[Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: WILLIAM J. CLINTON (1999, Book II)]
[December 23, 1999]
[Page 2340]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]



[[Page 2340]]


Statement on Providing Disaster Assistance to Venezuela
December 23, 1999

    Today I authorized a $20 million drawdown of emergency disaster 
assistance to support relief operations in Venezuela. This assistance, 
to be drawn from existing Department of Defense inventories, will 
augment the $5.5 million we have already committed to Venezuela. These 
funds will support continued search and rescue operations by U.S. 
military helicopters now on the scene, airlift of food, shelter, and 
medicines, water purification systems, and other critical needs.
    As I told President Chavez when I spoke to 
him by telephone on Tuesday, we are deeply saddened by the loss of life 
and devastation that has taken place in Venezuela. The heroic response 
of the Venezuelan people to this calamity has left a profound impression 
on all of us. Through the efforts of our military and USAID, we will 
continue to do everything possible to help the people of Venezuela. 
Providing this assistance is not only the right thing to do; it also 
promotes our interest in ensuring stability in a nation that is a key 
partner in the hemisphere.
    At this holiday season, the people of Venezuela are in our thoughts 
and prayers.