Brussels, 06/10/2006 (Agence Europe) - The World Food Programme (WFP) is delighted to be able to count on a further contribution of €26 million from the European Commission for humanitarian relief in Darfur, coming as it does as much-needed help to sustain its threatened relief operations.
The granting of this new financial aid, which is part of the €40 million earmarked for additional humanitarian aid for Darfur, was announced by José Manuel Barroso, President of the European Commission, and Louis Michel, Development and Humanitarian Aid Commissioner, during their recent trip to Sudan (EUROPE 9277).
“This generous contribution will have a direct impact on the well-being of the people we're trying to help in Darfur. With these funds, we can replenish our food stocks and keep WFPHAS helicopters and aircraft flying, so that all those engaged in providing humanitarian assistance can reach remote parts of Darfur that would otherwise be cut off”, said Kenro Oshidari, WFP's Representative in Sudan. The WFP currently feeds 2.7 million people, “thanks in great part to the generosity of the Europeans”, he added.
This further financial support from the Commission brings the total Community contribution to WFP activity in 2006 to €71.9 million, i.e. a 60% increase compared to last year. (an)