Aid Offers Will Be Accepted From Countries

By BARRY SCHWEID, AP Diplomatic Writer

In a dramatic turnabout, the United States is now on the receiving end
of help from around the world as some two dozen countries offer
post-hurricane assistance.

Venezuela, a target of frequent criticism by the Bush administration,
offered humanitarian aid and fuel. Venezuela’s Citgo Petroleum Corp.
pledged a $1 million donation for hurricane aid.

The United Nations informed U.S. Ambassador John R. Bolton it was
prepared to support the relief effort "in any way possible." Under
Secretary-General Jan Egeland said his office had offered the services
of the U.N.’s disaster assistance and coordination teams to the U.S.
Agency for International Development.

Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon sent a letter to President Bush
offering hundreds of doctors, nurses, technicians and other experts in
trauma, natural disasters and public health.

"We also offer field hospitals, medical kits and equipment for temporary
housing, reinforcement for hospitals, or any assistance that you may
require," Sharon wrote.

He said the teams and equipment could be ready in 24 hours.

With offers from the four corners of the globe pouring in, Secretary of
State Condoleezza Rice has decided "no offer that can help alleviate the
suffering of the people in the afflicted area will be refused," State
Department spokesman Sean McCormack said Thursday.

However, in Moscow, a Russian official said the U.S. Federal Emergency
Management Agency had rejected a Russian offer to dispatch rescue teams
and other aid.

On Tuesday, President Vladimir Putin sent condolences to Bush and said
Russia was prepared to help if asked.

Boats, aircraft, tents, blankets, generators, cash assistance and
medical teams have been offered to the U.S. government in Washington or
in embassies overseas.

Offers have been received from Russia, Japan, Canada, France, Honduras,
Germany, Venezuela, Jamaica, Australia, the United Kingdom, the
Netherlands, Switzerland, Greece, Hungary, Colombia, the Dominican
Republic, El Salvador, Mexico, China, South Korea, Israel, the United
Arab Emirates, NATO and the Organization of American States, the
spokesman said.

Still, Bush told ABC-TV: "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," he said, "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."

Historically, the United States provides assistance to other countries
experiencing earthquakes, floods and other disasters.

Germany, which was rebuilt after World War II largely by the U.S.
Marshall Plan, offered its help in a telephone call to Rice.

"The German Government is prepared to do all that is humanly possible,"
the German embassy said. In his call, German Foreign Minister Joschka
Fischer assured Rice of Germany’s solidarity with its American friends
in a difficult time, the embassy said.

Israeli Ambassador Daniel Ayalon called Wednesday at the State
Department to offer condolences and assistance. Israel is the largest
recipient of U.S. aid, about $2.2 billion a year.

"The hearts and prayers of Israel’s people are with the people of the
United States and the many millions who are suffering in the regional
devastation resulting from hurricane Katrina," the Israeli embassy said
in a statement.