Posted on 02/06/2006 7:46:17 PM PST by Orange1998
NEW ORLEANS (Reuters) - Shortcomings in aid from the U.S. government are making New Orleans Mayor Ray Nagin look to other nations for help in rebuilding his hurricane-damaged city.
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Nagin, who has hosted a steady stream of foreign dignitaries since Hurricane Katrina hit in late August, says he may seek international assistance because U.S. aid has not been sufficient to get the city back on its feet.
"I know we had a little disappointment earlier with some signals we're getting from Washington but the international community may be able to fill the gap," Nagin said when a delegation of French government and business officials passed through on Friday to explore potential business partnerships.
Jordan's King Abdullah also visited New Orleans on Friday and Nagin said he would encourage foreign interests to help redevelop some of the areas hardest hit by the storm.
"France can take Treme. The king of Jordan can take the Lower Ninth Ward," he said, referring to two of the city's neighborhoods.
Katrina flooded 80 percent of the city and killed more than 1,300 people in Louisiana and Mississippi.
The Bush administration has pledged billions of dollars to Katrina victims but five months after the storm, New Orleans remains largely in ruins.
Nagin said his message to President George W. Bush would be that the federal government needs to refocus on the devastated area.
"We need your undivided attention over the next six months," he said. "We need backup. We need for you to make the words that you spoke in Jackson Square a reality."
Nagin was referring to the president's September 15 address to the nation from New Orleans, in which he pledged "we will do what it takes, we will stay as long as it takes" to rebuild.
French Transport Minister Dominique Perben, leading the French delegation to a city that was founded by France in 1718, said, "This catastrophe has deeply upset the French people and the French government."
France, Perben said through a translator, "wants to be a long-term partner for Louisiana and New Orleans."
LMAO! I hope he's given enough rope.
With all the cops driving brand new Cadillacs and "city officials" going on free fact-finding trips, the money goes kind of quickly.
Any country that would give cash to the city of New Orleans or the state of Louisiana is just plain foolish.
Dang. I did a search and did not see it. This has been a problem on FR for sometime and I thought it was the poster. The search feature needs improvement.
This is TRULY pathetic. Not only are we sending BILLIONS down there in both public and private funds, but he's begging other nations?
Our leftist entitlement goes to a WHOLE new level....
Shameful.
Nagin better check the Spector to see of Scottish law allows a US mayor to get money from other nations.
Is it just me or is Nagin more than an idiot than I thought he was?
This link here www.turkishpress.com/news.asp?id=106568 gives some more info on really whats going on. Basically its trying to get French Business interest in the City which is a cool thing. BTW. Another cool thing happened that got no press in these anti muslim days. The KIng of Jordan personally donated 100,000 to the archdiocese of New Orleans which was nice.
If Nagin can get the money flowing the other way for a change, more power to him.
Its not direct foreign aid. Currently the French Govt through relief but mostly through French business has given about 22 million. Again the business Nagin is trying to get in deal with restoration. There is some thought that some French Companies might move to the area and employ people. Thats a good thing. I am anxious to see his remarks in full but there is nothing un american going on here. Its that like Nagin is signing treaties with Paris lol. The long term view is to try to get investment just not an hand out.
And they wonder why the American people don't care if NO is ignored. Maybe Iran will rebuild it.
bump
Since Chavez's relatives are rebuilding NO, this might make sense.
Yeah, the King of Jordan can take the 9th Ward,....maybe he'll use it as an alternate refugee camp for some of the Palestinians still in refugee camps in Jordan.
Nagin. What a f#cktard.
NOLA isnt going to be recieving direct foreign aid. Good grief. Again whats really going on here is not bad. Esp if long term investment occurs because of it that creates jobs. Again it wouldnt suprise to me to see that Nagin put his foot in his mouth again but after how the news agenices totally took a few quotes of Sen Spector out of context this past Sunday, I am starting to double check alot.
I understand Mayor Wonka-Nagin got an email from a Nigerian representative offering great profit margins.
All he has to do is send them the information on the city's accounts and financial records and they will wire him more than enough to get the city back on their feet...
;)
Kit
Well for any Louisiana freepers that come in give serious consideration in whats in the call this week in the session. Blanco NOLA govt reduction package is a must and we must support her on that. If she doesnt get Repub support it will fail and it will be the same old mess. I try to get an article on it tonight that shows details but I like it so far.
Why doesn't the mayor wear a "I'll work for food" sign like the other respectable guys on the street?
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