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Subject: AKI: EU Humanitarian Aid Reaching Needy
EAST TIMOR: EU HUMANITARIAN AID REACHING THE NEEDY Dili, 30 Jan. (AKI) The delivery of European Union humanitarian cargo to the vulnerable people of East Timor has begun. United Nations World Food Program assistant in East Timor, Flavia da Silva, told Adnkronos International [AKI] that the 240 tonnes of beans, donated by the European Commission of Humanitarian Organization [ECHO], has started reaching the poor, the elderly, the children and the refugees of East Timor, Asia’s poorest country. "The beans are very important for the primary school students and mothers and their babies in the territory. We have started delivering them in Metinaro refugee centre, [27km west of Dili],” da Silva told AKI. The European Union [EU] commitment was also praised by East Timor's prime minister and Noble Peace Laureate, Jose Ramos Horta. The commitment of the European Union is undisputed in every aspect. We have a commitment on their part on the development of infrastructure, as well as on providing humanitarian aid,” said Horta in an interview with AKI on Monday in Dili. “They have also promised to assist us in the next election,” Horta added. Timor Leste’s next elections are scheduled for May. Horta also disclosed that the European Commission plans to establish a delegation East Timor. The EC delegation will have the same status as that of an embassy. The president of the European Commission, Jose Manuel Durrao Barroso, is a great friend of Timor Leste (East Timor) and has been a great support to us for many years. He has made Timor Leste one of the main issues for the European Union,” said Horta. “But obviously its [the EU] commitment goes to many other countries. The European Union is one of the best partners of the developing world,” Horta told AKI. (Fsc/Ner/Aki) 30-Jan-07 12:35 Back to January menu
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