This story was published on March 31, 2011, online by the U.S.-based publication Dialogo. Read the story at their web site through this link, or see the text below:
By Bob Moser
Seventeen Latin America countries offered Japan humanitarian aid and manpower following the March 11 earthquake and tsunami that so far left nearly 10,000 dead and thousands more missing.
Others are deferring to Japanese officials to request clean-up aid when their country is ready for it. It’s the favored course of action, not only out of respect for the Japanese’s organization of the response, but also because uncertainty exists whether soldiers and volunteers should be sent into northern Japan when the threat of nuclear radiation remains unclear.
Brazil will donate US$500,000 for humanitarian emergency aid, and per orders of the Japanese government, will give the money to the Red Cross. The non-profit organization plans to use it to buy food, water, medicine, clothing and temporary shelter.
“The Japanese government prefers money at this point, and asked that it goes directly to the Red Cross. They have said they don’t need any help with people, or (specialists),” said Alessandra Vinhas, spokeswoman with Brazil’s Ministry of Foreign Relations. Read the rest of this entry »
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