U.S. President Bush enlisted two former presidents for an ambitious private fund-raising drive for victims of the deadly tsunami on Monday, asking Americans to open their wallets to help the millions left homeless, hungry and injured.
"The devastation in the region defies comprehension," Bush said as he announced the campaign to be led by his father and Bill Clinton. "I ask every American to contribute as they are able to do so."
In Thailand, meanwhile, Secretary of State Colin Powell told the nation's leaders, "We are in solidarity with you ... The United States will certainly not turn away from those in desperate need."
Powell said, "The aftermath of the tsunami is a tragedy for the entire world ... I think we have demonstrated in recent days our willingness to provide support."
Bush, his wife, Laura, and his two predecessors paid brief sympathy visits to the embassies of the four nations hit hardest — Indonesia, Sri Lanka, India and Thailand. The first lady brought bouquets of white roses, and the president wrote messages in embassy condolence books, offering prayers as well as promises of U.S. aid.
