Many nations offer material aid to hurricane victims; Bush refuses to accept
Saturday, September 3, 2005
Over twenty five nations have offered aid in the wake of Hurricane Katrina. In particular, France has offered the use of its resources in the Caribbean sea, including 2 navy ships, 1 navy hospital, 8 planes, 600 tents, 1000 beds, and rescuers. President George W. Bush has refused such material aid to the hurricane's victims, although cash donations will be accepted. He explained his reasons to ABC News:
- 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, 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.
A few of these nations, such as Venezuela and Cuba, are disliked by the administration, but the majority are considered allies of the United States. Venezuela's Citgo Petroleum Corp. pledged a $1 million donation for hurricane aid. Cuba refused U.S. aid following Hurricane Dennis. In order to reduce the side effects of hurricane Katrina, Japan, Venezuela, and most EU countries offer to provide oil reserves to the U.S.
Related News
edit- "Federal response to Katrina a "national disgrace"" — Wikinews, September 3, 2005
- "Tempers flare over New Orleans tragedy" — Wikinews, September 3, 2005
- "Louisiana officials accused of blocking rescue volunteers" — Wikinews, September 2, 2005
- "US Senate approves $10.5 billon in aid for Hurricane Katrina victims" — Wikinews, September 1, 2005
Sources
edit- Associated Press. "Two dozen nations offer aid" — Star Tribune, September 1, 2005
- Rainer Buergin, Gregory Viscusi. "Germany, France Offer U.S. Medical Aid, Equipment" — Bloomberg, 11h33 02, 2005
- AFP. "La France détaille l'aide qu'elle propose aux Etats-Unis" — Le Monde, 14h33 02, 2005
- Martin Fackler, Jad Mouawad. "Japan and EU May Use Oil Reserves to Aid U.S." — New York Times, September 3, 2005