Powell Says Tsunami Relief Should Be a Long-Term Project

Secretary of State Colin L. Powell said today that the response to the Indian Ocean tsunami should be considered a long-term project that could extend far beyond the current efforts to provide immediate relief to survivors.

Interviewed on a series of news shows, Mr. Powell said that he will meet with President Bush on Monday to review his recent trip to tour several of the nations hit hardest by the catastrophe that has claimed an estimated 150,000 lives. Asked on the ABC News program "This Week" what his recommendations to the president would be, Mr. Powell said: "That we stay engaged. That this is a long-term prospect."

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