The New Nation - Internet Edition

UNB, Bagerhat

Offering his country's requisite support, US Ambassador James F Moriarty defined development and expansion of democracy and curbing terrorism as the main challenges of the day before Bangladesh.

"The USA will be with the people of Bangladesh as close associate in facing the challenges," he said at a press briefing after visiting Sidr-affected areas in Sharankhola upazila of the district yesterday afternoon.

Describing Bangladesh as a significant friend of the United States, the Ambassador noted that the USA has a longstanding relation with Bangladesh.

He mentioned that his country has so far donated more than US$ 500 crore to Bangladesh after independence of the country.

"The USA wants to continue the strong friendly ties with Bangladesh and also to work with its government to build a more prosperous Bangladesh," the envoy told his audience.

James F Moriarty said that USA's response towards Bangladesh when the super-cyclone Sidr hit the country proved strong ties of friendship between the two countries.

He also mentioned that America doubled its food assistance to Bangladesh amid increase of food prices across the world After providing emergency supplies to the Sidr-affected areas, the USA also donated Tk 1.95 crore as emergency relief assistance.

James F Moriarty said the regular American food programme is now running in 3,500 remote villages of char, haor and coastal areas. Besides, an additional US$ 3 crore has been given as emergency food assistance for the cyclone-hit areas.

A USA river vessel reached Chittagong in May with 50,000mt food-grains to ensure food security for the people of Bangladesh, he mentioned.

The Ambassador further stated that USAID has donated one-lakh dollars to Helen Keller International, which will be utilized for the nutrition-development programme in the Sidr-stricken areas.

He expressed his heartfelt sympathy to the families which lost their nearest and dearest ones and property.

Earlier, Moriarty visited rehabilitation programme implemented by CARE with the financial assistance of USAID in Sharankhola upazila and talked with the sidr-affected people.

He visited health programme of a local NGO and roads implemented under cash-for-work programme of CARE at Jilbunia.

Earlier, in the morning, the Ambassador, accompanied by his wife Loren Moriarty, reached Southkhali area by a seaplane.