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Issue 3: January 7, 2005

Transatlantic Focus:
A U.S. Foreign Policy Newsletter

Special Edition:
The U.S. Responds to the Tsunami Disaster

United States Will Support Nations Hit by Tsunami, Powell Says (2005-01-06) The United States will stand with the global community in its response to a “human tragedy of immense magnitude,” Secretary of State Colin Powell said January 6 as he addressed a special meeting on tsunami relief in Jakarta, Indonesia. The government of Indonesia arranged the session in response to the December 26, 2004, earthquake and tsunami. The U.S. has pledged $350 million in government funding so far, and recognizes that increases in that amount could be necessary as the dimensions of the damage are better understood. U.S. citizens and corporations have also donated approximately $200 million to relief efforts, according to Powell. Beyond those figures, the U.S. military also is pouring significant manpower and resources into the effort, Powell said. More than 14,000 military personnel and a total of 19 naval vessels are at work in the region already. read more

Secretary of State Colin L. Powell embraces Thailand's Foreign Minister Surakiart Sathirathai upon his arrival at the Foreign Ministry January 4. Powell in Indonesia, Vows U.S. help with Post-Tsunami Recovery (2005-01-05) At the second stop on his tour of countries stricken by the Indian Ocean tsunami disaster, Secretary of State Colin Powell vowed “the American people stand in solidarity with our Indonesian friends. We will do everything we can to help you.” Powell’s remarks in Jakarta, Indonesia, January 4, came after he and Florida Governor Jeb Bush held talks with Indonesian Foreign Minister Noer Hasan Wirajuda. The secretary called the tsunami’s effects “a calamity which will have far-reaching implications … you can count on the United States being with you for this longer rebuilding period. “ read more Furthering Relief Efforts for Victims is Aim of Powell Visit

Officials Say U.S. Relief Operations in Thailand Well Under Way (2005-01-05) U.S. relief efforts for victims of the December 26, 2004, tsunami are well under way in Thailand, according to senior officials from both countries.  During a joint press conference in Bangkok January 4, Secretary of State Colin Powell, Florida Governor Jeb Bush and Thai Foreign Minister Surakiart Sathirathai reported that steps had already been taken to deal with immediate needs and to prevent future catastrophes of this sort. read more Number of U.S. Helicopters Aiding Tsunami Victims to Double

Natsios Explains USAID's Tsunami Relief Efforts (2005-01-02) In its initial relief effort to victims of the December 26 tsunami, the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), is working in five main areas: food assistance, medical care, shelter, water provision and purification, and sanitation support, according to USAID Administrator Andrew Natsios. United States Makes Long-Term Pledge to Tsunami Disaster Relief

Responding to questions December 30 on the "Ask the White House" interactive web forum, Natsios discussed USAID efforts in conjunction with the military and other organizations in providing relief and identified U.S. embassies in the region as "the main point of coordination of U.S. response efforts in each affected country." read more   USAID Fact Sheet on Response to South Asia Earthquake, Tsunami

U.S. Role in Tsunami Relief Efforts: An Overview (2005-01-04) As the Asian death toll from the Indian Ocean tsunami approached 150,000, President Bush has enlisted his two predecessors to solicit private U.S. contributions for relief.  read more

The president said in January 3 remarks that former presidents Bill Clinton and George H.W. Bush will be asking Americans make cash contributions to reliable charities that are already providing relief to tsunami victims. [Bush Enlists Former Presidents in Tsunami Relief Aid Effort]

The U.S. government has made an initial $350 million commitment for official relief and has deployed military units assets to help with recovery distribute aid. While more U.S. military assets are expected to arrive to help generate clean water and provide further logistical help, the president said, disaster victims can expect even more help from private U.S. charities. "We're showing the compassion of our nation in the swift response," Bush said. "But the greatest source of America's generosity is not our government; it's the good heart of the American people." [Private Citizens, Corporations Giving to Tsunami Relief]

At a briefing shortly after the president's remarks officials of the U.S. Agency for International Development and the Defense Department described how their agencies were working continuously to assess relief needs while getting supplies into the region and distributing them to the neediest disaster victims. [Assessment, Transport, Distribution Focus of U.S. Relief Effort]

A U.S. Pacific Command (PACOM) spokesman, Navy Captain Roger Welch, says the massive military assistance effort to foster recovery from the tsunami disaster will continue until all the host nations no longer need U.S. help. [Military Will support Tsunami-Stricken Nations as Long as Needed]

Military Ready to Bolster Support for Tsunami Victims WASHINGTON, Jan. 4, 2005 – The Defense Department is ready, willing and prepared to provide medical assistance as needed to relieve tsunami victims and help stem widespread disease, the Pentagon's top doctor told reporters here today.  read more

More Than 13,000 U.S. Troops Providing Disaster Relief WASHINGTON, Jan. 4, 2005 – Defense officials have posted a list of U.S. military assets providing assistance to Indonesia, Sri Lanka, Thailand and other affected nations to mitigate the effects of the recent earthquake and tsunami in the Indian Ocean. About 460,000 lbs. of food, water, and medical supplies have been delivered to date, according to the DoD update. read more

Navy Positions 200,000 Pounds of Relief Supplies ABOARD USS BONHOMME RICHARD, At Sea (NNS) Jan. 4, 2005 – Helicopters attached to USS Bonhomme Richard airlifted more than 200,000 pounds of disaster relief supplies Jan. 4 from two warehouses on the Indonesian island of Sumatra. The supplies were positioned aboard the Bonhomme Richard and USS Duluth in preparation for distribution to more isolated and devastated areas of the island. read more

Transatlantic Focus: A U.S. Foreign Policy Newsletter
is published and distributed by the Public Affairs Section of the United States Mission to NATO - Brussels.