UN WFP studying IDP needs

Vice-premier, chairman of the State Commission on Refugees Ali Hasanov has received a delegation led by an expert of the UN World Food Program General Staff Paolo Matta and comprising representatives of the evaluation and revision group Tuesday.

Mr. Matta said that the visit aims to evaluate WFP activities in the country, study the existing problems and upcoming projects. The UN mission is expected to travel to refugee camps, take part in the distribution of food and get familiar with the current situation.

Pointing out to a four-fold decrease in humanitarian assistance to Azerbaijan, Mr. Hasanov said it would be appropriate to extend WFP’s work in the country as the Azerbaijan government alone is not capable of meeting the food needs of IDPs.

WFP completed its mission in Azerbaijan in June 1999, but following a presidential appeal extended the term by three years.*