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President Bachelet lashes out against looters after earthquake

U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton arrived to Chile today at 10:45 am bringing much-needed satellite communication equipment.

02 de Marzo de 2010 | 11:16 | By Luis Goycoolea U.

SANTIAGO .- "Our goal is to help the people cope with the emergency and face the devastated areas. Those who do not understand this will receive the full force of the law. We will not tolerate criminal actions", said President Michelle Bachelet on Tuesday.


Bachelet lashed out against looting and vandalism that has affected some of the most devastated areas of the country which was hit by 8.8 degrees Richter scale earthquake early Saturday.


"Our worries are directed to provide security to the population. We fully understand the anguish and the pressing needs of the people, but we also know that there are criminal actions taking place that are causing extensive damage. We are not going to accept this", said the President after a meeting at La Moneda Palace with the commanders of the Armed Forces.


Security still remained a concern today. Most markets in Concepcion were ransacked by looters and people desperate for food, water, toilet paper, gasoline and other essentials, prompting authorities to send troops and impose an overnight curfew. The interior ministry extended the city curfew to run from 8 p.m. Monday to noon Tuesday.


Presidente Bachelet described this as “unacceptable the chaos lived in Concepcion yesterday” when a group of men set fire to La Polar store, after looting it. "It is intolerable that firefighters, who today are leading major rescue efforts, have to devote valuable resources like water in putting out a fire caused by criminals”, she said.


Hillary Clinton arrives


U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton arrived in Santiago at 10:45 am.


Clinton flew into the capital of Santiago, delivering much-needed satellite communication equipment and a technician. It's a first installment of what she says will be substantial U.S. relief assistance.


Her Santiago visit is expected to be confined to the airport and its immediate vicinity. At the airport, she will be meeting outgoing Chilean President Michelle Bachelet and President-elect Sebastian Pinera.

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