Clinton Cuts Short Trip to Help US Relief Effort

Former US president Bill Clinton is returning home early from an Australian trip to help in the relief efforts in new York and Washington.

Mr Clinton left far north Queensland Wednesday night aboard a US Air Force jet.

After remaining silent inside a Port Douglas resort for almost 18 hours, Mr Clinton spoke to the media just before a police escort rushed him to Cairns.

He said he had spent most of the day watching events unfold on television and talking to his wife, US Senator Hillary Clinton.

Mr Clinton says he has not yet spoken to President George W Bush, but has left him messages of support.

He says he fully supports the stance President Bush has taken and is willing to do whatever is required to help rebuild the United States.

"I will do whatever it takes, I've cleared my schedule and even if I just help pick up bricks or give blood, I want to do it," he said.








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