is chris mcmullen, the deputy assistant secretary of state for the western hemisphere. you very much for being with me. we heard the president address today, he assured the chilean people that the people of the united states stand by them, having been in chile and experienced them sending aid and comfort to other nations that have been afflicted in natural disasters is this the kind of situation where they feel they can handle it on their own? what can the united states do to augment or assist in that process? >> well, i think you're right, geraldo. first of all, let me just express again our condolences to the chilean people and also to commend the chilean government and particularly its first responders for doing an exemplary job under difficult circumstances. chile is probably one of the best prepared countries for this kind of seismic event or tragedy. they were one of the first to respond in haiti. there were peacekeepers in haiti and they flew in supplies and search and rescue teams. chile is well prepared. there were references to the past earthquakes that they e