Brussels, 04/03/2011 (Agence Europe) - Italy has informed its European partners of the exceptional humanitarian effort that it has decided to make and that is currently carrying out to ease the Libyan humanitarian crisis, often in cooperation with other European countries and with a view to concerted European action (see related article above). Following this announcement by Italy, Austria also offered to contribute to the mission by providing humanitarian supplies.
Italy's top priority consists of aid to those fleeing from Libya to Tunisia, where local authorities are often overwhelmed by the situation and where UNHCR (United Nations Refugee Agency) camps are under pressure. On Thursday 3 March, the Italian Council of Ministers authorised the setting in place of an “early reception structure” near the UNHCR camp in Ras Ej Der, further to a request for aid from the governments of Tunisia and Egypt so that Egyptian refugees fleeing Libya towards Tunisia may return to their homeland unhindered.
Since 3 March, an Italian advance team has been on the spot to make contact with the Tunisian authorities and the UNHCR and to carry out reconnaissance missions. Military cargo planes are ready to take off from Italy to transfer the Egyptian nationals from Tunisia to Egypt. In coming hours, the Italian special envoy for crisis-hit areas, Margherita Boniver, will be leaving for Tunisia.
Italy's humanitarian effort comes in addition to the initiatives taken on the spot by the Tunisian government in coordination with the international community in order to stem the flow of refugees leaving Libya. Operations are being coordinated by the Italian Foreign Ministry, in liaison and in cooperation with various elements such as the Ministries of Defence, the Interior and Health, and the Italian Red Cross.
The second priority concerns the supply of humanitarian aid to the population of Libya, especially Benghazi and Cyrenaica. Food supplies are currently being sent, provided by an Italian food chain, while other essential supplies are on their way to the port of Catania on an Italian navy vessel. The ship will leave Catania this weekend. (Gp/transl.jl)