FINNISH SUPPORT IN RESPONSE TO KATRINA ON THE

UNCLAS HELSINKI 000958 SIPDIS DEPT FOR TFUS01; EUR/NB E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: PREL ECON AEMR ASEC CASC US FI SUBJECT: FINNISH SUPPORT IN RESPONSE TO KATRINA ON THE GROUND; MORE FORTHCOMING REF: A. STATE 163366 ¶B. SCHLAEFER-EVANS VOICEMAIL 1 SEPT. 2005 ¶1. On Sept. 1, the Embassy received general offers of assistance from the GOF in support of the victims of Hurricane Katrina (ref B). Following up, Charge spoke several times over the weekend with senior officials from the PM's office and the MFA. Based on Charge's requests, Finland committed to providing an as-yet undetermined cash donation, the amount of which will be communicated to us this week. In all likelihood, the Finnish government's response will be channeled through the the Finnish Red Cross to the American Red Cross, in response to the latter's appeal for funds to arrange temporary housing. Separately, a 3-person logistics and management team from the Finnish Red Cross arrived in the U.S. on Sept. 2, in response to a request from the American Red Cross and the IFRC. (We also understand from press reports that Finnish telecom giant Nokia plans to donate $1 million to the American Red Cross.) ¶2. On Sept. 1, the Ambassador received the following letter from Foreign Minister Erkki Tuomioja confirming Finland's willingness to assist: BEGIN TEXT Helsinki, September 1, 2005 His Excellency Earle I. Mack Ambassador of the United States of America Helsinki Dear Ambassador, We have been appalled at the terrible consequences and loss of life caused by the hurricane Katrina. We express our deep felt sympathy for the victims and for your government. If there is anything our government can do to help we are always at your disposal. Yours sincerely, Erkki Tuomioja Minister for Foreign Affairs. END TEXT. HYATT