Krishna calls up Qureshi; offers USD 5 million aid for floods

New Delhi, Aug 13 (PTI) After writing to his Pakistani
counterpart last week condoling deaths in the floods, Indian
External Affairs Minister S M Krishna Friday called up S M
Qureshi and offered aid of USD 5 million in "this hour of
need".
Krishna telephoned Qureshi and expressed solidarity with
the people of Pakistan in handling the devastation caused by
the floods -- the worst in more than eight decades, claiming
over 1,700 lives and affecting 14 million people.
"Government of India has offered assistance of US$ 5
million (approx Rs 23 crore) for provision of relief material
from India for the victims of the massive floods that have
adversely affected Pakistan, causing widespread damage to life
and property," a release by the ministry said.
"In a telephone conversation, Krishna conveyed to Qureshi,
this gesture of solidarity with the people of Pakistan, in
their hour of need," it said.
The External Affairs Minister, on behalf of the people
and Government of India, also conveyed deepest sympathies and
condolences to the people and Government of Pakistan, on this
natural disaster, it said.
Last week, Krishna had written to his Pakistani counterpart
and conveyed sincere condolences and had said that he was
distressed by the devastation caused by the natural calamity.
PTI PYK
MYR