(Washington, DC) - Rep. Gary L. Ackerman (D-Queens/L.I.), member of the House Committee on Foreign Affairs and a member of the Congressional Caucus on Hellenic Issues, today urged Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice to provide any necessary assistance the United States can offer to Greece after the recent widespread wildfires.

“While the U.S. pledge of $1.3 million in aid is certainly laudable, I think we can and should do more to aid to Greece during one of the worst disasters in its modern history. Greece is not only a long-term ally of the United States, but one of the first countries to offer assistance and support after the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks and after the devastation caused by Hurricane Katrina,” said Ackerman.

The widespread wildfires in Greece have resulted in an unprecedented loss of life and property, with 67 people declared dead as of September 1, 2007.  It is currently estimated that the fires have caused over $2 billion in immediate damages and almost $7 billion overall.

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