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Skriven 2005-01-10 23:32:58 av Whitehouse Press (1:3634/12.0)
Ärende: Press Release (0501101) for Mon, 2005 Jan 10
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Event Backgrounder: President's Remarks to USAID Employees and NGO
Presidents
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For Immediate Release
Office of the Press Secretary
January 10, 2005

Event Backgrounder: President's Remarks to USAID Employees and NGO
Presidents



January 10, 2005

EVENT BACKGROUNDER

REMARKS TO USAID EMPLOYEES AND NGO PRESIDENTS

Monday, January 10, 2005

11:10 a.m. -- 12:00 p.m.

Washington, DC

BACKGROUND

There are approximately 1,000 U.S. Agency for International Development
(USAID) staff in Washington and 7,000 American and Foreign Service National
staff serving overseas. The work of USAID includes humanitarian assistance
and the implementation of U.S. foreign assistance programs in democracy
building, economic growth, health, education, environment and other
sectors.

Nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) are key partners of USAID in
implementing international development programs as well as humanitarian
response.

The NGOs represented are actively providing assistance in one or more of
the tsunami-affected countries. Most have received funds from USAID for
some of their work, but are also utilizing private donations to support
their relief efforts. These organizations maintain equipment along with
highly specialized and experienced staff to respond to natural disasters.
Many of these organizations were already working in the areas prior to the
disaster and shifted their focus to humanitarian relief. They have
augmented their staff in affected countries with disaster relief experts.
Their staff leave at a moment's notice to work in very austere conditions
and deliver life-saving services including food, water, shelter and medical
assistance. These organizations generally continue to work in the affected
areas long after the relief phase has ended to continue to rebuild homes,
communities and livelihoods.

PARTICIPANTS

THE PRESIDENT Secretary Colin Powell Andrew Natsios, USAID Administrator

LEADERS OF MAJOR RELIEF NGOs American Red Cross Air-Serv International
Medical Corps International Relief and Development, Inc. Mercy Corps
Project Concern World Vision Action Against Hunger Americares CARE Catholic
Relief Services Northwest Medical Teams Relief International Salvation Army
World Service Save the Children, USA World Concern Project Hope American
Jewish World Service Concern Worldwide Food for the Hungry World Relief
Lutheran World Relief Episcopal Relief and Development CHF International

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