Brussels, 12/01/2001 (Agence Europe) - On Wednesday, all humanitarian non-governmental organisations funded by ECHO (European Communities' Humanitarian Office) suspended their activities in Chechnya until further notice, thereby responding to an invitation by the European Commission. The kidnap of Kenny Gluck, American humanitarian worker at the service of Medecins sand Frontieres - The Netherlands, was the reason behind this concerted decision. The Commission indeed, in consultation with the office of Unocha in Moscow and Echo partners, considered that the safety conditions required by international law for the exercise of humanitarian activities by voluntary personnel were not present.
The humanitarian NGOs partners of Echo in the region are the International Committee of the Red Cross, the United Nations' High Commission for Refugees, the Danish Council for Refugees, the International Rescue Committee (Spain), the Action Against Hunger and Medecins sans Frontieres.
In a press release, Poul Nielson, European Commissioner for Humanitarian Aid, firmly condemns this kidnapping and calls for Mr. Gluck's release. "There is a clear need to improve security and access for UN agencies and NGOs working in Chechnya. During the last year, the European Commission has, including at the highest level, urged the Russian authorities to give access to humanitarian NGOs to use the UN sponsored humanitarian VHF radio net in the area. I now repeat this request", the Commissioner declared.
The spokesperson for Chris Patten, Commissioner responsible for External Relations, underlined this Friday before the press "the extent to which such a measure was regrettable with the coming of winter". The Commissioner will broach the problem with the Russia authorities on Thursday 18 and Friday 19 January during his visit to Moscow where he must meet with Prime Minister Kasyanov, Deputy Prime Minister Khristyenko and the Minister for Foreign Affairs, Igor Ivanov.
Since the beginning of the crisis in the northern Caucasus, in September 1999, the total humanitarian aid provided by ECHO to the region totals EUR 25.6 million. The European Union is the largest donor to the region. The last financing to date dates back to December 2000 and provided EUR 2.4 million in favour of displaced persons (117,000 in Chechnya and 138,000 in Inguchia).