*EPF402 12/30/2004
U.S. Help to Tsunami Victims "Long-Term," Powell Says
(United States will provide reconstruction aid beyond immediate relief) (380)

Washington -- Secretary of State Colin Powell says the recovery from the effects of the Indian Ocean tsunami "will take time" and that "the U.S. is in for the immediate humanitarian relief part of this and also for long-term reconstruction."

Powell addressed reporters outside the Thai Embassy in Washington December 30, after he offered condolences to the Thai people in the aftermath of the December 26 earthquake and tsunami.

The secretary said that the United States is responding as rapidly as it can and that more money will follow "as we see how best to use ... resources." He spoke of the large military deployment under way and added that specialized disaster-response teams from local U.S. communities were also en route to the region.

When asked if the U.S. relief effort was an opportunity to reach out to the Muslim world, Powell replied that "this is a tragedy for the entire world and we should respond regardless." But he added that he hoped that "people will see that the United States is willing to reach out to the Muslim world in this time of need, as we have in other times of need."

Powell emphasized that the United States was working with the United Nations, "our friends" in the European Union, and other international agencies. He reported that the number of Americans lost in the disaster was quite low but that "there are still a number of individuals who we don't have any word about."

He added that many more European tourists appear to have been lost and offered to his European colleagues "anything we can do to help."

Later in the day Powell offered his condolences at the Indonesian and Sri Lankan embassies. He commended his fellow Americans for their private contributions to humanitarian organizations aiding the tsunami victims, singling out the Pfizer Inc., pharmaceutical company for its multimillion-dollar gift.

Following are links to transcripts of the secretary's remarks.

Outside the Thai Embassy: http://www.state.gov/secretary/rm/40123.htm

Outside the Indonesian Embassy: http://www.state.gov/secretary/rm/40127.htm

Outside the Sri Lankan Embassy: http://www.state.gov/secretary/rm/40132.htm

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

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