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Waving flag of the Republic of Cuba.

Secretary Gutierrez Statement on Third Offer to Cuba for Humanitarian Assistance

Los Angeles (Sept. 15)—U.S. Commerce Secretary Carlos M. Gutierrez released the following statement after a third U.S. offer to send humanitarian aid to Cuba was turned down:“On September 13, the U.S. government agreed to offer Cuba humanitarian assistance without the visit of an assessment team. Yesterday the Cuban regime rejected our third offer to provide immediate assistance to those Cubans who are suffering from the devastation of Hurricanes Gustav and Ike. (More)


Satellite image of Hurricane Ike. Click here for larger image.

Large and Dangerous Hurricane Ike Approaching Texas Coast

Washington (Sept. 12)—The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s National Hurricane Center continues to monitor Hurricane Ike and a hurricane warning remains in effect from Morgan City, Louisiana to Baffin Bay, Texas. Hurricane conditions are expected to reach the coast in the warning area later today. Ike is a category 2 hurricane with maximum sustained winds near 105 miles per hour. Preparations to protect life and property in this area should be rushed to completion. (Advisory) (Hurricane Preparedness)


NASA satellite photograph of Cuba. Click for larger image.

NASA Satellite Photo

Secretary Gutierrez Statement on Cuba Declining U.S. Humanitarian Team Offer for Second Time

Washington (Sept. 11)—U.S. Commerce Secretary Carlos M. Gutierrez released the following statement after a second U.S. offer for a humanitarian assessment team was turned down: “The safety and welfare of the Cuban people is our highest concern in the wake of hurricanes Gustav and Ike and although the Cuban Government has declined the offer of a humanitarian assessment team, we remain willing to send one. We are evaluating how best to provide additional humanitarian relief for Cuban victims of this disaster.” (More)