U.S. Policy in Croatia
Solidarity in Times of Need
"Jutarnji list" - September 14, 2005
Over the past two weeks, people all over the world have been watching with concern and dismay the aftermath of the terrible hurricane that struck the southeastern United States on August 29. Hurricane Katrina caused widespread damage, devastating almost 90,000 square miles of my country and, most tragically, destroying the lives of countless Americans as well as citizens of many other countries.
The United States is now conducting the largest relief effort ever undertaken in our own country. Nearly every U.S. federal agency has people, equipment and supplies on the ground in Louisiana, Mississippi, Florida and Alabama, working with state and local officials and offering food, water, shelter, medical care and supplies, as well as help with power lines and infrastructure. Moreover, American citizens in great numbers are donating to charities and volunteering their time and expertise to assist the victims of Katrina.
As the enormity of the disaster became clearer, last week the Government of Croatia made an important offer of assistance to the victims of Katrina. In addition, the Croatian Red Cross has made a cash donation of $15,000 to assist those whose livelihoods were destroyed in the hurricane. The Croatian Caritas association has also begun collecting donations from Croatian citizens and businesses. I have also been moved by the many messages of sympathy sent to us by our colleagues in Government and the citizens of Croatia. On behalf of the American people and the U.S. Embassy in Zagreb, I wish to express my sincere gratitude for these acts of generosity. Your expressions of solidarity carry special meaning to all Americans.
Four years ago on September 11, the United States suffered another great tragedy that caused the deaths of nearly 3,000 people. In the attacks on New York and Washington, Croatian citizens also lost their lives, as did many others from around the world. The Croatian Government and Croatian citizens everywhere expressed solidarity and sympathy for the victims' families and the American people as a whole. Today, as then, we are touched by the generous offers of help we have received from the Croatian government, individuals and private organizations throughout Croatia. Your reaching out to the American people in our time of need is a vivid example not only of the closeness between our countries but also of the humanity and compassion that unite us all as human beings.
William Jeffers
Charge d'Affaires