---------- Forwarded message ---------- Date: Tue, 29 Feb 2000 21:53:45 -0500 From: William Minter <[log in to unmask]> Reply-To: [log in to unmask] To: [log in to unmask] Subject: [us-afr-network] Mozambique floods & US response Just some comments and (below) some sources for more info. U.S. has reportedly committed about $550,000 -- less than several small European countries -- I have not heard of any helicopters being sent by Washington to help -- tho Pentagon planes carried some supplies from Europe for the floods -- am I wrong? As the waters from Kariba and dam move down river, the floods are only going to get worse. What does U.S. reaction say about sincerity of speeches made at Summit? From commentary in BBC on-line over last few days http://new.bbc.co.uk/hi/english/world/africa/default.stm "Hardly two weeks have passed since the highly publicised "Summit on Africa" in Washington DC. The rhetoric was about how much Africa matters, and how committed the United States was to its plight. Well, there you have it. What matters to the United States and others are Africa's resources and business opportunities, and certainly not its people. -- Pete Ondeng, Netherlands "It is amazing how quickly naval war ships (aircraft carriers) can be moved around the world to protect financial interests of the world's powerful nations. Why can this force not be used to carry out rescue missions? Surely there are more than enough helicopters and why must they wait for requests for aid. We can all see how people are dying, why can't they?" John Baatjes, New Zealand - Ex South Africa "It was sickening for me to see people this morning on the TV news up to their waist in water, waving their arms. How is it that there are planes available to fly media into the area to film the devastation, but only five helicopters for an entire country? If the United States can justify getting involved in warfare in Eastern Europe, Iraq, Vietnam and Korea by saying it was for the good of the free world, I really think they would be walking the walk if they arranged to have rescue vehicles go to Mozambique ASAP. Maybe the U.S. doesn't have any vested interest at stake such as oil, etc., but from a humanitarian point of view, I wish they would use their influence QUICKLY because these people I saw this a.m. up to their waist in water may now be drowned. I just hope the powers-that-be could picture themselves in these people's shoes for a few moments, and come to appreciate the horror, fear and uncertainty they are facing. " Mike Latona, United States More information from: http://www.africanews.org/specials/floods2000.html http://www.reliefweb.int/IRIN/archive/mozambique.htm For info on bank accounts to contribute directly to Mozambican Red Cross: http://www.africapolicy.org/docs00/flod0002.htm http://www.tropical.co.mz/~wim/moclinks.html William (Bill) Minter 1812 Newton St. NW, Washington, DC 20010 Phone: (202) 234-0338 Fax: (202) 546-1545 (attn: W. Minter) E-mail: [log in to unmask] ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Please keep postings short and concise. Tell your friends that Africa Matters To Post a message, send it to: [log in to unmask] Tell others to subscribe by sending a blank message to [log in to unmask] To Unsubscribe, send a blank message to: [log in to unmask] ------------------------------------------------------------------------ @Backup-The Easiest Way to Protect and Access your files. Automatic backups and off-site storage of your critical data. Install your FREE trial today and have a chance to WIN a digital camera! Click here. http://click.egroups.com/1/1830/5/_/192352/_/951879294/ -- Create a poll/survey for your group! -- http://www.egroups.com/vote?listname=us-afr-network&m=1 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- To unsubscribe/subscribe or view archives of postings, go to the Gambia-L Web interface at: http://maelstrom.stjohns.edu/archives/gambia-l.html ----------------------------------------------------------------------------