The U.S. Gets Help With the Oil Spill
How does diplomacy help in a disaster? The State Department has finally announced that, through its diplomatic and consular functions, it is supporting BP’s international sourcing efforts by reaching out to relevant international ministries and expediting visa processing for countries providing assistance in the Gulf of Mexico. Seventeen countries and four international bodies have offered equipment and expertise. So far the U.S. has accepted help from Mexico, the Netherlands, Canada and Norway. State plays a major role in the efforts to source equipment, supplies and services from foreign governments and international bodies, by receiving offers of assistance and communicating with governments.
