PRESIDENT URIBE REITERATES OFFER OF HURRICANE

UNCLAS BOGOTA 008281 SIPDIS DEPARTMENT ALSO FOR S/ES-O/CMS E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: PREL EAID PGOV KPAO CO SUBJECT: PRESIDENT URIBE REITERATES OFFER OF HURRICANE ASSISTANCE REF: BOGOTA 08197 President Uribe called the Ambassador on August 31 to express Colombia's solidarity with the United States in the wake of Hurricane Katrina. The President reiterated the offer of GOC assistance initially conveyed on August 30 by Vice Minister of Defense Andres Penate (reftel). In a follow-up call on September 1, Minister of Interior and Justice Sabas Pretelt expressed his sympathy for the victims, and referenced the open offer of assistance. The Ambassador thanked Uribe and Pretelt for their support and offers, and promised to convey the information to Washington. Embassy is issuing a short press release thanking the Colombian government and people for their sympathy and offers of support. WOOD