Russian Government and donor countries agree that humanitarian aid provided by the UN and partners in the North Caucasus will continue

Moscow, 29 June 2005. - The United Nations Humanitarian Coordinator in Moscow today presented the Mid-Year Review of the 2005 Consolidated Inter-Agency Appeal for Chechnya and Neighboring Republics. The United Nations and non-governmental organizations appealed for over US $67 million for their humanitarian operation in 2005. Donors to date have provided over 50% of that amount, making the CAP for Chechnya and Neighboring Republics the third best funded in the world. The operation is meeting urgent humanitarian need and assisting community recovery in the North Caucasus. Government representatives today praised the contributions made by humanitarian organizations through the CAP to alleviate suffering in the region. Together with donors, UN agencies, and NGOs, they agreed to link continued humanitarian action with efforts to combat unemployment and other socioeconomic problems.The need for humanitarian aid in the region is expected to remain roughly equal in 2006 to what it is today. The UN, non-governmental organizations and donors are committed to providing humanitarian aid as long as there is significant need for it. In addition, these organizations will seek in 2006 to continue exploring ways in which they can complement government plans for long-term economic and infrastructure development. Further information on humanitarian programs in the region is available from the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs reachable by phone at +7-095-956-6405 and website http://www.ocha.ru.