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US Pacific forces chief applauds Thailand for tsunami operations
From the Rantburg Diplomacy Desk:
The head of US armed forces in the Pacific region today visited Thailand with a message of thanks for the Thai government in allowing the US to use the Utapao airbase in the country's eastern province of Chonburi for regional tsunami relief efforts, while praising Thailand for its rapid response in helping survivors of last month's disaster. Adm. Thomas B. Fargo, Commander of the US Pacific Command, made his comments during talks with Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra. In a meeting marked by each side praising and thanking the other, Mr. Thaksin expressed gratitude to Washington for the way it had provided immediate support for the Thai and regional relief efforts. He also reiterated that Thailand has no need of US financial support, but needs technical help to assist the survivors and draw up a national emergency management plan.
"Thank you, Mr. Prime Minister!"
"No, thank you, Admiral!"
Adm. Fargo, meanwhile, praised Thailand for the way in which it had searched for victims and helped those who survived the 26 December's disaster, noting that the government's response had been effective and rapid. He also thanked the government for allowing the US to use the Utapoa airbase as a centre from which to coordinate relief efforts in the region as a whole. Pledging Washington's backing for a tsunami warning system, he noted that the US was experienced in disaster management, and already had a tsunami warning system operating in Hawaii. At the same time, he promised close cooperation on training rescue workers in preparation for possible future disasters.
Posted by: Seafarious 2005-01-19
http://www.rantburg.com/poparticle.php?ID=54105