SECRETARY-GENERAL OFFERS ‘HEARTFELT SYMPATHY’, ANY ASSISTANCE UN CAN GIVE TO UNITED STATES IN AFTERMATH OF HURRICANE KATRINA

SECRETARY-GENERAL OFFERS ‘HEARTFELT SYMPATHY’, ANY ASSISTANCE UN CAN GIVE

TO UNITED STATES IN AFTERMATH OF HURRICANE KATRINA

The following statement was issued on 1 September by the Spokesman for UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan:

It is now clear that Hurricane Katrina has caused a huge disaster. The damage is far worse than any of us imagined at first. The American people -- who have always been the most generous in responding to disasters in other parts of the world -- have now themselves suffered a grievous blow. I know that I speak for the whole world in offering them my heartfelt sympathy, and any assistance that the United Nations can give.

Of course the United States is also the country in the world best prepared to cope with such a disaster. But the sheer size of this emergency makes it possible that we can supplement the American response with supplies from other countries, or with experience we have gained in other relief operations. I know we will not be alone. We will be happy to work with other parts of the international community to support the efforts of President Bush and his administration, the American Red Cross, and other United States relief organizations who have been our partners in the past.

* *** *

For information media • not an official record