an alligator and fired another round
We filled his head with cannon ball
and powdered his behind
and when we touched the powder off
the gator lost his mind..
Battle of New Orleans -J Horton
Actually this is a big story. I'll also say that it pushed Cindy Sheehan and the antiwar movement OFF the front page. The terrorists in Iraq don't get to weaken America's resolve any more.
I can do without hearing the bad reports from Iraq since I wasn't hearing the overwhelming good reports either.
I still wonder what their examination of the levee will show. I know that thingd man builds can be overwhelmed by nature but I also know that our enemy in the war on terror will strike against the most defenseless of people. "What if" the levee was "hit"? We had the dam buster raid in WWII.
Ahh but that's only to other nations and we all saw how little they gave to their fellow slamies in Indonesia.
This American replies with a heartfelt "Thanks".
Malaysia, Indonesia & Singapore
will likely toss in. It just
takes them a bit longer to put
their names in the ring.
Yep, Togo. Just guessing!
You really want these poor countries to give to us? Would you expect the guy living hand to mouth to help rebuild the millionaire's mansion?
Live them alone. They've got enough to deal with themselves. Be thankful we live in a country that doesn't actually "need" aid from anyone.
Iraq? Afghanistan? Don't you think they need their funds just a tiny bit right now?
Why? Have they run up a seven trillion dollar debt and are unable to give financial aid to other countries? Or is the US the only one not concerned with billion dollar deficits?
And another thing-sometimes an acknowledgement of a tragedy and a country's offers of prayer will do just fine. My patience is quite short today. Short with looters, liberals blaming Bush, and posts like yours..
Iraq is sitting on a bunch of oil, aren't they? That would sure come in handy.
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