Russia to provide humanitarian aid for Kosovo Serb enclaves
Russian President Vladimir Putin has asked Prime Minister Viktor Zubkov to consider sending humanitarian aid for the Serb enclaves in Kosovo.
(KosovoCompromise Staff) Tuesday, March 25, 2008
"If we look at the problems that are humanitarian in nature, we should proceed from the stand that the residents of an enclave should feel good regardless of their nationality ... If humanitarian aid is needed, then let us provide that, but without any shades of politics. I ask the government to work out this issue," Putin said, speaking at a meeting with the ministers.
Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said at the meeting that "the Serbian government these days addressed Russia with a request for humanitarian aid."
"They are primarily interested in medicines, medical equipment, items with longer use-by dates, and articles for hygiene," Lavrov said.
His deputy Vladimir Titov said Moscow has been working out routes for shipments of humanitarian aid to Serb enclaves.
"Among others are mentioned the Mitrovica hospital, the hospital in Gracanica and some other facilities," Titov said.
The Russian diplomat said "the latest developments in Kosovo have aggravated the humanitarian situation in the Province.
