"Am I therefore become your enemy,because I TELL YOU THE TRUTH...?"
(Galatians 4:16)

US 'ready' to aid Peru

CRAWFORD,US-US President George W. Bush offers his condolences to Peru over the devastating earthquake there and "stands ready" to offer US aid after the disaster, the White House said Thursday."The president and Mrs Bush offer their condolences to the people of Peru, and especially to those who have lost a loved one because of this natural disaster," said national security spokesman Gordon Johndroe."The US stands ready to assist Peru and is willing to provide assistance based on the needs identified by the government of Peru as well as United States government teams there," he told reporters.Peruvian officials were struggling to reach cut-off victims on the country's southern coast after a devastating earthquake rocked the region leaving 387 dead and some 1,050 injured.Bush, on his Texas ranch enjoying his August vacation from Washington, was briefed on the disaster, said Johndroe, who added that Peru's aid request could come as early as Thursday."There is currently a USAID team on the ground now in Lima assessing the situation and working in conjunction with the government of Peru.And we also have search and rescue teams on standby, should they be needed,"he said.

As in the days of Noah...