Norway provides NOK 30 million for humanitarian assistance in Georgia

“The Russian President’s statement that the military operation has been terminated gives reason to hope that humanitarian assistance can now be provided on a large scale in Georgia,” said State Secretary Raymond Johansen of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

On Tuesday Norway allocated NOK 30 million for humanitarian assistance to the victims of the war in Georgia. The funds will be used to support the Red Cross field hospital in the Gori area, the Norwegian Refugee Council’s activities in the region and UNHCR’s efforts to assist refugees in North Ossetia, among other things.

“Although the fighting has hopefully come to an end, we are concerned about the human suffering caused by the war. People are fleeing South Ossetia, both north, across the border into Russia, and south. We are doing all we can to help the refugees and to ensure that the wounded receive medical treatment,” said Mr Johansen.

“Norway expects President Medvedev’s statement to be followed up in practice. All parties must now ensure that aid workers are given full access in accordance with international humanitarian law,” the State Secretary added.