The Government of Italy Press-Release

Rome, 14 August 2008 - In response to Georgia's request for humanitarian aid, and acting on the instructions of the Minister for Foreign Affairs, Franco Frattini, the foreign ministry is organising two humanitarian flights with aid totalling 460,000 euros.

The two flights, a concrete sign of solidarity for the population affected by the current crisis, will leave from the Humanitarian Rapid Response Depot in Brindisi. They will be carrying emergency supplies (blankets, tents, food) for distribution on the ground by personnel from the Directorate General for Development Cooperation and the Italian Red Cross (CRI). Cooking facilities and equipment supplied by the CRI, and which can provide 10,000 meals a day, will also be sent.

Acting on Minister Frattini's instructions, the foreign ministry has also arranged a further contribution of 300,000 euros through the Bilateral Emergency Fund at the United High Commission for Refugees (UNHCR). This contribution is intended to fund UNHCR initiatives on the ground to provide protection, shelter and non-food supplies to refugees from the conflict.

These initiatives are in addition to the 200,000 euros already provided yesterday in response to the appeal issued by the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) for interventions on behalf of the most vulnerable sections of the population struck by the armed conflict in Georgia.