02 January 2005	Sunday	20 Ziqa'ad 1425

WASHINGTON, Jan 1: US President George W. Bush said on Saturday the carnage inflicted by the tsunami disaster in South Asia defied comprehension, and that flags would fly at half-mast in the United States next week.

"On this first day of a new year, we join the world in feeling enormous sadness over a great human tragedy," Bush said in his weekly radio address.

"The carnage is of a scale that defies comprehension, with over 100,000 deaths reported. I have signed a proclamation calling for our nation's flag to be flown at half-staff this coming week," he said.

"As the people of this devastated region struggle to recover, we offer our love and compassion, and our assurance that America will be there to help," Bush said, adding that he had spoken to leaders of the four countries most affected - India, Indonesia, Sri Lanka and Thailand - in the wake of the disaster.

"The task they face is difficult. Their relief resources are stretched nearly to the limit. Communications, roads and medical facilities have been badly damaged; disease has become a very real threat," Bush stressed.

The United States has decided to devote 350 million dollars in emergency aid, Bush said, detailing US military assets deployed to the area to help out.

"Tomorrow, I will send a delegation to the area to meet with regional leaders and international organizations to assess what additional aid can be provided by the United States," Bush said.

"The delegation will be led by Secretary of State Colin Powell and Governor Jeb Bush, who has extensive experience in the state of Florida with relief, rehabilitation and reconstruction efforts following natural disasters," Bush said.

He said the United States had formed an international coalition, joined by India, Japan, and Australia, to help provide immediate international relief, rehabilitation and long-term construction efforts.

"I'm confident many more nations will join this core group in short order," he said.

Bush thanked Americans for their private donations.

"Let us be mindful that even in this modern age, our world still requires compassion, tolerance and generosity from each of us," he said.-AFP