Brussels, 11/12/2003 (Agence Europe) - The European Commission has approved humanitarian aid of EUR 9.5 million for victims of the Chechen conflict. This aid is for strengthening efforts already agreed to by the EU for the most vulnerable section of the local population, as well as displaced persons in Chechen territory (around 140,000) and in the neighbouring republics of Ingouchia and Daghestan (around 80,000). It will help respond to the urgent needs of the population in terms of food , water, accommodation, healthcare equipment, medical treatment and psycho-social activities, as well as the strengthening of security measures for protecting humanitarian personnel. Aid is allocated by the Commission's humanitarian aid office (ECHO) under the supervision of the Commissioner for humanitarian affairs, Poul Neilson. It is delivered to civilians via international agencies and humanitarian non governmental organisation present on the ground (EUROPE yesterday p 6 on the subject of Mr Nielson's declaration on the closing of a refugee camp in Ingouchia.