October 12, 2005

Congressman Gregory W. Meeks Statement on the Devastating Earthquake in Pakistan, the Kashmir Region, India, and Afghanistan

(ST. ALBANS, NY.) Congressman Gregory W. Meeks, a Member of the House International Relations Committee and the Pakistan and India Caucus, released the following statement today, "on behalf of the Sixth Congressional District in Queens, New York, I offer my deepest condolences and support to the people and their families and to the governments of Pakistan, the Kashmir region, India, and Afghanistan, who have endured extraordinary loss of life, injuries, and destruction from this weekend's devastating earthquake.

"I spoke with Pakistani Ambassador Jehangir Karamat and the President of the National Council of Pakistani Americans, Mr. Faiz Rehman, today to convey our sympathy and solidarity. The Sixth Congressional District is home to one of the largest Indian and Pakistani populations in the United States. We feel this terrible tragedy collectively, as a community and as a family.

"One way New Yorkers can aid victims of the earthquake is by sending monetary donations through coordinated relief efforts, such as U.S. AID and the Red Cross. U.S. AID is an independent federal government agency responsible for economic and humanitarian assistance around the world. As a federal agency, U.S. AID does not accept direct donations. However, if you visit their web site you will be directed to relief organizations that are in the best position to provide emergency assistance to the earthquake victims.

"For further information on U.S. AID, please visit their website at http://www.usaid.gov/ or contact my office at (718) 959-5600. Thank you."

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