UNITED NATIONS, Dec 16: Former US president George H. Bush said on Thursday that he would try to convert the pledges of $5.9 billion for Pakistan’s quake victims “into things that can really benefit the people who are hurting in terrible weather and terrible environmental conditions”.

Speaking at a news conference with UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan, Mr Bush welcomed the opportunity to head the UN relief efforts in Pakistan saying: “Barbara (his wife) and I have been heartbroken over the tragedy in Pakistan.”

“I think I can help, and I certainly want to try. I have great respect for the president of Pakistan and for his prime minister, so I will be going as the secretary-general’s envoy into a very favourable environment.”

Earlier, UN Secretary-General Annan said: “President Bush will work with the government of Pakistan. I dare say they are extremely happy with the appointment. He will work with the president of Pakistan, and the country, that bore the terrible brunt of the earthquake. Pakistan’s Ambassador to the United Nations Munir Akram said: “The president, prime minister and the government of Pakistan are delighted by the appointment.”