NATO Press Release (2002)099 16 August 2002 <br /><br /> <br /><br /> STATEMENT BY THE SECRETARY GENERAL OF NATO, <br />LORD ROBERTSON<br /><br /> <br /><br />The Secretary General of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization, Lord Robertson, today expressed his sympathy for the citizens and governments of the countries hit by the catastrophic floods in recent days. "I am personally saddened by the scale and consequence of the floods, and I should like to assure the citizens and governments of the countries hit by this natural disaster that they can count on NATO and the Alliance's Member states and Partners to come to their assistance", the Secretary General said. Lord Robertson has offered the Organization's support to the Heads of State and Government of the Czech Republic, Germany, Hungary, Austria, Romania and Slovakia.<br /><br /> <br /><br />In accordance with its standing operating procedures, NATO?s Euro Atlantic Disaster Response Coordination Centre (EADRCC) contacted its designated points of contact in all EAPC countries regarding assistance requested by the Czech Republic. Response by nations has been rapid and positive; to date 13 NATO and Partner countries have already provided or offered assistance to the Czech Republic.<br /><br /> <br /><br />The EADRCC continues to maintain contact with authorities in the Czech Republic as well as in Germany, Hungary, Romania and Slovakia regarding possible assistance which might be required.<br /><br /> <br /><br />"At this difficult time, solidarity, one of the founding principles of the Alliance, is more necessary than ever. It is expressed today through the support provided to cope with natural disasters affecting populations and destroying infrastructure. NATO, its Members and Partners are ready to respond to the call," added the Secretary General.