WASHINGTON (Reuters) - More than 20 countries, from allies Germany and Japan to prickly Venezuela and poor Honduras, have offered to help the United States cope with the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina.
Accustomed to being a rich donor rather than on the receiving end of charity, the United States initially seemed reticent about accepting foreign aid, but later said it would take up any offers. The hurricane devastated New Orleans and other parts of the U.S. Gulf Coast, killing hundreds and possibly thousands.
"Anything that can be of help to alleviate the tragic situation of the area affected by Hurricane Katrina will be accepted," said U.S. State Department spokesman Sean McCormack.
The United Nations offered to help coordinate international relief efforts for the United States.
"The sheer size of this emergency makes it possible that we can supplement the American response with supplies from other countries, or with experience we have gained in other relief operations," U.N. Secretary-General Kofi Annan said in a statement.
Earlier, President George W. Bush said in a television interview that the United States could take care of itself.
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http://today.reuters.co.uk/news/newsArticle.aspx?type=topNews&storyID=2005-09-02T070647Z_01_YUE225593_RTRUKOC_0_UK-WEATHER-KATRINA-AID.xml
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