26 December 2004
U.S. Ready To Help Nations Affected by Bay of Bengal Earthquake, December 26, 2004 (President Bush offers condolences to victims)
President Bush says the United States will offer assistance to the nations in South and Southeast Asia most affected by the earthquake and tsunamis in the Bay of Bengal on December 26.
He said aid is already moving to Sri Lanka and the Maldives. Other affected nations include Thailand, Indonesia, India and Bangladesh.
"We will work with the affected governments, the United Nations, non-governmental organizations, and other concerned states and organizations to support the relief and response to this terrible tragedy," the president said.
Bush also expressed his condolences for the victims of the tragedy.
Following is the text of the White House statement:
(begin transcript)
THE WHITE HOUSE
Office of the Press Secretary
(Crawford, Texas)
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
December 26, 2004
STATEMENT BY THE DEPUTY PRESS SECRETARY
Earthquake and Tidal Waves in the Bay of Bengal
On behalf of the American people, the President expresses his sincere condolences for the terrible loss of life and suffering caused by the earthquake and subsequent tsunamis in the region of the Bay of Bengal.
The United States stands ready to offer all appropriate assistance to those nations most affected including Sri Lanka, the Maldives, Thailand, and Indonesia, as well as the other countries impacted. Already relief is flowing to Sri Lanka and the Maldives. We will work with the affected governments, the United Nations, non-governmental organizations, and other concerned states and organizations to support the relief and response to this terrible tragedy.
Again, we extend our sincere condolences to all the people of the region at this time of suffering.
(end transcript)
