Ryne Purvis
4/15/11
9:29 AM
The United Nations has warned that it is running out of funds to finance it's relief efforts in Libya and neighboring countries. "UNHCR is facing a critical shortage of funds for our operations in Libya and neighbouring countries," said Andrej Mahecic, spokesman for the UN High Commissioner for Refugees. "Unless funds are swiftly committed by donor countries, this shortfall will likely impact vital humanitarian assistance for tens of thousands of people displaced by the recent fighting," he added. On April 5th, the UN called for $294.82 million dollars to help finance the efforts. However, they have only received 41 per cent of what they asked for. The International Organisation for Migration, which has been working with the UNHCR to evacuate migrants, is also running out of funds. The International Organisation for Migration has sent a ship with a capacity of 800 to evacuate the 8300 people is Misrata. They only have enough funds to finance two trip there and back, thus rescuing 1600 of the 8300. "We simply do not have money to carry out such life saving operations," said Jemini Pandya, spokeswoman for the organisation.
The European Union and NATO continued work on a possible EU military mission into Libya to deliver humanitarian aid to the city of Misrata. EU foreign policy chief Catherine Ashton met with NATO foreign ministers in Berlin to discuss ties between the two organisations and the situation in Libya. This after the EU put to rest concerns by by the Swedish. The EU and NATO agreed to hold a meeting of ambassadors to discuss Libya in the coming weeks in order to "avoid a doubling up of operations and adjust their activities", a German diplomat said. The EU has yet to decide on a mission fro Libya, but any mission will need the go ahead from the UN.
http://www.heraldsun.com.au/news/breaking-news/un-running-out-of-funds-for-libya-aid/story-e6frf7jx-1226039967678
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