Norwegian Prime Minister Kjell Magne Bondevik has today sent the following letter to US President George W. Bush, offering his condolences after the hurricane disaster on the Gulf Coast:

“Allow me to express my deepest condolences over the devastation caused by Hurricane Katrina. The human suffering and material damage of this disaster have made a profound impression on all of us.

Our thoughts and prayers go out to all Americans affected by this tragedy, in particular those who have lost their loved ones.

I am impressed by the enormous rescue effort now under way. We know that the United States has tremendous resources to handle it, but Norway stands ready to support these efforts. I have asked the relevant Norwegian authorities to get in touch with their US counterparts to identify possible areas where we can contribute.

Yours sincerely
Kjell Magne Bondevik”.