Seven Romanian forensic experts will go to the United States in order to aid the American authorities' efforts to limit further disastrous effects caused by Hurricane Katrina, announced today Oana Marinescu, Spokesperson of the Romanian Government.

The Romanian government made a decision today to aid the American authorities' efforts in the areas affected by Hurricane Katrina. The terms of the aid were settled by the Romanian and American Governments in accordance with the requests for aid and the American legislation, as well as Romania 's availability of aid.

All costs will be financed through a special governmental fund. The Minister of Health has already named the seven forensic experts. They will be sent to the areas affected by the hurricane in accordance with the decisions made by a task force based in Washington , D.C.

“The Romanian Government is pleased to send aid and to contribute with other forms of humanitarian aid – by sending sanitary materials or other first aid goods and products, beds, sheets – subject to the future requests of American authorities,” said Marinescu.

The decision of the Romanian Government is in response to the message addressed by United States President, G.W. Bush, and welcoming international humanitarian aid to the United States .

“The Romanian Government emphasizes that this decision is a gesture of solidarity toward the United States . We understand what the citizens of the United States are going through and we want to offer our help in any way we can pending our abilities to do so,” said Marinescu.

Source: Government of Romania Communications Department