CALL BY U.S. STATE DEPARTMENT DEPUTY SECRETARY JOHN NEGROPONTE - 6/23/2008

RTV Malacañang

PGMA statement during a call by Deputy State Department Secretary John Negroponte,Fronting Willard Intecontinental Hotel, Washington, D.C., USA, June 23, 2008 -RTV Malacañang Since arriving in Washington, we have been in constant contact with Manila as we track and direct rescue and recovery operations in the wake of the devastation left by typhoon Frank. We are deeply saddened by the terrible loss of life, particularly the tragedy of the capsizing of the passenger ferry Princess of Stars. We have just come from a call by Deputy State Secretary John Negroponte and the U.S. Ambassador Kristie Kenney. Our American friends are here to announce emergency aid and assistance to help the Philippines in this hour of need. In the wake of this natural disaster and recovery of the Princess of Stars more assistance is forthcoming as well. We are deeply grateful for the response by the U.S. government including the U.S. Navy. So, we would like to introduce Secretary Negroponte and Ambassador Kenney to comment on the situation and the overall strength of U.S.-Philippine relations. Thank you.