Also AP: EU adopts aid packages for 'forgotten' crises in Asia

Agence France Presse -- English

August 4, 2004 Wednesday 9:43 AM Eastern Time

EU executive unveils aid for East Timor, Indonesian refugees

BRUSSELS, Aug 4

The European Union's executive branch announced Wednesday aid of 1.75 million euros (two million dollars) for drought victims in East Timor and for refugees from civil conflict in Indonesia.

Thousands in the former Indonesian territory of East Timor are still suffering from malnutrition after a two-year drought that ran to last year, the European Commission said.

The aid would also help cover the basic requirements of around 50,000 people driven from their homes by conflict in the Indonesian provinces of Aceh, Ambon and Central Sulawesi, it said.

jit/kjm

--

Associated Press Worldstream

These materials may not be republished without the express written consent of The Associated Press

August 4, 2004 Wednesday 6:29 AM Eastern Time

EU adopts aid packages for 'forgotten' crises in Asia

BRUSSELS, Belgium

The European Union's head office on Wednesday adopted aid packages worth [euro]5.75 million (US$6.9 million) for what it called "forgotten" crises in Nepal, India, East Timor and Indonesia.

The European Commission said the money includes [euro]2 million (US$2.4 million) to help feed 100,000 Bhutanese refugees in southeastern Nepal and another [euro]2 million (US$2.4 million) to provide primary and mental health care and support to about 100,000 people affected by the conflict in India's Jammu-Kashmir state.

The rest will help address lingering malnutrition in East Timor following two years of drought and basic needs for about 500,000 people displaced by conflicts in Indonesian regions of Aceh, Ambon and Central Sulawesi.

"These funds will make a real difference to the lives of some of the most vulnerable people living in crisis situations in Asia," said Poul Nielson, commissioner for development and humanitarian aid. "Although their plight is rarely featured in the media, they have as much right to humanitarian aid as people living in more high-profile crises."

Back to August menu
July
World Leaders Contact List
Human Rights Violations in East Timor
Main Postings Menu