/ 1 January 2002

New Norwegian aid package for Angola

NORWAY announced on Thursday it would provide 4 million euros ($3,6-million) to help alleviate the humanitarian crisis in war-ravaged Angola.

?A rapid intervention is necessary to prevent the humanitarian crisis getting worse,” said Norwegian State Secretary Vidar Helgesen. He said the funds would be allocated through humanitarian organisations in Angola.

He said that since the February 4 ceasefire between Angolan government forces and the Unita rebel movement, humanitarian access in Angola had improved.

He said the latest aid allocation would be in addition to a $1,3-million package announced at the time of the ceasefire. – Sapa-AFP