Posted on 08/31/2005 9:10:57 AM PDT by jb6
MOSCOW — Russia is ready to assist the United States in dealing with the damage caused by hurricane Katrina, which has taken 68 lives so far and left behind a tremendous amount of devastation, Russian President Vladimir Putin said in a message to U.S. President George Bush Tuesday.
"Russia deeply sympathizes with Americans, who faced a disaster of such a colossal scale, and is ready to offer necessary assistance," Putin said.
Putin asked Bush to extend his condolences to families and relatives of those killed in the disaster.
"Accept my sincere words of regret in connection with the natural calamity in the USA. I know that hurricane Katrina, which swept the southeast coast of the country, resulted in deaths, left tens of thousands of Americans without roofs over their heads, and caused substantial damage to the region's economy," the message said. /RIA Novosti/
Thank you Russia.
Our appreciation to Russia and its people.
Thanks to Russia for their offer.
FYI..there's a big article in the NY Times today about the Beslan school massacre..it stil hasn't been rebuilt...
Thank you Russia and Germany.
Russia's a superpower with class.
Agreed, atleast someone is stepping up to the plate.
Are they the first to offer help? Weren't they the first on the phone after 9/11?
This I did not expect. Thank you, Russia!
Interesting . . . I have some thoughts on this, but I'd like to sit back and see what some of my fellow Freepers who have had a closer eye on Russian than I have to say first.
Created: 31.08.2005 17:37 MSK (GMT +3), Updated: 18:19
MosNews
The Russian Emergencies Ministry has offered the U.S. Federal Emergency Management Agency help in conducting search-and-rescue operations after Hurricane Katrina hit the American Gulf Coast and surged northward, RIA Novosti reports.
Two Russian Ilyshin cargo planes with rescue workers, search helicopters and special equipment for off-line operations in disaster areas are on standby at the Ramenskoe aerodrome outside Moscow ready to leave for the United States.
Ministry employees are also ready to participate in the search for and rescue of hurricane victims, including any Russian citizens that may be in the Gulf region.
The Ministry has also offered to send a Russian expert to the rescue headquarters near New Orleans.
Hurricane Katrina that hit the U.S. Monday has left most of New Orleans flooded. In some of the city districts the level of water has risen more than six meters above the ground. Several thousand people remained in the city despite calls for it to be evacuated. Many of them are on rooftops waiting for rescue teams.
Hundreds of people are feared dead in Mississippi and Louisiana following what was described as the most destructive storm to hit the United States in decades
Here's an another opportunity for you two to rag on the Russians.
ping
Well, just d@mn.
Thank you very much, Russia!
Japan has offered help.Where is Canada?
Canada is trying to figure out how to look kindhearted without helping any of the "yanky" scum.
Any chance they have ships that could get there quickly?
Thank you Russkies!
It's good to hear. I know that the Russian people are good folks. Ive gotten several letters of concern from friends in Russia over that last two days.
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.