DATE=10/21/1999
TYPE=CORRESPONDENT REPORT
TITLE=RUSSIA / CHECHNYA AID (L-ONLY)
NUMBER=2-255325
BYLINE=LISA SCHLEIN
DATELINE=GENEVA
CONTENT=
VOICED AT:
INTRO: Russian officials pledge to cooperate with
international aid agencies in helping tens of
thousands of Chechen refugees who have fled to
neighboring republic of Ingushetia to escape attacks
from Russian forces. Lisa Schlein in Geneva reports
the Russian officials say they are taking steps to
help the refugees get through the coming harsh winter
months.
TEXT: Russian officials say more than 160-thousand
Chechens have sought refuge in Ingushetia. The senior
Russian diplomat in Geneva, Roman Kolodkin (EDS:.
title is Permanent Representative to the United
Nations and other international organizations in
Geneva), says the Russian government is assessing the
refugee situation. Speaking through an interpreter,
he says a special Russian commission has been set up
to follow developments in the region.
/// ACT KOLODKIN ///
For sure they are making the assessments and
they and they do share them with the
humanitarian organizations. And I would like to
stress once again that for the time being at
this stage, we do not have any problems in
relations with humanitarian organizations. They
know what we need. And they help us.
/// END ACT ///
That was not always the case. Russia was slow in
granting international aid agencies permission to
deliver relief supplies to the Chechen refugees in
Ingushetia. For several weeks after the conflict
began, Russian authorities rejected outside help,
claiming they could handle the situation themselves.
However, as the number of refugees began to swell, the
Russian authorities changed their minds and asked for
international help. In response, the United Nations
Refugee Agency has given half a million dollars in
assistance. It has delivered three convoys of relief
supplies to the Chechen refugees. Other U-N and
private aid agencies also are providing assistance.
Mr. Kolodkin says Russia is sending large quantities
of food, medicine, tents and special winter equipment
to Ingushetia.
/// KOLODKIN ACT ///
I am not trying to present the humanitarian
situation in the region as wonderful. We, as
usual, have some problems with distribution of
aid. But, the situation is under control. And
both the Federal (i.e. Russian) authorities and
the international organizations share this view.
/// END ACT ///
Mr. Kolodkin says about one-thousand people have
returned to Russian controlled areas of Chechnya. He
says normal life is being restored there. And,
Russian authorities are providing those who have
returned with their basic needs. (Signed)
NEB/LS/GE/JP
21-Oct-1999 11:25 AM EDT (21-Oct-1999 1525 UTC)
NNNN
Source: Voice of America
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