DATE=5/23/2000
TYPE=CORRESPONDENT REPORT
TITLE=U-N-ERITREA HUNGER (L ONLY)
NUMBER=2-262716
BYLINE=BRECK ARDERY
DATELINE=UNITED NATIONS
CONTENT=
VOICED AT:
INTRO: The United Nations is expressing growing
alarm about humanitarian conditions in Eritrea, where
renewed fighting with Ethiopia and a long-running
drought are causing widespread hunger. VOA
Correspondent Breck Ardery reports from the United
Nations.
TEXT: The United Nations Security Council, which has
already imposed an arms embargo on both sides in the
war, again appealed for a cease-fire and a resumption
of peace talks. In a statement to reporters, Council
President Wang Yingfan of China said the fighting
between Ethiopia and Eritrea is having a serious
impact on civilians.
///Wang act///
The members (of the Council) express their grave
concern at the serious humanitarian situation
caused by the fighting and the flight by the
civilian population.
///end act///
Reports say tens of thousands of Eritreans have fled
the fighting, many of them seeking safety in Sudan.
The United Nations World Food Program is airlifting
more than 80 metric tons of high protein biscuits to
Eritrea and Sudan.
U-N spokesman Fred Eckhard says the nature of the food
crisis in Eritrea presents an unusual challenge
because people are on the move.
///Eckhard act///
The immense challenge is how to rapidly feed a
highly mobile population which is without water,
cooking pots and fuel. In these types of
situations, high protein biscuits are one of the
best solutions.
///end act///
The World Food Program says it has enough biscuits to
feed about 260-thousand displaced Eritreans for one
week and is appealing to donor nations for further
assistance. (Signed)
NEB/UN/BA/LSF/KBK
23-May-2000 16:37 PM EDT (23-May-2000 2037 UTC)
NNNN
Source: Voice of America
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