28 September 2001
Excerpts: U.S. Works to End Suffering of Afghan Refugees
(U.S. aid to the region pushes $184 million) (800)
State Department officials emphasized in various appearances this week
that the United States is helping to alleviate the suffering of
millions of Afghan refugees. The United States is the world's single
largest contributor of humanitarian aid to the Afghan people, with
this year's total surpassing $180 million.
Deputy Secretary of State Richard Armitage told an interviewer on the
NBC television network September 27 that the United States is working
with international partners to expand relief efforts for the Afghans.
Assistant Secretary for European and Eurasian Affairs Elizabeth Jones
said on the State Department program "Dialogue" September 25, "I would
like to emphasize here that the international fight against terrorism
is by no means against the Afghan people. It is against Osama bin
Laden and the al Qaeda organization."
The U.S. Agency for International Development reported September 27
that total U.S. aid to the region is now approaching $184 million.
Armitage and Jones cite lower figures, but a USAID spokesman explains
that the humanitarian aid has been increasing almost daily as the
agency taps emergency funds to provide additional funding on an "as
needed" basis. The spokesman says the total aid amount will continue
to grow in the days ahead. The aid is distributed through UN agencies
and non-government organizations.
Following are excerpts from two transcripts of interviews with State
Department officials.
(begin transcript excerpt)
U.S. DEPARTMENT OF STATE
Office of the Spokesman
September 27, 2001
INTERVIEW OF DEPUTY SECRETARY OF STATE RICHARD ARMITAGE
BY NBC'S MATT LAUER ON THE TODAY SHOW
Washington, D.C.
Q: There is a humanitarian crisis in Afghanistan. People are on the
move, trying to flee the country. Other people are dramatically short
of food. Is there any more that we can do, the United States can do --
and I know we do a sizeable amount already. But is there anything more
we can do to end the suffering of the Afghanistan people, now?
A: Well, you're right, we do a lot. We have provided $174 million
worth of humanitarian assistance this year. The President has ordered
us to be prepared to alleviate the suffering of the new refugees who
will be arriving in Pakistan and other neighboring states. We have to
do it in a manner that does not allow this food to fall into the hands
of the Taliban.
But, yes, there is more we can do and there is more the international
community can do. And we are looking for other partners who are
willing to step up and alleviate this problem.
Q: But given the scope of the humanitarian crisis brewing right now,
Secretary Armitage, don't you think if we strike Afghanistan with our
military, we run the risk of making conditions even worse for the
people there?
A: I don't know how it could be made much worse. The Taliban
themselves have been repressive of their own people. And as far as I'm
concerned, they have been using food as a weapon against other
Afghanis. I think if it becomes necessary to use military action, and
the fact that we're also providing for the sustenance and, indeed, in
some cases the shelter of Afghan citizens makes the point, that we're
after terrorists and murderers and not interested in waging a war on
the Afghani people.
(end excerpt)
(begin excerpt)
"DIALOGUE"
UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF STATE
Office of Broadcast Services
Washington, D.C.
GUEST: Ambassador Elizabeth Jones, Assistant Secretary for European
and Eurasian Affairs, U.S. State Department
TOPIC: AFTERMATH OF SEPTEMBER 11TH ATTACKS ON AMERICA:
INTERNATIONAL SUPPORT IN FIGHTING TERRORISM
DATE: September 25, 2001
AMB. JONES: The refugee problem from refugees from Afghanistan is a
very serious problem. It's been a very serious problem for over a
dozen years. The United States government has provided $173 million
worth of assistance to Afghanistan, to the people of Afghanistan, in
order to address the very, very serious humanitarian problems in
Afghanistan brought about by the terrible drought that has been
underway there for several years now, and by the difficulties, the
very severe difficulties that come during the winter when it's
extremely cold and when the weather is so bad.
There are U.S. organizations that are providing food assistance to the
refugees moving across the border into Pakistan, and there is a lot of
discussion underway right now as to how to do that for the Afghans who
remain in Afghanistan.
I would like to emphasize here that the international fight against
terrorism is by no means against the Afghan people. It is against
Osama bin Laden and the al Qaeda organization.
(end excerpt)
(Distributed by the Office of International Information Programs, U.S.
Department of State. Web site: http://usinfo.state.gov)
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