02/08/2001 (Agence Europe) - The European Commission has decided to allocate further aid of 2 million euro to support humanitarian projects in the Northern Caucasus. The aid, intended for the victims of the conflict ion Chechnya, will be channelled through the Danish Council for Refugees and the UN High Commission for Refugees. This aid was decided upon "despite the difficulties encountered by Echo partners in the region", declared European Commissioner Poul Nielson. The Commission says it is very concerned by the difficulties encountered by NGOs on the ground, and the lack of improvement despite "the promises of the Russian Government". "We shall continue to push the Russian authorities to guarantee acceptable working conditions, with access permits and VHF communications permits, which are basic elements for the safety of humanitarian workers" said Nielson in a statement.