[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 153 (2007), Part 17]
[Senate]
[Page 23384]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                           TRAGEDY IN GREECE

  Mr. BIDEN. Mr. President, I wish to take a moment to recognize the 
people of the Republic of Greece who have demonstrated great bravery in 
the midst of terrible tragedy this summer. More than 5 people have died 
in the fires ravaging Greece during the past month. The scope of these 
fires is shocking. The flames showed no mercy to the elderly, young 
children, or the treasures of antiquity. Our sympathy and condolences 
go out to the families of the dozens of people who have died as a 
result of this tragedy and to the many people driven from their homes 
by the disaster.
  As in New Orleans after Katrina, or in the wake of any terrible 
disaster, emergency aid is critical, but focus on the long-term needs 
of the victims is essential. The Greek people have responded bravely to 
the crisis. I understand that the Government of the United States has 
provided assistance and is in the process of working with the Greek 
Government, Greek-American organizations, and the Greek Orthodox Church 
to determine what those needs are. I urge the administration to 
continue to demonstrate our commitment to our Greek allies in the wake 
of these horrific events. Our allies can and should rightly judge us by 
our concern and commitment for them in times of adversity. Greece has 
been there for us; America must be there for Greece.

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