| Press Statement Philip T. Reeker, Deputy Spokesman Washington, DC October 22, 2001 Afghanistan Emergency: U.S. Contributes $10 Million to UN High Commissioner for RefugeesThe U.S. is pleased to announce an additional contribution of $10 million to the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees in response to its current emergency needs to assist Afghan refugees fleeing to neighboring countries, particularly Pakistan. With this latest contribution, the U.S. has contributed $14 million, to date, to the donor alert of the UN High Commissioner to assist the people of Afghanistan over the coming winter. This new contribution is part of the $320 million in aid for the Afghan people announced by President Bush on October 4, 2001. This assistance will complement assistance being provided inside of Afghanistan by the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) and the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). Our priority remains the provision of as much assistance inside of Afghanistan as possible, so that individuals do not need to flee to bordering countries for assistance. We call on other donors to contribute generously to the UN High Commissioner for Refugees, other UN agencies and non-governmental organizations responding to the dire humanitarian situation in Afghanistan. |
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