Chinese aid for Katrina victims on its way
By Qin Jize (China Daily)
Updated: 2005-09-08 05:39

An announcement by the US State Department ranked China as one of the top donor countries in terms of the value of aid.

Foreign Ministry spokesman Qin Gang announced earlier that the Chinese Government would provide US$5 million in aid to the US and consider sending rescue workers to help in medical treatment and epidemic prevention if needed.

Assistance to the US is also coming from other countries.

Iran said yesterday it would supply the US with 20 million barrels of crude to help it overcome the devastation of Hurricane Katrina, if Washington is prepared to waive sanctions to receive the oil.

Iran's envoy to the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries, Hossein Kazempour, said: "If US sanctions are lifted, Iran is prepared to send that quantity of oil to America." However, first indications are that there will be no change in the US policy towards Iran.

Last week, after Hurricane Katrina struck the southern United States, the Iranian Foreign Ministry offered to send relief supplies to the American Red Cross. Iranian newspapers report that no response has been received.

Meanwhile, an offer of aid to the victims of Katrina from Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez, which included two mobile hospital units, 120 rescue and first aid experts and 50 tons of food, has been rejected by the United States, according to civil rights leader Jesse Jackson.