Americans grateful for sympathy says Embassy head

The sympathy and support from New Zealanders after last week's attacks has been overwhelming, says Philip Wall, charge d'affaires at the United States Embassy in Wellington.

He told religious, political and business leaders at the annual Capital City Prayer Breakfast in Wellington yesterday that he had been deeply gratified by the many people who had come to the embassy to leave flowers and cards and sign the condolence book.

"It has been a wonderful thing to witness during this tragic time, not only for the United States but for people around the world. We still have a mountain of flowers outside the embassy."