PRESS RELEASE

December 6, 2006

U.S. Ambassador expresses his condolences and concern to Vietnamese victims of Typhoon Durian

U.S. Ambassador Michael W. Marine expressed his condolences and concern to Vietnamese victims of Typhoon Durian in a letter to Prime Minister Dzung on December 6. In his letter, the Ambassador said:

“I was deeply saddened to learn of the damage, injury and loss of life from Typhoon Durian. On behalf of the people of the United States, please accept my condolences. Our thoughts and prayers are with the victims and their families, and we hope for the quick recovery of those who remain missing. The Government of Vietnam is doing admirable job preventing the loss of life by its mass evacuation prior to the storm and we commend the Government’s quick response in providing emergency relief supplies to storm victims. Given the extent of the damage, however, we stand prepared to render assistance to Vietnam as it assesses its needs following this tragic natural disaster.”

Later on December 6, the Ambassador announced that the U.S. Government will contribute $100,000 of emergency aid to the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies for support of relief operations by the Red Cross of Vietnam through the U.S. Agency for International Development’s Office of Foreign Disaster Assistance. The funds will be used to purchase essential relief supplies to support those affected by the typhoon.

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