DATE=11/3/1999
TYPE=CORRESPONDENT REPORT
TITLE=AFGHAN REFUGEES (L ONLY)
NUMBER=2-255788
BYLINE=ALLISON LYNCH
DATELINE=NEW YORK
CONTENT=
VOICED AT:
(Voiced by Barbara Schoetzau)
INTRO: The United Nations warned today (Wednesday) of
a potential humanitarian disaster if humanitarian aid
to refugees in Afghanistan is not provided by the end
of November. VOA's Allison Lynch reports from New
York.
TEXT: The United Nations Humanitarian Coordinator for
Afghanistan said a humanitarian disaster is imminent
in the Panjshir Valley north of Kabul if food,
shelter, and coal for heating are not delivered to
refugees within three weeks.
The U-N Coordinator, Erick de Mul, told a news
conference that the onset of winter poses a great
threat to over 65 thousand refugees who fled the
Shamali Plain, north of Kabul, which Taleban
authorities and the Northern Alliance forces are
fighting to control. An estimated 85 percent of the
refugees are women and children.
Reports indicate no progress in negotiations with the
warring parties to guarantee access to the refugees.
///de Mul actuality///
We have been impressing upon them that time is
running out and we have to have some agreement
on both sides that we will be able to transport
especially food in across the front line. If
not, then we will have a rather serious
humanitarian disaster on our hands come
December.
///end actuality///
Mr. de Mul noted that there has been some progress on
gender and human rights issues under Taleban control.
He said an increased number of women are being allowed
by the Taleban to work and are being permitted access
to basic social services, notably in the health
sector. But, Mr. de Mul said, he is only referring to
fairly small numbers. (signed)
NEB/NYC/AJL/LSF/PT
03-Nov-1999 17:02 PM EDT (03-Nov-1999 2202 UTC)
NNNN
Source: Voice of America
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