Press Releases 2005

September 6, 2005

A Message from the Charge d'Affaires a.i. Luis Arreaga-Rodas

I want to express the heartfelt thanks of President Bush, the United States Government and all U.S. citizens, to the leaders and citizens of Panama who have already offered kind and generous support to the victims of Hurricane Katrina. Special thanks go to President Torrijos for his expressions of condolence and his offer of aid and assistance.

The United States Government is coordinating closely to match these offers of support with the needs on the ground. Some of the needs will be longer-term needs as those areas and citizens hit by Katrina recover and begin to rebuild their lives, their families and their futures.

Many private citizens in Panama also want to donate their personal funds to help. I encourage them to donate to Katrina relief through the Red Cross. Those interested can contact the Red Cross on their website at www.redcross.org or call 1-800-HELP NOW (435-7669) English, 1-800-257-7575 Spanish.

We are doing everything we can to help those in need. We are also working closely with the Government of Panama and the Panamanian Embassy and consulates to help locate and assist Panamanian citizens.