MOSCOW, September 2 (RIA Novosti) - Defense Minister Sergei Ivanov said Friday Russia was ready to send large cargo aircraft with equipment at a moment's notice to help New Orleans deal with the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina, which hit the southern region of the United States on August 29. "We offered the United States our help the first day of the disaster," Ivanov said after talks with Canadian Defense Minister Bill Graham.
"We are waiting for a response. We have to know exactly what assistance the country needs. Russia is ready to provide it.
Ivanov said Russia had prepared transport aircraft that could carry even helicopters and electric generators to people in the hurricane zone.
Graham said so far the U.S. had not requested foreign aid for the clean-up efforts, adding that Canada had decided to prepare a ship loaded with special equipment, small boats, and lifeboats that could be used in the flooded areas.
Graham said his country's position was not to interfere but to help if need be. Depending on the United States' response, Canada was ready to help at any time, he said.
