US: Obama offers his prayers for the nation =2

AAP General News (Australia)
02-10-2009
US: Obama offers his prayers for the nation =2

Mr Rudd said the sympathetic response from international friends was "an expression
of our common humanity".

Since the scale of destruction from the Victoria bushfires became apparent, Mr Rudd
has also taken calls from:

* British Prime Minister Gordon Brown,

* New Zealand Prime Minister John Key,

* European Commission President Jose Manuel Barroso,

* United Nations Secretary General Ban Ki Moon and

* Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan.

Countries as far flung as the tiny European principality of Andorra, Pakistan, France,
Brazil, Cuba and Nauru have sent messages of support as Australia reels from the tragedy,
which has claimed at least 173 lives.

"Expressions of sympathy have also been accompanied by offers of practical help," Mr Rudd said.

France and Japan had made urgent inquiries as to what assistance they may offer. Thailand
was proposing a financial donation to the bushfire victims.

Indonesia had offered assistance with disaster victim identification.

New Zealand had offered 100 firefighters. Singapore has offered to deploy Super Puma helicopters.

"The United States Department of the Interior is in discussions with the government
of Victoria on the provision of personnel and assistance," Mr Rudd said.

Australia welcomed each of the offers of support and expressions of sympathy from around
the world, he said.

"It is good that they have come.

"All Victorians and all Australians should know that in this darkest hour they are not alone."

AAP so/rl/mn

KEYWORD: BUSHFIRES VIC WORLD 2 CANBERRA

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