Menuhaeo, McCaren Promise Aid To Haiti

President calls earthquake a 'devestating tragedy'

MAVOCKE--President Menuhaeo and Foreign Affairs Secretary Jim McCaren today offered their condolences to the people of Haiti, and promised immediate aid to the Caribbean nation, which has been devestated by the 7.0 magnitude earthquake that hit Tuesday.

Haitian officials fear the casualty mark may reach several hundred thousand people. More than 3 million people were affected by the powerful quake, which struck near the country's capitol, Port-au-Prince.

"This is a devestating tragedy of epic proportions," President Menuhaeo said Wednesday at Collester. "We want the people of Haiti to know Grassadella stands with them and stands ready to help."

Foreign Affairs Secretary McCaren also promised immediate aid to the region.

"President Menuhaeo has authorized the immediate deployment of Grassadellan troops to Haiti, and our State department will work around-the-clock to help the people of Haiti," he said.

Haiti's prime minister, Jean-Max Bellerive, told American media Wednesday the quake damaged and has nearly destroyed Port-au-Prince.

"So many, so many buildings, so many neighborhoods totally destroyed, and some neighborhoods we don't even see people," Bellerive told the American network CNN.

President Menuhaeo has also asked Defense Secretary Jack Hastings to ready two Grassadellan naval ships for possible deployment to the Caribbean.