SECRETARY-GENERAL MONITORING HUMANITARIAN SITUATION IN NORTHERN CAUCASUS AS FIRST RELIEF CONSIGNMENTS DISPATCHED TO REGION

Press Release
SG/SM/7161

SECRETARY-GENERAL MONITORING HUMANITARIAN SITUATION IN NORTHERN CAUCASUS AS FIRST RELIEF CONSIGNMENTS DISPATCHED TO REGION

The following statement was issued today by the Spokesman for Secretary-General Kofi Annan:

The Secretary-General is following closely, and with concern, the humanitarian situation in the northern Caucasus region of the Russian Federation. According to available estimates, more than 70,000 civilians have already been displaced. United Nations agencies are working closely with the authorities of the Russian Federation, and three consignments of food and non-food relief have already been sent to the region. The United Nations stands ready to cooperate in a rapid assessment of the humanitarian situation as soon as conditions permit.

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