Georgieva Alarmed by Humanitarian Situation in Libya's Sirte

Bulgaria in EU | October 7, 2011, Friday // 16:57|  views

Intense fighting raged in Sirte on Thursday after forces loyal to Moamer Kadhafi tried to break a siege of the ousted strongman`s hometown by fighters loyal to Libya`s new regime. EPA/BGNES

EU Commissioner for humanitarian aid, Bulgarian Kristalina Georgieva, has issued a call for the protection of civilians in the Libyan town of Sirte, which has seen fierce fighting between the Libyan rebels and the forces of fugitive dictator Muammar Gaddafi.

The EU Commissioner for International Cooperation, Humanitarian Aid and Crisis Response made her call to respect international humanitarian law and allow civilians caught up in the conflict in Sirte to leave the Libyan city safely after experts from the European Commission's Humanitarian Aid and Civil Protection Directorate General (ECHO) in Libya confirmed that the situation in the besieged city is dire.

"Our experts are warning that civilians are in grave danger as a consequence of the fight for control of Sirte," Georgieva said, adding,

"The situation is critical. Despite a steady movement of population out of the city, we believe that thousands remain and are being prevented from leaving. I strongly appeal not to use civilians as human shields, but to let them leave the city in safety. Once again, I urge that international humanitarian law is respected."

Intense fighting raged in Sirte on Thursday after forces loyal to Moamer Kadhafi tried to break a siege of the ousted strongman`s hometown by fighters loyal to Libya`s new regime.

The EC has pointed out that the humanitarian community has pre-positioned medical and essential supplies near the conflict in order to provide assistance once access is possible. The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) has entered Sirte with emergency supplies. Its representatives have witnessed a dramatic situation inside the city with acute shortages of food, water, medical supplies and fuel.

Funding of EUR 3 M has been reserved by the Commission in order to respond to the needs triggered by the ongoing fighting as soon as access is possible.

The funding is for battlefield surgery, assistance to hospitals and other needs through the ICRC and the Commission's other humanitarian partners in the field.

The European Union is the largest provider of humanitarian assistance in the Libyan crisis, with a contribution of more than EUR 154 M so far. More than EUR 80.5 M of the total EU assistance is from the European Commission.

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Tags: Kristalina Georgieva, EC, EU, European Commission, EU Commissioner, humanitarian aid commissioner, humanitarian aid, Humanitarian Aid and Crisis Response, Libya, Sirte, Muammar Gaddafi, rebels

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