Concern over food situation in Libya

“I am concerned about the deteriorating access to food and medicines in the Gaddafi-controlled parts of Libya. This is severely affecting the civilian population, and we must stand ready to provide assistance,” said Foreign Minister Jonas Gahr Støre.  

UN Humanitarian Coordinator for Libya Panos Moumtzis has referred to the food supply situation in Libya as a “ticking time bomb”. Rapports from western Libya indicate that stocks of essential foodstuffs, fuel and medicines are close to running out. The situation is not critical, but stocks are not being replaced as they are consumed.  

“The international community must deal with this situation before it become acute. We must ensure that the aid we provide reaches all people in Libya, regardless of their location,” said the Foreign Minister. 

Norway has so far provided NOK 80 million to alleviate the humanitarian situation that has arisen in connection with the events in Libya.