Our prayers are with the missing miners and their families after the November 19th explosion at the Pike River mine in New Zealand. Our Embassy in Wellington and Consulate General in Auckland are monitoring the situation closely and stand ready to provide technical assistance if necessary. I witnessed the courage and resilience of New Zealanders firsthand earlier this month, and it is my hope that all 29 men still inside are safe and will be rescued. My thoughts go out to those affected by this disaster and all the people of New Zealand.
