Washington, D.C. 07 May (Asiantribune.com): Former United States presidents George H.W. Bush, a Republican, and Bill Clinton, a Democrat, shed their political differences to raise $10 million in just one of the fifty states, the State of Texas for reconstruction projects in four tsunami affected nations, Sri Lanka, Indonesia, Thailand and the Maldives when some of those countries internal political squabbles have taken a prominent place as to who should have control over relief work complicating the lives of those affected by last December 26 disaster.

On January 3, President George W. Bush asked his father and former President Clinton to head a nationwide fundraising campaign. The two former presidents toured the tsunami affected south and Southeast Asian nations February 17-22.

Clinton is also the special representative for the United Nations to coordinate U.N. efforts of the tsunami relief and construction project in the Asian region. Over $ 1 billion have been collected within the United States mostly from individuals, charities and private corporations for the Asian Region tsunami relief and construction efforts.

Bush senior during an event in Houston in the State of Texas, attended by several thousand contributors, to thank the donors for raising $10 million said, “the fact that two former political rivals can come together in this way shows that -- despite the doom-and-gloom we hear about the political process – it is possible to put politics side and work together for the good of the country and the good of mankind everywhere.”

Bernard Goonetilleke, Ambassador for Sri Lanka in the United States, was among the distinguished attendees who were listening to former president Bush’s advice.

“When we announced the Bush-Clinton Houston Tsunami Fund in January, we never expected the overwhelming response we received,” Bush said.

Out of the funds collected in the State of Texas, the former presidents announced that $1 million will go to Sri Lanka to build 100 children’s playground for the children who lost their families, homes and schools in the 13 districts on the coast, and if housing programs now under way are proven to be under funded by other sources, the Bush-Clinton Fund will donate money to these projects as well.

During their visit to Sri Lanka, Bush and Clinton said they were especially saddened by the sight of children who had lost heir families, homes and schools, and this pledge was to bring happiness to their lives.

They also announces that Indonesia will get $500,000 to help rebuild Lampuuk, hard-hit town Bush an Clinton visited in February. The funds will be used to rebuild a school, a health clinic, a women’s center and a small market, and to repair the water system.

In addition, about $4 to 5 million will be contributed to the Fulbright Commission to send 70 to 75 Indonesian students from the province of Aceh to American universities. The student will pursue advanced degrees in subjects critical to reconstruction, such as engineering, city planning and agriculture. The rebuilding efforts are expected to take approximately 20 years, it has been estimated.

Former President Bill Clinton accompanied the senior Bush to Houston, Texas to attend the event.

- Asian Tribune -