*EPF208 12/28/2004
Transcript: U.S. Ready To Help Nations Affected by Bay of Bengal Earthquake
(President Bush offers condolences to victims) (300)

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.

The White House, in a statement issued December 26 in Crawford, Texas, said aid is already moving to Sri Lanka and the Maldives. Other affected nations include Thailand, Indonesia, India and Bangladesh.

The United States "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," according to the statement.

On behalf of the United States, President Bush expressed his condolences for the loss of life and suffering caused by the disaster.

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)

(Distributed by the Bureau of International Information Programs, U.S. Department of State. Web site: http://usinfo.state.gov)

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