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Skriven 2004-12-31 23:33:36 av Whitehouse Press (1:3634/12.0)
Ärende: Press Release (0412311) for Fri, 2004 Dec 31
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President Commits $350 Million for Tsunami Relief Efforts
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For Immediate Release
Office of the Press Secretary
December 31, 2004

President Commits $350 Million for Tsunami Relief Efforts



The disaster around the Indian Ocean continues to grow both in size and
scope. I have been monitoring closely the developments and our recovery and
relief effort underway. I also look forward to the detailed report of the
official delegation led by Secretary Powell and Governor Jeb Bush that will
travel to the region very soon.

The United States has already provided an initial, substantial effort
through existing emergency response resources, the formation of the core
group, and military assets. To help coordinate the massive relief effort,
disaster response officials are on the ground, and we have established a
Support Center in Thailand that is manned and operational. More than 20
patrol and cargo aircraft have been made available to assess the disaster
and deliver relief supplies. Many of those aircraft are on the scene. We
have dispatched the aircraft carrier Abraham Lincoln, the Maritime
Pre-positioning Squadron from Guam, and an amphibious ship carrying a
Marine Expeditionary Unit. They will soon be in position to support relief
efforts to include the generation of clean water. We are leading an
international coalition to help with immediate humanitarian relief,
rehabilitation, and long-term reconstruction efforts. India, Japan, and
Australia have pledged to help us coordinate these relief efforts, and I am
confident many more nations will join this core group in short order.
Reports of strong charitable donations are also very encouraging and
reflect the true generosity and compassion of the American people.

Initial findings of American assessment teams on the ground indicate that
the need for financial and other assistance will steadily increase in the
days and weeks ahead. Because of this information and based on the
recommendation of Secretary Powell and Administrator Natsios, I am today
committing $350 million to fund the U.S. portion of the relief effort. Our
contributions will continue to be revised as the full effects of this
terrible tragedy become clearer.

Our thoughts and prayers are with all those affected by this epic disaster.
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